One significant change to coffee that has been made on a global scale is the addition of milk.
In recent years, people have begun experimenting with alternative milks to add to coffee, aiming to change the taste.
However, your local coffee shop doesn't provide buttermilk in coffee; why is this?
Quick Answer: Can you put buttermilk in coffee?
You can put buttermilk in coffee, but it usually tastes sour and turns grainy because the coffee's acidity and tannins make buttermilk curdle.
The drink often ends up with yogurt-like lumps and an unpleasant texture. Use oat milk, almond milk, whole milk, or condensed milk instead for a smoother cup.
Continue reading this piece for an in-depth view of the combination of buttermilk and coffee.
I’ll explain what happens when you mix buttermilk and coffee (and why the texture changes), as well as a few better options if you want a smoother cup!
Is buttermilk good in coffee?
Buttermilk in coffee sounds like a delicious combination at first. You expect a creamy, slightly sweet coffee with a rich flavor profile.
However, when you try it for the first time, the combination doesn't taste as you imagined. Why does buttermilk in coffee taste the way it does?
Buttermilk in coffee doesn't work because the tannins in the coffee don't mix with the buttermilk. The result of this is curdling.
When you drink this mixture, it has a grainy texture and a sour taste that most people don't enjoy.
If you ever put lemon juice or vinegar into a glass of milk as a child to see what happens, you are well aware of the weird lumps that form in dairy when it curdles.
The same effect occurs when combining buttermilk with coffee. The resulting texture is unpleasant to most who try it.
What can I use as a substitute for buttermilk in coffee?
Most people add buttermilk to coffee as a way to add a buttery flavor.
However, as I’ve already discussed, adding buttermilk to coffee doesn’t work. So, what can you use instead to give your coffee the rich flavor you desire?
You should use butter instead of buttermilk in coffee. Butter mixes well with the coffee, and it also doesn't curdle.
As a result, you can add a creamy and rich, even slightly sweet flavor to your coffee by swapping out buttermilk for butter.
The best kinds of milk to use in coffee
Adding buttermilk to coffee isn't worth it. It'll spoil your drink and may even put you off coffee for a little while.
So what are you supposed to use instead of buttermilk?
Which milks are best for combining with coffee, and how can we use them to enhance the beverage's flavor without compromising its texture?
Here are some of the best kinds of milk to use in coffee:
- Oat milk
- Almond milk
- Whole milk
- Condensed milk
See below for a brief description of why these kinds of milk are best and what sets them apart:
Oat milk
Oat milk has a distinct and creamy texture. It is also usually sweetened, adding an extra layer to your coffee.
Added to your coffee, oat milk is best enjoyed in the morning.
Almond milk
Almond milk is one of the most popular additions to coffee shops for a good reason.
This alternative to dairy milk is slightly sweet and rich in flavor. This complements the bitterness in the coffee and offers a nutty aftertone.
It is also a dairy-free product for people with dietary restrictions.
Whole milk
Some things are classic for a reason, and whole milk in coffee is a good example. It's smooth, creamy, and delightful when added to a cup of coffee.
You can warm the milk before adding it to your drink or even use it to make a latte. It’s hard to go wrong when combining whole milk with coffee.
Condensed milk
Adding condensed milk to coffee is a common practice in countries like Vietnam.
Condensed milk is very sweet, and when added to an iced coffee, it results in a flavor similar to coffee ice cream.
It’s a delicious and refreshing treat, ideal for hot summer days.
The kinds of milk listed above are far from your only options. In modern times, people use a wide range of nuts, grains, and dairy milk in coffee.
These types of milk and milk alternatives are amongst the most popular and flavorful when combined with coffee.
Can you put buttermilk in tea?
At this point, you’re well aware that adding buttermilk to coffee isn't a wise culinary decision.
However, what about tea?
Is it worth combining buttermilk with tea, or is this another hot drink that doesn't suit the texture or taste of buttermilk?
You can put buttermilk in tea; however, it likely won’t taste very nice.
Similar to coffee, tea contains tannins that interact with the buttermilk, causing it to become lumpy.
As a result, buttermilk in tea tastes sour and has an odd, grainy consistency.
In most hot drinks, buttermilk tends to clump and taste sour, so it's usually better saved for baking or cold recipes.
If you wish to enjoy buttermilk, drink it on its own or add it to a cold drink.
What can you use buttermilk for?
You can use buttermilk for baking and cooking. Buttermilk is excellent for making fried chicken with extra crunchy skin.
Buttermilk is also included in a variety of baked goods to enhance the flavor and add a rich, creamy texture.
Southern-fried chicken is typically made by coating the chicken in spiced buttermilk, then adding flour or breadcrumbs, and frying it.
Buttermilk is also used to make buttermilk coffee cake, as well as various breads and doughs.
Additionally, buttermilk has a slightly bitter tang that adds a subtle flavor to baked goods.
Want more ideas? Use my Coffee Recipes Directory to find drinks that match your mood, brew style, and time.
- See hot, iced, cold brew, and Frappuccino recipes in one place.
- Browse latte, espresso, milk-based, and coffee add-in recipes.
- Get inspiration for what to make next at home.
Over 200 coffee recipes to explore.
More coffee add-ins to try
Ready to upgrade your daily coffee?
Here are some coffee add-ins to try today:
- Baking Soda in Coffee
- Brown Sugar in Coffee
- Cocoa Powder in Coffee
- Cinnamon in Coffee
- Cold Foam in Coffee
- Condensed Milk in Coffee
- Dark Chocolate in Coffee
- Heavy Cream in Coffee
- Honey in Coffee
- Olive Oil in Coffee
- Powdered Sugar in Coffee
- Vanilla Extract in Coffee
And for even more options, check out the coffee add-ins hub here!
Final thoughts
You can put buttermilk in coffee, but it usually isn't worth it because it tends to curdle and taste sour.
If you want a creamy, buttery vibe, you'll get a much smoother result with oat milk, almond milk, whole milk, or condensed milk.
Different kinds of milk taste and behave differently in coffee, so experiment to find the one you like most.
