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Nutritional Density
Food guide

Buttermilk

A tangy cultured milk used for baking and cooling drinks.

DairyFermented
Buttermilk, a nutrient-dense dairy food, photographed on a plain linen surface

Nutrition per 100 g

Standardised to 100 g of buttermilk for fair comparison. Typical serving: 250 ml (250 g) — 98 kcal per 250 g serving.

Nutrition information for Buttermilk
NutrientPer 100 gPer serving (250 g)Per 100 kcal
Energy39 kcal98 kcal100 kcal
Protein3.2 g8 g8.2 g
Carbohydrate4.8 g12 g12.2 g
Fat0.9 g2.2 g2.2 g
Fibre0 g0 g0 g

Figures are typical values and vary with variety, preparation and brand.

Micronutrients

Vitamins and minerals per 100 g of buttermilk, with a typical serving and FDA Daily Value for adults.

Micronutrients for Buttermilk
NutrientPer 100 gPer serving (250 g)% DV
Vitamins
Vitamin A14 µg35 µg2%
Vitamin C1 mg2.5 mg1%
Vitamin D0.025 µg0.063 µg<1%
Vitamin E0.05 mg0.13 mg<1%
Vitamin K0.1 µg0.25 µg<1%
Thiamin0.034 mg0.085 mg3%
Riboflavin0.15 mg0.38 mg12%
Niacin0.058 mg0.14 mg<1%
Vitamin B60.034 mg0.085 mg2%
Folate5 µg12.5 µg1%
Vitamin B120.22 µg0.55 µg9%
Pantothenic acid0.28 mg0.7 mg6%
Choline17.7 mg44.3 mg3%
Minerals
Calcium116 mg290 mg9%
Iron0.05 mg0.13 mg<1%
Magnesium11 mg27.5 mg3%
Phosphorus89 mg223 mg7%
Potassium151 mg378 mg3%
Sodium148 mg370 mg6%
Zinc0.42 mg1.1 mg4%
Selenium2 µg5 µg4%
Copper0.011 mg0.028 mg1%
Manganese0.002 mg0.005 mg<1%

Source: USDA FoodData Central — Milk, buttermilk, fluid, cultured, lowfat

% DV uses FDA Daily Values for adults. Nutrients that USDA does not report for this entry are omitted. Values vary with variety, preparation and brand.

Why eat buttermilk?

  • Lower in fat than whole milk with the same protein.
  • Acidity tenderises baked goods and marinades.

How to include it

  • Marinate chicken before roasting.
  • Use in pancakes, soda bread and cold soups.

Things to consider

  • Higher in sodium than plain milk.
  • Not all commercial versions contain live cultures.

Educational content. This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Speak to a qualified health professional about your individual circumstances.

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