Acidophilus Milk or Buttermilk: Wondering Which is Better?

When two products are similar in the way they look and taste, then choosing between the two becomes quite tricky. Such is the case for acidophilus milk vs buttermilk. 

As a nutritionist, I will help you to clear this doubt about these two dairy products. This will assist you to choose the best for yourself between acidophilus milk and buttermilk. 

Acidophilus Milk vs Buttermilk: Pick The Right Cultured Dairy

Let’s begin with a quick overview of the differences and similarities between acidophilus milk and buttermilk: 

*Source: USDA; Quantity defined is 1 cup

Acidophilus Milk vs Buttermilk: Differences in Constituents and Preparation Method 

Acidophilus is a cultured milk product.  It is created by adding the Lactobacillus acidophilus in the regular milk. For the fermentation, let the mix rest in a warm place for around 8-10 hours. Acidophilus is usually made with low fat milk. 

Buttermilk is the leftover liquid after churning the cream and taking out the butter from it. This is the traditional way of making buttermilk. However, these days it is made by adding culture to the whole milk. This version is thicker and more tangy than the traditional one. 

How Different Is Acidophilus Milk vs Buttermilk Taste?

In consistency acidophilus milk is thicker than milk and thinner than yogurt. It has a smooth and  creamy texture. Acidophilus milk is tangy and slightly sweet in taste. That’s the reason it is also known as sweet acidophilus milk. 

Buttermilk also has a smooth and silky texture, though it is a little less thicker than acidophilus milk. It has a mild tangy taste which is similar to acidophilus milk.  

Acidophilus Milk vs Buttermilk: Recommended Daily Intake

As a nutritionist I highly recommend a balanced diet which includes different types of foods and beverages in moderation. A normal adult can have 3 servings of dairy in a day. 

Keeping this in the mind, you can have 1 cup of acidophilus milk a day and similarly 1 cup of buttermilk. If you are adding these products for the first time in your routine then start with a lower intake to observe your body’s reaction. 

How Different Are Acidophilus Milk & Buttermilk From Dairy Kefir?

| Acidophilus Milk Vs Kefir |

| Buttermilk Vs Kefir |

Acidophilus Milk vs Buttermilk: Know the Caloric Difference

Acidophilus milk is usually made with low fat milk; whereas whole milk or cream is used to make buttermilk. Hence, they both have different amounts of calories. 

Acidophilus milk has less calories compared to buttermilk however this is not a significant difference. However, flavored packed versions of acidophilus milk are high in calories. 

Which Will Give You Lower Carbs: Acidophilus Milk or Buttermilk?

Carbohydrates or carbs are the macronutrients which are considered as fuel for the body. There are three types of carbs in the food: sugar, starch and fiber. 

Acidophilus milk and buttermilk both have the same amount of carbs in them. You can choose either one without thinking much about the carbs difference. 

Acidophilus Milk vs Buttermilk: Difference of the Fat Content

Usually low fat milk is used to make acidophilus milk, whereas whole milk  for buttermilk. Therefore, there is a vast difference between the fat content of acidophilus milk and buttermilk. 

If you are following a low fat diet due to health or any particular reason then better to opt for acidophilus milk over buttermilk.  

Is Acidophilus Milk Better Than Buttermilk as a Protein Source?

Both acidophilus milk and buttermilk being dairy products are excellent sources of protein. However, acidophilus milk has a slightly higher protein content compared to buttermilk. 

If you are looking to increase your protein intake or want to make muscles then both these products are good options to include in your regular diet. 

What to Pick for More Calcium: Acidophilus Milk or Buttermilk?

Calcium is an essential mineral which we need on a daily basis. Dairy products are one of the best ways to add calcium to your diet. 

Speaking of calcium, acidophilus milk contains more calcium in comparison to buttermilk. However, the margin is not that substantial. Basically, you can pick any as a rich source of calcium. 

Best Time to Have Acidophilus Milk vs Buttermilk

Acidophilus milk and buttermilk are great ways to give a nutritious start to your day. Besides having them in the morning, you can also consume them in the afternoon with or post lunch. 

I will recommend avoiding sour foods and beverages such as yogurt, buttermilk or acidophilus milk in the evening or at night. 

Acidophilus Milk vs Buttermilk: Better Option for Diverse Nutrients 

Acidophilus milk inherits all the nutrients from its base source which is milk. Despite being made with low fat milk It contains the same amount of protein and calcium as milk. Besides, acidophilus milk has the qualities of probiotics, which makes it one step ahead from milk. 

Buttermilk is also a fermented food and contains all the benefits of milk. However,  it has less protein and calcium compared to acidophilus milk. Buttermilk has more iron and sodium compared to acidophilus milk. 

On the other hand acidophilus is a low calorie and low fat dairy product which is beneficial for the people who want to shed some extra pounds. 

Is Acidophilus Milk More Gut Friendly Than Buttermilk?

Since acidophilus milk and buttermilk both are probiotics they help to enhance the gut flora. These microbes are helpful to keep your stomach clean. 

People who are lactose intolerant, they can also try both these products. The process of fermentation reduces the lactose in the milk. However, start with a small quantity to observe their impact on your stomach. 

Acidophilus Milk vs Buttermilk: Which One to Pick for Oral and Bone Health?

Speaking of oral and bone health, protein and calcium are the nutrients that come in any body’s mind. Since acidophilus milk and buttermilk are dairy products they both are good sources of these two nutrients. 

However, as I mentioned above, acidophilus milk has more protein and calcium compared to buttermilk. Hence, it is better to pick acidophilus milk over buttermilk for strong bones and teeth. 

Acidophilus Milk vs Buttermilk: How Do They Impact the Ecosystem?

Dairy production needs a lot of natural resources such as water and land. Farmers usually clean the forest land to turn it into grazing land for their cattle. Besides, dairy production’s carbon emission is also higher. 

All these impacts on the environment make dairy products such as acidophilus milk and buttermilk etc. harmful for the ecosystem. 

What Can Be Categorized as Vegan: Acidophilus Milk or Buttermilk?

Veganism doesn’t allow animal based products such as dairy, meat, poultry or even honey. That’s the reason both acidophilus milk and buttermilk can not be added to a vegan diet. 

If you are a vegan then try plant based milk to make your own vegan acidophilus milk or buttermilk. There are various plant based milk such as almond milk, oat milk, soy milk etc. are available in the market. 

Acidophilus Milk vs Buttermilk: More Hydrating Option

Acidophilus milk and buttermilk both have a high water content, which makes them good for hydration. 

Besides that, they both contain other nutrients such as vitamin C, sodium etc. which are considered helpful to keep your body moist and supple. However, don’t replace them with water which is most important to avoid dehydration. 

Which Can Be Used in More Different Ways: Acidophilus Milk or Buttermilk?

Besides having acidophilus milk and buttermilk directly, you can add them to make other drinks and smoothies. The milder flavor of acidophilus milk allows you to replace it with milk. 

Buttermilk is a great option for baking. It makes your cake base and bread more fluffy and light. People often ask about “sweet acidophilus milk vs buttermilk: Which goes well in the baking”, I will prefer buttermilk since it is more creamy than acidophilus milk. 

The decision between acidophilus milk and buttermilk completely depends on your personal preferences and requirements. 

If you want to consume something which tastes similar to milk then acidophilus milk is a better option for you. On the other hand if you are looking for a creamy fermented dairy beverage then pick buttermilk. 

I believe  that you are well informed about acidophilus milk vs buttermilk to choose the right one for yourself.