SwapChef

Ingredient Comparison

🧈

Butter

vs
🥛

Dried Buttermilk

Butter vs Dried Buttermilk

Both are common in the kitchen, but they behave differently. Here's how to choose between them for your next recipe.

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The short answer

Use Butter when you need it for any margarine recipe, baking, biscuits. Use Dried Buttermilk when you need it for baking, dressings, dry mixes.

🧈
ButterDairy

A solid dairy fat made from churned cream, used in baking, cooking, and as a spread. Adds richness, flavor, and tenderness to baked goods.

6 substitutes available

Spray-dried buttermilk powder with a tangy, acidic flavor. Used in baked goods for tenderness, in dressings, and as a shelf-stable alternative to liquid buttermilk.

3 substitutes available

Key Differences

AttributeButterDried Buttermilk
CategoryDairyDairy
Substitutes63
Diet Options

Diet Compatibility

Substitutes

🧈 Butter Substitutes

  • Coconut Oil1:1
  • Olive Oil3/4 cup per 1 cup butter
  • Ghee1:1
  • Applesauce (unsweetened)1:1
  • Mashed Avocado1:1
  • Vegetable Oil7/8 cup per 1 cup butter

🥛 Dried Buttermilk Substitutes

  • Buttermilk, Low Fat4 tbsp powder + 1 cup water:1 cup buttermilk
  • Milk, Dry, Nonfat, Regular, with Added Vitamin A and Vitamin D1:1
  • Yogurt, Plain, Low Fat1:1

Which Should I Use?

Use Butter when…

✅ Best for

any margarine recipebakingbiscuitscookiesfrostingslow to medium heat cookingpastrypie crustsaucesspreading

⚠️ Not ideal for

dairy-free dietshigh-heat fryingrecipes needing very stable frosting at room temptempering chocolateveganvegan recipesvery high heat (lower smoke point)

Use Dried Buttermilk when…

✅ Best for

bakingdressingsdry mixesmarinadespancakes