Buttermilk vs Kefir: Nutrition, Calories & Protein Compared



Buttermilk - calories, kcal, weight, nutrition
Buttermilk - calories, kcal, weight, nutrition

Buttermilk vs Kefir
Nutrition Facts

Buttermilk
Serving size:
  change
glass (220g)small glass (40g)cup (245g)half cup (122.5g)
5g10g15g20g30g40g50g60g80g100g120g140g160g180g200g220g250g300g350g400g450g500g600g700g800g900g1000g
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Amount Per Serving:
Calories

% Daily Value

Total Fat g
0%

Cholesterol mg
0%

Sodium mg
0%

Total Carbohydrates g
0%

Dietary Fiber g
0%

Sugars g

Protein g
0%

Vitaminium C mg
0%

Calcium mg
0%

Iron mg
0%

Potassium mg
0%

* The % Daily Value (DV) shows how much a nutrient in one serving of food contributes to your total daily diet. A 2000-calorie daily intake is used as a general guideline for nutrition advice.
Kefir
Serving size:
  change
tablespoon (15g)teaspoon (5g)cup (249g)half cup (124.5g)
5g10g15g20g30g40g50g60g80g100g120g140g160g180g200g220g250g300g350g400g450g500g600g700g800g900g1000g
1oz2oz3oz4oz5oz6oz7oz8oz10oz12oz15oz20oz25oz30oz35oz40oz50oz

Amount Per Serving:
Calories

% Daily Value

Total Fat g
0%

Cholesterol mg
0%

Sodium mg
0%

Total Carbohydrates g
0%

Dietary Fiber g
0%

Sugars g

Protein g
0%

Vitaminium C mg
0%

Calcium mg
0%

Iron mg
0%

Potassium mg
0%

* The % Daily Value (DV) shows how much a nutrient in one serving of food contributes to your total daily diet. A 2000-calorie daily intake is used as a general guideline for nutrition advice.

Buttermilk vs Kefir 100g Compare


per 100gButtermilkKefir
Calories105 52
Carbohydrates49 g7.48 g
Fat5.78 g0.96 g
Protein34.3 g3.59 g
Water2.97 g87.26 g
Calcium1184 mg124 mg
Iron0.3 mg0.04 mg
Magnessium110 mg12 mg
Potassium1592 mg159 mg
Sodium517 mg38 mg
Vitaminium B1 (Thiamine)0.392 mg0.03 mg
Vitaminium B2 (riboflavin)1.579 mg0.172 mg
Vitaminium B3 (Niacin)0.876 mg0.128 mg
Vitaminium B60.338 mg0.059 mg
Vitaminium B9 (Folic acid)0.047 mg0.018 mg
Vitaminium C5.7 mg0.8 mg
Vitaminium E0.1 mg0.04 mg

Delving into the World of Buttermilk and Kefir: A Comparative Insight

When it comes to fermented dairy products, buttermilk and kefir stand out for their unique flavors, textures, and health benefits. While both have been around for centuries, their popularity has surged in recent years, thanks in part to a growing interest in probiotic foods. But beyond their probiotic punch, how do buttermilk and kefir compare in terms of nutrition, taste, and versatility? Let's dive in and discover the distinctive qualities and benefits of these two fermented favorites.

A Tale of Two Ferments: The Origins and Uses

Buttermilk traditionally refers to the liquid left behind after churning butter out of cream. This slightly sour beverage has a rich history in cooking and baking, adding a tender texture to biscuits and pancakes. Nowadays, most buttermilk found in stores is cultured buttermilk, made by adding bacteria to low-fat milk, which ferments the lactose into lactic acid, giving it a tangy flavor.

Kefir, on the other hand, originates from the North Caucasus region and is made by adding kefir grains to milk. These grains are a complex symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts that ferment the milk, creating a tart, slightly fizzy drink, thicker than milk but thinner than yogurt. Kefir is renowned for its probiotic content, boasting a broader range of bacteria and yeasts than most other fermented dairy products.

Nutritional Nuances: A Closer Look

While both buttermilk and kefir offer nutritional benefits, their profiles differ significantly. For instance, a comparison reveals that kefir generally has fewer calories and less fat than buttermilk. Specifically, kefir contains about 52 calories and 0.96 grams of fat per serving, compared to buttermilk's 105 calories and 5.78 grams of fat. However, buttermilk tends to be richer in calcium and protein, making it a great option for bone health and muscle maintenance.

Both beverages are excellent sources of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, calcium, and phosphorus, contributing to overall health and well-being. Notably, kefir leads with its probiotic content, offering a wider variety of cultures compared to buttermilk, which can be beneficial for gut health and digestion.

Taste and Culinary Versatility

The taste of buttermilk is mildly sour with a creamy texture, making it an ideal ingredient in baked goods, dressings, and marinades. Its acidity can tenderize meats and enhance the fluffiness of pancakes and cakes. Kefir, with its tart and slightly effervescent qualities, serves well as a refreshing drink, smoothie base, or yogurt substitute. Its versatility also extends to soups and sauces, where it adds a rich, tangy flavor.

Which One to Choose?

Choosing between buttermilk and kefir depends on personal preferences and dietary needs. If you're looking for a low-calorie, probiotic-rich option, kefir might be your best bet. However, if you're after a nutrient-dense ingredient to elevate your culinary creations, buttermilk could be the way to go. Fortunately, both offer health benefits and versatility in the kitchen, making them valuable additions to a balanced diet.

In conclusion, whether you lean towards the tangy richness of buttermilk or the probiotic power of kefir, incorporating these fermented foods into your diet can contribute to your overall health and culinary adventures. So, why not experiment with both and see which one becomes your fermented favorite?

Buttermilk 100g

105kcal

Calories source

  • 51% CARBS.
  • 36% PROTEIN
  • 14% FAT

Kefir 100g

52kcal

Calories source

  • 57% CARBS
  • 27% PROTEIN
  • 16% FAT
Marcin Piotrowicz
Author of this page
Marcin Piotrowicz

calories-info.com creator
Healthy diet and healthy lifestyle promoter

All information about nutrition on this website was created with help of information from the official United States Department of Agriculture database.

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