The Old-World Answer to a Modern Trend
When you hear “buttermilk-style drink,” you might picture the old-fashioned carton in your grandma’s fridge. But the term encompasses a global family of tart, refreshing, and fermented dairy beverages that have been wellness staples for centuries. The
most common examples you’ll find in American grocery stores are kefir, a fermented milk drink with a consistency similar to a thin yogurt, and of course, traditional buttermilk itself. Look a little closer in international markets, and you'll find their cousins: lassi, the yogurt-based drink from India (both sweet and savory), and ayran, a chilled, salty yogurt beverage popular across the Middle East and Turkey. Unlike many modern wellness fads engineered in a lab, these drinks have a long history of being used not just for flavor, but for their digestive benefits and hydrating properties in hot climates. They aren't a new invention; they're just getting a well-deserved re-appreciation.
Probiotics Without the Premium Price
The primary wellness claim to fame for these drinks is their probiotic content. Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that can help support a healthy gut microbiome, which is increasingly linked to everything from digestion to immune function. While a single bottle of trendy kombucha can run you $4 to $5, and a month’s supply of high-end probiotic capsules can cost upwards of $50, buttermilk-style drinks deliver a similar (or even more diverse) dose of live cultures for a fraction of the cost. A quart of plain kefir or buttermilk often costs less than a single serving of many other “gut health” products. This makes it a sustainable daily habit rather than an occasional splurge. You're getting a food-based source of probiotics, along with other nutritional benefits like calcium, protein, and B vitamins, making it one of the most efficient nutritional bargains in the supermarket.
How to Incorporate Them Into Your Routine
The tangy, slightly sour taste of fermented dairy can be an adjustment for some, but their versatility makes them easy to adopt. If you’re new to the category, start with plain kefir. You can drink a small glass straight, but its tartness is also a perfect base for smoothies. Blended with fruit like bananas or berries, the tang is mellowed, and it creates an incredibly creamy texture. Traditional buttermilk is a classic baking ingredient for a reason—it makes pancakes, biscuits, and cakes incredibly tender—but it’s also great in savory applications. Use it as a marinade for chicken to tenderize the meat, or whisk it into salad dressings for a creamy, zesty finish. Savory lassi, made by thinning yogurt with water and adding a pinch of salt and maybe some toasted cumin, is a superb, refreshing drink to have alongside a spicy meal.
Finding the Right Drink for You
Navigating the dairy aisle can be confusing. When shopping, look for labels that say “live and active cultures.” For kefir, you’ll find a wide variety, from plain, unsweetened versions to flavored ones. While the flavored options can be a good entry point, they often contain significant amounts of added sugar, which can counteract some of the wellness benefits. Starting with plain allows you to control the sweetness and flavor yourself by adding fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, or spices. For buttermilk, look for “cultured buttermilk” to ensure you’re getting the probiotic-rich, fermented product, not just acidified milk. As more brands enter the market, you might even find drinkable yogurts and other regional variations. Don't be afraid to try a few to find the texture and level of tanginess that you enjoy most.
