Plain kefir

Kefir is known as a tart, refreshing beverage that is packed with vitamins, minerals and beneficial probiotic bacteria, similar to drinkable yogurt. Unflavored kefir is a fermented milk product with a buttermilk-like look and flavor.

This simple buttermilk substitution requires no adjustments. Any recipe may use kefir for buttermilk in an equal quantity; just make sure the kefir is unsweetened and unflavored. Simply use 1 cup (240 mL) of kefir in place of the specified amount of buttermilk if your recipe asks for it. Kefir has more good bacteria and other microbes than buttermilk, but heating it will kill most of the microbes. You can utilize the remaining kefir to flavor mashed potatoes, create a wonderful beet soup or a dressing for fruit salad.