Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

To: FamiliarFace; Diana in Wisconsin; Liz

I have discovered in the last couple of days that kefir can substitute 1:1 for buttermilk & sour cream in recipes for baking, dips & dressings. Being runnier, it’s not a good substitute for thick toppings.

But wait, you say ... isn’t kefir made from milk & would aggravate lactose intolerance? The good news:

“The fermentation process significantly reduces lactose levels, with most commercial and traditionally made kefir products being up to 99% lactose-free.

Studies have shown that kefir can improve lactose digestion and tolerance in adults with lactose maldigestion, potentially due to the probiotic cultures that modify gut microbiota and enhance the body’s ability to process lactose.

Some research even indicates that regular consumption of kefir may lead to improved lactose tolerance over time.”

So far, I have used kefir in place of buttermilk in apple cobbler dough & used it this morning in place of sour cream in the coleslaw recipe I use. I have been drinking small amounts daily without negative results to try to improve my microbiome. It’s very helpful to have kefir as a substitute for buttermilk & sour cream!


154 posted on 01/05/2026 6:08:15 AM PST by Qiviut (A Mighty Fortress: “...the body they may kill. God’s truth abideth still. His kingdom is forever")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 152 | View Replies ]


To: Qiviut

I’ll have to share this with my little sister. She may already know it, but maybe not!

I’m glad I didn’t inherit that. I eat a lot of cheese.


159 posted on 01/05/2026 6:14:00 AM PST by FamiliarFace (I got my own way of livin' But everything gets done With a southern accent Where I come from. TPetty)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 154 | View Replies ]

To: Qiviut

It’s very helpful to sub kefir for buttermilk & sour cream! I sub kefir for buttermilk in apple cobbler dough & for sour cream in my coleslaw recipe. I drink small amounts daily without negative results to try to improve my microbiome.


Thx for the tip.


160 posted on 01/05/2026 6:14:16 AM PST by Liz (Jonathan Swift: Government without the consent of the governed is the very definition of slavery.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 154 | View Replies ]

To: Qiviut

I use all A2 milk for my kefir. Kefir is excellent when making pancake batter. Even just added to bisquick which I don’t buy anymore, kefir makes a thick light batter. Truly fluffy.


162 posted on 01/05/2026 6:19:06 AM PST by MomwithHope (Forever grateful to all our patriots, past, present and future.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 154 | View Replies ]

To: Qiviut
Some research even indicates that regular consumption of kefir may lead to improved lactose tolerance over time.”

Cannot tolerate milk; but a good swig of kefir before bed and I sleep like a top!

209 posted on 01/10/2026 9:55:00 AM PST by Albion Wilde (Yesterday comes only one time. —Sorrells Pickard)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 154 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson