Cultured Buttermilk
The traditional everyday drink in the Netherlands and Northern Europe (karnemelk): milk naturally fermented with lactic acid, with a fresh, tangy taste and a lightly thick texture. Very low in fat with a low glycemic index (≈30), it is a source of probiotics and calcium and easy to digest.
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
Drink a cold glass with lunch or as a filling afternoon snack; its tang and lactic bacteria give immediate fullness and support balanced blood sugar.
Best preparation methods
Drink it cold and shaken as it is, without added flavourings or sugar, or use it as a light, healthy alternative to cream in soups and homemade dressings.
Important Nutritional Note
The natural fermentation bacteria use up part of the lactose during production, making it light on the stomach and very suitable for people with diabetes or insulin resistance.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (250 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 35 kcal | 87.5 kcal |
| Protein | 3.4 g | 8.5 g |
| Carbohydrate | 4.8 g | 12 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 4.8 g | 12 g |
| Fat | 0.4 g | 1 g |
| Dietary fibre | 0 g | 0 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
Among the foods in Milk & dairy drinks with a glycemic index (5), it ranks 2 (lowest first).
Smart alternatives from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Is Cultured Buttermilk good for weight loss?
Yes. Cultured Buttermilk is very low in calories (35 kcal per 100 g), so you can eat a generous amount to add volume and fullness to a meal without many calories.
How does Cultured Buttermilk affect blood sugar?
Its glycemic index is 30 (Low), a clinically reviewed estimate rather than a laboratory measurement. A typical 250 g portion has a glycemic load of 3.6 (Low), so the effect of this portion on blood sugar is limited.
What is the nutritional value of a typical portion of Cultured Buttermilk?
A typical 250 g portion of Cultured Buttermilk provides about 88 kcal, 8.5 g protein, 12 g carbohydrate, 1 g fat and 0 g fibre.
Reviewed by the WiBo Health medical team · Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.