⭐ Non-Dairy Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar (Best Dairy-Free Option)
1 cup soy or oat milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar Quick tip: Suitable for dairy-free diets, replicates acidity but may alter flavor slightly.
Non-dairy milks like soy or oat milk can be acidified with lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk's acidity and moisture. This allows the baking soda to react properly for leavening.
Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes before use to curdle and acidify. Choose unsweetened varieties to avoid altering flavor.
Scones made with this substitute are tender and rise well, though the flavor may differ slightly from traditional buttermilk scones.