Buttermilk Powder
Buttermilk powder is a dried dairy ingredient obtained by spray‑drying fermented milk. It is used as a flavoring and functional additive in bakery, confectionery and beverage applications.
Prices, specifications and international trade for buttermilk powder under HS 040390.
Buttermilk Powder Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Buttermilk powder is quoted in USD/t at DEU. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
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Germany led reported buttermilk powder exports in 2025, at $375M.
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Buttermilk powder grading factors include Moisture, Fat Content, and Protein Content.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for buttermilk powder considers Moisture, Fat Content, and Protein Content.
- Moisture
Moisture content is measured as a percentage of total weight and is typically limited to a maximum of 5 % to ensure shelf stability.
- Fat Content
The amount of milk fat expressed as a percentage of the powder; higher fat levels affect flavor and reconstitution properties.
- Protein Content
Total protein expressed as a percentage of the powder; influences nutritional value and functional performance.
- Solubility Index
A laboratory test that quantifies the proportion of powder that dissolves in water under standard conditions, indicating reconstitution quality.
- Microbiological Count
Limits for total plate count, coliforms and pathogens such as Salmonella are applied to ensure safety.
Typical Specification Ranges
Buttermilk powder specifications record moisture, fat, protein. These are typical ranges, not guarantees for an individual lot.
| Moisture | 3.00–5.00 % |
|---|---|
| Fat | 1.50–3.50 % |
| Protein | 30–35 % |
| Ash | 2.00–3.00 % |
| Bulk Density | 600–750 kg/m³ |
Common Defects
Recorded defects for buttermilk powder include Caking, Off‑odor/Flavor, and Microbial Contamination.
- Caking
Agglomeration of powder particles that reduces flowability and reconstitution efficiency.
- Off‑odor/Flavor
Development of rancid or sour notes caused by lipid oxidation or microbial activity.
- Microbial Contamination
Presence of spoilage organisms or pathogens exceeding accepted limits.
- Color Variation
Unusual yellowing or discoloration indicating oxidation or improper storage.
Certifications
Certifications documented for buttermilk powder include ISO 22000, HACCP, and Organic. Their applicability depends on the individual product and shipment.
- ISO 22000
Food safety management system certification covering the entire supply chain.
- HACCP
Hazard analysis and critical control points certification ensuring systematic safety controls.
- Organic
Certification that the product complies with organic farming and processing standards.
- Kosher
Certification confirming compliance with Jewish dietary laws.
- Halal
Certification confirming compliance with Islamic dietary requirements.
Buttermilk Powder Facts and HS Code
Buttermilk powder belongs to dairy within protein and dairy. Its customs classification covers HS 040390.
Buttermilk Powder HS Code
| Also known as | dried buttermilk, buttermilk solids |
|---|---|
| Product type | Intermediate |
| Form | Dried |
| Position in the chain | Processed |
| Category | Dairy — Protein and dairy |
| HS codes | 040390 |
| HS6 description | Dairy produce; buttermilk, curdled milk or cream, kephir, fermented or acidified milk or cream, whether or not concentrated or containing added sweetening, flavouring, fruit, nuts or cocoa (excluding yoghurt) |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | DEU |
Production & Handling
Buttermilk powder storage guidance: Store buttermilk powder in a cool, dry and odour-free environment, protected from direct sunlight and humidity. Moisture control is critical to prevent caking, mould growth and flavour deterioration, while temperature stability avoids fat oxidation.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | Low |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Ambient |
| Storage conditions | Store buttermilk powder in a cool, dry and odour-free environment, protected from direct sunlight and humidity. Moisture control is critical to prevent caking, mould growth and flavour deterioration, while temperature stability avoids fat oxidation. |
| Processing steps |
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Packaging
Typical buttermilk powder packaging includes Paper Bag, Bulk Bag, and IBC Tote.
- Paper Bag
Standard 25 kg multi‑wall paper bags with inner polyethylene liner for moisture protection.
- Bulk Bag
Flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) of 500 kg capacity, often with a polyethylene inner liner.
- IBC Tote
One‑ton intermediate bulk container with a sealed lid, used for bulk shipments.
Uses & Risks
Buttermilk powder is used in Dairy ingredient, Bakery applications, and Confectionery.
End Uses
- Dairy ingredient
Used as a functional dairy ingredient to add flavor, texture and nutritional value in processed dairy products.
- Bakery applications
Incorporated into bakery formulations to improve crumb softness, extend shelf life and provide dairy flavor.
- Confectionery
Added to confectionery items such as chocolates and fillings for creamy texture and dairy taste.
- Infant nutrition
Formulated into infant formula and follow‑on milks as a source of high‑quality protein and lactose.
- Cheese and fermented products
Utilized in cheese making and other fermented dairy products to enhance flavor development and protein content.
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Dairy product manufacturers, Bakery industry, Confectionery manufacturers, Infant nutrition producers, Cheese and fermented dairy producers |
|---|
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Mycotoxin contamination Food safetyMedium Improper drying or storage can allow fungal growth and the production of aflatoxins, which are hazardous to health. | Control drying temperatures, store at low humidity, monitor for moisture levels, and test batches for mycotoxins before release. |
Buttermilk Powder Questions
- What are the typical specifications for buttermilk powder used in food manufacturing?
- Buttermilk powder is a dried dairy product with a moisture content usually below 5 %. It is commonly supplied in bulk bags of 20 t or 25 t, and the protein content ranges from 30 % to 35 % of the dry matter. The powder is free‑flowing, has a neutral to slightly tangy flavor, and is stable at ambient temperature when kept in a dry environment.
- How should buttermilk powder be stored to maintain its quality?
- It is best kept in sealed, moisture‑proof containers such as multi‑wall bags or bulk silos, and protected from direct sunlight and strong odors.