What are the different types of Sauermilch available?
Sauermilch is a family of German soured milk products. The main kinds you will see are Dickmilch (thick set soured milk), buttermilk, kefir and yogurt, sold in whole, low-fat and skimmed versions. Quark is a fresh cheese, not a type of Sauermilch, despite what some websites say.
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What types of Sauermilch are there?
In German, Sauermilch means soured milk, and the word also covers a family of milk products soured by lactic acid bacteria. Which products belong depends on who you ask, so here is a practical guide.
| Product | Texture and taste | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Dickmilch (also Setzmilch, Stockmilch) | Thick, set, mildly sour | Eaten plain, often with sugar; baking |
| Sauermilch (plain) | Soured milk, thinner than Dickmilch | Baking, drinking |
| Buttermilch | Thin, tangy | Drinks, baking, dressings |
| Kefir | Drinkable, tangy, sometimes slightly fizzy | Drinks, smoothies |
| Joghurt | Thick, made with yogurt cultures (Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus per the FAO) | Breakfast, sauces |
| Sauerrahm | Soured cream, rich | Toppings, cooking |
Fat levels
Dairy products are generally sold in whole, low-fat and skimmed versions, and Sauermilch products follow that pattern. Exact legal fat percentages are set by German rules and vary by product, so check the pack rather than relying on a number from a website.
What about quark?
Quark is a fresh cheese made by curdling milk, often with cultures and sometimes rennet. It is related, but it is not a type of Sauermilch. Some websites list quark, kefir and buttermilk together as types of Sauermilch; the groupings differ between sources.
How to choose
- For eating plain: Dickmilch.
- For drinking: buttermilk or kefir.
- For baking: follow the recipe; swap with care because acidity and thickness differ.
- For toppings: Sauerrahm or yogurt.
Label checks
Look at fat, added sugar, flavoring and the date. Avoid dairy products if you have a milk allergy. Keep all of them cold at 40 F (4 C) or below, and finish an opened pack within the days the label gives.
People also ask
Is quark a type of Sauermilch?
No. Quark is a fresh cheese, though related to soured milk products.
What is the thick type of Sauermilch called?
Dickmilch, also known as Setzmilch or Stockmilch.
Can I swap Sauermilch for buttermilk?
Often in baking, with small changes in thickness.
Sources
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