Ingredient substitute
What can you use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt (plain), Creme fraiche and Labneh are the easiest swaps. Below: 7 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.
The quick answer
Greek yogurt (plain). Use the same amount. Best swap. Same tang and thickness.
Adjust: Works 100% interchangeably.
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Greek yogurt (plain)
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Best swap. Same tang and thickness.
- Flavor
- Same tang.
- Texture
- Identical.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Works 100% interchangeably.
- Best for
- Dips, Toppings, Baking
low fat
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Creme fraiche
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Richer, less tang. Same culture family.
- Flavor
- Mild, less tang.
- Texture
- Thicker.
- Moisture
- Lower — higher fat.
- Adjust
- Will curdled if boiled — add at end.
- Best for
- Sauces, Toppings, Soups
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Labneh
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Strained yogurt. Thicker, tangier.
- Flavor
- Tangy.
- Texture
- Very thick — like cream cheese.
- Moisture
- Very low.
- Adjust
- Can thin with splash of milk if needed.
- Best for
- Dips, Spreads, Spoonable sauces
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Cashew sour cream
Small adjustmentUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Soaked cashews + lemon + apple cider vinegar.
- Flavor
- Tangy.
- Texture
- Smooth, thick.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Blend at high speed 2+ min. Add water to thin.
- Best for
- Vegan tacos, Baked potatoes
vegan · dairy free
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Coconut yogurt
Small adjustmentUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Thick coconut yogurt. Subtle coconut undertone.
- Flavor
- Mild coconut.
- Texture
- Thick, smooth.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Use full-fat, unflavored only.
- Best for
- Vegan baking, Toppings
vegan · dairy free
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Buttermilk
Small adjustmentUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Thinner — good for baking, not for dips.
- Flavor
- Same tang.
- Texture
- Much thinner.
- Moisture
- High — reduce liquid.
- Adjust
- Best in quick breads and pancakes.
- Best for
- Baking only — not dips
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Silken tofu + vinegar
Small adjustmentUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Blend smooth + 1 tbsp vinegar per cup.
- Flavor
- Neutral, tangy with vinegar.
- Texture
- Smooth, slightly loose.
- Moisture
- Higher — strain some water.
- Adjust
- Add 1 tsp lemon zest to mimic sour cream tang.
- Best for
- Vegan dips, Vegan baking
vegan · dairy free
Common questions
What is the best substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt (plain) is the closest swap. Use the same amount. Best swap. Same tang and thickness.
What is a vegan substitute for sour cream?
Good vegan options are Cashew sour cream, Coconut yogurt and Silken tofu + vinegar.
What is a dairy-free substitute for sour cream?
Good dairy-free options are Cashew sour cream, Coconut yogurt and Silken tofu + vinegar.
How much should I use instead of sour cream?
It depends on the swap. Greek yogurt (plain): Use the same amount. Creme fraiche: Use the same amount. Labneh: Use the same amount.
Recipes that use sour cream
More swaps
Scale it to your recipe
Enter the amount you need and the substitution tool works out the exact quantity. Or ask the chef how the swap will change your dish.