Ingredient substitute
What can you use instead of strained yogurt (süzme)?
Greek yogurt, Labneh and Plain yogurt strained 4–6 hours are the easiest swaps. Below: 4 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.
The quick answer
Greek yogurt. Use the same amount. Closest store-bought swap for süzme yogurt.
Adjust: Direct swap.
-
Greek yogurt
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Closest store-bought swap for süzme yogurt.
- Flavor
- Mildly tangy.
- Texture
- Thick.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Direct swap.
- Best for
- Cacık, Dips, Mantı sauce
-
Labneh
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Even thicker and a little saltier.
- Flavor
- Tangy.
- Texture
- Very thick.
- Moisture
- Lower.
- Adjust
- Thin with a spoonful of milk if needed.
- Best for
- Haydari, Spreads
-
Plain yogurt strained 4–6 hours
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Line a sieve with cheesecloth and chill.
- Flavor
- Tangy.
- Texture
- Thick.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Save the whey for dough or ayran.
- Best for
- Haydari, Cacık
-
Skyr
Small adjustmentUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Dense, mild and high-protein.
- Flavor
- Mild.
- Texture
- Very thick.
- Moisture
- Lower.
- Adjust
- Stir in lemon juice for tang.
- Best for
- Dips, Breakfast
Common questions
What is the best substitute for strained yogurt (süzme)?
Greek yogurt is the closest swap. Use the same amount. Closest store-bought swap for süzme yogurt.
How much should I use instead of strained yogurt (süzme)?
It depends on the swap. Greek yogurt: Use the same amount. Labneh: Use the same amount. Plain yogurt strained 4–6 hours: Use the same amount.
Recipes that use strained yogurt (süzme)
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.