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Ingredient substitute

What can you use instead of yogurt?

Sour cream, Coconut yogurt and Creme fraiche are the easiest swaps. Below: 6 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.

The quick answer

Sour cream. Use the same amount. Richer. Same tang.

Adjust: Slightly more fat — richer result.

  1. Sour cream

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Richer. Same tang.

    Flavor
    Tangy.
    Texture
    Thicker, creamier.
    Moisture
    Lower.
    Adjust
    Slightly more fat — richer result.
    Best for
    Dips, Sauces, Marinades

  2. Coconut yogurt

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Thick, tangy. Mild coconut.

    Flavor
    Slight coconut.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Use full-fat, unflavored.
    Best for
    Smoothies, Dips, Parfaits

    vegan · dairy free

  3. Creme fraiche

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Richer, less tang, more fat.

    Flavor
    Mild, less sour.
    Texture
    Very thick, creamy.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Adds elegance to any recipe.
    Best for
    Sauces, Desserts, Spoonable

  4. Buttermilk

    Small adjustment

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Thinner. Good for marinades and baking.

    Flavor
    Same tang.
    Texture
    Pourable.
    Moisture
    High — reduce liquid.
    Adjust
    Reduce other liquids by 1/4 cup per cup.
    Best for
    Marinades, Quick breads, Pancakes

  5. Silken tofu (blended + lemon)

    Small adjustment

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Blend smooth. Add lemon for tang.

    Flavor
    Neutral (add lemon).
    Texture
    Smooth, thick.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Press tofu 30 min before blending.
    Best for
    Vegan smoothies, Vegan dips

    vegan · dairy free

  6. Cashew cream + lemon

    Small adjustment

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Soak + blend + lemon juice.

    Flavor
    Nutty, sour with lemon.
    Texture
    Smooth, thick.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Blend at high speed until silky.
    Best for
    Vegan dips, Vegan sauces

    vegan · dairy free

Common questions

What is the best substitute for yogurt?

Sour cream is the closest swap. Use the same amount. Richer. Same tang.

What is a vegan substitute for yogurt?

Good vegan options are Coconut yogurt, Silken tofu (blended + lemon) and Cashew cream + lemon.

What is a dairy-free substitute for yogurt?

Good dairy-free options are Coconut yogurt, Silken tofu (blended + lemon) and Cashew cream + lemon.

How much should I use instead of yogurt?

It depends on the swap. Sour cream: Use the same amount. Coconut yogurt: Use the same amount. Creme fraiche: Use the same amount.

Recipes that use yogurt

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.

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