Substitutes for yogurt in cooking include sour cream, applesauce, buttermilk, mayonnaise, vegan mayo, coconut milk yogurt, almond milk yogurt, silken tofu, and cashew cream. These alternatives can be used in various dishes like baked goods, marinades, sauces, dips, smoothies, and vegetarian or vegan recipes.
Sour cream can replace yogurt in baking to provide moisture and fat for a tender crumb. Use in a 1:1 ratio. Expect a richer flavor. Daisy and Breakstone's are common brands.
Applesauce is a fat-free alternative that adds moisture to baked goods. Use it in a 1:1 ratio as a yogurt substitute. It will add a slight apple flavor. Mott's and Santa Cruz Organic are popular brands.
Buttermilk can tenderize meats with its acidity, much like yogurt. Use it in a 1:1 ratio. It's thinner, so it might not adhere to the food as well. Expect a similar tangy flavor. Popular brands include Organic Valley and Horizon Organic.
Sour cream has a similar texture and tanginess to yogurt, making it a suitable substitute in marinades. Use in a 1:1 ratio. It's thicker and richer. Daisy and Breakstone's are well-known brands.
Mayonnaise can provide a creamy base for dressings and dips, though it's richer and contains more fat. Use in a 1:1 ratio. It lacks the tanginess of yogurt, so consider adding lemon juice or vinegar. Hellmann's and Kraft are widely used.
Vegan mayo offers a plant-based alternative for creamy sauces and dips. Use it in a 1:1 ratio with yogurt. Add acidity if needed. Brands like Vegenaise and Just Mayo are recommended.
This dairy-free alternative mimics yogurt's creaminess, with a subtle coconut flavor. It's great for vegan smoothies. Use in a 1:1 ratio. Expect a different flavor profile. Popular brands include So Delicious and Silk.
Almond milk yogurt offers a lower fat option with a nutty flavor. It's suitable for vegan drinks. Use it in a 1:1 ratio. Expect a thinner consistency. Brands like Kite Hill and Alpro are popular.
Blended silken tofu can mimic yogurt's texture in vegan recipes. Use in a 1:1 ratio. It's flavor-neutral but lacks the tang, so consider adding lemon juice or vinegar. Mori-Nu and Nasoya are trusted brands.
Cashew cream, made from soaked and blended cashews, offers a rich, dairy-free substitute. Use in a 1:1 ratio. It's not as tangy, so additional seasoning may be necessary. Homemade versions are common, as there are few commercial brands.
| Recipe Category | Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Baking | Sour Cream, Applesauce |
| Marinades | Buttermilk, Sour Cream |
| Sauces and Dips | Mayonnaise, Vegan Mayo |
| Smoothies and Drinks | Coconut Milk Yogurt, Almond Milk Yogurt |
| Vegetarian and Vegan Recipes | Silken Tofu, Cashew Cream |
Yogurt's distinct texture and taste can be replicated with a variety of substitutes, ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite dishes regardless of dietary preferences or restrictions. Each substitute brings its own unique qualities to a dish, allowing you to experiment and find the perfect match for your culinary creation.
