Last Updated on March 28, 2024 by Share My Kitchen
A number of people choose yogurt to improve and maintain their healthy lifestyle. What’s not great about yogurt? It is healthy, delicious, and easy to find in most grocery shops. It can also be used in baked goods, savory dishes, and as a breakfast staple.
There are many substitutes for yogurt if you don’t like yogurt or if you are avoiding dairy products.
The Best Yogurt Substitutes
Let’s take a look at how these substitutes perform in different recipes, and with different cooking methods.
1. Mayo
A lot of people love using yogurt when dressing fruits or vegetables. It is delicious as is. It could be sweeter, or more savory according to the recipe. Mayonnaise is the same. Therefore, it can be substituted if you prefer to make salad dressings or sandwich spreads.
You can try the creamy, delicious mayo instead of basic yogurt in your recipes. This is made from fresh whole eggs, so it is rich in protein (which is crucial for muscle development). There are also many brands available in grocery stores. They range from plain mayo to flavored varieties.
2. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is another dairy product you can use to make salads. It is one of the most nutritious and healthiest types of cheese. It’s similar to yogurt since it’s also rich in nutrients and calcium. However, the texture and taste are different.
Cottage cheese has curdles from the milk, and a hint of salty flavor. However, it’s great for topping sandwiches, salads, bread, pasta and for desserts as well. It is a great substitute for yogurt, especially when it’s mixed with fresh ingredients such as fruits and vegetables. So, consider cottage cheese the next time you run out of yogurt.
3. Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a popular dairy product. It is used in baking, marinades and even drinks, just like yogurt. You may have noticed yogurt has become more popular for making low-calorie desserts and pastries. Buttermilk, however, is a great option if you’re looking to spice up your dishes, and add some tanginess. It is also a great substitute for yogurt when making pancakes, muffins and even brownies.
Additionally, buttermilk can be used to marinate chicken, or make a perfect batter. It is a key ingredient that you need to try for crispy fried chicken. So, you can try buttermilk when you don’t have yogurt. It works every time.
4. Cream Cheese
Yogurt is a great ingredient for making dishes creamy and delicious. So, it causes quite some trouble when you run out of it. You can, however, use cream cheese to give your dish creaminess and savory flavors. Cream cheese is an excellent ingredient for making sauces and dips. I love cream cheese mixed in with herbs and spices. It’s also a great frosting for cupcakes and cakes.
There are many types of cream cheese available in grocery stores. Furthermore, it can be used immediately, just like yogurt. It also does not require any additional preparation. This substitute also has a long shelf life. So, it is a great substitute as long as it is kept in the refrigerator, and used before its expiry date.
5. Sour Cream
Yogurt is excellent to make chicken or beef curry sauce thicker and creamier. However, sour cream can also be very effective. This is another option when yogurt is not available. Sour cream does the job. The cream’s acidity adds a unique flavor to a regular curry.
The process of adding sour cream is the same as adding yogurt. They also have the same texture and taste, so it is easy to substitute. Additionally, sour cream can be used in many other dishes besides curries. It is also great for making soups, stews, baked dishes, desserts, and as a dip, or salad dressing.
6. Plant-Based Yogurt
Many food manufacturers are now offering more options, thanks to the diversity in the culinary world. It’s vital to provide more options for vegans, so they can easily find a dairy-free option.
You will find a lot of plant-based yogurts these days that are free of animal products. You can now find plant-based yogurts, as opposed to the traditional cow’s milk yogurt.
There are also many yogurt flavors, including cashew, almond, coconut and more. It tastes almost identical to dairy yogurt, and it is very similar in texture and taste. In addition, it has lower calories and carbs, but it’s high in vital nutrients.
7. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk has always been a go-to ingredient when cooking and baking in the comfort of your own home. It has a creamy texture, beautiful aroma, and delicious taste that perfectly substitutes yogurt. It also makes a big difference when added to any dessert, whether it’s cookies, cakes, or any dessert. In addition, coconut milk is great for smoothies, soups, curries, and drinks.
Coconut milk acts in the same way as regular yogurt when used for baking. You can substitute it for regular yogurt using a 1:1 ratio. It is also a traditional ingredient in curries, so you can use it as a substitute for yogurt. The curry sauce will still be creamy, thick, aromatic, and flavorful.
8. Heavy Cream
Heavy cream is another store-bought ingredient you can use as a substitute for yogurt. It is an excellent substitute for yogurt in baking, and especially when making fruit salad. It’s not bad to use it every now and then, even though it is higher in calories and has more fat. Heavy cream is fine if you’re looking to indulge in a special occasion.
It can also be used in desserts, mixed with herbs to make naan dips, and to make your curries or stews thicker. However, there are also low-fat and low-calorie options if you are still concerned about extra calories.
9. Sour Milk
It is important to not get confused with sour cream and sour milk. Both are dairy products, but they are different. Sour cream is thicker and more solid in form. It is creamy, so it is easy to handle, just like regular yogurt. On the other hand, sour milk is the liquid version of sour cream. It has the same flavor and aroma as sour cream.
Sour milk is a good choice if you need additional creaminess in your dish, such as stews or curries. It can also be used in baking even if you don’t have buttermilk or yogurt. It will still give your baked goods a creamy and tangy taste. Moreover, this is the best option for baking because it encourages the dough to become moist, fluffy, and indulgent.
10. Almond Milk
Almond milk is another option that can be used as a vegan substitute for yogurt. It can be used to add creaminess and body whether you are baking, making curries, bread, or creating soup and stew. Almond milk has also become a popular option for healthy desserts in recent years, especially for people who love sweets.
In addition, you can make your own almond milk if you have the time. You only need a blender or food processor to make this. Start by mixing whole almonds with water, then add your favorite spice such as cinnamon for extra flavor.
Yogurt Substitutes
It is an advantage to know your options in the culinary realm. It’s a great way to save time and experiment with different ingredients to find what works well with your favorite dish. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about running out of yogurt. Instead, it allows you to expand your culinary horizons by trying different substitutes.
