What Is The Best Substitute For Yogurt?

Introduction

Yoghurt is a kitchen staple—it adds creaminess to smoothies, moisture to baked goods, and tang to marinades. But what if you run out, can’t eat dairy, or simply want a change? Finding the best substitute for yoghurt ensures your recipes stay delicious without compromise.

Whether you’re baking, cooking, or making a dip, the right replacement depends on texture, acidity, and fat content. Some swaps, like sour cream or buttermilk, work perfectly in baking, while coconut yoghurt or silken tofu are great for vegan diets. Even kefir, a fermented drink, can step in for yoghurt in smoothies.

This guide covers dairy and non-dairy yoghurt substitutes, explains how to use them, and highlights the healthiest options. By the end, you’ll know exactly which alternative fits your needs—whether you’re lactose-intolerant, vegan, or just improvising in the kitchen.

Best Yoghurt Substitutes for Baking

Sour cream and buttermilk are the top yoghurt substitutes for baking. Both provide moisture and a slight tang, similar to yoghurt. Use them in a 1:1 ratio for cakes, muffins, and bread.

• Sour cream has a higher fat content, making baked goods extra tender.
• Buttermilk is thinner, so it’s great for lighter textures.
• For a dairy-free option, coconut yoghurt works well, though it may add a mild coconut flavour.

Dairy-Free Yoghurt Alternatives

If you’re avoiding dairy, these plant-based options work as yoghurt substitutes:

• Coconut yoghurt – Thick and creamy, ideal for smoothies and desserts.
• Almond milk yoghurt – Mild flavour, best for dressings and dips.
• Silken tofu (blended) – High in protein, great for creamy sauces.

According to Healthline, plant-based yoghurts can be lower in protein but often contain probiotics.

Best Substitutes for Smoothies & Dips

Need a yoghurt swap for smoothies or savoury dips? These options blend well:

• Kefir – A fermented drink with probiotics, similar to drinkable yoghurt.
• Greek yoghurt (if available) – Thicker and higher in protein.
• Cashew cream – Soak and blend cashews for a rich, neutral base.

For more healthy swaps, check out our guide on dairy-free alternatives at HealthToLife.in.

Healthiest Yoghurt Replacements

Some substitutes offer extra nutritional benefits:

• Skyr (Icelandic yoghurt) – Higher in protein than regular yoghurt.
• Labneh (strained yoghurt) – Thicker, with a rich probiotic content.
• Tahini + lemon juice – A unique, nutrient-dense swap for dressings.

Yoghurt Substitutes in Indian Cooking

Indian recipes often use yoghurt in curries, marinades, and raita. The best alternatives:

• Whipped coconut cream + lemon juice – Mimics yoghurt’s tang.
• Cashew paste + water – Creates a creamy texture.
• Vegan yoghurt (soy or almond-based) – Works in raita.

• Answers By Verified Professionals

• There are several foods that can stand in for yoghurt if you don’t like the taste or if you need a substitute in baking. Buttermilk, sour cream, and cottage cheese are dairy foods that you can try. If you want a non-dairy option, experiment with avocado or mashed banana.

• Yoghurt can be replaced with, buttermilk or sour milk, sour cream, or cottage cheese (blended until smooth) depending if you want to replace it in a recipe or to take it alone.

• Buttermilk is seen to be used by several people in many recipes to substitute yoghurt as it provides the same texture and flavour as plain yoghurt.

• There are several good substitutes for yoghur, but the best one would be kefir. The biggest difference between kefir and yoghurt is their probiotic potency. Kefir has a higher concentration of probiotics per serving compared to yoghurt and has been shown to benefit gut health more significantly.

• Some alternatives for substituting yoghurt are vegetable drinks or foods prepared with them. Almond or soy milk can replace yoghurt. Smoothie and freshly whipped cheese represent other options.

• If you are looking to substitute yoghurt in a recipe, there are a lot of options. The best option might be buttermilk if you are using it in baking, since it has the most similar taste profile. Sour cream is another great option because it is similar in taste and also in consistency. You could also use mayo, cottage cheese, or heavy cream. If you are substituting yoghurt just to eat, you might want to try a plant-based yoghurt.

Conclusion

Finding the best substitute for yoghurt depends on your recipe and dietary needs. Sour cream and buttermilk excel in baking, while coconut yoghurt and kefir are great for smoothies. For Indian dishes, cashew paste or vegan yoghurt works best.

Experiment with these swaps to keep your meals flavorful, whether you’re avoiding dairy or just out of yoghurt. For more healthy food tips, visit HealthToLife.in.

FAQs

Ques-1. Can I use milk instead of yoghurt?

Ans: Yes, but add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar per cup to mimic yoghurt’s acidity.

Ques-2. What’s the best vegan yoghurt substitute?

Ans: Coconut yoghurt or blended silken tofu works best for creaminess.

Ques-3. Does Greek yoghurt substitute well for regular yoghurt?

Ans: Yes, use it 1:1, but expect a thicker texture.

Ques-4. Can I substitute mayo for yoghurt?

Ans: In dips or dressings, yes, but not in baking (too oily).

Ques-5. What’s the healthiest yoghurt alternative?

Ans: Skyr or labneh for protein; coconut yoghurt for healthy fats.

Related Video | A Dietitian’s Guide to Alternative Yoghurt | You Versus Food | Well+Good