Substitute for Greek Yogurt: 5 Thick and Creamy Swaps
The best substitute for greek yogurt is Sour Cream at a 1 cup sour cream per 1 cup Greek yogurt ratio. It works best for dips, baking, toppings. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Sour Cream
1 cup sour cream per 1 cup Greek yogurt
Closest match in thickness and tang. Higher in fat, lower in protein. Works perfectly in dips, baking, and toppings.
What are the other substitutes for greek yogurt?
Regular Yogurt (strained)
1 1/2 cups regular yogurt, strained to 1 cup
Strain regular yogurt through cheesecloth for 2-4 hours to remove whey and thicken it to Greek yogurt consistency.
Cottage Cheese (blended)
1 cup blended cottage cheese per 1 cup Greek yogurt
Blend until perfectly smooth. Similar protein content. Add 1 tsp lemon juice for tang.
Coconut Cream (thickened)
1 cup thick coconut cream per 1 cup Greek yogurt
Use the solid portion from a refrigerated can of coconut milk. Add 1 tsp lemon juice for tang.
Cashew Yogurt
1 cup cashew yogurt per 1 cup Greek yogurt
Thicker than most plant yogurts. Choose unsweetened for cooking. Good protein content from cashews.
What should you know before substituting greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt's thickness comes from straining out the whey. This concentrates the protein and creates a dense texture that holds up better than regular yogurt in dips, as a topping, and when mixed into hot dishes without curdling as easily.
How do you substitute greek yogurt in a recipe?
A thick, strained yogurt with about twice the protein and half the liquid of regular yogurt. Its dense, creamy texture makes it ideal for dips, thick sauces, protein-rich breakfasts, and as a substitute for richer dairy products.
The best substitute for greek yogurt depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Sour Cream (1 cup sour cream per 1 cup Greek yogurt), which works well for dips, baking, toppings.
If you need a different option, Regular Yogurt (strained) (1 1/2 cups regular yogurt, strained to 1 cup) is another reliable choice. Strain regular yogurt through cheesecloth for 2-4 hours to remove whey and thicken it to Greek yogurt consistency.
When substituting greek yogurt, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, but strain it first. Place 1 1/2 cups regular yogurt in a cheesecloth-lined strainer over a bowl for 2-4 hours. This removes whey and thickens it to Greek yogurt consistency.
What is the best substitute for Greek yogurt in baking?
Sour cream is the best substitute at a 1:1 ratio. It has similar thickness and tang. The higher fat content actually makes baked goods slightly more tender and moist.
Is there a vegan alternative to Greek yogurt?
Thick coconut cream with a teaspoon of lemon juice works well for dips and toppings. Cashew yogurt is another good option, as it is thicker than most plant-based yogurts.