Substitute for Khoya: 6 Smart Options
The best substitute for khoya is Condensed Milk (thickened) at a Use 75% ratio. There are 5 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Condensed Milk (thickened)
Use 75%
You can use Condensed Milk (thickened) in place of khoya when needed. Use 75% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. Texture runs thicker than the original, so a splash of liquid may help in thinner preparations. Texture runs looser than the original, which matters most in baking and creamy sauces. It is especially useful in baking and sauces.
What are the other substitutes for khoya?
Evaporated Milk (reduced)
Use 50%
Evaporated Milk (reduced) works as a substitute for khoya in many recipes. Use 50% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. Texture runs thicker than the original, so a splash of liquid may help in thinner preparations. Texture runs looser than the original, which matters most in baking and creamy sauces. It is especially useful in baking and sauces. Taste near the end and fine-tune if the dish needs a little more punch.
Greek Yogurt (strained)
Use 75%
Greek Yogurt (strained) is a workable stand-in for khoya. Use 75% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. It still gives the dish useful savory depth. Texture runs thicker than the original, so a splash of liquid may help in thinner preparations. Texture runs looser than the original, which matters most in baking and creamy sauces. It is especially useful in baking and sauces.
Khoya powder (dehydrated khoya)
Use 30%
Khoya powder (dehydrated khoya) is a workable stand-in for khoya. Use 30% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. This option is more concentrated than khoya, so small adjustments make a noticeable difference. Taste near the end and fine-tune if the dish needs a little more punch.
Milk Powder Mixed with Butter
Same amount (1:1)
You can use Milk Powder Mixed with Butter in place of khoya when needed. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. This option is more concentrated than khoya, so small adjustments make a noticeable difference. If you are building the substitute from multiple ingredients, mix it fully before it goes into the recipe.
Ricotta Cheese
Use 75%
Ricotta Cheese works as a substitute for khoya in many recipes. Use 75% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. This option is more concentrated than khoya, so small adjustments make a noticeable difference. If you are building the substitute from multiple ingredients, mix it fully before it goes into the recipe.
What should you know before substituting khoya?
Condensed Milk (thickened) is the easiest starting point because it stays closest to khoya in everyday cooking. Use 75% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. Focus on whether you need the closest flavor, the right texture, or simply the easiest pantry backup. If you need a plant-based option, Khoya powder (dehydrated khoya) is a solid alternative.
How do you substitute khoya in a recipe?
When a recipe calls for khoya and you need an alternative, there are 6 tested substitutes available. Condensed Milk (thickened) is the best overall replacement, used at a Use 75% ratio. The right substitute depends on the role khoya plays in your recipe: whether it provides flavor, texture, moisture, or structure.
The best substitute for khoya depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Condensed Milk (thickened) (Use 75%), which works well for most recipes.
If you need a different option, Evaporated Milk (reduced) (Use 50%) is another reliable choice. Evaporated Milk (reduced) works as a substitute for khoya in many recipes. Use 50% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. Texture runs thicker than the original, so a splash of liquid may help in thinner preparations. Texture runs looser than the original, which matters most in baking and creamy sauces. It is especially useful in baking and sauces. Taste near the end and fine-tune if the dish needs a little more punch.
When substituting khoya, 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
What is the best substitute for Khoya?
Condensed Milk (thickened) is the best place to start for khoya. Use 75% of the original amount and then adjust after tasting if the dish needs a little more intensity or balance.
How many substitutes are there for Khoya?
This page lists 6 substitutes for khoya. The best pick depends on whether you want the closest flavor, similar texture, or simply the easiest pantry backup.