Substitute for Yogurt: 5 Easy Alternatives That Work
The best substitute for yogurt is Sour Cream at a 1 cup sour cream per 1 cup yogurt ratio. It works best for baking, dips, dressings. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Sour Cream
1 cup sour cream per 1 cup yogurt
Higher in fat, less tangy. Works as a 1:1 swap in baking, dips, and dressings.
Flavor & Texture Change
Similar tanginess but richer and creamier. Baked goods will be slightly moister and more tender. Dips will be thicker and richer.
When Not to Use
Higher fat content than most yogurt. If you are substituting for health reasons, sour cream is not a lower-calorie option. Use full-fat for baking; low-fat sour cream can be watery.
Which Yogurt Substitute Should You Use?
Best Overall
Sour Cream
Similar tang, thickness, and fat content. Works 1:1 in baking, dips, dressings, and as a topping.
Best for Baking
Sour Cream
Same acidity activates baking soda identically. Baked goods will be rich and tender.
Best Vegan Option
Coconut Yogurt
Closest texture to dairy yogurt. Choose unsweetened for cooking and baking applications.
Best for Marinades
Buttermilk
Same lactic acid that tenderizes meat. Thinner than yogurt, so it penetrates better into proteins.
What are the other substitutes for yogurt?
Buttermilk
3/4 cup buttermilk per 1 cup yogurt
Buttermilk is thinner than yogurt. Use 3/4 cup and reduce other liquids in the recipe slightly.
Flavor/texture:Same tangy flavor but much thinner consistency. Baked goods will be slightly lighter. Excellent for marinating chicken (classic buttermilk fried chicken).
Avoid when:Much thinner than yogurt. Do not use 1:1 in thick applications like dips or toppings. Works best in baking and marinades where yogurt is mixed into a batter or liquid. Reduce other liquids if needed.
Greek Yogurt + Water
3/4 cup Greek yogurt + 1/4 cup water
Thin Greek yogurt to match regular yogurt's consistency. Whisk until smooth.
Flavor/texture:Tangier and thicker than regular yogurt even when thinned. Higher protein content. Works identically in most recipes.
Avoid when:This substitutes regular yogurt, not the other way around. If your recipe calls for regular yogurt and you only have Greek, thin it with water. Do not over-thin or you lose the body.
Coconut Yogurt
1 cup coconut yogurt per 1 cup yogurt
Choose unsweetened for savory recipes. Slight coconut taste. Look for brands with live cultures.
Flavor/texture:Mild coconut flavor with similar tanginess to dairy yogurt. Slightly thinner. Works well in smoothies, parfaits, and tropical-flavored recipes.
Avoid when:Adds coconut flavor that may clash with some dishes. Much lower protein than dairy yogurt. Some brands are very sweet. Choose unsweetened, plain varieties for cooking.
Silken Tofu (blended)
1 cup blended silken tofu per 1 cup yogurt
Blend until smooth. Add 1 tsp lemon juice for tang. Neutral flavor takes on other ingredients well.
Flavor/texture:Neutral and creamy. Add lemon juice for tang. Higher protein than yogurt. Works well blended into smoothies, dressings, and baked goods.
Avoid when:Must be blended until perfectly smooth. No tang unless you add lemon juice (1 tbsp per cup). Soy allergen. Not suitable as a standalone topping since it lacks tang.
What should you know before substituting yogurt?
Yogurt adds moisture, tang, and tenderness to baked goods. Its acidity works with baking soda for leavening. In marinades, the lactic acid tenderizes meat without making it mushy. Match the tang level of your substitute for best results.
How do you substitute yogurt in a recipe?
A cultured dairy product made by fermenting milk with bacteria. Regular yogurt has a thinner, pourable consistency compared to Greek yogurt and is used in baking, marinades, dressings, and smoothies.
The best substitute for yogurt depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Sour Cream (1 cup sour cream per 1 cup yogurt), which works well for baking, dips, dressings.
If you need a different option, Buttermilk (3/4 cup buttermilk per 1 cup yogurt) is another reliable choice. Buttermilk is thinner than yogurt. Use 3/4 cup and reduce other liquids in the recipe slightly.
When substituting 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.
What can you use instead of yogurt in specific recipes?
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of yogurt in baking?
Sour cream is the best substitute at a 1:1 ratio. It has similar fat content and tang. Buttermilk also works but is thinner, so reduce other liquids by about 2 tablespoons per cup.
Can I use Greek yogurt in place of regular yogurt?
Yes. Mix 3/4 cup Greek yogurt with 1/4 cup water to match regular yogurt's thinner consistency. Without thinning, Greek yogurt is much thicker and may make baked goods dense.
What is a dairy-free yogurt substitute?
Coconut yogurt is the best dairy-free option, used at a 1:1 ratio. For cooking and baking, blended silken tofu with a teaspoon of lemon juice also works well.