3 Yogurt Substitutes (and 3 You Should Avoid) (2024)

FAQs

What to use as a substitute for yogurt? ›

The take-away: In a pinch, substitute buttermilk, or milk that has been spiked with a little lemon juice or vinegar (aka homemade buttermilk) and use 1/4 less milk than the amount of yogurt called for in the recipe.

So if you're looking for the best yogurt for gut health, try kefir or a yogurt that specifically says “probiotic” on the label. Account for your personal preferences: While many consider low-fat or nonfat yogurt to be healthier, a study found that full-fat yogurt offers similar heart-health benefits.

If you want a dairy-free Greek yogurt substitute, try coconut yogurt, almond milk yogurt, or soy yogurt. Unfortunately, if you're looking for an authentic Greek yogurt experience without the real deal, there's really only one option — strained plain yogurt. While it might not be the exact same thing, it's pretty close!

In contrast to cream cheese, ricotta cheese will be slightly lower in calorie and higher in protein which could make it a more nutritious and satisfying substitute. Ricotta cheese can be subbed in for greek yogurt in a 1:1 ratio.

Kite Hill Plain Unsweetened Almond Milk Yogurt

This stuff is about as plain as plain non dairy yogurt can get, but Kite Hill's almond milk-based yogurt alternative seems useful. It's got a great, thick consistency, and even smells like traditional dairy yogurt.

Why else is Greek yogurt considered one of the best superfoods for seniors? It contains probiotics, which help us maintain gut health. Probiotics have been shown to aid in digestion, boost immune function, and even prevent infection. Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt is highly versatile.

Dairy kefir is made from fermented milk, like yogurt is. But kefir is typically less thick and more tangy. Kefir contains more probiotics than any yogurt. With up to 61 different strains of microbes, it can be an excellent source of probiotics.

Kefir. This type of yogurt contains added probiotics. It has a greater variety of bacteria and yeasts compared to other yogurts. Kefir is fermented with clusters of microbes called kefir grains.

Is there plant-based yogurt? ›

Plant-based yogurts contained less total sugar, less sodium, and more fiber; dairy yogurt contained more protein, calcium, and potassium. Experts note that the “right” yogurt comes down to personal preference and specific nutritional needs.

Chobani Yogurt, Non-Dairy Blend, Plain (5.3 oz) Delivery or Pickup Near Me - Instacart.

While any type of yogurt can fit in a healthy diet, Greek yogurt and skyr (Icelandic yogurt) are the healthiest choices because they tend to be lower in sugar and higher in protein, says registered dietitian Jamie Nadeau.

Soy yogurt consistently contains the most protein. By contrast, almond and coconut yogurt contains very little protein. And oat yogurt is somewhere in between.

Cottage cheese is a dairy product that can cause problems for some people.

Sauces, salad dressings, sandwich spreads, dips, and any kind of deli-type salad like potato, egg, tuna, chicken, and pasta salads will all be great with mayo instead of yogurt. However, mayo is sweeter and fattier than yogurt, so you will need to adjust some of the other ingredients to balance out the taste.

Nearly any non-dairy milk can be cultured into vegan yogurt, including legume, nut, seed, grain, or coconut milk. While store-bought boxed or canned milk may be used, we recommend using milk with as few additives as possible. Homemade milks culture well and are easy to make.

While cream and Greek yogurt are both dairy products, they have different textures and flavors, so substituting one for the other can affect the taste and consistency of the dish. In Tikka Masala, Greek yogurt is often used to provide a tangy and creamy base for the sauce, while cream adds richness and sweetness.

Yogurt: Soy, coconut, almond, cashew, and pea-based yogurts are good alternatives to milk-based versions.