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Top 14 Yogurt Substitutes in Recipe (Baking/Smoothies/Curry)

This article is going to show you the best substitutes for yogurt.

When it comes to healthy food recipes that are readily available, yogurts have become chefs’ go-to for a wide variety of foods.

It is important to note at this point that there are a wide variety of people who do not appreciate the strong flavour of yogurt in their recipes or simply people who avoid it for health reasons or dietary restrictions.

Coupled with the fact that there are times that yogurts may not be available and you just need a substitute.

So, if you fall into this category, we’ve got you covered as this article will reveal some interesting yogurt substitutes that will still give you that mouth-watering taste and healthy benefits in your baking/cooking recipes.

Top 14 Yogurt Substitutes in Recipe

Cream Cheese

cream cheese

Cream cheese is a soft neutral-tasting yogurt substitute made from milk and cream. It has a silk-smooth texture, mild tenderness and subtle sweetness.

So, if you’re looking to add a creamy texture mixed with a little bit of savory flavour, cream cheese will be an excellent yogurt substitute in baking for you. It is readily available in most grocery stores and it is great for desserts like cupcakes.

One thing you’ll appreciate about using cream cheese is that it doesn’t require further preparation to use and it can last long in the fridge as long as it is used before the expiry date.

You can use the same amount of cream cheeses as you would use yogurt in your baking foods.

Sour Cream

sour cream

Can you substitute sour cream for yogurt? Of course yes!

Sour cream is a great yogurt replacement that is made from whole milk, cream and distilled white vinegar or lemon juice. It can be used in the same proportion as you would use your yogurt and it works best for dressing and sauces.

Mayo

mayo

Mayo is an excellent yogurt substitute that is made from a smooth mixture of egg and oil. It adds a creamy and delicious taste to your recipes and is best used for sandwich spreads and salad dressings.

Cottage Cheese

cottage cheese

Cottage cheese is by far one of the healthiest cheeses that you can use as a substitute for yogurt in your baking recipes.

It is mostly made from the acidified milk of male calves and is rich in a lot of nutrients inclusive of calcium and protein.

Cottage cheese also has a somewhat resemblance with yogurt with a slight salty taste and it serves as an excellent topping for recipes like pasta, salads, pancakes and even desserts.

Almond Milk

almond milk

Almond milk is a non-dairy substitute for yogurt in baking best used for recipes like bread, curries or soups. It is creamy and flavourful as well.

One amazing feature of almond milk is that it is very easy to make at home and you do not have to spend tons of dollars to get a store-bought one.

Just get a blender or food processor and blend the whole almonds with water and any favorite spice of yours for flavour.

Almonds are rich in magnesium and vitamin D and they are vegan friendly.

Heavy Cream

heavy cream

Heavy cream is another perfect yogurt substitute especially for fruit salads or baking desserts. It is made from the high fat-part of fresh milk and is rich in vitamin A, calcium and phosphorus.

It is important to note that this yogurt substitute is high in fat and calories. So if you are on a weight loss journey, then this might not be the best option for you. If you are looking to gain some weight , then you might consider this as your go-to yogurt substitute.

Coconut Milk

coconut milk

Coconut milk is another excellent non-dairy substitute for yogurt in baking which makes such a huge difference in the taste and flavour of your baked foods.

Its presence releases a twist to the aroma of your foods and positively adds a unique taste to your smoothies, soups, cookies, etc.

It is rich in potassium, magnesium and is lactose-free which makes it a great option for people with milk allergies or dietary restrictions.

Plant-based yogurt

plant based yogurt

Plant-based yogurt is a very healthy option for people looking to reduce their intake of dairy products.

There is a wide range of plant-based yogurt such as coconut yogurt, cashew yogurt, almond yogurt, etc. These plant-based yogurts are high in essential nutrients, much lower in calories and have a close texture/taste with the diary yogurt.

Buttermilk

buttermilk

Buttermilk is another great substitute for yogurt in baking as it contains a good amount of probiotics and encourages the tenderness in baked foods such as cakes, muffins, pancakes etc.

It is also a perfect option for marinating chicken and it is very rich in calcium and phosphorus.

One great way to achieve the best results by using this as a yogurt substitute is to use a measurement that is ¼ less than the amount of yogurt you would have used for the recipe.

Sour Milk

sour milk

Sour milk is a great yogurt alternative in baking when you are looking to achieve not-so-thick consistency in your mixture as it is the liquid version of sour cream.

It contains the same amount of nutrients in sour cream and it works perfectly fine for making curries, stews and baking. It also makes the fluffiness and moistness of your baked foods to be at its best.

Avocado

avacado

If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly substitute for yogurt in baking, then Avocado is a good option. It is a natural butter rich in vitamin C, folate, magnesium and Potassium.

Although it has a slightly different flavour, you can smash the avocado and add a tiny splash of lemon juice to experience its goodness in full.

Cashew Milk

cashew milk

Cashew milk is another vegan-friendly substitute for yogurt that is buttery, sweet and relatively high in fat. This makes them an excellent dairy-free yogurt substitute best for soups, baked chicken and side dishes.

However, they may not be your best go-to yogurt substitute for baking, but you can give it a try.

Apple Cider Vinegar

peach nectar and apple cider vinegar mixture

To achieve the best results using Apple cider vinegar as a yogurt replacement, use half of the amount you would for yogurt in your baking.

It is best used for salad dressing, marinating, meat tenderizer and raising agent in baked foods.

Lemon Juice with Milk

lemon juice with milk

Lemon juice with milk is one uncommon yogurt substitute used for baking.

Mix 1 cup of regular milk and 1 tbsp of lemon juice and use it as a substitute for 1 cup of yogurt in your baking. It is most suitable for soups and baked chicken.

Benefits for Yogurt in Baking

Yogurt is used in nearly everything you eat from salad dressing, to roasted vegetables, to cooked meats, to eggs with sauteed greens, to boosting your breakfasts, etc.

Aside from being a healthy flavour-building recipe, it is also rich in protein, calcium, and probiotics.

  • The creaminess of yogurt helps to keep baked goods moist and fresh.
  • The probiotics component of yogurt helps to boost the immune system.
  • Low-fat yogurt is a good source of protein for people on a weight loss diet.
  • It is very high in calcium. This component enhances healthy gut bacteria, protects the body against osteoporosis, relieves irritable bowel diseases and promotes bone health.
  • It contains vitamin B6, B12, riboflavin, potassium and magnesium which enhance healthy growth.
  • The acid component of yogurts helps to activate baking soda which makes baked food light and fluffy.
  • It can serve as a breakfast replacement for people who are on the run or people who find it difficult to chew food in the early hours of the day.
  • Some researchers found that yogurt may help in protecting the human body against the 2 diabetics.
  • It can act as a quick garnishing recipe.
  • Can reduce the risk of heart disease.
  • It contain essential minerals for several biological processes such as regulating blood pressure and metabolism.
  • One summary benefit of yogurt is that it contains almost every nutrient that your body needs as it is especially high in calcium, B vitamins and trace minerals.

These benefits making yogurt by far one of the most exciting cooking ingredients and a top choice for a wide variety of people looking to improve and maintain a healthy lifestyle as it is healthy, readily available in almost all grocery stores and delicious as well.

FAQs About Substitutes for yogurt

What’s the best substitute for yogurt in baking?

There are a lot of substitutes that can be used as an alternative to yogurt in baking, they are:

  • Cream cheese
  • Cottage cheese
  • Almond milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Coconut milk
  • Buttermilk
  • Sour milk
  • Avocado
  • Cashew milk
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Lemon juice with milk

The best yogurt replacement in baking is cream cheese, it will add savory and creaminess flavor to your dishes.

What’s the best substitute for yogurt in curry?

The best yogurt substitute in curry is sour milk, it will add creaminess to curries. It has been a popular choice for making healthy desserts. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed with it.

What’s the best substitute for yogurt in smoothies?

Your best choice would be coconut milk. When making smoothies, coconut milk acts the same as regular yogurt, just follow the 1:1 ratio.

According to my experience, it’s also great for desserts, and even for specialty drinks.

Can I substitute yogurt for sour cream?

Yes you can! Just use the same amount especially when you use it for salad dressings, dips, or baked potatoes.

One thing you should note is that you may have to adjust some of the other ingredients accordingly since yogurt is usually tangier than sour cream.

What’s the difference between yogurt and Greek yogurt?

Both of them are made from the same ingredients, and support digestion, weight loss, and heart health. But they differ in nutrients.

Regular yogurt has more calcium and fewer calories while Greek yogurt has less sugar and more protein. Moreover, Greek yogurt usually has a much thicker consistency.

The Bottom Line

Yogurt is a popular ingredient that is readily available for baking and other cooking purposes.

However, due to the difference in people’s preferences or simply a need for quick replacement of yogurt, there is a need to have a wide range of yogurt substitutes that people can choose from.

Fortunately, this article has revealed those wide range of dairy and non-dairy yogurt substitutes.

While some of these yogurt substitutes are best for toppings and dressing, others make an excellent option for baking.

Hence, if you are looking to choose from these wide ranges of yogurt substitutes, it would be best to thoroughly go through the list above and choose an option that best suits your baking, cooking or health needs.

I’m Jennifer Schlette, a Registered Dietitian and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. I love cooking, reading, and my kids! Here you’ll find the healthiest recipes & substitutions for your cooking. Enjoy, and be well, friends!

2 thoughts on “Top 14 Yogurt Substitutes in Recipe (Baking/Smoothies/Curry)”
  1. Thank you so much for this! The avocado substitute worked perfectly in my tofu tikka masala when I didn’t have enough almond yogurt.

    Reply

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