19 Greek yogurt substitutes for baking recipes or for cooking. Plus a simple chart listing the dairy and non dairy best alternatives.
Greek yogurt is a healthy, protein-rich ingredient used in many sweet and savory recipes like this creamy cucumber salad with yogurt and miso dressing or this strawberry panna cotta with Greek yogurt.
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But what happens when you want to make a recipe that requires Greek yogurt and you just don’t have it in your fridge ?
In many cases, a great substitute for Greek yogurt can be plain yogurt, buttermilk or even a mashed banana.
However, to make the best out of each yogurt alternative, you should understand their differences and their similarities.
Also, most substitutions will work better in recipes that call for a small quantity of Greek yogurt, rather than in recipes that are yogurt-based.
Continue reading to find out the best Greek yogurt substitutes, how to use them, which are better in baking and which are more suitable for cooking or for sauces, salad dressings, wraps and smoothies.
Jump to:
- What is Greek yogurt?
- The best dairy substitutes
- Greek yogurt substitutes chart (Dairy)
- The best dairy-free substitutes
- Greek yogurt substitutes chart (Dairy-free)
- Greek Yogurt FAQs
The fermenting of the milk with live bacterial cultures is very similar to regular yogurt. These bacterial cultures convert the lactose in the milk into lactic acid, which gives yogurt its characteristic tangy flavor and also helps to thicken it.
The straining process removes some of the water and other soluble components, leaving behind a thicker and more concentrated yogurt with a higher protein content.
The beneficial probiotics which support gut health make this dairy product a great healthy addition to many recipes..
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To make sure you’re buying an authentic Greek strained yogurt it’s essential to read the ingredient list and confirm that there are no thickeners, gelatin or other additives used to thicken it.
The texture is thick, smooth and creamy because of the straining process, something that makes it perfect for a homemade tzatziki sauce. The straining also concentrates the flavor, giving it a richer mouthfeel compared to regular yogurt.
Since Greek yogurt has a higher protein content and lower sugar content than regular yogurt, it can taste slightly less sweet. Some people find Greek yogurt to be milder in sweetness and more satisfying due to its thicker texture.
The taste can vary depending on the brand, the manufacturing process and the type of milk used (most of the times it’s made from cow’s milk, but goat or sheep milk can also be used in lower proportion).
Their main difference is the straining process. Because regular yogurt isn’t strained, it has a looser texture, higher water content and tends to be less tangy than Greek yogurt.
If you have the time you can strain regular yogurt and make your own Greek yogurt: line a large sieve with a piece of cheesecloth, and transfer the regular yogurt inside. Place the sieve on a bowl and store it in the fridge for a few hours until some of the whey leaks out and the yogurt is thickened.
Both products are good sources of protein and probiotics, making them beneficial for gut health.
Skyr is an excellent substitute and it’s actually your best option for replacing Greek yogurt, but it can be hard to find. It can be used exactly the same way as Greek yogurt and it’s perfect for baking, dips, sauces, dressing or adding to smoothies.
Crème fraiche is often chosen in both savory and sweet dishes for its luxurious texture and subtle, nutty flavor.
Because it doesn’t offer the same tang as yogurt, it’s best to add a bit of acid such as lemon juice or vinegar.
To make it a good replacement, mix it with some lemon juice or vinegar (wine or apple cider) and some water (or milk) until it reaches the consistency of Greek yogurt.
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As with cream cheese, you can mix Labneh with some water or milk to make it thinner and give it a similar texture to that of Greek yogurt. Use it as is if you want your dips and sauces to be thicker. Keep in mind that most of the times Labneh contains additional salt so you may have to reduce the salt in your recipes.
Use a food processor to give cottage cheese a creamy texture if you plan to use it as a Greek yogurt substitute. In recipes where all the ingredients go into a blender (like smoothies) you don’t have to do that extra step.
When substituting one for the other in recipes, keep in mind the difference in thickness and tartness to achieve the desired results. It can be used in almost any recipe but it will shine when used in breads, pancakes and cakes.
While both are probiotic-rich and offer health benefits for gut health, kefir may be preferable for those who prefer a drinkable yogurt-like product, while Greek yogurt is ideal for those seeking a thicker and creamier texture for spoonable applications.
Kefir is another excellent Greek yogurt substitute and can be used in baking, marinades, sauces and dressings. Since it has a thinner consistency, you’ll want to use less Kefir in place of Greek yogurt.
Greek yogurt is higher in protein but the alternatives are suitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance.
It can be used as a topping, spread, for dressings or incorporated into savory recipes. You can also use it in your smoothies.
Many people suggest using this alternative in baking, but you should keep in mind that it will severely change the fat percentage in your recipes, something that can cause cakes and muffins to sink during baking. However, when used in small quantities it can make baked goods more tender and moist.
When used in dips, sandwiches and dressings it will add creaminess and a boost of flavor.
These non-dairy products are made from blended nuts and have a nutty and slightly sweet taste, with a creamy and velvety texture.
Tahini sauce is nutty, earthy, and slightly bitter, made from ground sesame seeds, making it suitable for vegan and lactose-intolerant diets. It can be used in dips, dressings, wraps, especially in savory dishes.
Greek Yogurt FAQs
Source: https://gardencourte.com
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