Have you ever found yourself in the kitchen, eagerly preparing a recipe that calls for Greek yogurt, only to discover you don’t have any in the fridge? Trust me, I’ve been there too!
Whether you’re seeking the best alternatives due to dietary restrictions, personal preferences, or simply working with what’s available in your kitchen, I’ve gathered a collection of 17 fantastic substitutes that will save the day.
You are watching: Greek Yogurt Substitutes (And When To Use Them)
Jump to:
- Common Greek Yogurt Uses
- Considerations for Choosing the Best Substitute
- Dairy Substitutes for Greek Yogurt
- Non-Dairy Substitutes for Greek Yogurt
- Best Substitutes by Use
- Summary (Plus Printable Chart!)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Greek Yogurt Recipes
- Comments
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Greek yogurt holds a special place in my heart (and my fridge!) and has become my go-to ingredient for so many recipes.
From granola parfaits to smoothies, it adds a delightful creaminess and a punch of protein.
And let’s not forget about its versatility in savory dishes like dressings, frittatas and even mashed potatoes!
But we’ve all had those moments when we run out of Greek yogurt or discover that the container in the fridge has expired.
And that’s where these substitutes come in!
Discover alternatives to keep your recipes delicious for the next time you find yourself out of Greek Yogurt and you want to avoid a trip to the grocery store.
But do keep in mind that any time you use a substitute, there is a certain degree of experimentation involved and your recipe results may vary so use your best judgement.
Common Greek Yogurt Uses
As a Topping: Spoon Greek yogurt over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a creamy and tangy flavor addition.
In Bowls and Parfaits: Delicious in yogurt bowls or parfaits, Greek yogurt adds creaminess alongside fresh fruits, nuts and granola for a customizable breakfast or snack option.
In Baked Goods: A key ingredient in some muffin and quick bread recipes, it adds structure and moisture.
In Smoothies: It can add thickness, creaminess and a higher protein content to your favorite smoothie recipes.
In Sauces and Marinades: Thanks to its tanginess, it works well as a marinade for various meats.
Dips and Spreads: A great alternative to sour cream, Greek yogurt can be used to make delicious and satisfying dips and spreads such as tzatziki.
Salad Dressings: It adds creaminess and protein to salads such as this Santa Fe Salad.
Frittatas and Egg Muffins: Greek yogurt adds important structure and a creamy texture (and prevents them from turning out rubbery).
Considerations for Choosing the Best Substitute
Texture and Consistency: When choosing a substitute for Greek yogurt, consider the desired texture and consistency of the recipe.
Keep in mind that different substitutes may have varying levels of thickness, so choose one that aligns with your recipe’s consistency requirements for best results.
Flavor Profile: Greek yogurt has a tangy and slightly tart flavor, which contributes to the overall taste of the dish.
When selecting a substitute, consider the flavor profile it brings. Some substitutes may have a similar tanginess, while others may be milder or have a distinct taste.
Nutritional Content: Greek yogurt is known for its high protein content and probiotic benefits. If you’re looking for a substitute with similar nutritional qualities, consider options that offer a comparable protein content and potential health benefits.
Allergies and Dietary Restrictions: Take into account any allergies or dietary needs you or your guests may have.
Greek yogurt is a dairy product, so if you or someone you’re cooking for is lactose intolerant, vegan, or following a dairy-free diet, you’ll need to explore dairy-free options.
Amount Used: Recipes requiring only a small amount of Greek yogurt will be more forgiving of substitutions than those where it is a main ingredient.
Dairy Substitutes for Greek Yogurt
1. Another Yogurt (Regular, Balkan, Skyr, Labneh)
With a thinner consistency but the same tangy flavor and creamy texture, plain yogurt can be a great alternative to Greek yogurt in most recipes.
Notes: If you need the thicker consistency of Greek yogurt for the recipe, this swap may affect the overall texture. You can try turning your regular yogurt into Greek by straining off the whey with a cheese cloth.
When To Use It: This swap should work in most recipes calling for Greek yogurt except for maybe some frostings or dips where the yogurt adds structure.
Substitution Directions Use 1:1 as a replacement.
2. Sour Cream
With a smooth and tangy profile and texture similar to Greek yogurt, sour cream is the ideal substitute in most recipes.
Notes: Sour cream has a higher fat content and lower protein content so if you are adding it to a recipe for a protein boost (such as in a smoothie), you may want to consider another option.
When To Use It: Whether you’re making a dip, dressing, or even baking, sour cream can step in as a versatile replacement.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement. Ex: If a recipe calls for ½ cup of Greek yogurt, use ½ cup of sour cream instead.
3. Heavy Cream
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With a creamy consistency and ability to be whipped into a more sturdy structure, heavy cream can work in place of Greek yogurt in some instances.
Notes: Even when whipped, heavy cream is less sturdy than Greek yogurt so it may not provide the required structure in some recipes.
When To Use It: This is the perfect substitute as a topping for pancakes and waffles (especially if you’re looking to make it taste extra decadent!). This swap will also work in some sauces and baking.
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Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
4. Milk
With a thinner consistency than heavy cream, milk can work in a pinch in some recipes in place of Greek yogurt though it is not the best option. For best results I recommend using whole milk.
Notes: This swap may work in a pinch but I would only use it in recipes calling for a small amount.
When To Use It: You can try this in baking recipes, smoothies and creamy sauces.
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Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
5. Butter
Thick and creamy like Greek yogurt, butter can work as a good substitute in some cases.
Notes: Butter is a fat and so it doesn’t provide protein to recipes the way that Greek yogurt does. It is also denser and so I wouldn’t recommend using it in recipes requiring a large amount of Greek yogurt as it would affect the texture.
When To Use It: You can try using butter as a spread or toppings, frostings and in some sauces.
Substitution Directions: Start by using ¼ part butter per 1 part of Greek yogurt called for and then adjust as needed.
6. Buttermilk
With a similar sour taste, buttermilk makes a great substitute in many baking and savory recipes.
Notes: Buttermilk is thinner than yogurt and therefore won’t provide the same structure.
When To Use It: This is an ideal replacement in marinades. It will also work in some sauces and baking recipes as well.
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Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
7. Ricotta or Cream Cheese
With a thick and creamy consistency, cream cheese or ricotta can make for an excellent alternative to Greek yogurt in many favorite recipes.
Notes: These tends to be a bit thicker and more dense than Greek yogurt, especially when they are cold. To make it easier to work with, bring them to room temperature before incorporating them into your recipe.
When To Use It: This swap will work well as a topping, in sauces and in some baking recipes.
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Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
8. Cottage Cheese
With a tangy flavor, thick texture and high protein content, cottage cheese is actually one of the best Greek yogurt substitutes.
Notes: If you need it to have a smooth consistency, you can blend it before adding it to your recipe.
When To Use It: This popular ingredient can be used as a topping, in bowls and parfaits, added to smoothies, in sauces and in some baking recipes.
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Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
9. Creme Fraiche
Creme Fraiche has a slightly tangy flavor and a similar texture to sour cream, making it a great choice for a Greek yogurt alternative.
Notes: Like sour cream, it is mainly a fat so is not a good choice when you are looking for something with high protein.
When To Use It: This will work as a great alternative in dips, spreads, dressings, sauces and baking.
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Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
Non-Dairy Substitutes for Greek Yogurt
10. Applesauce
Smooth and lightly sweet, applesauce adds moisture making it an excellent Greek yogurt substitute in many sweeter recipes.
Notes: Applesauce has a distinctly different flavor and sweetness compared with yogurt so it is not a good option for savory dishes. It also won’t add the creaminess that Greek yogurt adds.
When To Use It: This is a great substitution in sweet toppings, sauces and spreads (such as chocolate hummus) and in baking.
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Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
11. Mashed Banana
Sweet with a creamy consistency, bananas can be a great choice as a substitute in some recipes.
Notes: Banana imparts a distinct flavor which may not be the best choice for all recipes.
When To Use It: This swap will work in baking recipes where you don’t mind the taste of banana.
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Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
12. Avocado
With it’s smooth texture and mild flavor, avocado is an excellent choice for a creamy dairy-free alternative to Greek yogurt in some recipes.
Notes: Avocado will impart a green color to your recipe.
When To Use It: This is a good substitute for smoothies, and some dips, spreads and dressings.
Substitution Directions: Mash up and use 1:1 as a replacement.
13. Pumpkin Puree
With its smooth texture and subtle taste, pure pumpkin puree can add needed moisture and structure to recipes that typically use Greek yogurt. And unlike applesauce, it can work in some savory applications as well.
Notes: Ensure that you use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling.
When To Use It: This is a great substitution in many baking applications as well as in some sauces and spreads.
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Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
14. Silken Tofu
With a smooth, creamy texture, neutral taste and protein content, silken tofu can be an excellent substitute for some recipes.
Notes: Depending on the application, you may want to blend it into a creamy consistency before using it.
When To Use It: Try using it for smoothies, dips and spreads.
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Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
15. Coconut Cream
The thick part in a can of coconut milk, coconut cream offers a similar consistency and touch of tropical flavor.
Notes: Coconut cream may impart a slight coconut flavor to the recipe which may not be a good idea for some recipes.
When To Use It: This will work as a topping, in some sauces, spreads and dips as well as in some baking recipes.
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Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
16. Coconut Yogurt
One of the best substitutes for cases where you need a vegan option, coconut yogurt offers a similar texture to Greek yogurt.
Notes: For savory uses in particular, ensure that you are using an unsweetened yogurt.
When To Use It: This is the perfect substitute in smoothies, baked goods, sauces and more.
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Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
17. Mayonnaise
Some recipes use Greek yogurt to replace mayo, such as egg salad or potato salad. So in cases where the recipe may traditionally be made with mayonnaise, you can substitute it back in for the Greek yogurt.
When To Use It: Use this swap for sauces, dressings and dips.
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Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
Best Substitutes by Use
As a Topping– Another Yogurt, Whipped Cream, Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Creme Fraiche, Coconut Cream, Coconut Yogurt
Bowls and Parfaits– Another Yogurt, Whipped Cream, Coconut Cream, Coconut Yogurt
Baked Goods– Another Yogurt, Sour Cream, Coconut Yogurt, Applesauce, Pumpkin Puree, Mashed Banana
Smoothies– Another Yogurt, Cottage Cheese, Silken Tofu, Avocado, Coconut Cream, Coconut Yogurt, Milk
Sauces and Marinades– Another Yogurt, Buttermilk, Sour Cream
Dips and Spreads– Avocado, Silken Tofu, Cottage Cheese, Cream Cheese, Mayo
Salad Dressings– Sour Cream, Another Yogurt, Mayo, Creme Fraiche
Frittata– Sour Cream, Heavy Cream, Cottage Cheese
Mashed Potatoes– Sour Cream, Heavy Cream, Milk
Summary (Plus Printable Chart!)
Keep this info handy! Download the Reference Chart>>>
Frequently Asked Questions
Related: How to Make Greek Yogurt Taste Better
Greek Yogurt Recipes
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Categories: Recipe
