Here’s What to Use As a Substitute for Plain Yogurt

In addition to its popularity as a healthy breakfast option, plain yogurt is also used in many baked goods to add the right balance of moisture and texture. But if you don’t have any on hand, you might need to turn to a substitute for plain yogurt.

Thankfully, there are several kitchen staples that you can use as a substitute for plain yogurt, whether you’re baking or enjoying breakfast. In this post, we will highlight some of the best yogurt alternatives to try today.

For baking: What to substitute for plain yogurt

As an ingredient in baked goods, plain yogurt is a favorite among bakers. Not only does it bring in moisture to even out the dry ingredients, but it also adds a kick of acidity and helps baked goods rise in the oven.

Yogurt is often used in things like scones, biscuits, cakes, and muffins — here’s what to use as a substitute for plain yogurt if you’re baking one of these items.

Sour cream

Sour cream is one of the easiest swaps for plain yogurt since it’s widely available and probably already in your refrigerator. Before using it in place of yogurt, however, you should be aware that sour cream is much higher in fat and calories than yogurt.

It might sound like an odd substitute for plain yogurt, but sour cream actually does the trick quite nicely. That’s because it has a hint of acidity that imitates the tanginess of plain yogurt in your recipes.

Store-bought or homemade buttermilk

Like yogurt, buttermilk is excellent in baked goods because it brings together creaminess and acidity. When mixed with baking soda, these ingredients interact to help your biscuits, scones, and other baked goods rise.

You should be able to buy buttermilk at your local grocery store, but it’s also super simple to make at home. To do so, combine one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit and curdle for a few minutes before stirring it — and that’s it!

Blended silken tofu

If you’re looking for a dairy-free substitute for plain yogurt, try blending some silken tofu and adding it to your baked goods. While it won’t have the same taste as yogurt, it will share a similar texture. Plus, tofu contains a good deal of protein, which is beneficial in vegan and vegetarian diets.

As breakfast: What to substitute for plain yogurt

You also have several options if you’re planning on eating yogurt for breakfast, whether it’s plain or with berries or granola. For a straightforward swap, try substituting Greek yogurt in place of traditional plain yogurt. Although the taste and texture are different, Greek yogurt is quite popular with people who enjoy yogurt but are trying to reduce their sugar intake.

If you’d prefer something other than yogurt for breakfast, you could always try making a bowl of oatmeal, chia pudding, or brown rice. Customize your meal by adding your favorite toppings, such as brown sugar, fruit, and nuts.

Whether you’re baking or making breakfast, a tasty substitute for plain yogurt is never too far away. Each of these options is easy to find at your nearest supermarket and should stand in for yogurt quite well.

For more recipe ideas and ingredient swaps, check out the Tastessence blog.