# What Can You Use As a Yogurt Substitute?

URL: https://tastessence.com/substitutes/yogurt-substitute
Category: Substitutes
Published: 2020-11-27T21:51:42
Updated: 2020-11-22T21:54:25
In baking, yogurt is a **popular ingredient for people looking to cut down on calories or fat.** But if you’re looking to avoid dairy or you’ve simply run out of yogurt, **you might find yourself needing a yogurt substitute.** Fortunately, there are **plenty of other common ingredients that you can use in place of yogurt** -- including dairy-free options. In this post, we’ve put together five alternatives that you can easily swap when your recipe calls for yogurt. Even better, **you might even have some of these options already sitting in your fridge.**

## Greek yogurt

If you like the taste of yogurt, **you could try swapping plain yogurt** for [Greek yogurt](https://tastessence.com/substitutes/greek-yogurt-substitute). It’s considered to be a **nutritious alternative to regular yogurt** since it’s packed with protein and contains less sugar and carbs. However, **Greek yogurt is a lot [thicker than regular yogurt](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/greek-yogurt-vs-yogurt).** So if you plan on using it as a yogurt substitute, you should add a bit of water to match the consistency.

## Buttermilk

Buttermilk is often used in **baked goods and savory dishes,** which makes it a good yogurt substitute in many recipes. If you aren’t familiar, **buttermilk is a combination of milk and a bit of acid** (often lemon juice)**,** giving it a tangy taste. When you use buttermilk in place of yogurt, **it’s recommended that you add a dash of [baking soda](https://tastessence.com/substitutes/baking-soda-substitute)** to your dry ingredients. This helps your baked goods rise and achieve the most desirable texture.

## Sour cream

Like buttermilk, **sour cream is a balance of dairy and acidic ingredients.** This blend works well as a yogurt substitute since it also creates moisture and a tangy taste. As you might expect, **sour cream isn’t the go-to yogurt substitute for people who are looking to cut down on calories or fat.** Sour cream is quite rich and has a high caloric content, so keep that in mind before using it in your recipes.

## Cottage cheese

If you like cottage cheese, **you can easily substitute it for yogurt in your baked goods.** Since cottage cheese is a bit lumpy, you’ll probably want to throw it in a blender and smooth it out before using it. Like yogurt, **cottage cheese adds that critical bit of moisture** that you need to make a delicious scone or cakes. Just be sure to use it fresh out of the container and **don’t drain it.**

## Silken tofu

For people who follow **vegan or dairy-free diets,** silken tofu works well as a yogurt substitute. Plus, it has high levels of protein and relatively **low amounts of calories and fat.** Of course, **tofu won’t replicate the taste of yogurt,** but it can offer a similar consistency in your food. Ensure that your tofu is smooth and creamy by **putting it in a food processor before using it.** With a bit of creativity and a few kitchen staples, **you should have no problem finding a yogurt substitute that you like.** It might take a bit of trial and error to find the best one for you, but **any of these five alternatives will work quite well.** For more recipe ideas and suggestions, [**check out the Tastessence blog.**](https://tastessence.com/)