Greek Yogurt Substitutes

Greek yogurt is a versatile ingredient that adds creaminess, protein, and a slight tang to both sweet and savory recipes. If you need a great substitute for traditional Greek yogurt, check out nine great Greek Yogurt Substitutes, including tips and information about Greek yogurt and its substitutions.

I have gathered some of the best Greek Yogurt Substitutes including what types of recipes to use them in for you.

From sour cream to dairy-free alternatives, find the best swap for your needs.

Jump to:

• What is Greek Yogurt?
• Types of Greek Yogurt
• Uses for Greek Yogurt
• Storage
• Best Substitutes for Greek Yogurt
• Buttermilk
• Coconut Milk
• Cottage Cheese
• Cream Cheese
• Mashed Bananas or Applesauce
• Regular Yogurt
• Ricotta Cheese
• Silken Tofu
• Sour Cream
• Recipes with Yogurt
• Conclusion

What is Greek Yogurt?

Whether you're out of Greek yogurt or need a dairy-free option, this guide covers 7 easy alternatives, including sour cream, cottage cheese, buttermilk, ricotta cheese, and more. Plus, learn about the types, uses, and storage of Greek yogurt.

Often used in smoothies, baking, or as a base for dips and sauces, Greek yogurt is a staple in many kitchens.

However, if you find yourself out of Greek yogurt or need a dairy-free or lower-fat option, there are plenty of substitutes available

Greek yogurt is a thick and creamy yogurt. This popular yogurt is made by straining out the whey giving it a richer texture and higher protein content compared to regular yogurt.

Often used in cooking and baking, this creamy dairy product has a tangy taste and is considered a healthier alternative to sour cream and mayonnaise.

The tanginess of greek yogurt, along with its thick texture, make Greek yogurt a popular choice in your favorite recipes.

Types of Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt comes in various types determined by its fat content and flavor.

• Full-Fat Greek Yogurt - Rich and creamy, with a higher fat content, this type of Greek yogurt is ideal for making indulgent dishes.
• Low-Fat Greek Yogurt – This is a balanced option that still offers creaminess but with less fat.
• Non-Fat Greek Yogurt – Non-fat is the best option if you want a protein boost without added fat.
• Flavored Greek Yogurt – Flavored yogurts contain added sweeteners and fruit flavors and make a delicious snack or dessert.

Best Substitutes for Greek Yogurt

If you're out of Greek yogurt or need a replacement for dietary reasons, these are some of the best substitutes for Greek yogurt:

Buttermilk

• Description – Buttermilk is a liquid alternative with a tangy flavor.
• Best Uses – Buttermilk is a good substitute for baking and in savory recipes, such as marinades and salad dressings, but is not recommended as an alternative in thick applications like dips.

Coconut Milk

• Description – Coconut milk is a great alternative when you need a dairy-free option with a mild sweetness. You can keep a can of coconut milk in your pantry.
• Best Uses - Best for smoothies, desserts, and some baking applications.

Cottage Cheese

• Description - Blended cottage cheese can replicate Greek yogurt’s creaminess and protein content.
• Best Uses – Works well for baking, dips, and as a topping.

Cream Cheese

• Description – Although cream cheese is thicker and richer than Greek yogurt it can be thinned with milk or water when used as a substitute.
• Best Uses - Best for frostings, dips and spreads.

Mashed Bananas or Applesauce

• Description - Two dairy-free options that adds moisture to baked goods.
• Best Uses – These alternatives work best in sweet recipes and are not recommended to use in savory dishes.

Regular Yogurt

• Description - Less thick than Greek yogurt but has a similar tangy flavor.
• Best Uses - Works well in smoothies, dressings, and baking.

Ricotta Cheese

• Description – This alternative is slightly grainy but has a mild, creamy taste when blended. You can whip up ricotta cheese with a hand mixer, in a blender or food processor to give it a smoother texture.
• Best Uses - Can be used in desserts and baked dishes.

Silken Tofu

• Description – If you are looking for a vegan substitute, silken tofu is a good choice and it has a creamy texture when blended.
• Best Uses - Perfect for dips, dressings and smoothies.

Sour Cream

• Description - Similar in consistency and tanginess, sour cream's similar texture and unique flavor makes it an excellent 1:1 replacement for Greek yogurt.
• Best Uses - A great substitute, sour cream is ideal for dips, dressings, and baked goods especially quick breads.

Recipes with Yogurt

Conclusion

Greek yogurt is a popular ingredient with plenty of substitutes to choose from if you need an alternative.

Whether you’re looking for a dairy-free, protein-rich, or lower-fat option, these best greek yogurt substitutes will help you maintain the texture and flavor you need in your recipes.

Next time you run out of Greek yogurt or need a replacement for dietary reasons, try one of these alternatives in place of greek yogurt and your recipes will be just as delicious!

Whether you're baking, making a smoothie, or looking for a creamy topping, these 9 alternatives will save the day. Includes tips on Greek yogurt types, uses, and storage.