Greek Yogurt Substitutes You Can Use in a Pinch

Are you on a vegan diet, or did you just run out of Greek yogurt? Greek yogurt has recently become quite popular, and not without good reason. It is a nutrient-rich, creamy type of yogurt packed with plenty of calories and protein.

Its creamy nature makes it a viable substitute for sour cream and can also be used in baking recipes as a replacement for buttermilk or oil, as seen in Greek Yogurt pancakes. But sometimes Greek yogurt can be quite pricey, some flavors may be too sour or overwhelming, or it may simply be unavailable.

10 Greek Yogurt Substitutes for Cooking

Greek yogurt is widely used in baking and cooking, but some people may want to steer clear because they may be vegan or on a dairy-free diet. Some don’t like the tangy taste of it, or you might like it but have run out of it. Here are some great Greek Yogurt replacements.

Sour Cream

Sour cream is quite similar to Greek yogurt in a few ways. It is creamy and has a tangy flavor, though it has a somewhat softer texture. You can use this as a 1:1 replacement for Greek yogurt recipes like soups, dressings, and sauces.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a popular dietary option because it contains protein, calcium, and vitamin A. It has a mild flavor and chunky texture, but it doesn’t have the tangy taste of Greek yogurt. This is useful in many recipes as it allows various flavoring options.

You can use it in many dishes, such as salads, waffles, cheesecakes, and pancakes. Though it has a lumpy texture, this can easily be amended by blending or whisking to achieve a consistently smooth feel.

Mashed Banana

Bananas are a vegan-friendly, dairy-free option that can add natural sweetness to your recipe. Typically used in baked goods, mashed bananas reduce the need for butter and oil while keeping the dish fresh.

It is recommended to add one or two teaspoons of lemon juice to your dish to incorporate a little bit of acidity. Furthermore, bananas are quite sweet, so you should be careful about how much sugar you add to your dish.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is the byproduct of the butter-making process. It is the leftover liquid after butter has been churned. This sounds unappealing, but it is rich in nutrients. It also contains acid that can activate baking soda, which makes bread and cake rise.

Like Greek yogurt, it has a tangy taste and is an excellent substitute for it in various dishes. Remember that it is much thinner and may produce a watery result. Consider other options if you want something with a much thicker texture.

Milk

Milk can be a good Greek yogurt substitute when baking for dairy lovers. Adding a single tablespoon of lemon juice to each cup of milk will make it sour. This would make it almost similar in taste to Greek yogurt. It is also recommended to use 1/4 less milk in the recipe than is required.

Cream Cheese

Apart from being a breakfast staple, this can also be a good replacement for Greek yogurt. It has a great taste that makes it perfect for baking and sauces. It also goes perfectly well with buffalo chicken dips. You can also use a good mixer to make your cream cheese even softer.

Avocado

Another great alternative for all vegans and fruit lovers. Mash up or blend your avocados and use them in a 1:1 ratio as you would your Greek yogurt. It is high in nutrients and healthy fats, making it suitable for sauces and salad dressings.

It has a fairly mild flavor, so you can amplify it by applying lime or lemon juice to give it a tangy taste. Furthermore, it can also be used in baking, but be aware it may produce a somewhat less moist result and may give the baked goods a slightly green color. 

Coconut Cream

Coconut cream is not to be confused with coconut milk. It is much thicker and is a dairy-free substitute for Greek yogurt. It contains lots of nutrients and adds that yummy flavor to your dish without being overwhelming.

Mayo

Mayo is a popular ingredient in sauces, salads, and dressings. It has a rich and creamy texture and is quite versatile in the kitchen. It can also be used as a Greek yogurt substitute.

Likewise, it has a consistency that allows it to work well with almost any recipe. With a smooth blend, one may not even notice you used mayo instead of Greek yogurt. You can also add white vinegar and cornstarch to amplify its flavor. It is also thinner in texture, so you should add a thickener if desired.

Plain Yogurt

Plain yogurt contains less protein and is not as creamy as its Greek counterpart. However, it has more water and less fat content, and you still get the familiar taste of Greek yogurt, although a bit milder.

You may observe that plain yogurt is smoother and thinner than Greek yogurt, which may make it unsuitable for some recipes.

To make it thicker, you should strain it to remove excess moisture. This is the essential process for making Greek yogurt. You can put a teaspoon of lemon juice, lime, or white vinegar to add a sharp flavor if desired.

Conclusion

Greek yogurt is a delicious food with many health benefits. However, it may not always be available or the best choice for everyone. Thankfully there are a handful of similar options, each unique with flavor, texture, and health benefits.

You don’t need to break the bank trying to get a jar of Greek yogurt with all these options available. Feel free to use any of the substitutes available, and be sure to have fun.