The 10 Best Dairy and Non Dairy Substitutes For Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt has become a staple ingredient in many households. It’s a great source of protein, low in fat, and has a creamy texture that is perfect for baking and cooking. However, sometimes you may not have Greek yogurt on hand, or you may be looking to substitute Greek yogurt in your recipe. In this post, I’ll go through my top tried and tested Greek yogurt substitutes that you probably already have on hand!

What Is Greek Yogurt?

Greek yogurt is a type of yogurt that is made by straining regular yogurt to remove most of the whey, which is the liquid part of the milk. This process gives Greek yogurt its thick and creamy texture, as well as its tangy flavor.

Greek yogurt is made from the same ingredients as regular yogurt, which is milk and live cultures. The milk can be from a variety of sources, including cow, goat, or sheep. The live cultures are the beneficial bacteria that ferment the milk and turn it into yogurt. These bacteria are also responsible for giving yogurt its tangy flavor and providing a range of health benefits.

Suggested Recipe: Blood Orange Yogurt Cake

Greek yogurt is known for its high protein content, which is due to the straining process that removes much of the liquid. It also has a lower lactose content than regular yogurt, which makes it a good option for people who are lactose intolerant.

Common Greek Yogurt Uses

Greek yogurt isn’t just a delightful breakfast staple; its versatility knows no bounds, making it a favorite among both home cooks and professional chefs. It enhances the body and richness of smoothies and shakes, serving as a nutritious boost to start your day. In the realm of savory recipes, it’s a key ingredient in dips and sauces, adding depth and a smooth consistency that complements everything from raw vegetables to spicy chicken wings.

Here are popular ways to use Greek yogurt in savory dishes:

• Use Greek Yogurt in Tacos and Wraps
• Use Greek Yogurt in Savory Dips
• Use Greek Yogurt in Dressing and Sauces
• Use Greek Yogurt on top of Chili or Sweet Potatoes
• Use Greek yogurt in marinades

For those with a sweet tooth, Greek yogurt is a revelation in baking recipes, offering a moist crumb to cakes and bread while reducing fat content. It’s also a perfect base for homemade frozen treats, where its tartness balances the sweetness for a refreshing dessert.

Here are popular ways to use Greek yogurt in Sweet Recipes:

• Use Greek Yogurt in Fruit Dips
• Use Greek Yogurt in Baking
• Use Greek Yogurt in Cheesecakes and Desserts

What Does Greek Yogurt Taste Like?

Greek yogurt is known for its tangy, slightly sour flavor and thick, creamy texture, which comes from straining out the whey. This process also makes it slightly tart and denser than regular yogurt. The taste and texture can vary depending on the milk used; whole milk varieties are creamier, while skim milk versions are less so. Plain Greek yogurt is tangy and mildly sweet, but quality varies with some brands tasting slightly bitter due to overstraining or low-quality milk.

High-quality Greek yogurt, however, is rich and creamy, ideal for both sweet and savory dishes. Flavored options like honey, fruit, and vanilla offer a sweeter taste, adding a delicious twist to recipes.

What is Greek Yogurt Used for in Cooking

Greek yogurt is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways in cooking. It’s a popular ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes due to its tangy flavor and creamy texture. Here are 5 popular way Greek yogurt can be used in cooking:

1. Dips and Spreads: Greek yogurt can be used to make creamy and flavorful dips and spreads, such as tzatziki, hummus, and ranch dip. It adds a tangy flavor and a creamy texture that complements a variety of flavors.
2. Baked Goods: Greek yogurt can be used in baking as a substitute for sour cream or buttermilk. It adds moisture to baked goods, resulting in a moist and tender texture. It can be used in muffins, cakes, and bread.
3. Marinades and Dressings: Greek yogurt can be used as a base for marinades and dressings. It adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavor that complements a variety of ingredients. It’s particularly good in Caesar dressing, ranch dressing, and marinades for chicken and fish.
4. Smoothies and Parfaits: Greek yogurt is a popular ingredient in smoothies and parfaits due to its high protein content and creamy texture. It can be used as a base for smoothies or layered with fruit and granola to make a parfait.
5. Soups and Sauces: Greek yogurt can be used to add a creamy texture to soups and sauces. It’s particularly good in tomato soup, as it adds a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Suggested Recipe: (Healthy) Creamy Yogurt Salad Dressing

In addition to the above uses, Greek yogurt can also be used as a healthy substitute for sour cream, mayonnaise, and heavy cream in a variety of recipes. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different ways to add flavor and nutrition to your meals.

Best Substitutes for Greek Yogurt

When seeking the perfect alternative to Greek yogurt, it’s helpful to categorize substitutes into dairy and non-dairy options to best match your dietary preferences or restrictions. Here’s a breakdown of the best substitutes within each category:

Dairy Substitutes for Greek Yogurt

Plain Yogurt

Plain yogurt is one of the best substitutes for Greek yogurt. It has a similar texture and flavor and can be used in any recipe that calls for Greek yogurt. However, regular yogurt has a higher water content than Greek yogurt, so you may need to strain it to achieve the same thickness.

Sour Cream

Sour cream is another great substitute for Greek yogurt. It has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, and it’s a great choice for dips and dressings. Keep in mind that sour cream has a higher fat content than Greek yogurt, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a low-fat option.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a surprising but effective substitute for Greek yogurt. It has a similar creamy texture and can be used in dips and baked goods. However, it has a more grainy texture than Greek yogurt, so you may need to puree it in a blender for a smoother consistency.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is another substitute for Greek yogurt that can be used in baked goods and dips. It has a similar creamy texture and mild flavor. Keep in mind that cream cheese has a higher fat content than Greek yogurt, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a low-fat option.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is a good substitute for Greek yogurt in recipes that require a tangy flavor. It has a thinner texture than Greek yogurt, so you may need to adjust the other ingredients in the recipe accordingly.

Suggested Recipe: Yogurt & Pear Breakfast Muffins

Non Dairy Substitutes for Greek Yogurt

Mashed Bananas

Mashed banana can be used as a substitute for Greek yogurt in recipes that require a creamy texture. Mashed Bananas can have a similar texture and can add a subtle flavor to the recipe. However, they may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a tangy flavor.

Silken Tofu

Silken tofu is a vegan substitute for Greek yogurt. It has a similar creamy texture and can be used in dips, dressings, and baked goods. Keep in mind that it has a neutral flavor, so you may need to add lemon juice or other seasonings to achieve the desired taste.

Coconut Cream

Coconut cream can substitute for Greek yogurt in recipes to add a rich, creamy texture and a subtle tropical sweetness, making it ideal for vegan and dairy-free dishes.

Mashed Avocado

Mashed avocado can serve as a substitute for Greek yogurt in recipes, offering a creamy texture and a heart-healthy fat content, ideal for adding richness and moisture to both savory and sweet dishes.

To substitute Greek yogurt with mashed avocado in recipes, use an equal amount of avocado to provide creaminess and richness, blending smoothly into dips, spreads, and baked goods for a nutritious, buttery texture.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise can substitute for Greek yogurt in a 1:1 ratio in recipes, adding a creamy texture and rich flavor. It’s particularly effective in dressings, dips, and baked goods, offering a moist crumb and decadent mouthfeel.

Considerations for Choosing the Best Substitute

When choosing the best substitute for Greek yogurt, consider the desired flavor profile and texture of your dish. For savory recipes, options like mayonnaise or avocado can mimic the creaminess with a neutral or complementary taste. In sweet dishes, mashed bananas or coconut cream offer moisture and a flavor boost. Think about dietary restrictions; vegan substitutes like coconut cream are ideal for dairy-free needs.

Also, assess the nutritional content if health concerns are a priority, as substitutes can vary widely in fat, calories, and protein. Lastly, the consistency of your substitute should align with the texture you’re aiming for in your final dish, ensuring your culinary creation turns out just right.

In conclusion, when it comes to substituting Greek yogurt, there are many options to choose from. Plain yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, cream cheese, buttermilk, mashed banana or avocado, and silken tofu can all be used as substitutes. Consider the flavor and texture of the recipe when choosing a substitute, and experiment until you find the perfect match. Happy baking and cooking!