The 10 Best Dairy and Non Dairy Substitutes For Greek Yogurt

The best substitutes for Greek yogurt depend on your recipe, but the closest options are plain yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, and coconut yogurt. Each offers a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor, with easy 1:1 swaps for most recipes—whether you’re baking, cooking, or making sauces.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been halfway through a recipe (and usually a sauce or baked good) and realized I was out of Greek yogurt. After testing different swaps in my own kitchen, I learned quickly that not all substitutes behave the same. Some add richness, others lighten the texture, and a few completely change the flavor.

Let’s get into it!

How I tested these substitutes

When I tested a Greek yogurt substitute, I focused on three things: texture, tang, and moisture.

For example, in baking, I found sour cream gave the closest result—soft, moist, and slightly tangy. For sauces, plain yogurt or a blended cottage cheese worked beautifully. And for dairy-free recipes, coconut yogurt was the most reliable option.

Why I love Greek yogurt (and what we’re replacing)

Greek yogurt is popular for a reason:

• Thick, creamy texture
• Slight tangy flavor
• High in protein
• Works in both sweet and savory recipes

So when choosing a yogurt substitute, you want something that mimics those qualities.

The best substitutes for Greek yogurt

1. Plain Yogurt (Regular Yogurt)

• Best overall Greek yogurt replacement
• Slightly thinner, but similar flavor
• Tip: strain it for a thicker, strained yogurt consistency

2. Sour Cream

• Rich and tangy
• Perfect for baked goods and dips
• Adds more fat, so expect a slightly richer result

3. Cottage Cheese

• High in protein like Greek yogurt
• Blend until smooth for a creamy texture
• Great in sauces and spreads

4. Coconut Yogurt (Dairy-Free)

• Best non dairy substitute for Greek yogurt
• Mild coconut flavor
• Works well in breakfast bowls and baking

5. Cream Cheese

• Thick and rich
• Best used in small amounts or thinned with milk
• Ideal for dips or spreads

6. Silken Tofu

• Great vegan substitute
• Blend until smooth
• Neutral flavor, works well in savory dishes

How to substitute (simple guide)

• Use most substitutes 1:1 ratio
• For thinner options (like regular yogurt), reduce other liquids slightly
• For thicker options (like cream cheese), thin with a bit of milk

Substitutions by use

For baking

• Sour cream
• Plain yogurt

For sauces and dips

• Cottage cheese (blended)
• Cream cheese

For dairy-free recipes

• Coconut yogurt
• Silken tofu

Expert tips (from my kitchen)

• For best results, use full-fat options when possible
• Match the texture first, then the flavor
• Always taste before serving—some swaps are more tangy than others
• If using a thinner substitute, adjust slowly to avoid runny results

How to store leftovers

• Store substitutes in an airtight container in the fridge
• Most dairy-based options last 5–7 days
• Stir before using if separation occurs

FAQ’s

What is the best substitute for Greek yogurt in baking?
Sour cream or plain yogurt—they give the closest texture and moisture.

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, just note it’s thinner. Straining helps mimic Greek yogurt.

What’s a dairy-free alternative to Greek yogurt?
Coconut yogurt or blended silken tofu.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes—and vice versa. They’re very similar in flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Once you understand what Greek yogurt brings to a recipe—creaminess, tang, and moisture—it becomes much easier to swap it confidently.

In my kitchen, I almost always reach for sour cream or plain yogurt first, but having a few options on hand means you’re never stuck mid-recipe again.