Best Greek Yogurt Substitute

There are several options if you’re all out of Greek yogurt! Here’s the best Greek yogurt substitute to use in recipes and baking.

Best Greek Yogurt Substitute

Keep in mind, some recipes that call for Greek yogurt are already using it as a substitute. Greek yogurt is often used as a substitute for sour cream, oil, butter, mayonnaise, buttermilk, or heavy cream. The options below depend on the type of recipe and how Greek yogurt is being used.

1. Plain yogurt

The best Greek yogurt substitute? Plain yogurt. Plain yogurt has a looser texture than the Greek variety. If you’re using the replacement in baking or pancakes, you can use plain yogurt as a 1:1 substitute for Greek yogurt. For dips or other recipes where you want at thicker consistency, here’s a trick: make your own Greek yogurt.

You can actually make Greek yogurt out of plain yogurt! Straining plain yogurt gives it a similar thick texture. Here’s what to do: place the plain yogurt in a fine mesh strainer and place it over a bowl. Let it sit in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 hours until it drains its liquid and becomes thicker.

2. Sour cream

The next best Greek yogurt substitute? Sour cream! Like Greek yogurt, sour cream is a cultured dairy product. It has a creamy texture similar to Greek yogurt and a tangy flavor, though the texture is slightly looser. Use this as a 1:1 substitute for Greek yogurt baking recipes and for dolloping chili and tacos.

3. Vegan sour cream (dairy-free option)

A substitute for Greek yogurt that’s dairy free? Try this Vegan Sour Cream! It’s oddly similar to the flavor and texture of yogurt, but it’s made with cashews, tofu and lemon juice. Do not use this as a substitute for sour cream in baking recipes. But it’s perfect for dolloping chili and tacos!

4. Plant-based Greek-style yogurt

These days there are lots of vegan yogurt options, including coconut, almond, cashew and oat versions. You can use them as a 1:1 swap anywhere, baking included.

5. Mayonnaise (in some cases)

Making something creamy like tuna salad or egg salad and there’s Greek yogurt in it? You can use mayonnaise instead, because the standard recipe was adapted to use Greek yogurt.

6. Butter (partial swap in baking)

You can use butter as a substitute for the Greek yogurt in baked goods, but don’t add 1 cup butter if the recipe calls for 1 cup yogurt! You may need to add a combination of butter and another food that adds moisture to baked goods, like applesauce or mashed banana.

7. Blended cottage cheese

Blend cottage cheese until it is smooth and it’s very close in protein, tang and thickness. Use 1:1, and go light on the other salt in the recipe.

8. Labneh

Labneh is thicker and more savory than Greek yogurt, but it works as a substitute; you may want to thin it out slightly with water.

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