There are plenty of options if you don’t want to use half and half! Here’s the best substitute for half and half in recipes and your coffee.
Out of half and half and need a substitute? As two cookbook authors and recipe developers, here are our best ideas!
The half and half you buy in the store is a mixture of 50% whole milk and 50% heavy cream. If you want a substitute for coffee, you can really use any dairy product or non-dairy creamer. But if you’re using it in a recipe, here are a few different substitutes you could use:
Best substitutes for half and half
1. Whole milk + melted butter
Whisk together 1 cup whole milk with 1 tablespoon melted butter to make 1 cup half and half. Let the butter cool slightly first so it doesn’t seize up in the cold milk.
2. Whole milk + heavy cream
This one is basically making half and half yourself! Mix together equal parts whole milk and heavy cream to substitute for half and half.
3. Low-fat milk + heavy cream
Got low-fat milk on hand instead? Another option is 2 parts low-fat milk to 1 part heavy cream. This will do just as well.
4. Oat milk + vegan butter or oil
Need a non-dairy substitute? Use 3 parts oat milk to 1 part vegan butter or oil. This dairy-free combination can work, though it won’t taste as rich as half and half.
5. For coffee, any of the above
For coffee, combining milk and cream is the closest substitute in terms of flavor and creaminess. You can also experiment with non-dairy creamers or other non-dairy options like oat milk or soy milk combined with oil for a vegan-friendly alternative.
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Frequently asked questions
Half and half is a dairy product made of equal parts whole milk and light cream. It has a lower fat content than heavy cream but is richer than milk, making it ideal for coffee, baking, and cooking.
While milk can be used as a substitute in some recipes, it won’t provide the same richness or thickness as half and half. For baking, it might affect the texture and rise of your baked goods. For coffee, it will be less creamy.
Sour cream or yogurt can be used as 1-for-1 substitutes for half and half in baking, though they may add a slight tangy flavor. For a neutral flavor, combine milk and cream.
