Best Yogurt Substitutes For Baking, Curry and Smoothie

Looking for suitable yogurt substitutes? Whether you're accommodating dietary preferences, allergies, or simply seeking new flavors, there's a range of options to consider. This guide gives you the best yogurt substitutes for baking, cooking, and smoothies!

Yogurt is valued for its creamy texture, tangy taste, and versatility in both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you missed making homemade yogurt or curd or are looking for a variation in existing recipes, this comprehensive guide to yogurt substitutes would work well in all kinds of recipes. From creamy plant-based options to tangy dairy substitutes, find the perfect fit for your recipes

Jump to:

• What is Yogurt?
• What Is The Difference Between Curd and Yogurt?
• Best Yogurt Substitutes
• 1. Vegan Yogurt
• 2. Cottage Cheese
• 3. Sour Cream
• 4. Fruit Puree
• 5. Buttermilk
• 6. Silken Tofu
• 7. Kefir
• 8. Homemade Yogurt
• Substitutes For Yogurt For Baking
• Substitutes For Yogurt For Cooking
• Substitutes For Yogurt For Smoothies
• FAQs
• Recipes That Use Yogurt:

What is Yogurt?

Yogurt is a dairy product made by fermenting milk with specific strains of bacteria. This fermentation process thickens the milk and gives yogurt its creamy texture and tangy flavor. It's a popular food often consumed on its own, used as a base for smoothies and sauces, or incorporated into both sweet and savory dishes. Additionally, yogurt contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can support gut health.

What Is The Difference Between Curd and Yogurt?

Curd is a general term used in many countries to describe coagulated milk obtained by the natural process of souring. It can be made by allowing milk to naturally sour and thicken due to the presence of lactic acid bacteria.

Yogurt is a specific type of cultured dairy product made by fermenting milk with specific strains of bacteria, usually Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. The fermentation process for yogurt is controlled and standardized to achieve a consistent texture and flavor.

Curd's consistency can be less uniform, and it might not always have the same level of creaminess as yogurt. Yogurt is known for its consistent creamy texture. Both curd and yogurt are sources of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can aid in digestion and promote gut health

Best Yogurt Substitutes

1. Vegan Yogurt

If you're following a vegan diet, you can opt for yogurt made from plant-based milk, such as soy, almond, coconut, or oat milk yogurt. You may make the vegan curd or yogurt at home by boiling vegan milk and once it's just warm adding, vegan starter (a spoon full is good) and mix it well. Keep the container in a warm place for 6-8 hours and the curd will be set.

2. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute in many recipes that call for yogurt, especially in savory dishes. It has a similar texture and provides a creamy element.

3. Sour Cream

For recipes that require a thicker and creamier texture, sour cream can be a good substitute. It can be used in sauces, curries, and desserts.

4. Fruit Puree

In sweet recipes like smoothies and desserts, you can use fruit puree such as banana or applesauce to provide a creamy and sweet texture.

5. Buttermilk

In some recipes, buttermilk can be used as a substitute for yogurt. It has a similar flavor, thin texture than yogurt and works well in marinades and cooked dishes.

6. Silken Tofu

For recipes that require a smooth and creamy texture, silken tofu can be used as a yogurt substitute, especially in dessert recipes.

7. Kefir

If you're looking for a probiotic alternative, kefir is an option. It's a fermented drink that is similar to yogurt in terms of flavor and probiotics.

8. Homemade Yogurt

If you can't find suitable yogurt or want a more personalized option, you can consider making your own yogurt at home using milk (plant-based or animal) and bacterial cultures. To make curd at home, boil milk, then let it be warm (not hot). Add a spoonful of plain yogurt with live cultures or a culture packet, mix, and pour into containers. Cover, place in a warm spot for 6-8 hours until thickened, then refrigerate. The curd can be used as a creamy dairy product or starter for future batches.

Substitutes For Yogurt For Baking

Yogurt is often used in baking to add moisture and a tangy flavor. When substituting yogurt in baking, you can use the following ratios:

• Replace 1 cup of yogurt with 1 cup of buttermilk or sour cream.
• Replace 1 cup of yogurt with ¾ cup of milk and ¼ cup of vinegar or lemon juice (to mimic the tanginess).

For vegan options, you can use:

• Replace 1 cup of yogurt with 1 cup of plant-based yogurt (such as almond, soy, coconut, or oat yogurt).
• Replace 1 cup of yogurt with 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana (for moisture).

Substitutes For Yogurt For Cooking

In savory cooking, yogurt is often used to add creaminess and tanginess to sauces, marinades, and dressings. When substituting yogurt in cooking:

• Replace 1 cup of yogurt with 1 cup of sour cream or buttermilk.
• Replace 1 cup of yogurt with 1 cup of Greek yogurt (for a thicker consistency).

For vegan options:

• Replace 1 cup of yogurt with 1 cup of plant-based yogurt.
• Replace 1 cup of yogurt with 1 cup of blended silken tofu (for creaminess).

Substitutes For Yogurt For Smoothies

Yogurt is a popular ingredient in smoothies for its creamy texture and probiotic content. When substituting yogurt in smoothies:

• Replace 1 cup of yogurt with 1 cup of plant-based yogurt.
• Replace 1 cup of yogurt with 1 cup of milk or a milk alternative (for a lighter option)

FAQs

Recipes That Use Yogurt:

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