Whether you need yogurt for fluffy pancakes or a smoothie, we have a substitute for you. Yogurt has a creamy texture that can be replicated with the right ingredients!
From coconut yogurt to mashed fruit, you’re bound to find something that’ll work. You may even have these yogurt substitutes in your pantry or fridge already. They’ll add creaminess, flavor, and nutrients.
If you’re curious about more dairy-free substitutes, check out our vegan dairy alternatives next!
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Best Yogurt Substitutes
Nut Butter
Creamy nut butters like almond, peanut, or cashew butter can add thickness and smoothness to a recipe. In larger quantities, they’ll add a rich nutty taste that’s super delicious. We love adding them as a protein boost in smoothies, sauces, and on top of waffles.
Avocado
Avocados are super creamy and can be used in a variety of ways. Once blended, they’re particularly great in dressings and smoothies. They’re also packed with nutrients and contain healthy fats!
Silken Tofu
When blended with water or plant based milk, silken tofu results in a very similar texture to yogurt. Plus, it has a neutral flavor, so it won’t affect the flavor of your recipe! You can make it sweet or savory, depending on what you mix with it.
Banana
Bananas are so versatile! Frozen bananas are wonderful in smoothies and create a yummy, creamy texture. Mashed banana is used frequently in baked goods for added thickness and sweetness. It works really well in pancakes, muffins, and cakes.
Applesauce
Similar to bananas, unsweetened applesauce is wonderful in baked goods like muffins, cakes, and pancakes. Not only does it bind ingredients together, but it adds moisture as well. Functions the same as yogurt but just with a different taste.
Aquafaba
It may sound strange, but aquafaba is the liquid in a can of chickpeas. When whipped up with an acid (like lemon juice or cream of tartar), it transforms into a whipped cream-like consistency. It can add lightness and creaminess to vegan baked goods.
Tahini
Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds, so it has a texture similar to nut butter. It’s a unique dairy-free alternative to yogurt, especially in dressings and dips. We love our tahini dressing in our tofu buddha bowl.Â
Chia or flax seeds
When you mix chia or ground flax with water, they become thick and gooey. If you need to add thickness to a recipe, it’s a great alternative! It also helps bind ingredients together. Plus, they’re rich in omega-3s.
Vegan yogurt
And finally, vegan yogurt! Some popular options include:
- Soy yogurt — high in protein
- Coconut yogurt — slight coconut taste. Varies in thickness
- Cashew yogurt — usually less thick. Smooth and creamy
- Almond milk yogurt — usually less thick. Slightly nutty flavor
They have a similar texture and nutrients as traditional yogurt but without the animal product! We love using vegan yogurt in parfaits and in overnight oats.
Related Articles
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Alena Schowalter is a Certified Vegan Nutritionist who has been a vegetarian since childhood and vegan since 2012. Together with her husband, she founded nutriciously in 2015 and has been guiding thousands of people through different transition stages towards a healthy plant-based diet. She’s received training in the fields of nutrition, music therapy and social work. Alena enjoys discussions around vegan ethics, walks through nature and creating new recipes.
Out of yogurt for a recipe or want to try something dairy-free? These are the 9 best yogurt substitutes for when you need them.