What can I substitute for kefir?

Running low on kefir? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.

kefir — ingredient substitution guide — Photo by AI25.Studio Studio on Pexels

About kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk drink made by culturing milk with kefir grains, resulting in a tangy, slightly effervescent liquid with a consistency thinner than yoghurt. It is rich in probiotics, protein, and calcium, and plays a dual role in cooking as both a liquid dairy component and an acid that activates leavening agents. Its sharp, lactic tang adds depth to baked goods, dressings, marinades, and sauces.

Best substitute

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is the closest match to kefir in terms of acidity, consistency, and culinary function, making it an almost seamless swap in baking and marinades. It activates bicarbonate of soda identically and provides a comparable tangy flavour.

Use 1 cup for every 1 cup of kefir

bakingmarinadesdressingspancakesprobiotic drinks

Alternative

Plain yoghurt thinned with milk

Plain yoghurt shares the same lactic acid culture as kefir and delivers a very similar tang and dairy richness. Thin full-fat or low-fat yoghurt with milk to approximate kefir's pourable consistency.

Use ¾ cup yoghurt whisked with ¼ cup milk for every 1 cup of kefir

bakingdressingsdipsmarinadessmoothiesprobiotic drinks

Alternative

DIY soured milk

What is kefir called in other countries?

Country	Name
Australia	kefir
New Zealand	kefir
United Kingdom	kefir
United States	kefir

Common names for kefir

kephirkefyrbúlgarosmilk kefir

Related ingredients

buttermilk

3 substitutes available

cream cheese

2 substitutes available

heavy cream

3 substitutes available

sour cream

2 substitutes available

whole milk

3 substitutes available

yogurt

2 substitutes available

Adding an acid such as white vinegar or lemon juice to regular full-cream milk mimics the acidity of kefir and will reliably activate leavening agents in baked goods. The flavour is less complex and it contains no live cultures, but it works well structurally.

Add 1 tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then top up to 1 cup with full-cream milk; stir and rest for 5 minutes before using

bakingpancakesquick breadsprobiotic drinksdressingsdips

Alternative

Sour cream thinned with milk

Sour cream has a similar fermented dairy tang and fat content to full-fat kefir, making it a good substitute when thinned to a pourable consistency. It works particularly well in baked goods and creamy dressings but adds more richness.

Use ½ cup sour cream whisked with ½ cup milk for every 1 cup of kefir

bakingdressingsdipsmarinadesprobiotic drinkslight sauces

Alternative

Coconut kefir

Coconut kefir is made by fermenting coconut milk or coconut water with kefir grains, producing a dairy-free alternative with a comparable tangy, effervescent character. It works well as a like-for-like swap in most recipes and is suitable for those avoiding dairy.

Use 1 cup for every 1 cup of kefir

bakingsmoothiesdairy-free cookingdressingsrecipes requiring neutral dairy flavour