What can I substitute for plain yogurt?
Running low on plain yogurt? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.
About plain yogurt
Plain yogurt is an unflavoured, cultured dairy product made by fermenting milk with live bacterial cultures, giving it a creamy texture and characteristic tangy flavour. In cooking and baking, it adds moisture, tenderness, and a mild acidity that can activate leavening agents. It is widely used in marinades, dressings, sauces, dips, and baked goods across many cuisines.
Best substitute
sour cream
Sour cream has a very similar tangy flavour and creamy texture to plain yogurt, making it an almost seamless swap in most recipes. It is slightly higher in fat, which can produce a richer result in baked goods and dips.
Use 1 cup for every 1 cup of plain yogurt
bakingdipsdressingsmarinadessaucesNot suitable for: low-fat recipes
Alternative
buttermilk
Buttermilk provides the same lactic acid tang and ability to activate bicarbonate of soda in baking, but it is much thinner in consistency. It works best in pourable batters and marinades rather than thick dips or toppings.
Use ¾ cup for every 1 cup of plain yogurt — reduce other liquids in the recipe slightly
bakingmarinadespancakesNot suitable for: dipsNot suitable for: thick saucesNot suitable for: toppings
What is plain yogurt called in other countries?
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | plain yoghurt |
| Canada | plain yogurt |
| New Zealand | plain yoghurt |
| United Kingdom | plain yoghurt |
| United States | plain yogurt |
Common names for plain yogurt
natural yoghurtnatural yogurtunsweetened yoghurtunflavoured yoghurt