Dry milk substitutes
Dry milk substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Also called Dry Milk Powder, nonfat dry milk, powdered milk, milk powder
Use Regular milk
1 cup for every ¼ cup dry milk
Similar dairy product with different form.
The best substitutes for dry milk are regular milk, buttermilk powder, or other dairy powders like whey protein or coconut milk powder, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- The tweak —
- Take 1 cup of water or other liquid out of the recipe for every cup of milk you add.
- Best for —
- cooking
Updated 8 Oct 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked · per ¼ cup dry milk| # | Substitute | Instead of ¼ cup dry milk | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Regular milkcooking | 1 cupTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Buttermilk powdercooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Whey proteincooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Coconut milk powdercooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Almond milk powdercooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Soy milk powdercooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Regular milk
similar taste, different texture
Similar dairy product with different form.
- Best for
- cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
- Prep
- Take 1 cup of water or other liquid out of the recipe for every cup of milk you add.
Different form, similar flavor. It only works when the recipe has water or other liquid to take out.
Buttermilk powder
different taste, similar texture
Similar dairy powder with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture.
Whey protein
different taste, similar texture
Similar dairy powder with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture.
Coconut milk powder
different taste, similar texture
Similar plant-based powder with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, baking, desserts, vegan recipes
Different flavor, similar texture.
Almond milk powder
different taste, similar texture
Similar plant-based powder with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, baking, desserts, vegan recipes
Different flavor, similar texture.
Soy milk powder
different taste, similar texture
Similar plant-based powder with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, baking, desserts, vegan recipes
Different flavor, similar texture.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use regular milk instead of dry milk?
Yes, in recipes that also contain water or another liquid. Use 1 cup of regular milk for every ¼ cup of dry milk and take 1 cup of that liquid out. It does not work where the powder has to stay dry, as in a dry mix.
What's the difference between dry milk and regular milk?
Dry milk is dehydrated and has concentrated flavor, while regular milk is liquid and has a different texture. Both have similar flavor, but they do not swap measure for measure: ¼ cup of dry milk mixed with 1 cup of water makes about 1 cup of milk.
Can I use buttermilk powder instead of dry milk?
Yes, buttermilk powder can work as a substitute, though it may have a different flavor. It has similar texture and can be used in most recipes.
Why is dry milk so popular in baking?
Dry milk is popular in baking because it adds concentrated milk flavor and has a long shelf life, making it convenient for many recipes.
Tips for substituting dry milk
6 tips- Dry milk adds concentrated milk flavor to dishes
- Dry milk can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Dry milk pairs well with herbs, spices, and vegetables
- Dry milk works well in baking and desserts
- Dry milk can be used to make sauces and soups
- Store dry milk in an airtight container