Out of Yogurt, one case
Vegan yogurt substitute: best plant-based alternatives
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Coconut yogurt
Same amount as the yogurt
The best vegan yogurt substitutes are coconut yogurt, almond yogurt, and cashew yogurt. Use a 1:1 ratio for most recipes. For homemade alternatives, blend soaked cashews with lemon juice and probiotics for a thick, tangy substitute.
- Best for —
- smoothies
One casethe full yogurt card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of yogurt |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coconut yogurtsmoothies | Same amount |
| 2 | Almond yogurtbreakfast bowls | Same amount |
| 3 | Cashew yogurtsavory dishes | Same amount |
| 4 | Soy yogurtsmoothies | Same amount |
| 5 | Oat yogurtbreakfast bowls | Same amount |
| 6 | Homemade cashew yogurtall applications | Same amount |
Coconut yogurt
sweet, slightly coconut
Creamy, thick yogurt made from coconut milk with natural sweetness
- Best for
- smoothies, breakfast bowls, dips, desserts, baking
- Texture
- thick, creamy
- Fat content
- High (coconut fat)
- Protein content
- Low
- Availability
- High - found in most grocery stores
Has a subtle coconut flavor that works well in sweet and savory dishes.
Almond yogurt
mild, slightly nutty
Nutty, creamy yogurt made from almonds with mild flavor
- Best for
- breakfast bowls, smoothies, baking, savory dishes
- Texture
- thick, creamy
- Fat content
- Medium
- Protein content
- Medium
- Availability
- High - found in most grocery stores
Mild flavor that works well in both sweet and savory recipes.
Cashew yogurt
neutral, slightly tangy
Rich, creamy yogurt made from cashews with neutral flavor
- Best for
- savory dishes, dips, sauces, baking, cheesecakes
- Texture
- thick, creamy
- Fat content
- High
- Protein content
- Medium
- Availability
- Medium - found in specialty stores
Most similar to yogurt in texture and flavor.
Soy yogurt
tangy, slightly beany
Protein-rich yogurt made from soy milk with tangy flavor
- Best for
- smoothies, breakfast bowls, baking, when protein is needed
- Texture
- thick, creamy
- Fat content
- Low
- Protein content
- High
- Availability
- High - found in most grocery stores
Highest protein content among plant-based yogurts.
Oat yogurt
mild, slightly sweet
Creamy yogurt made from oats with mild, sweet flavor
- Best for
- breakfast bowls, smoothies, baking, desserts
- Texture
- thick, creamy
- Fat content
- Low
- Protein content
- Medium
- Availability
- Medium - found in specialty stores
Mild flavor and good texture, may be slightly thinner.
Homemade cashew yogurt
neutral, tangy
DIY yogurt made from soaked cashews with probiotics
- Best for
- all applications, when you want control over ingredients
- Texture
- thick, creamy
- Fat content
- High
- Protein content
- Medium
- Availability
- Make at home
Most customizable and closest to yogurt texture.
| Substitute | Fat content | Protein content | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coconut yogurt | High (coconut fat) | Low | High - found in most grocery stores |
| Almond yogurt | Medium | Medium | High - found in most grocery stores |
| Cashew yogurt | High | Medium | Medium - found in specialty stores |
| Soy yogurt | Low | High | High - found in most grocery stores |
| Oat yogurt | Low | Medium | Medium - found in specialty stores |
| Homemade cashew yogurt | High | Medium | Make at home |
The longer answer
About this case
Yogurt is a staple in many diets, but for those following a vegan lifestyle, finding a suitable plant-based alternative can be challenging. Fortunately, there are several excellent vegan substitutes that can replicate yogurt's thick, creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Tips for substituting yogurt
7 tips- For the thickest texture, strain plant-based yogurts through cheesecloth for 2-4 hours
- Coconut yogurt works best in sweet dishes due to its natural sweetness
- Cashew yogurt is most versatile and works well in both sweet and savory recipes
- Soy yogurt provides the most protein and works well in smoothies and breakfast bowls
- For baking, use unsweetened varieties to avoid affecting the recipe's sweetness
- Add lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to increase tanginess if needed
- Store homemade yogurt in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
Notes on yogurt
Homemade cashew yogurt
This homemade version provides the closest texture and flavor to yogurt
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw cashews, soaked overnight
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 probiotic capsules (optional)
Instructions
- Soak cashews in water overnight, then drain
- Blend cashews with water until very smooth
- Add lemon juice, vinegar, and salt, blend again
- If using probiotics, open capsules and add powder
- Transfer to a clean jar and cover with cheesecloth
- Let ferment at room temperature for 8-12 hours
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before using
- Store in refrigerator for up to 1 week
Coconut yogurt
This version has a sweet, coconut flavor that works well in desserts
Ingredients
- 2 cans full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 probiotic capsules
Instructions
- Refrigerate coconut milk overnight to separate cream
- Scoop out the thick cream, discard the liquid
- Whip cream until smooth and creamy
- Add maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla
- Open probiotic capsules and add powder
- Mix well and transfer to a clean jar
- Cover and let ferment at room temperature for 8-12 hours
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before using
Vegan tzatziki with coconut yogurt
Coconut yogurt provides a creamy base with a subtle coconut flavor
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut yogurt (yogurt substitute)
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grate cucumber and drain excess water
- Mix coconut yogurt with grated cucumber
- Add garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil
- Stir in fresh dill
- Season with salt and pepper
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving
- Serve with pita bread or as a sauce
Vegan ranch dressing with almond yogurt
Almond yogurt provides a neutral base that works well in savory dressings
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond yogurt (yogurt substitute)
- ¼ cup vegan mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried dill
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2-3 tbsp plant-based milk (to thin if needed)
Instructions
- Mix almond yogurt and vegan mayonnaise in a bowl
- Add lemon juice and whisk until smooth
- Add garlic, dill, parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper
- Whisk until well combined
- Add plant-based milk gradually until desired consistency
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving
- Store in refrigerator for up to 1 week
Vegan smoothie bowl with cashew yogurt
Cashew yogurt provides a rich, creamy base for smoothie bowls
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashew yogurt (yogurt substitute)
- 1 frozen banana
- ½ cup frozen berries
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Toppings: granola, fresh berries, nuts, coconut flakes
Instructions
- Blend cashew yogurt with frozen banana and berries
- Add chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla
- Blend until smooth and creamy
- Pour into a bowl
- Top with granola, fresh berries, nuts, and coconut flakes
- Serve immediately
| Yogurt | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Calcium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coconut yogurt | 200-250 per cup | 2-4g per cup | 15-20g per cup | 8-12g per cup | Low |
| Almond yogurt | 150-200 per cup | 6-8g per cup | 8-12g per cup | 6-10g per cup | Medium |
| Cashew yogurt | 180-220 per cup | 8-10g per cup | 12-15g per cup | 6-8g per cup | Medium |
| Soy yogurt | 120-150 per cup | 12-15g per cup | 4-6g per cup | 8-12g per cup | High |
| Oat yogurt | 100-130 per cup | 4-6g per cup | 3-5g per cup | 12-15g per cup | Medium |
- Use coconut yogurt
- Sweet dishes and desserts
- Smoothies and breakfast bowls
- When you want natural sweetness
- Tropical-inspired recipes
- Use almond yogurt
- General cooking and baking
- When you want neutral flavor
- Breakfast bowls and smoothies
- Savory dishes
- Use cashew yogurt
- Savory dishes and sauces
- When you want the closest texture to yogurt
- Dips and dressings
- Cheesecakes and desserts
- Use soy yogurt
- When you need high protein
- Smoothies and breakfast bowls
- General cooking and baking
- When you want tangy flavor
- If yogurt is too thin, strain it through cheesecloth for 2-4 hours
- If yogurt is too sweet, add lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- If yogurt is too thick, add a little plant-based milk
- If yogurt is too tangy, add a little maple syrup or agave
- If yogurt separates, blend it again until smooth
- Store all vegan yogurts in the refrigerator
- Use within 1-2 weeks of opening
- Check for signs of spoilage before using
- Homemade yogurt should be used within 1 week
- Don't freeze vegan yogurts as they may separate
Questions
10 questionsWhat's the best vegan substitute for yogurt?
Cashew yogurt is the best vegan substitute for yogurt because it has the most similar texture and neutral flavor. Coconut yogurt and almond yogurt are also excellent options.
Can I use coconut yogurt instead of yogurt?
Yes, coconut yogurt can be used instead of yogurt. It has a thick, creamy texture and works well in both sweet and savory dishes, though it has a subtle coconut flavor.
What's the best vegan yogurt for baking?
Cashew yogurt or almond yogurt work best for baking because they have neutral flavors that won't interfere with your recipe. Use unsweetened varieties for best results.
Can I make vegan yogurt at home?
Yes, you can make vegan yogurt at home using soaked cashews, lemon juice, and probiotics. This gives you the most control over ingredients and texture.
What's the difference between vegan yogurt and regular yogurt?
Vegan yogurt is made from plant-based ingredients like coconut, almonds, or cashews, while regular yogurt is made from dairy. Vegan versions may have different protein and fat content.
Can I use soy yogurt instead of yogurt?
Yes, soy yogurt can be used instead of yogurt. It has a tangy flavor and is high in protein, making it a good choice for smoothies and breakfast bowls.
What's the best vegan yogurt for smoothies?
Coconut yogurt or cashew yogurt work best for smoothies because they have thick, creamy textures that blend well and provide good mouthfeel.
Can I use oat yogurt instead of yogurt?
Yes, oat yogurt can be used instead of yogurt. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and works well in breakfast bowls and smoothies.
What's the best vegan yogurt for savory dishes?
Cashew yogurt or almond yogurt work best for savory dishes because they have neutral flavors that won't interfere with savory ingredients.
Can I use vegan yogurt in cheesecake?
Yes, cashew yogurt or coconut yogurt work well in vegan cheesecakes. They provide the thick, creamy texture needed for authentic cheesecake consistency.