Dairy Substitutes

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Browse 24 dairy ingredients and their substitutes.

Click on any ingredient to see tested replacements with exact ratios and use-case guidance.

Dairy Ingredients

Almond Milk

Thin, mildly nutty plant milk used in beverages, cereals, baking, and as a dairy-free milk substitute.

4 substitutes

Buttermilk

Tangy fermented dairy liquid commonly used in baking to activate baking soda and add tenderness.

6 substitutes

Cheddar Cheese

Sharp, tangy hard cheese used in sandwiches, burgers, mac and cheese, and baked dishes.

4 substitutes

Coconut Milk (canned)

Thick, rich coconut milk used in curries, soups, desserts, and as a dairy-free cream substitute.

4 substitutes

Condensed Milk

Sweetened, thick canned milk used in desserts, caramel, fudge, and pies.

3 substitutes

Cream Cheese

Soft, mild cheese used in frostings, cheesecakes, dips, and spreads.

5 substitutes

Cream of Coconut

Sweetened thick coconut cream used in tropical cocktails, desserts, and baking.

2 substitutes

Crème Fraîche

Thick, tangy French cultured cream used in sauces, soups, and as a topping for savory and sweet dishes.

4 substitutes

Evaporated Milk

Concentrated canned milk with 60% water removed. Used in custards, soups, and baking.

4 substitutes

Feta Cheese

Salty, crumbly Greek cheese made from sheep's milk, used in salads, pastries, and Mediterranean dishes.

4 substitutes

Greek Yogurt

Thick, strained yogurt with high protein content used in dips, baking, dressings, and as a topping.

4 substitutes

Half-and-Half

Equal parts whole milk and cream (10-18% fat) used in coffee, soups, and light sauces.

4 substitutes

Heavy Cream

High-fat dairy cream used for whipping, sauces, soups, and baking. Contains 36%+ fat.

5 substitutes

Heavy Whipping Cream

High-fat cream (36%+) used for whipping, rich sauces, ganaches, and pastries.

4 substitutes

Mascarpone

Rich Italian triple cream cheese used in tiramisu, frostings, pasta sauces, and desserts.

3 substitutes

Mozzarella Cheese

Soft, mild, stretchy Italian cheese essential on pizza, in caprese salads, and baked dishes.

4 substitutes

Oat Milk

Creamy, slightly sweet plant milk made from oats. Best plant milk for coffee and baking.

4 substitutes

Parmesan Cheese

Hard, salty, umami-rich Italian cheese used in pasta, risotto, salads, and as a topping.

4 substitutes

Powdered Milk

Dehydrated milk used in baking, confections, and as a shelf-stable milk substitute.

3 substitutes

Ricotta Cheese

Soft, grainy Italian cheese used in lasagna, cannoli, stuffed pasta, and cheesecakes.

4 substitutes

Sour Cream

Thick, tangy fermented cream used in dips, baked goods, sauces, and toppings.

5 substitutes

Soy Milk

High-protein plant milk made from soybeans that behaves most like dairy milk in cooking and baking.

3 substitutes

Whipping Cream

30-35% fat cream that can be whipped into a light topping for desserts and beverages.

3 substitutes

Whole Milk

Full-fat cow's milk used widely in baking, cooking, and beverages.

5 substitutes