Substitutes for Half-and-Half

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

Can't find Half-and-Half in your kitchen? No problem! Below are 4 tested substitutes with exact ratios, perfect for baking, cooking, and everything in between.

Substitute Ratio Best For Dietary
Whole Milk + Heavy Cream 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 cup heavy cream per 1 cup half-and-half coffee, soups, sauces, custards
Vegetarian
Evaporated Milk 1:1 replacement coffee, soups, sauces
Vegetarian
Coconut Milk (carton) 1:1 replacement coffee, soups, sauces
Vegan Dairy-Free
Oat Milk Barista Blend 1:1 replacement coffee, light sauces
Vegan Dairy-Free

How to Use

Exact DIY substitute. Adjust ratio for desired richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Half-and-Half?
The best substitute depends on your recipe, but Whole Milk + Heavy Cream is a reliable choice for most applications. Use 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 cup heavy cream per 1 cup half-and-half.
What's a vegan substitute for Half-and-Half?
Coconut Milk (carton) is an excellent vegan option. Use 1:1 replacement.
Can I use any of these substitutes interchangeably?
Most substitutes work well in their recommended use cases, but they may produce slightly different results. The notes above explain the differences and best practices.
Will the taste be affected?
Some substitutes may subtly change the flavor profile of your dish, but they'll work great in the recommended use cases. Start with the suggested ratio and adjust to your taste.