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Substitute for Plain yogurt

What it does in a recipe: Tangy moisture and tenderizing acidity; marinade base.

3 substitutes, ranked by what's already in your pantry. Amounts are dataset values — US and metric where a ratio exists.

Sour cream, thinned

per 1 cup yogurt

US3/4 cup sour cream + 1/4 cup milk
Metric180 g + 60 ml
CommonBaking-safe ✓Gluten-freeEgg-freeNut-freeSoy-freeAlcohol-freeContains dairy

Milk matches the consistency.

What changes: Slightly richer

Best for: Batters, dressings

Coconut yogurt

per 1 cup yogurt

US1 cup, unsweetened
Metric240 g
SpecialtyBaking-safe ✓VeganDairy-freeGluten-freeEgg-freeSoy-freeAlcohol-free

Cultured plant base mirrors the acidity.

What changes: Coconut flavor, thinner

Best for: Dairy-free baking

Buttermilk (in batters/marinades)

per 1 cup yogurt

US1 cup buttermilk (slightly thinner; reduce other liquid by 1 Tbsp)
Metric240 ml
CommonBaking-safe ✓Gluten-freeEgg-freeNut-freeSoy-freeAlcohol-freeContains dairy

Same lactic acid tenderizing.

What changes: Thinner

Best for: Marinades, batters

Related swaps

Common questions

What can I use instead of Plain yogurt?
Sour cream, thinned: 3/4 cup sour cream + 1/4 cup milk. Buttermilk (in batters/marinades): 1 cup buttermilk (slightly thinner; reduce other liquid by 1 Tbsp).
What is the exact ratio to substitute Plain yogurt?
Sour cream, thinned (per 1 cup yogurt) — US: 3/4 cup sour cream + 1/4 cup milk. Metric: 180 g + 60 ml.
What changes when you substitute Plain yogurt?
Slightly richer. Coconut flavor, thinner.

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