01
Plain Yogurt
8.01 cup : 1 cup
Closest dairy match; slightly thinner, works perfectly in dips, baking, and toppings
8.0
vegetarian sour cream
substitute.
10 vegetarian substitutes for sour cream — top pick Plain Yogurt at 80% function match.
all substitutes on this page are vegetarian
top substitutes
02
Greek Yogurt
8.01 cup : 1 cup
Thicker and tangier; closest swap in dips, baked potatoes, and creamy dressings
8.0
03
Buttermilk
8.07/8 cup : 1 cup
Tangy and thick; use 1:1 in baking for tender crumb, adds slight sourness to pancakes
8.0
show 7 more substitutes
04
Mayonnaise
7.51:1
Similar creamy tang; use 1:1 in dressings and coleslaw, richer and less sour than sour cream
7.5
05
Evaporated Milk
6.01 cup : 1 cup
Dilute 1:1 with water; richer and slightly caramelized, works in cream sauces and baking
6.0
06
Milk
6.07/8 cup : 1 cup
Thinner and less tangy; add 1 tbsp lemon juice per cup for sour-cream tang in baking
6.0
07
Coconut Cream
6.01 cup : 1 cup
Chill overnight, add 1 tsp lemon for tang; dairy-free
6.0
08
Cottage Cheese
6.01 cup : 1 cup
Blend smooth for dips, or use chunky in baking
6.0
09
Ricotta
6.01 cup : 1 cup
Thicker, add splash of milk and lemon to thin
6.0
10
Margarine
4.01:1
For baking only; melted margarine adds fat without tang, won't work in dips or toppings
4.0
pitfalls to avoid
watch out
Plain Yogurt: May change smoothie thickness
watch out
Greek Yogurt: May shift the broth flavor profile
watch out
Buttermilk: May shift the broth flavor profile
watch out
Mayonnaise: May affect flakiness of crust
watch out
Mayonnaise: Eggy richness replaces sour cream's clean tang
watch out
Evaporated Milk: Thinner — won't hold dollop shape on baked potato
watch out
Milk: Pours thin — won't work as dollop or dip base
watch out
Milk: No thick body for topping or binding
watch out
Coconut Cream: May change brownies crumb density
watch out
Coconut Cream: May change cake crumb density
watch out
Coconut Cream: May not set as firmly when chilled
watch out
Coconut Cream: Coconut undertone in dips and toppings
watch out
Cottage Cheese: Grainy curds unless blended very smooth
watch out
Ricotta: Thicker and grainier — thin with milk
watch out
Margarine: No tang — only adds fat to baked goods
watch out
Margarine: Melts flat — can't top a baked potato