What is the best vegan alternative to yogurt?

Coconut yogurt is the closest all-round swap — thick, rich, dessert-style. 1:1.

Dairy

Vegan alternative to yogurt: the best substitutes

Everything you need to replace yogurt with a plant-based substitute — which one to use, the exact ratio, and the mistakes that ruin the result.

Short answer

Coconut yogurt is the best all-round replacement for yogurt — thick, rich, dessert-style. 1:1.

Best all-round swap: Coconut yogurt (thick, rich, dessert-style).
Ratio: 1:1.
Pro tip: Check for live cultures on the label — many coconut yogurts are just thickened cream with no probiotics.
4 tested vegan alternatives to yogurt in total.

Cultured cow, goat or sheep milk.

Substitute	Best for
Coconut yogurt	Thick, rich, dessert-style
Soy yogurt	Highest protein, best for marinades
Oat yogurt	Nut-free breakfast bowls
Cashew yogurt	Tzatziki and raita

1
Pick the right substitute for the job
For most recipes use Coconut yogurt — thick, rich, dessert-style. If you need a different texture, Soy yogurt works for highest protein, best for marinades.
2
Measure using the correct ratio
1:1. Weigh rather than eyeball it — small errors show up much faster when replacing yogurt.
3
Adjust the method
Check for live cultures on the label — many coconut yogurts are just thickened cream with no probiotics.
4
Taste and correct
Plant swaps are usually a little less salty and less rich than yogurt. Season at the end and add acid (lemon, vinegar) or umami (miso, nutritional yeast) if the dish tastes flat.

Swapping by volume when the recipe measures yogurt by weight — check the ratio above first.
Using a sweetened or flavoured version in a savoury recipe.
Ignoring the method change: Check for live cultures on the label — many coconut yogurts are just thickened cream with no probiotics.
Assuming every packaged product labelled "plant-based" is vegan — some still contain milk powder, honey or egg. Scan the barcode to be sure.

1:1.

Check for live cultures on the label — many coconut yogurts are just thickened cream with no probiotics.

What is the best vegan alternative to yogurt?: Coconut yogurt is the closest all-round swap — thick, rich, dessert-style. 1:1.
Why isn't yogurt vegan?: Cultured cow, goat or sheep milk.
How much do I use instead of yogurt?: 1:1.
Any tips for getting it right?: Check for live cultures on the label — many coconut yogurts are just thickened cream with no probiotics.

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