Dairy Substitutions Guide

A comprehensive reference for replacing dairy ingredients in any recipe. Every substitute listed is one we've tested and trust.

Milk & Cream

Whole / Skim Milk

  • Oat milk (1:1)
  • Soy milk (1:1)
  • Almond milk (1:1)
  • Rice milk (1:1)

Oat milk is creamiest; almond milk lighter for baking

Half-and-Half

  • Oat milk + coconut cream (¾ cup + ¼ cup)

Mimics richness in coffee and sauces

Heavy / Whipping Cream

  • Coconut cream (Equal amount)
  • Cashew cream (Equal amount)
  • Silken tofu + plant milk (Equal amount)

Whip coconut for desserts; cashew for soups/sauces

Evaporated Milk

  • Simmered oat or soy milk (Reduce by 50%)

For pies, casseroles, creamy soups

Sweetened Condensed Milk

  • Coconut condensed milk (1:1)

For desserts, fudge, caramel

Buttermilk

  • Plant milk + lemon juice or vinegar (1 cup + 1 tbsp acid)

Pancakes, cakes, biscuits

Powdered Milk

  • Coconut milk powder (Equal amount)
  • Soy milk powder (Equal amount)

Mixes, dry baking blends

Butter & Fats

Salted / Unsalted Butter

  • Vegan butter (1:1)
  • Refined coconut oil (1:1)
  • Olive oil (¾ amount)

Vegan butters behave like real butter in most recipes

Clarified Butter (Ghee)

  • Refined coconut oil (1:1)
  • Avocado oil (1:1)

High smoke point for sautéing and Indian cooking

Cream Cheese

  • Plant-based cream cheese (1:1)

For frostings, spreads, cheesecakes

Mascarpone

  • Silken tofu + coconut cream + sweetener (blended) (Equal amount)

For tiramisu, creamy desserts

Cheese

Soft Cheeses (Ricotta, Cottage)

  • Crumbled firm tofu (Equal amount)
  • Blended cashews (Equal amount)
  • Almond ricotta (Equal amount)

For lasagna, stuffed shells, dips

Mozzarella

  • Vegan mozzarella (store-bought or tapioca-based) (1:1)

Melts well on pizza

Cheddar / Hard Cheeses

  • Nutritional yeast (To taste)
  • Vegan cheddar (1:1)
  • Aged cashew cheese (1:1)

For flavor depth in sauces and toppings

Parmesan

  • Nutritional yeast + ground cashews + salt (To taste)

Sprinkle on pasta and popcorn

Blue Cheese

  • Vegan blue-style cheese (1:1)
  • Miso + tahini blend (To taste)

For salads and dressings

Cheese Sauce

  • Nutritional yeast sauce
  • Blended potatoes + carrots + spices

For mac and cheese, nachos

Desserts & Beverages

Ice Cream

  • Coconut-based ice cream (1:1)
  • Oat-based ice cream (1:1)
  • Cashew-based ice cream (1:1)

Creamy and indulgent

Whipped Cream

  • Whipped coconut cream (Equal amount)
  • Aquafaba (whipped) (Equal amount)

Coconut for richness; aquafaba for light topping

Yogurt (Plain / Greek)

  • Coconut yogurt (1:1)
  • Almond yogurt (1:1)
  • Soy yogurt (1:1)

Choose unsweetened for savory recipes

Coffee Creamer

  • Oat-based creamer (To taste)
  • Coconut-based creamer (To taste)

Oat gives best texture without separation

Milkshakes

  • Plant milk + frozen banana
  • Plant milk + non-dairy ice cream

Keeps smooth consistency

Baking Ingredients

Milk Chocolate

  • Dark chocolate (70%+ cacao, dairy-free label) (1:1)

Check labels for 'may contain milk' warnings

White Chocolate

  • Vegan white chocolate (cocoa butter + rice milk) (1:1)

Works in cookies and drizzle toppings

Sour Cream

  • Coconut yogurt (1:1)
  • Silken tofu + lemon juice (Equal amount)

Adds tang to cakes and dips

Custard / Pudding

  • Coconut or oat milk + cornstarch
  • Coconut or oat milk + agar

For thick, creamy desserts

Caramel / Toffee

  • Coconut cream + dairy-free butter + sugar

Smooth, rich texture

Prepared Foods & Sauces

Cream-based Soups

  • Puréed cauliflower base
  • Puréed potato base
  • Cashew cream base

Add veggie broth for balance

Alfredo Sauce

  • Blended cashews + nutritional yeast + garlic

Excellent creamy pasta sauce

Ranch / Caesar / Blue Cheese Dressing

  • Vegan mayo + plant milk + herbs
  • Miso-tahini base

Keeps flavor and texture

Mashed Potatoes

  • Plant milk + vegan butter (1:1)

Oat milk gives best creaminess

Baked Goods (general)

  • Plant milk + vegan butter (1:1)

1:1 substitution; no flavor loss if balanced

Creamy Dressings / Toppings

  • Vegan mayo or cashew cream base (1:1)

Keeps flavor and texture