Dairy

Vegan substitute for Yoghurt

Plant yoghurts ferment the same live cultures on soy, coconut, oat or cashew bases. Soy and coconut give the thickest set.

Options, ratios and best uses

Soy yoghurt

1:1

Highest protein; closest to dairy nutrition.

Best for: breakfast, baking, marinades

Coconut yoghurt

1:1

Thick and rich; check for added sugar.

Best for: desserts, curries

Cashew yoghurt

1:1

Neutral and creamy.

Best for: savoury dips, tzatziki

Oat yoghurt

1:1

Lighter set; often lowest cost.

Best for: smoothies, cereal

Tips

  • Look for live cultures and added B12 and calcium
  • Strain through muslin for a Greek-style thickness
  • Unsweetened for cooking

Avoid

  • Boiling plant yoghurt into a curry — stir off the heat
  • Assuming coconut yoghurt has protein

Questions people ask

Do plant yoghurts have probiotics?

Yes, most are fermented with the same live cultures as dairy yoghurt.

Which is best for cooking?

Soy or cashew — they resist splitting better than coconut.

Related swaps