We can find it as a garnish in baked potatoes, soup, and tacos. It is also commonly used in salad dressings and marinades.
Sour cream is made when we take the fat from whole milk and combine it with lactic bacteria.
When this happens, the bacteria release lactic acid after consuming the lactose causing the cream to become much more acidic. This results in a cream that has a sour taste, that’s why we call it sour cream.
Despite being a star element in many recipes, some people are looking for ways sour cream can be replaced.
There are many reasons behind this, and that includes food allergies, a healthier diet, trying new ingredients, or having a vegan lifestyle.
Whatever your reason is, here we show you 8 alternatives you can try.
#1. Yogurt
For a healthier option, you can use plain yogurt or Greek yogurt. Both of them have textures and consistencies similar to sour cream.
The main difference is that Greek yogurt is much thicker than plain yogurt. The taste of Greek yogurt is also different from plain yogurt.
If you are in a hurry, you can use a regular yogurt but our recommended choice in terms of texture and flavor is Greek yogurt.
It is a low-calorie, low-fat and high protein substitute and can even be used in recipes such as baked goods. It also helps energize the body and boost metabolism. It is also full of probiotics, which can promote proper digestion.
To make your own sour cream from yogurt, you can try the recipes below.
With plain yogurt: Mix a cup of plain yogurt with a tablespoon of minced dill, a clove of minced garlic and a teaspoon of lemon juice.
With Greek yogurt: Mix a little of Greek yogurt with a pinch of pepper, salt, and a little chopped parsley.
This substitute is easy to find in supermarkets and its characteristics make it a very healthy option. It is lower in fat but higher in protein.
What differentiates it from sour cream is that it has curd, so the texture is different. Also important to remember is that it has a very different flavor.
Due to these two facts, it is important to measure the ingredients well to make the perfect alternative.
Tip: Mix 4 tablespoons of milk and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to obtain a sour cream substitute that will be good for any recipe.
#3. Kefir cream
Kefir is a natural and healthy replacement. It is a probiotic that facilitates digestion and improves body defenses.
Kefir cream has two types. One is the water kefir and the other is the milk kefir.
The best thing about this option is that you can make the kefir at home yourself. The growth of the bacteria is safe and easy and you will have a 100 percent natural product.
The Kefir cream is not as thick as sour cream. Due to its watery consistency, it is best to use this cream for baking or dressing homemade and marinated salads.
Tip: Mix 200ml of cream with two teaspoons of kefir. Then leave the mixture at room temperature for at least 24 hours.
#4. Fresh cream
This alternative is not as healthy as the others but is easy to make. Fresh cream is a little thicker and has more cheese consistency.
This alternative, unlike the other substitutes, has a higher fat content. Therefore, it could be a perfect substitute if you are on a ketogenic diet.
The flavor of the fresh cream is not so sour but this can be fixed by adding a little lemon juice.
#5. Buttermilk
This alternative is a good option for baked goods. The buttermilk is the liquid left over after the butter-making process.
In the production process, lactic acid bacteria eat the sugar in milk and cause a sour taste.
Buttermilk and sour cream may have many similarities, but buttermilk is just a liquid. That is why we only recommend you to use it in some baked goods.
You don’t have to be vegan to give this delicious alternative a chance. This option is dairy-free and cashews are a good substitute because they are high in fat and high in protein, which is a bonus.
This is how you get the desired vegan sour cream: Mix cashews soaked in vinegar, lemon juice, and sea salt then blend it until creamy. You will be surprised at the result.
#7. Soy
If you have a milk and dairy allergy, this would be a good alternative.
With soy-based sour cream, you will have similar amounts of fat and calories as regular sour cream. The flavor will be quite similar too.
Advantage: Good for vegans and allergic people
Disadvantage: They usually contain added sugars that may be of concern from a health point of view.
However, if you have any type of dietary restrictions, this small disadvantage might be worth it in the end.
#8. Coconut Milk
Just like soy, coconut milk (or coconut cream) is an excellent option for vegans and people with dietary restrictions and lactose intolerance.
An added bonus is that this alternative can be used in many recipes as well in baked goods.
Sour cream made by coconut milk has the same consistency as regular sour cream but a slightly varied flavor.
To make it, you have to liquefy the fat-filled coconut milk cream with apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and sea salt.
The fact that you are using apple cider vinegar is going to help aid in your weight loss if that is something you are trying to accomplish.
With a degree in Journalism obtained at the Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid and a Course in Mediterranean Cuisine, Belinda Martínez has managed to combine her two passions: writing and food. Her active lifestyle has taken her to tour more than 20 countries to bring you the best secrets about food.
