Substitute for Yogurt in Smoothies

There are a lot of different types of smoothies you can make that don’t use yogurt at all. Some fruit smoothies will simply use frozen fruit as the base. And, protein smoothies may work out quite well with protein powder and milk. Here are a few tips to consider when making a substitution.

Can I use milk instead of yogurt in a smoothie?

Yes, in many cases you can use milk or dairy-free milk in your smoothie instead of yogurt. The consistency won’t be quite the same. If you use milk, your smoothie will be a little bit thinner than if you use yogurt. For dairy-free yogurt options, try almond milk, soy milk, or cashew milk. Dairy-free milk is a good low-fat option for people that are watching their weight.

If you would prefer to use a substitute for yogurt, rather than leave the yogurt out completely, you can try a few of these options. Or, a very simple alternative to yogurt is just plain water. It won’t be as thick and it won’t add flavor. But, if you are out of yogurt, it works well as a substitution.

Other cultured milk alternatives

If you don’t want to add yogurt to your smoothie, you might want to try another type of cultured milk. You can add buttermilk, kefir, koumiss, or even acidophilus milk instead.

By using a cultured milk alternative, you will get the added probiotics that are important to your gut health. Yogurt is the most popular alternative. But, there are other options that will provide the same benefits.

Coconut cream or coconut milk

If you’re wondering about a substitute for yogurt in smoothies, you might want to consider using coconut cream or coconut milk. Coconut milk is a thinner alternative. So, you will have the same type of results as if you used milk. Coconut cream is a heavy, thick cream and will have a more similar consistency to yogurt.

Chose a non-dairy yogurt

If you like yogurt but are lactose intolerant and cannot use traditional yogurt, look for one that’s dairy-free. Most stores carry almond milk yogurt, soy yogurt, and coconut-based yogurt. You may be able to find a few of these at yours.

How to thicken smoothies

If you usually add yogurt to thicken your smoothie and you want an alternative, you can try chia seeds. Chia seeds are a healthy choice that’s loaded with Omega-3s. And, while it doesn’t taste like yogurt, it can help thicken your smoothie. Just take one tablespoon of chia seeds and three tablespoons of water. Allow the seeds to soak for 15 minutes. And, add it to your smoothie.

If you’re not a fan of chia seeds, you can use nut butter to thicken your smoothie. Both peanut butter and almond butter are delicious choices for smoothies. But, you can also add sunflower butter or even hazelnut butter to your smoothie if you like. It’s a great choice for healthy fats, protein, and added fiber content.

Add protein powder

Many people add yogurt to smoothies because protein gives you energy. And, if you are watching your weight, it can help you feel full for a longer period of time. So, if you want an alternative to yogurt that’s a good source of protein, you can try adding a protein powder. They come in a wide variety of different flavors. And, there are even vegan protein powders if you prefer.

Add avocado for creaminess

One of the reasons people add yogurt to their smoothies is to make them more creamy. If this is your goal, avocado is a wonderful option. Not only are avocados high in fatty acids, but they have a wonderful creamy texture when blended. If you worry about the taste of the avocado, you can always add chocolate, fruits, or nuts to your smoothie as well to change the flavor.

Other options for added texture

There are a few other substitutes that you can use in your smoothies that will help give your smoothie more texture. You can try cooled, cooked sweet potatoes. This is a delicious option for smoothies that have nuts, cinnamon, or maple syrup. It also goes well with applesauce.

You can also add a banana to your smoothie. And, in a smoothie recipe that calls for ice cubes, you can substitute chunks of frozen banana. Bananas are high in sugar so be careful. And, if you enjoy them, the flavor compliments most green smoothie recipes.

More non-dairy options

There are a few more non-dairy options you can use as a liquid in your favorite smoothie recipes. Apple juice or pineapple juice both add flavor and liquid content to smoothies that are too thick.

You can also add tea to your smoothie. Green tea, an herbal tea like chamomile, or even chai tea will help thin out your smoothie. Or, you can always add a bit of coconut water if you enjoy the taste.

Best Yogurt Replacements in Smoothies Summary

People use yogurt in smoothies for a variety of different reasons including taste, thickening, added protein, or creaminess. Depending on what you need, here are a few different options.

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Non-dairy yogurt including almond, soy, and coconut is a delicious choice.
Non-dairy milk will help thin your smoothie.
Chia seeds soaked in water work as a thickening agent.
Nut butter like sunflower butter, almond butter, or peanut butter thickens smoothies.
Protein powder provides added protein to your smoothie
Avocado can add creaminess to your smoothie
Cooked sweet potato or pumpkin are great additions.
Coconut water and herbal teas are healthy, low-calorie options that work very well in smoothies.
Use another type of cultured milk product to get the same type of probiotics as yogurt has.