Whole milk is the high-fat and high-calorie ingredient used in many recipes to add texture and taste. It is used because it comes with multiple nutrients and Omega-3 fatty acids that keep you fuller for long hours.
Whole milk is not a suitable choice for people on the diet, vegans, and lactose-intolerant people. But, they don’t have to worry because they can use a healthy substitute for whole milk.
Coconut milk, sour cream, oat milk, plain yogurt, and soy milk are some of the best alternatives to whole milk. Whole milk is a tasty recipe inclusion, but there are situations where it is best to use its substitutes.
So, for such situations, you can use any of the following substitutes for whole milk to enjoy the same benefits and texture in your recipes.
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What are the Substitutes for Whole Milk?
Many ingredients can be used as a substitute for whole milk. Based on the available ingredient options and recipes, you can use non-dairy and dairy products, including oat milk, yogurt, coconut milk, sour cream, and 2% milk.
The following whole milk substitutes can help make your soups, baked products, and craft coffee beverages best without including whole milk as an ingredient.
1. Yogurt
Yogurt is thicker than milk, and it is the best dairy product that can be used as a substitute for whole milk. You must add water to the yogurt to achieve the vicious quality of whole milk. The liquid version of yogurt can be used to replace whole milk in any recipe.
The Greek Yoghurt has a tangy flavor, and to fade the tanginess, you may add vanilla essence or flavors.
2. Oat Milk
Oat milk is a widely used substitute for whole milk. You will see coffee shops using oat milk instead of whole milk to brewing delicious coffee. Oat milk is a dairy product with a creamy flavor, and you can easily find it at the local market.
You may use one to one ratio of oat milk in place of whole milk. It has a mild flavor, and you will never experience any strong flavor in the recipes cooked with Oat milk.
3. Sour Cream
Sour cream is another popular alternative to whole milk, and it can be used in any recipe where whole milk is necessary. However, you have to use thinner, such as water, to reduce the thickness of the cream. The sour cream is sour, and you can adjust it by mixing water into the cream and using it as a liquid form.
Sour Cream must be used in savory recipes like casseroles, pasta bakes, and more to replace the whole milk.
4. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is a non-dairy product that can be used in recipes in place of whole milk because it is rich in fat content. It comprises 24% fat content, making coconut milk the best non-dairy substitute for whole milk.
Despite having the same consistency as whole milk, coconut milk lacks a robust coconut flavor. So, you must consider the taste before using it as it impacts the results of the dish. Coconut milk is the best alternative to whole milk, especially when you want to enhance or include coconut flavor in the recipes. Use coconut milk in a small amount if you don’t want to change the final taste of the recipes. You can use coconut milk as an alternative in dishes like biscuits, cakes, and other baked recipes.
5. 2% Milk
2% Milk is the common ingredient found in many households, and it can be used as a replacement in recipes where whole milk is necessary. It comprises 1% less fat than whole milk, and you can use it in the same proportion as whole milk.
It is best to use 2% milk in recipes already stored in a fridge. You can use 2% milk in savory sauces, cereals, and more to replace whole milk.
What are the Whole Milk Substitutes in Baking?
All baking products, like biscuits, cookies, and cakes, need milk as an ingredient. Whole milk is the common ingredient in these baking recipes because of its fat content, creamy texture, and thickness. Baking is an art, and understanding which alternative will work best for the recipe is important for successful results.
Yogurt is the best substitute for whole milk in many baking recipes. Apart from yogurt, you may also use other substitutes mentioned above. But don’t forget to pay attention to caveats that your baking recipe especially demands.
Can You Use Heavy Cream in Place of Whole Milk?
Yes, you can use heavy cream as a replacement for whole milk. But, heavy cream has a high milk fat, around 36%. So, to achieve the best results, you must blend the heavy cream with water. Take half a cup of water and half a cup of heavy cream. Mix and use them as a substitute for whole milk in the recipe to achieve the same consistency.
You must not confuse heavy cream with whole milk. Both are different, and you must read the label before buying heavy cream in place of whole milk.
Can You Replace Half & Half for Whole Milk?
Half & Half is a dairy product that can be used to replace whole milk. But, it is high in milk fat, so you can’t use it as an immediate alternative to whole milk. You have to mix 3/4th cup of half-&-half in 1/4th cup of water and use the mix to substitute whole milk.
Substitute for Whole Milk Conclusion
When you know the best substitute for whole milk, you can use them in your recipe when you run out of whole milk. You can use yogurt or sour cream in the baking recipes. Oat milk or other low-fat milk can be used in recipes where the same consistency is needed.
There are many substitutes that you can use in place of whole milk. But, you have to check the caveats of the recipe before using these substitutes to achieve the best results. You have to check the fat content and consistency before using any substitutes to get the best cooking results. Happy Cooking!
