Boost Your Substitute For Milk In Cooking With These Tips

Milk

Updated on 11/21/2024

When it comes to dipping chocolate sandwich cookies, having something that is not only luscious but also obligatory is a must. It is an essential component in a variety of dishes, ranging from overnight oats to chicken alfredo made in a single pot. Milk is really necessary for both cooking and baking; yet, if it is the only ingredient that is missing from your refrigerator, what on earth are you expected to do?

Do not be concerned, friend: If you are lactose intolerant and looking to swap in something dairy free, there is a whole world of milk alternatives that you probably already have in your fridge or pantry. Whether you are behind on your weekly grocery shopping by a day (or three), or you are looking to swap in something else, there are a lot of milk alternatives that you probably already have. Try any one of these 12 alternatives to milk the next time you need a milk substitute in your home baking and cooking.

12 Substitute For Milk That You Can Use

cream

1. Whole Milk Heavy Cream

You can use heavy cream in place of milk, but you will need to water it down first because it has a considerably larger percentage of fat in it than milk does. In order to utilize it in a recipe, you need to substitute the quantity of milk that is called for with an equal amount of heavy cream and water.

2. Equal Parts Of Each

half-and-half

Because it is composed of whole milk and heavy cream in equal parts, half-and-half is an excellent alternative to milk; nonetheless, you should use it in the same proportions as milk.

3. Evaporated Milk

Evaporated milk

Milk in which some of the water content has been evaporated is known as evaporated milk. Evaporated milk is precisely what it sounds like, and this indicates that it is one of the most effective alternatives to milk that you can find. To use it in a dish that calls for conventional milk, you need to crack open a can, combine it with water at a ratio of 1 to 1, and then replace the milk called for in the recipe with the new mixture.

4. Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweetened Condensed Milk

If you are cooking something sweet, you can use sweetened condensed milk in place of regular milk, and this is also true for any other recipe that calls for milk. Bear in mind, however, that due to the fact that it is already strongly sweetened, you will most likely need to reduce the amount of sugar called for in your recipe correspondingly.

5. Unsweetened Yogurt

yoghurt

You can use plain yogurt instead of milk in any sweet or savory recipe. You should use it in proportion to the milk called for in the recipe; however, if you use Greek yogurt, you should dilute it with a little bit of water.

6. Acidulated Cream

sour cream

Another milk alternative that is comparable to yogurt is sour cream; this dairy product also has the added benefit of making baked items softer (like cake, muffins, or quick loaves of bread). Keep in mind, though, that anything you end up preparing will have a flavor that is reminiscent of a mild sourness thanks to the addition of this ingredient. (Would you say that adding sour cream to macaroni and cheese is good? Yum.)

7. Powdered Milk

Powdered Milk

Powdered milk is ordinary milk that has had all its moisture content evaporated until it reaches the consistency of milk dust. Reconstituting it with an amount of water that is equal to or greater than what the requirements of the recipe demand will allow you to use it in place of milk. (We strongly suggest checking out the instructions that come with the product.)

8. Almond Milk

Almond Milk

Plain almond milk is a great option for those who want to avoid dairy products but still drink milk in their coffee or tea. However, keep in mind that it may lend a sweet and nutty flavor to your recipe. Because of this, it is recommended to be used more frequently in sweet recipes than savory foods.

9. Rice Milk

Rice Milk

Rice milk may be the non-dairy beverage that most closely mimics the taste of cow's milk compared to the other milk alternatives. It is possible to use it as a replacement in place of the original, but because of its lower fat content, it will not be as creamy as conventional milk.

10. Soy Milk

Soy Milk

Likewise, soy milk is a dairy-free replacement with a flavor profile comparable to that of cow's milk. However, unlike rice milk, it has a similar consistency to dairy milk, which means that as long as it is not flavored, you can nearly use it in place of dairy milk.

11. Oat Milk

Oat Milk

Because it contains a high amount of protein and can perform the same functions as regular milk, this dairy-free milk substitute is an excellent choice for use in baking recipes that call for milk as well as an acid (such as lemon juice or vinegar) for leavening. In these recipes, you should combine the milk with the acid.

12. Water

Water & butter

Water can sometimes be used as a substitute in a recipe that asks for milk, but only in the direst of circumstances.

However, you could notice certain differences in the taste and texture of the food. (Think of it as being less rich, less creamy, and less fluffy.) You might try substituting one tablespoon of butter for each cup of water in the recipe; this will make up for some of the milkfat you won't get.