Sour cream is delicious and very versatile. It can be consumed as a drink, with oats for breakfast, you can make shakes with it or incorporate it in a sauce. It is very rich on proteins, minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamins like A, B and D.
The unique sour taste comes from combining cream and lactic acid which dissolves the sugars in the milk, leaving it with a tangy taste.
Although it is very versatile and healthy, some people might need to substitute it, as they do not like its taste or cannot eat it because they are lactose intolerant, or are following a vegan diet or have an allergy. Thankfully there are a lot of substitutes for sour cream on the market and if you are one of those people, who do not enjoy its taste – this article is exactly for you!
If you are interested, keep learning to learn more about the 4 best sour cream substitutes!
1. Greek Yoghurt
Greek Yoghurt has become increasingly popular in the recent years. Because of its plain taste, it can be combined with both savoury and sweet dishes, or it can be eaten on its own!
It is a thicker version of the sour cream, much blander in taste. It is higher in protein than the common sour cream which benefits for you to feel fuller for a longer period of time, which could help you consume fewer calories. So this can be your go-to option if you are trying to eat more protein or lose weight, although it has a higher fat percentage than the yoghurt too!
It is the strained version of the sour cream, which means some quantity of the liquid has been removed, making the percentage of carbs and lactose lower than the one in sour cream. It can be a great alternative if you are keeping a low-carb diet, although there are pre-flavoured varieties which contain sugar in them, so the best option would be to go for plain Greek yoghurt.
Like regular yoghurt or sour cream, it contains good bacteria, beneficial for your digestive system, also known as probiotics. The probiotics control the balance of bacteria in your digestive system and keep you healthy with a stronger immune system, so definitely a yes to the Greek yoghurt!
2. Cottage Cheese
It is a fresh type of cheese, which means that it has not been aged and the taster will be milder, softer, creamier and a little bit sweeter, apart from the sour cream which has undergone the process of fermentation and thus has a tangier taste.
It is a rich source of vitamin B12 which boosts the energy levels; calcium – good for your bones; it can help the body detox because of the probiotics in it. It is lower in sugar, compared to some greek yoghurt varieties, but higher in protein, calories and fat which makes it more nutritious. Although lower in sugar, the taste is far more creamy and plain than the one of the sour cream, which can be more appealing to people, as there are individuals who look for sour cream substitutes, precisely because they do not enjoy the tangy taste.
It is just as versatile as sour cream – you can use it in desserts, in salads or meals like lasagna, even with oats. It is a great substitute which can keep you full from breakfast until lunch!
3. Coconut milk
Coconut milk is a great non-dairy sustitute if you are currently on a vegan diet. It is made with water and the white part of the coconut. It has a creamy texture and mildly sweet aftertaste.
If you want to stick to a low protein and low carb diet, then you have found the right alternative to sour cream in the face of coconut milk! It is very low in protein and carbs; is also gluten-free which makes it great for people with allergies as well.
Because of the lack of important nutrients, however, you will need to find other sources of vitamins, minerals and probiotics, but if you already have a prepared diet which works for you and the last piece is finding a substitute for sour milk, then congratulations! This will be the obvious choice for you!
4. Buttermilk
It is a product of the buttermaking process. When the cream splits we end up with butter and liquid called whey which is actually the buttermilk. It has a lovely, milder acidity and it is slightly thinner than sour cream, so it can be a good substitute for some sweet and sour dishes, but it also can be utilised in other recipes too, like pancakes, where we cannot incorporate sour cream.
To sum this up, depending on your way of life, your diet, if you have any allergies or intolerances, or even depending on your taste preferences, there are different alternatives to sour cream that might suit you the best.
Greek yoghurt is the most similar in texture without the sour taste, so if you are looking for something with similar consistency, but with a bland taste that can be enhanced by different flavours – this is the way to go.
Cottage cheese is very rich in protein, fats and vitamins, it is great for people who are trying to lose weight. It will give you the right amount of nutrients and energy to get you through that gym session, of course when combined in a whole meal.
Coconut milk you might prefer if you are following a vegan lifestyle, it is not as versatile due to its sweet undertones, but can be still used for a lot of desserts, shakes or drinks. If this is your chosen sourcream substitute, make sure to find other sources of protein, minerals and vitamins as coconut milk is low in those. Eat more fruits, vegetables and nuts.
Buttermilk – it has that similar tanginess, but milder, can be incorporated in a lot of ways in different meals and is again very rich on minerals, probiotics and vitamins, which brings it closer to the sour milk, although it is far thinner in texture.
We hope we answered all of your questions and that we helped you choose your perfect sour cream substitute!
