10 Best Whole Milk Substitutes

As someone who loves to cook and bake, I understand the importance of using quality ingredients to achieve delicious results. 

One of the most commonly used ingredients in cooking and baking is whole milk, but did you know that there are many healthier whole milk substitutes for this traditional dairy product?

Whether you're catering to dietary restrictions, embracing a plant-based lifestyle, or simply running out of milk while whipping up your favorite dish, there's a suitable alternative for everyone. 

In this article, I'll be sharing my favorite whole milk substitute options and tips that are helpful for healthier cooking. I will also answer some frequently asked questions.

Let's dive into this world of creamy, milky goodness, shall we?

Jump to:

• What Is Whole Milk and Why Do You Need Substitutes?
• 5 Best Whole Milk Substitutes
• Tips for Substituting Whole Milk
• Whole Milk Substitute FAQs
• What Whole Milk Substitute Will You Try?
• Recipe

What Is Whole Milk and Why Do You Need Substitutes?

Whole milk is the most common type of dairy milk, and it’s a staple in many households. It contains 3-4% fat, which makes it creamier than other types of milk, like skim or low-fat varieties. 

Whole milk is renowned for its creamy texture and distinct flavor, making it a great addition to any recipe. But if you’re looking to reduce your calorie intake or limit saturated fats in your diet, whole milk may not be the best choice for you. 

Fortunately, there are a variety of healthy and tasty options that can be used to replace whole milk in recipes for healthier meals without compromising on flavor. 

With this guide, you'll learn about 10 of the best whole milk substitutes so you can make healthier meals without sacrificing flavor. 

5 Best Whole Milk Substitutes

1. Almond Milk

This popular plant-based milk alternative has a slightly nutty taste and is thinner than whole milk. 

Almond milk comes in wide varieties, such as sweetened, unsweetened, vanilla, and chocolate. For recipes that require whole milk, unsweetened almond milk is the best option, as it has a neutral flavor and a similar consistency to whole milk.

In general, I substitute almond milk for whole milk in a 1:1 ratio. However, if I’m using sweetened almond milk, I reduce the sugar I use in the recipe.

Best for puddings, smoothies, baked goods, and sauces.

2. Soy Milk

With its creamy texture and mild flavor, soy milk is an excellent substitute for whole milk in most recipes. Utilize it as an equivalent exchange in both sugary and salty dishes.

Pro tip: Choose the unsweetened variety for a neutral flavor, adjust the amount of soy milk as needed, and be aware of the difference in taste.

Best for smoothies, puddings, pancakes, and other baked goods. 

3. Oat Milk

Oat milk has gained popularity due to its thick consistency, similar to that of whole milk. This popular non-dairy milk alternative has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. 

I’d like to note, too, that oat milk has less protein than whole milk, so it may not be the best substitute for recipes that rely heavily on the protein in milk. 

Also, I use the same amount of oat milk as you would whole milk in a recipe.

Best for coffee drinks, baking recipes like muffins or pancakes, and savory dishes like soups and sauces.

4. Cashew Milk

Another plant-based option with a rich texture is cashew milk. It adds creaminess without overpowering flavors, making it suitable for some recipes, such as baked goods or smoothies, but not in others, such as savory soups or sauces.

To use this whole milk substitute, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of whole milk, use 1 cup of cashew milk.

Best for smoothies, baked goods, and creamy pasta sauces.

5. Rice Milk

Rice milk's thin consistency may not be ideal for all recipes, but it works great as a lighter option. It may not work as well in recipes that require a thicker consistency, such as custards or puddings. 

It is always a good idea to experiment with small amounts of rice milk in a recipe before making a larger batch to ensure the desired texture and flavor are achieved.

Best for smoothies, hot chocolate, sauces, soups, and most baked goods.

6. Yogurt

Plain yogurt can work as a substitute for whole milk in certain recipes, particularly those that require a thick and creamy consistency. Generally, you can substitute one cup of whole milk with one cup of plain yogurt. 

Pro tip: If you're using regular yogurt, you may want to strain it through a cheesecloth for a few hours to remove excess liquid and make it thicker. Also, keep in mind that yogurt is tangier than whole milk, so it may slightly alter the flavor of your recipe.

Best for smoothies, dips, sauces, baked goods, soups, and stews.

7. Coconut Milk

This ​​versatile dairy-free substitute has a rich and creamy texture, along with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. 

For baked goods, I opt for light coconut milk or dilute regular coconut milk with water to achieve the desired texture since it has a high-fat content. Coconut milk’s creamy texture and sweet flavor also make it a perfect substitute for whole milk in many savory dishes and desserts.

Best for baked goods, puddings, ice cream, curries, and stews.

8. Half and Half

Using half and half as a substitute for whole milk can be a great way to add richness and creaminess to your recipes. However, half and half has more fat content than regular whole milk.

With that said, I use a combination of 3 quarters of a cup of half and half and a quarter cup of water for a cup of whole milk.

Best for creamy soups, sauces, gravies, baked goods, coffee, and tea.

9. 2% Milk

If you only have 2% milk at home, you can still use it as a substitute for whole milk. It’s a good way to reduce the fat content of your recipe while still maintaining a similar texture and flavor. 

Whole milk has 3.25% fat compared to the former’s 2%. However, I don’t really notice a large difference when using one for the other in a 1:1 ratio is a safe bet.

Best for soups, casseroles, and baking recipes.

10. Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is a dairy product that contains 36% milkfat, making it a richer and thicker alternative to whole milk. 

To substitute 1 cup of whole milk, you can use a mixture of ½ cup heavy cream and ½ cup water. This will provide a similar consistency and richness to whole milk while reducing the overall fat content of the recipe.

Best for creamy desserts, sauces, gravy, baked goods, tea, and coffee.

Tips for Substituting Whole Milk

Though it may appear daunting, you can easily substitute whole milk in recipes without compromising on taste or texture. However, with my guidance as well as trial and error, you may discover that it's less daunting than it appears.

Here are some tips to help you successfully substitute whole milk in your favorite recipes:

1. Consider the recipe type

Different types of recipes may require different substitutes for whole milk. For example, baked goods might need a thicker consistency than soups or sauces. Keep this in mind when choosing an alternative.

2. Adjust the fat content accordingly

If employing a lower-fat option such as skim or almond milk, contemplate augmenting extra butter or oil to balance the decreased fat content for analogous outcomes.

3. Be mindful of flavor profiles

Certain substitutes have distinct flavors that may alter your final dish's taste profile. Coconut milk has a tropical note, while soy milk tends to be nuttier compared to cow’s milk. Choose one that complements your recipe well.

Here are some tips for mixing plant-based milks:

• Rice + Almond Milk: This combination provides mild sweetness without overpowering other ingredients within your dish.
• Oat + Cashew Milk: A creamy duo perfect for savory dishes requiring thick consistencies such as chowders and creamed vegetables.
• Sweetened vs. unsweetened: Opt for unsweetened versions whenever possible so you can control sugar levels within each meal—particularly important for diabetics or those watching their sugar intake.

4. Test the consistency

If your chosen whole milk substitute is too thin, try thickening it with cornstarch or flour before adding it to recipes requiring a thicker texture. For thinner consistencies, simply dilute with water until desired thickness is achieved.

5. Be prepared to experiment

Substituting whole milk may require some trial and error as you discover which alternatives work best in specific dishes; don't be afraid to make adjustments as needed.

By following the tips on substituting whole milk, you can easily make healthier and more delicious meals. Now let's explore some frequently asked questions about these substitutes to further understand their uses in cooking.

Whole Milk Substitute FAQs

1. Can I substitute skim or low-fat milk for whole milk?

Yes, you can substitute skim or low-fat milk for whole milk in most recipes. However, keep in mind that these alternatives have a lower fat content than whole milk, which may affect the texture and richness of your dish. 

To offset the decrease in fat content, you may want to consider adding a bit of melted butter or oil for desired texture and richness.

2. Are plant-based milks suitable as whole milk substitutes?

Absolutely. Many plant-based milks, such as almond, soy, oat, and coconut milks are excellent substitutes for whole cow's milk in various recipes. It is important to select the right plant-based milk in order for it to blend well with your recipe.

3. Is evaporated or condensed milk an appropriate replacement for whole milk?

Evaporated and condensed milks can work as replacements for regular liquid cow's milk if diluted properly with water (for evaporated) or used sparingly (for sweetened condensed). These substitutions might alter the taste slightly due to their higher sugar content, so it's best to use them in sweet recipes.

4. Can I substitute yogurt or sour cream for whole milk?

Yes, both yogurt and sour cream can be used as substitutes for whole milk in certain recipes. They are particularly suitable for baked goods and sauces that require a creamy texture. However, keep in mind that these options have a tangier flavor than cow's milk, which may affect the taste of your dish.

5. What is the best non-dairy option for substituting whole milk?

The "best" non-dairy option depends on personal preference and the specific recipe you're working with. Some popular choices include almond, soy, oat, coconut milks, or even cashew-based creams. 

Experiment with different types to find one that suits your tastes and works well within your chosen recipe.

What Whole Milk Substitute Will You Try?

There are many whole milk substitutes that can be used in recipes to create delicious and healthy dishes. For those seeking a non-dairy alternative or simply looking to experiment with different ingredients, these alternatives offer the same texture and flavor as whole milk without compromising on taste. 

Remember that when substituting with any of these options, it's important to adjust measurements accordingly so your recipe doesn't suffer from an imbalance of flavors. Armed with this information, you can easily discover the ideal replacement for your upcoming culinary creation.

Discover how to make delicious recipes using whole milk substitutes with our easy-to-follow guides. Explore the best options for buying, cooking, and air frying with these alternatives today!

Recipe