What to Substitute for Yogurt in Smoothies (Ultimate Guide)
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Yogurt is one of the best ingredients to add to your smoothies. It adds thickness, creaminess and flavor. But what if you’re lactose intolerant or vegan? What can you use instead of yogurt in your smoothies? We can help show you what to substitute for yogurt in smoothies.
You can use bananas, avocados, coconut milk or even non dairy ice cream instead of yogurt in your next green smoothies. These are all delicious alternatives that will give you the same creamy texture and rich taste without any dairy at all!
We will explore all of these and more in our article today.
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The Best Substitute For Yogurt in Smoothies
Smoothies might be healthy for you, but as with all tasty meals, it depends on the kind and quantity of ingredients used. Start with your other components first when substituting yogurt for your favorite smoothie recipe.
You can discover these substitutions for yogurt in the natural section of your local supermarket. These might be more difficult to come by at a big-box store than a “natural” market, but they should also be available at health food shops like Whole Foods.
If you want to be a little more creative when preparing your favorite smoothie recipe, consider purchasing these as alternatives to plain yogurt or greek yogurt. They will almost certainly be the most comparable alternatives to traditional yogurt, but they are not the only alternative. Let’s explore these now.
Coconut Cream
Coconut cream is a great substitute for yogurt in smoothies because it is thick and creamy, and has a delicious coconut flavor. It is also high in fiber and potassium, and contains lauric acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Coconut cream is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, and is a vegan-friendly alternative to yogurt.
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Non-Dairy Yogurt
Non-dairy yogurt is a great alternative to traditional yogurt because it is lactose-free and vegan-friendly. It is also a good source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Non-dairy choices such as soy yogurt or almond milk yogurt are thick and creamy, and have a delicious flavor.
You can find non-dairy yogurts in many flavors so you don’t have to stick with just plain. Add strawberry, vanilla or even mango! Just be sure to check for sneaky added sugar before choosing yogurt for your delicious smoothies.
You can also try coconut kefir for a unique ingredient that is as delicious as the non-dairy yogurt.
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Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a great alternative to yogurt in smoothies because they are a good source of fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. They are also high in antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals and keep you healthy.
Chia seeds also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. This is especially beneficial if you are struggling with conditions like arthritis or asthma.
Chia seeds are a great way to add thickness and creaminess to your smoothies as they actually swell up in liquid and produce an amost gel-like consistency, and they have a delicious flavor that everyone will love!
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Protein Powders
Protein powders are a great alternative to yogurt in smoothies because they are a good source of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscles, and can help keep you feeling full after drinking a smoothie.
Protein powders also come in many flavors, so you can find one that you love. They are an easy way to add extra protein to your diet, and are especially beneficial if you are vegan or lactose intolerant.
So next time you’re looking for a yogurt substitute in your favorite smoothie recipe, consider using a protein powder instead! You’ll be sure to love the delicious results as some protein powders can also help with the thickness and creaminess of your smoothie.
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Avocado
Avocados are a great alternative to yogurt in smoothies because they are creamy and rich, and have a delicious flavor. They are also a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
Avocados are a vegan-friendly and lactose-free alternative to yogurt, and are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and can also help you lose weight.
Avocados are a great way to add thickness and creaminess to your smoothies, and are a healthy addition to any diet!
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Frozen Fruit
Using frozen fruit is a great way to thicken a smoothie without using yogurt. So if you are making fruit smoothies, let’s say a peach smoothie, using frozen peaches instead of fresh will improve the creamy texture of the drink.
Always use frozen banana when making a banana smoothie and you will find it so much more enjoyable to drink. I try to use at least half of my fruit frozen, and I really love using frozen berries and frozen mango. (It also helps keep your produce from going bad! Either buy the fruit already frozen or freeze fresh fruit yourself.)
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Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are a great alternative to yogurt in smoothies because they are creamy and rich, and have a delicious flavor that most people enjoy. They are also a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
Sweet potatoes should be cooked before using in smoothies. Raw sweet potatoes are really hard on even the best blender, and you could end up with chunks. Who wants that?
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Banana
Bananas are a great alternative to yogurt in smoothies because they are creamy and rich, and can help thicken your smoothie, especially when they are frozen. They are also a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
Bananas are a vegan-friendly and lactose-free alternative to yogurt, and are a great source of potassium, which most of us need more of.
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Nut Butter
Nut butters are full of protein, healthy fats, and potassium, as well as being delicious. They can add some bulk and creaminess to your smoothie and also some protein and fats that can help keep you full until your next meal.
A little bit of peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter can go a long way in your smoothies, both as a thickening agent and as a delicious flavor.
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Flax Seeds
Similar to chia seeds, flax seeds can help thicken smoothies when they come into contact with liquid.
Flax seeds are a good addition to smoothies because they are a good source of fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. They are also high in antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals and keep you healthy.
Flax seeds also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. This is especially beneficial if you are struggling with conditions like arthritis or asthma.
Flax seeds are a great way to add thickness and creaminess to your smoothies, and they have a delicious flavor that everyone will love!
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Common Questions about Yogurt Substitutes in Green Smoothies
Now let’s take a look at a few questions people may have when choosing a substitute for yogurt in smoothies.
You can replace yogurt with milk in your smoothie, but be aware that it will have a more liquidy texture due to the milk (whether it is dairy milk or a non-dairy alternative such as soy milk or oat milk). Milk has a higher water content that yogurt.
Not at all! There are many recipes out there for great smoothies that do not use yogurt. You can find lots of them here by clicking on “smoothies” at the top of the page.
There are a few different ways to thicken a smoothie without using yogurt. One way is to use avocado, which is creamy and rich and has a delicious flavor. Another way to thicken your smoothie without yogurt is to use nut butters. They can add some bulk and creaminess to your smoothie and also some protein and fats that can help keep you full until your next meal. There are several other ways to thicken smoothies without yogurt which we look at in this post.
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the best substitute for yogurt in smoothies – and that you’ll give one of these options a try! Also be sure to check out our post on measuring leafy greens the right way!
Happy Blending!
Amanda
