When you’re about to make your signature pound cake recipe or wish to add something extra to dollop on top of your sizzling baked nachos, know that you’re in need of sour cream.
But snap! You’re on a vegan diet now!
So does that mean you need to let go of the dishes of your choice and may have to face several stereotypes for being vegan? It’s not It’s time to stop worrying and read this article to learn more about one of the essential ingredients, i.e. vegan sour cream. Well, of course not!
Thankfully, various vegan sour cream substitutes that have made the task easier. So before you start fretting, get hold of some of the readily-available items that can help you make your own vegan sour cream at home or choose some commercial replacements that will lend a similar taste and texture to the traditional sour cream variety.
But before knowing about these quick ingredients, let us get started and know exactly what a vegan sour cream is!
Vegan Sour Cream – What is it?
Unlike sour cream, which is made with fermentation, where lactic acid bacteria are added to the cream prepared with cow milk, vegan sour cream is made with plant-based ingredients that make them ideal for vegan consumption.
The best part about non-dairy sour cream is that they tend to be healthier than the standard sour cream, which is often high in saturated fats, thus making the former a better alternative than its counterpart.
Top 10 Dairy-Free Substitutes for Sour Cream
Helping you out when you’re suddenly in need of a topping for your favorite dishes, the below-mentioned sour cream vegan substitute can surely save your day:-
1. Coconut Cream
If you wish to have a vegan replacement for sour cream, then coconut cream can be your best bet. A great option for people with allergies, and of course those on a vegan diet, this plant-based substitute can add to your dishes in a unique way. Being a heavy cream alternative, it emulates the texture of traditional sour cream exceedingly well. You can add a bit of vinegar along with a pinch of salt to bring a similar tartness to that of sour cream.
This alternative is light on coconut flavor, and the addition of lemon juice further overpowers the little sweetness that the cream might otherwise contain. Coconut cream can be used for topping various meals, especially soups and sauces.
Procedure
To make a cup of this cream, combine
- ¾ cup coconut cream,
- 1 ½ tsp lemon juice,
- ¼ tsp apple cider vinegar,
- A dash of salt
Mix them well and adjust the amount of lemon juice and vinegar to your liking.
2. Cashews
A vegan sour cream substitute, cashews can be your go-to place if you require sour cream for your dishes. Although this alternative takes a bit more time to get prepared than other options, it is worth your time and energy. Cashews invariably capture the texture of regular sour cream, along with adding several healthier nutrients than the dairy alternative. Loaded with protein, iron, and magnesium, they are a higher-fat nut, which makes them one of the best substitutes for sour cream.
Make sure you soak the cashews overnight before making the cream as it will aid in better blending, giving a smoother and creamier result. Add a small amount of lemon, vinegar, and salt to replicate the traditional sour cream taste.
Procedure
To make a cup of cashew sour cream, you’ll need
- 1 cup of soaked raw cashews,
- 1 tbsp lemon juice,
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar,
- and ½ cup of water
Put all these ingredients into the blender and blend until smooth.
3. Soy Yogurt
Although a bit complicated to make, Soy yogurt is an ideal dairy-free substitute for sour cream. Blessed with a smooth texture, this alternative can be used in a variety of dishes that call for sour cream as its main ingredient. They work amazingly well in desserts too. Soy yogurt is also good at imitating the color and thickness of regular cream, which makes it a good addition to soups, and sauces. It also works as a substitute for sour cream in baking.
So, if you’re up for any of those weekend parties, you can get hold of soy yogurt which is easily available, and make your very own sour cream at home.
Procedure
To make a cup of soy yogurt, you’d need
- ½ cup plain soy yogurt,
- ¼ cup soy milk powder,
- ½ cup plant-based milk,
- ½ tbsp cornstarch,
- a dash of salt,
- ½ tsp lemon juice,
- and ½ tbsp water
Begin by mixing cornstarch and water and blend until you get a smooth consistency. Now, mix the soy powder with half of the milk and keep on whisking. Pour this mixture onto a pan and heat it on medium-low flame. Add the rest of the ingredients, while making sure that the cornstarch slurry is added slowly. Cook until it thickens, and pour out the mixture into a glass dish. Cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for an hour. Your soy yogurt sour cream is ready.
4. White Beans
Another method of making non-dairy sour cream that serves the purpose is through White Beans. A sumptuous item, this ingredient will not only aid in giving a similar taste and texture like a regular sour cream but will also provide you with innumerable health benefits since it is rich in protein. Adding moisture to any batter, this vegan-friendly cream is great for baking purposes. They can also be used as a spread over bread, sandwiches, or veg burgers of your choice.
Making a scrumptious swap for traditional sour cream, white beans lend a creamy consistency and a great texture to the dishes without interfering with their original flavor.
Procedure
To make a cup of white bean sour cream, you’ll need
- a cup of cooked white beans,
- apple cider vinegar,
- vegan oil,
- salt
Mix all the ingredients and blend until smooth to get the white bean sour cream.
5. Silken Tofu
If you’re searching for an alternative to one of your favorite baked goodies, then Silken Tofu has got your back. This sour cream vegan substitute is a perfect replacement for regular sour cream as it easily emulates the former’s texture. It also possesses a similar fat content, meaning it can be used as a one-on-one substitute for baked items in place of sour cream. Loaded with protein, this alternative not only gives a sumptuous texture and flavor and acts as a thickener to various dishes but also offers several health benefits.
So, if you’re one of those who are struggling to maintain their protein intake, including silken tofu in your everyday diet, it can prove to be beneficial for you in the long run.
Procedure
To make a Silken Tofu Sour Cream substitute, you’ll need the following:-
- 12 ounces of silken tofu
- ½ tbsp of apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ tbsp of lemon juice
- A pinch of salt
Put together all the ingredients in a blender and blend them until you get a smooth and creamy result.
6. Vegan Mayonnaise
A vegan replacement for sour cream, Vegan Mayonnaise could be your next best option when the barbecue season knocks in. But this isn’t the only way this item helps, it also serves as a great option when you’re trying to lay hands on making some baked goods. A rich and fatty alternative, Vegan Mayonnaise acts as a hydrating agent for baked items and can be used in a 1:1 ratio in place of traditional sour cream. Although it lacks the tanginess and acidity of sour cream, it serves as a good substitute when mixed with other ingredients.
A delicious swap to sour cream, vegan mayonnaise can be used as a topping or consumed along with other delectable dishes such as potato salad.
Procedure
To make a cup of vegan mayonnaise sour cream, you’d need
- Unsweetened soy milk
- Medium-hot yellow mustard
- Vegan oil
- Salt
- Lemon juice
Add soy milk, salt, and mustard into a blender and blend on high speed. In between, keep on adding the oil until you get a thick and creamy consistency. At last, add lemon juice and blend again.
7. Vegan Yogurt
Vegan yogurt is another item you can count on when you’re looking for a non-dairy sour cream option. From helping in baking to serving as a delicious dip, vegan yogurt can be your last-minute recourse. A sumptuous option for vegans, it offers a thick, creamy delight to the dishes, thus, adding to their taste and texture. Being a readily-accessible item, it can help you out at any time without any hassle. Rich in protein, it also adds a nutritive value to the various goodies.
Giving a luscious base to several dishes, this item lends mind-boggling results with minimal effort. A realistic substitute, it will add tanginess to your dish similar to regular sour cream but in a unique way.
Suggested Read => Mushroom Coffee Brands for Vegans
Procedure
To make vegan yogurt sour cream, you need to have:-
- Nuts
- Lemon juice
- Water
Blend nuts and water until you get a good consistency. Take out the mixture in a glass jar and cover it with plastic wrap. Leave it in a warm place to ferment. After fermenting it for as long as you can for about 24 hours or so, add the lemon juice. Finally, keep the yogurt sour cream in the refrigerator.
8. Vegan Crema Mexicana
Another non-dairy substitute for sour cream is Vegan Crema Mexicana, which is a Mexican version of sour cream. Although this item is a bit thinner and milder in flavor than regular sour cream, it can be used in a wide variety of dishes without a doubt. Vegan Crema Mexicana is a great option if you wish to drizzle your tacos or soups with something creamy. They also work well in dressings, sauces, and calming spicy dishes.
A vegan alternative, this item can make your dishes stand out from the clutter by giving them a rich and creamy texture and working as a sumptuous topping to them.
Procedure
To make a Vegan Crema Mexicana Sour cream, you’ll need:-
- Soaked almonds
- Cornstarch
- Fresh lime juice
- Salt
- Water
Peel off the skin of soaked almonds and blend them with water until you get a smooth consistency. Next, place them in a pan and cook till the concoction thickens up. Once the right consistency is achieved, remove the pan from the heat and add fresh lemon juice to make the sour cream.
9. Vegan Cottage Cheese
A dairy-free substitute for sour cream, vegan cottage cheese is a delicious alternative that can make any dish extra special. A plant-based item, it is a healthier alternative to regular sour cream with five times more protein but half the calories compared to the latter. As such, vegan cottage cheese works well with a variety of savory dishes and can be used as a spread or dip when required. It is also a great option to use in baked items.
With a rich texture and creaminess, this substitute provides just the right consistency similar to that of a traditional sour cream, and can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio in its place.
Procedure
To make a cup of Vegan Cottage Cheese sour cream, you need to have the following:-
- 1 cup of vegan cottage cheese
- ¼ cup of vegan milk
- 2 tsp of lemon juice
Add all the ingredients in a blender and mix until you get a smooth consistency of the cream.
10. Store-Bought Vegan Sour Cream
Well, if finding and mixing home-based ingredients that can serve as a vegan sour cream substitute is too much for you, then you can make a run to your nearest grocery store and buy commercial replacers from top-notch brands. These store-bought vegan sour creams are made in a way that they emulate the taste and texture of the traditional cream, making them ideal for topping different dishes or as an addition to baked goods or sour-cream-laden desserts.
So whether you’re up for a more traditional use of the vegan replacement for sour cream or are trying to experiment with different dishes to bring out the best in them, the mentioned alternatives will surely serve your needs. In time, you can also look for other substitutes that come in handy at home, but for now, using some of the best vegan sour cream items surely is a must.
Brands That Sell Vegan Sour Cream
Apart from making home-based vegan cream, you can also buy non-dairy sour cream from stores that will serve your purpose. Well, mentioned below are some of the vegan sour cream brands that are a show-stopper when it comes to manufacturing vegan sour cream!
1. Kite Hill
Made with almond milk, Kite Hill’s vegan sour cream is a great option that you can go for without a doubt. The dairy-free dollop is ideal for toppings and can also be used for baking purposes.
Buy the Product from here
2. Forager
Another brand that has come up with a vegan sour cream substitute is Forager. Prepared with numerous active cultures, this organic dairy-free sour cream is a good option for vegans out there.
Buy the Product from here
3. Follow Your Heart
The renowned California-based brand, Follow Your Heart, has won millions of hearts looking for non-dairy substitutes for sour cream. Similar in taste and consistency to that of traditional sour cream, the item is an apt alternative for various baked goods.
Buy the Product from here
4. Tofutti
Serving people with dairy-free products since the 1980s, Tofutti is an excellent vegan brand known across the globe. With great expertise in the products that the company makes, its “Better than Sour Cream” option is another star added to their badge.
Buy the Product from here
5. WayFare
A plant-based substitute, WayFare’s dairy-free substitute for sour cream is one of the best alternatives for the vegan community. Free from gluten and soy, this product is extremely ideal for people with different kinds of allergies.
Buy the Product from here
Where Can We Use Sour Cream?
Once you’re done making or buying the sour cream vegan substitute, you can enjoy them in some of the recipes that pair well with these alternatives, apart from your personal choices!
- Vegan Cheese Filled Baked Potato Rolls
An appetizing treat for all, the Vegan Cheese Filled Baked Potato Rolls layered with vegan sour cream are surely going to ratchet up any occasion you choose to include them in without any hassle. You can also top them up with plant-based bacon bits for an added taste.
- Vegan Sour Cream Onion Scones
Deliciously flaky and buttery, Vegan Sour Cream Onion Scones are yet another way you can make use of the sour cream alternative. With a rich taste and flavor, this dish is easy to make and delectable to have.
- Mexican Street Corner Burger
Now you can take your grilling sojourn up a notch by making the decadent Mexican Street Corn Burger with a vegan sour cream substitute. Also, add vegan mayonnaise to create an appetizing authentic Mexican dish at home.
- Vegan Taco Salad
A mind-boggling snack topped with plain yogurt and mayonnaise, Vegan Taco Salad is another item you can use your vegan sour cream on without a second thought. Adding a rich flavor and texture to the dish, the cream will make you go gaga with its luscious presence.
- Vegan White Bean Chilli
Serving as comfort food, Vegan White Bean Chili can be enjoyed with vegan sour cream. Take your dish to the next level by adding the cream and witness an enticing and delicious flavor making its way into your taste buds like never before.
You can also use vegan sour cream without cashews to make other sumptuous dishes of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is vegan sour cream made of?
Although there are different ways to make a vegan sour cream, the most common method is by soaking cashews or using coconut cream.
Is vegan sour cream healthier than traditional sour cream?
Yes, vegan sour cream is a healthier alternative because it makes use of nuts, which are loaded with essential nutrients, unlike regular sour cream which relies on dairy for its production.
How does a vegan sour cream taste?
A vegan sour cream has a similar taste to that of the traditional cream and thus, possesses a tangy, tart taste along with a rich and thick creaminess.
For how long can a vegan sour cream remain intact?
Ideally, any homemade non-dairy sour cream should be consumed within three days of being made. However, the ones that are prepared from cashews and lemon juice can remain good for about five days in a row. As for the commercial replacers, they remain fine for up to a week after being opened. However, it is recommended to check their labels and expiration dates for better insight.
Is it necessary to refrigerate non-dairy sour cream?
Yes, vegan sour cream alternatives, whether store-bought or homemade needs to be refrigerated not only to prevent them from going bad, but to help them maintain their natural consistency.
Does vegan sour cream increase cholesterol?
Although vegan sour cream is high in fat content, it does not contain cholesterol. Since it is made from plant-based ingredients, it does not have unhealthy nutrients that are found in animal product based regular sour cream.
What is vegan sour cream used in?
A vegan sour cream like regular cream is used in a variety of dishes as a topping, spread, or base per one’s need.
Why sour cream alternatives are required?
Sour cream alternatives are used because of a lot of reasons. It may be that a person is allergic to dairy products or is following a vegan diet among others that makes them look for vegan sour alternatives.
Can vegan sour cream be used in baked items?
Yes, vegan sour cream can be used in baked goods to add moisture, creaminess, and to control the browning, apart from activating baking soda in the batter.
Does vegan sour cream change the taste of baked items?
Although the vegan sour cream can change the taste of the baked items a bit, it does not drastically alter the flavor.
What do vegans use instead of sour cream?
Instead of sour cream, vegans can use coconut milk in various dishes of their choice.
Can I substitute vegan yogurt for sour cream?
Yes, vegan yogurt can be used in place of sour cream just the way it is utilized in place of dairy yogurt.
Is there a non-dairy substitute for sour cream?
Yes, coconut cream is a non-dairy substitute that can be used in place of sour cream amongst other options.
Is curd a substitute for sour cream?
Yes, curd can be used in place of sour cream. However, the type of recipe being made determines whether curd would be an apt substitute for the same.
Can I use milk instead of sour cream?
Yes, milk can be used in place of sour cream in dishes of your choice. As per the fat content of the milk used, the overall texture of the product made will be affected.
Takeaway (Final Thoughts)
Serving as a decadent topping to numerous dishes, the non-dairy sour cream substitutes have made the lives of millions of vegans easier and more delicious just by being in it. Always up to induce any dish with its luscious taste and flavor; these items invariably leave an impeccable mark wherever they get used. Even if you are wondering to try vegan fish sauce substitute for your any special preparation, you can read our article to know more.
So the very next time, when you’re in urgent need of delicious dips or toppings, get hold of these vegan sour cream alternatives and stop your baked or cooked items from going un-smothered again!
