Can cow milk be substituted with other types of milk in recipes?
Yes. In most baking recipes you can swap cow milk for a non-dairy milk one to one. King Arthur Baking's tests found soy milk the most reliable overall, with oat close behind in custards and cakes. Use unsweetened versions for savory dishes, almond milk will not thicken custards, and make soured milk with lemon juice or vinegar to replace buttermilk.
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In this article
Can you substitute other milk for cow milk in recipes?
Yes. King Arthur Baking says non-dairy milk can generally replace dairy milk 1:1 in most baking recipes. Muffins, quick breads and cookies worked the same with any non-dairy milk in its tests. Frosting and glaze are the exception: use less, since non-dairy milks are usually thinner.
Which milk substitute is best?
| Milk | Works well in | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Soy | Everything: bread, cakes, custard, sauces | Flavor varies by brand |
| Oat | Cakes, custard, coffee-style sauces | Close second for custards; not sliceable |
| Pea | Cakes, baking | Gave cakes a slightly finer texture, like soy |
| Almond | Muffins, cookies, batters | Never thickened a custard in tests |
| Coconut (canned) | Replacing cream | Use full-fat canned coconut milk or unsweetened coconut cream |
| Lactose-free cow milk | Anything that calls for milk | Still dairy; not for milk allergy |
King Arthur found soy closest to dairy for yeast bread and pastry cream, because its protein (about 8 g per 8 oz serving, close to dairy milk) and thickness are similar. Oat was a close second in custards but would not slice cleanly.
What replaces buttermilk?
Stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into 1 cup of non-dairy milk and rest it about 15 minutes. Use it in scones, biscuits and pancakes.
How do you swap milk in savory cooking?
- Choose unsweetened and unflavored milk, so a sauce does not taste of vanilla or sugar.
- Heat gently, as some plant milks may separate with acid or high heat.
- Whisk in the milk gradually when making white sauce, and thicken with a little flour or cornstarch if needed.
Allergy and label checks
If you are substituting because of an allergy, read the label of the substitute, since oat, soy, almond and coconut are allergens or are made in shared facilities. Goat and sheep milk are not safe swaps for a cow’s milk allergy because the proteins are similar. Plant milks are not suitable as a drink for babies under 1 year, per the NHS.
Nutrition note
The NHS says unsweetened, calcium-fortified plant drinks can replace dairy in the diet. For cooking it matters little, but for daily drinking check the fortification on the label.
People also ask
Can I use soy milk instead of cow milk in baking?
Yes. King Arthur Baking found soy the most reliable swap, usable 1:1 in most baking recipes.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of non-dairy milk and let it stand about 15 minutes.
Why did my custard not set with almond milk?
In King Arthur's tests almond milk never thickened a custard; soy or oat milk worked better.
Sources
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