These 22 Delicious Dairy-Free Yogurt Alternatives Are So Good You Won’t Even Notice the Absence of Milk

2025-03-29 19:07:46

Bid farewell to dairy and embrace the rich, creamy delights of vegan alternatives with these plant-based yogurts.

These 22 Dairy-Free Yogurt Options Are so Tasty You Won't Miss the Milk

Yogurt is the perfect companion for those hectic mornings: simply combine it with some granola or enjoy it alongside a fresh piece of fruit, and you’re set. It’s also an adaptable ingredient that works wonderfully in smoothies as well as in a zesty tzatziki sauce. If you’re searching for vegan, dairy-free yogurt alternatives, your search ends here. We’ve explored various stores to discover 22 tasty options from a range of brands.

Dairy-free yogurt is a plant-based alternative to traditional yogurt that is made without any dairy ingredients. It is typically produced from various non-dairy sources such as almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk. These alternatives are often fermented with live cultures, similar to how regular yogurt is made, to create a creamy texture and tangy flavor. Dairy-free yogurt is suitable for individuals who are lactose intolerant, allergic to dairy, or following a vegan diet. It can be enjoyed on its own, used in recipes, or as a topping for fruits and granola.

Plant-based yogurt, suitable for vegans and free from dairy, is created using ingredients like soy, coconut, oats, and cashews rather than traditional dairy. These yogurts are available in various textures, including regular, Greek, French, and kefir-style probiotic beverages, along with a range of flavors.

In recent years, the vegan yogurt section of grocery stores has seen a lot of movement thanks to the emergence of startups, grocery store brands, and vegan options from big names in the dairy yogurt world, such as Yoplait by way of its Oui line.

Several factors are contributing to the rapid rise in popularity of dairy-free yogurt. Increasing market research reveals that consumers are leaning towards plant-based options mainly for their flavor, with health considerations coming in as a close second.

Sustainability plays a crucial role, especially considering that the dairy industry is known for its high emissions and significant resource consumption, which exacerbates the climate crisis. Additionally, a growing number of individuals are exploring plant-based alternatives, motivated by ethical concerns regarding the welfare of farm animals.

Is yogurt without dairy a healthier option?

From ancient times, the production of yogurt has served as a technique for preserving milk, and yogurt has been an essential component of Mediterranean cooking for centuries.

The first historical mention of yogurt as a health-promoting food dates back to approximately 6000 BC in Indian Ayurvedic texts, and it has maintained its status as a nutritious option over the ages. However, it was only in the early 1900s that a Bulgarian medical student, Stamen Grigorov, connected its benefits to the presence of lactic acid bacteria.

Similar to traditional dairy yogurts, many vegan yogurts undergo fermentation with live-active cultures that benefit your gut health. Some of these cultures are akin to the bacterial strains found in dairy yogurts. They support the growth of your gut microbiota, which refers to the vast community of beneficial bacteria living in your digestive tract.

Is dairy-free yogurt always the healthier option? Not necessarily. The healthiness of your vegan yogurt can vary based on its ingredients; it may contain high levels of saturated fat, excessive sugar, low protein content, or even a mix of these factors.

“The biggest unhealthy culprit in plant-based yogurt is added sugar,” Kelsey Lorencz, RDN, tells VegNews.

According to Lorencz, "The American Heart Association advises that men should limit their intake of added sugars to under 36 grams daily, while women should aim for less than 25 grams. A single serving of vegan yogurt can contain more than 10 grams of added sugars, which can make it challenging to adhere to these guidelines."

Another component to be mindful of is coconut, as it contributes a rich, creamy texture to dairy-free yogurt. “Research indicates that the saturated fat found in coconut oil has a lesser effect on raising low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol compared to the saturated fat from butter and other dairy products. However, it still elevates LDL cholesterol levels and might not be the most advisable option for those seeking a heart-healthy diet,” clarifies Lorencz.

"Seek out plant-based yogurts that incorporate unsaturated fats and utilize natural or low-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, rather than those containing saturated fats and added sugars," she recommends. Relish coconut-based yogurt in moderation, and consider trying yogurts made from oats, soy, cashews, or various other ingredients.

Top Dairy-Free Yogurts to Include in Your Grocery List

We love keeping these vegan yogurts on hand for snacking, baking, cooking, and an easy vegan breakfast.

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1 Kite Hill

Kite Hill's non-dairy products feature an incredibly smooth almond milk base available in both Greek and regular styles, making them an excellent choice for kicking off your day. The regular variety boasts six delicious flavors, such as blueberry, key lime, and vanilla. If you're seeking a protein-packed option, opt for the Greek variety, offered in unsweetened plain and vanilla flavors.

2 Silk

This dairy-free powerhouse produces rich almond and soy yogurts available in a range of flavors, including dark chocolate and mixed berry açai. If you’re a Greek yogurt enthusiast, you won’t want to overlook the brand's coconut-based Greek-style yogurt.

3 Forager Project

Forager Project's vegan yogurts are primarily made from cashews. You can choose from their traditional yogurt cups or try one of their yogurt smoothies available in flavors like strawberry, blueberry, mango, or unsweetened. Additionally, they offer a kid-friendly yogurt that comes in a convenient squeezable pouch.

4 Siggi’s

Crafted from a delicately sweet blend of coconut, macadamia nut butter, and pea protein, this plant-based range from the renowned Icelandic-inspired food brand comes in convenient cups, perfect for a quick snack while you're on the move.

5 Oui by Yoplait

A long-established yogurt brand in the nation has embraced the vegan yogurt trend by introducing a French-inspired, coconut-based variety that features fruit at the bottom, all packaged in elegant glass jars.

6 So Delicious

This original vegan brand harnesses the richness of creamy coconuts to produce a diverse selection of dairy-free yogurt flavors such as key lime, chocolate, strawberry-banana, and beyond. Additionally, So Delicious offers a variety of yogurt that contains no added sugars, catering to those mindful of their sugar consumption.

7 The Coconut Cult

Crafted from organic coconut cream, this creamy, spoonable vegan yogurt is simply delightful. You can mix it into your green smoothies or enjoy it straight from the spoon. Available flavors include chocolate mousse, Harvest Strawberry, and the classic original.