Introduction
Going vegan doesn’t mean giving up your favorite dishes! Whether you’re avoiding dairy and eggs for ethical, health, or dietary reasons, there are plenty of plant-based alternatives that work just as well in cooking and baking.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best vegan substitutes for milk, butter, cheese, cream, and eggs, along with practical replacement ratios and tips to ensure great taste and texture in your recipes.
1. Best Vegan Milk Substitutes
Plant-based milks are a great alternative to dairy milk and can be used in coffee, baking, sauces, and more. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:
| Milk Substitute | Best Used For | Substitution Ratio | Flavor & Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Almond Milk | Coffee, smoothies, baking | 1:1 | Light, slightly nutty |
| Soy Milk | Baking, cooking, coffee | 1:1 | Creamy, neutral |
| Oat Milk | Coffee, creamy soups, baking | 1:1 | Naturally sweet, thick |
| Coconut Milk (canned) | Curries, soups, desserts | 1:1 | Rich, tropical flavor |
| Cashew Milk | Creamy sauces, soups, lattes | 1:1 | Smooth, mild |
| Rice Milk | Cereals, smoothies, light sauces | 1:1 | Thin, slightly sweet |
Best Choice for Baking:
Soy milk works best because of its protein content, which behaves similarly to dairy milk in recipes.
Best Choice for Coffee & Creaminess:
Oat milk and cashew milk provide a rich, smooth texture without separating.
2. Best Vegan Butter Substitutes
Butter is key for baking and cooking, but these plant-based alternatives work just as well:
2.1. Vegan Butter
- Best for: Baking, spreading, sautéing
- Substitution ratio: 1:1
- Best brands: Earth Balance, Miyoko’s
2.2. Coconut Oil
- Best for: Baking, frying, rich desserts
- Substitution ratio: 1:1
- Tip: Use refined coconut oil for neutral flavor
2.3. Olive Oil
- Best for: Cooking, roasting, dressings
- Substitution ratio: ¾ cup olive oil = 1 cup butter
- Tip: Works well in savory dishes and breads
2.4. Applesauce (for baking)
- Best for: Cakes, muffins, brownies
- Substitution ratio: ½ cup applesauce = 1 cup butter
- Tip: Reduces fat while adding moisture
3. Best Vegan Cheese Substitutes
Finding a perfect vegan cheese substitute can be tricky, but these work well:
3.1. Nutritional Yeast
- Best for: Cheese sauces, pasta, popcorn
- Substitution ratio: 2 tbsp = ¼ cup grated cheese
- Tip: Adds a cheesy, umami flavor
3.2. Cashew Cheese
- Best for: Spreads, sauces, dips
- Substitution ratio: 1:1
- Tip: Blend cashews, lemon juice, garlic, and nutritional yeast for a creamy texture
3.3. Store-Bought Vegan Cheese
- Best for: Pizza, sandwiches, melting
- Best brands: Daiya, Violife, Miyoko’s
4. Best Vegan Cream & Yogurt Substitutes
4.1. Coconut Cream
- Best for: Desserts, sauces, coffee
- Substitution ratio: 1:1
- Tip: Chill a can of coconut milk and scoop out the thick cream
4.2. Cashew Cream
- Best for: Pasta sauces, dips, soups
- Substitution ratio: 1:1
- Tip: Blend soaked cashews, water, and lemon juice for a rich texture
4.3. Almond or Coconut Yogurt
- Best for: Parfaits, baking, dressings
- Substitution ratio: 1:1
- Tip: Choose unsweetened varieties for versatility
5. Best Vegan Egg Substitutes for Baking & Cooking
Eggs help with binding, structure, and moisture in recipes. Here are the best vegan egg replacements:
5.1. Flaxseed or Chia Egg
- Best for: Muffins, pancakes, cookies
- Substitution ratio:
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg
- 1 tbsp chia seeds + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg
- Tip: Let sit for 5 minutes until gel-like
5.2. Applesauce
- Best for: Cakes, brownies
- Substitution ratio: ¼ cup applesauce = 1 egg
- Tip: Keeps baked goods moist
5.3. Mashed Banana
- Best for: Quick breads, muffins
- Substitution ratio: ½ mashed banana = 1 egg
- Tip: Adds natural sweetness
5.4. Silken Tofu
- Best for: Dense cakes, creamy desserts
- Substitution ratio: ¼ cup blended tofu = 1 egg
- Tip: Works well in cheesecakes and brownies
5.5. Baking Soda + Vinegar
- Best for: Light cakes, cupcakes
- Substitution ratio: 1 tbsp vinegar + 1 tsp baking soda = 1 egg
- Tip: Creates fluffiness in baked goods
6. Pro Tips for Cooking & Baking Without Dairy & Eggs
Choose the Right Substitute – Different recipes require different replacements. Use coconut cream for richness and flax eggs for structure.
Adjust Liquids & Baking Times – Vegan substitutes may require slight tweaks in liquid content and baking time.
Experiment! – Try different combinations to find the best match for your recipes.
Conclusion
Switching to plant-based cooking is easier than ever with these vegan substitutes for dairy and eggs! Whether you’re baking a cake, making a creamy sauce, or whipping up a cheesy pasta, there’s a vegan alternative that works just as well.
📌 What’s your favorite vegan substitute? Let us know in the comments!
