When I first started cooking dairy-free, I wasn’t sure where to begin. Would the food still taste good? Would my family even eat it? At first, I would split everything I made in two- a “normal” half for the kids and a dairy-free version for the grown-ups.
Fast forward a few years, and I now use only dairy-free ingredients in everything I make- without anyone noticing the difference. These days, it’s not about “getting by” with substitutes- it’s about choosing ingredients that taste great, work just like the original, and make our meals taste just as good as the “real” thing- if not more so.
So whether you’re avoiding dairy for health reasons, dietary restrictions, or you’re just looking to lighten up your meals, these are the best dairy-free swaps I always keep stocked. And the best part? They’re family-approved and honestly just good ingredients– dairy-free or not.
Do Dairy-Free Substitutes Actually Taste Good?
This is the question I get the most, and it’s one I used to ask myself too. The short answer: yes- especially if you know which ones to use. I’ve tried a lot over the years, and these are the ones that deliver on both flavor and texture.
These swaps are so close to the real thing that my kids don’t even notice. They know they’re eating dairy-free, I’m not trying to pull one over on them- but they only know because I tell them, they don’t think anything tastes “weird” or “off”.
Now I don’t have to make “special” meals for myself—they’re just the ingredients I cook with now. If I hadn’t told anyone, they’d never guess we were eating dairy-free tacos, pasta, or even cheesy dips.
My Favorite Dairy-Free Swaps {with Alternatives!}
Dairy-free foods are popping up everywhere and for good reason- there are so many people who eat dairy-free and so many personal reasons to make the switch. While many products are good- and I haven’t tried them ALL yet- here’s what I use in my everyday cooking.
I’ve tried a few different brands and while I haven’t really found any that I hated, these were the winners for each category. I’ve also included a few alternatives you can try if your local store doesn’t carry these exact ones.
Milk
Go-To: Silk Almond Milk
Why I love it: Mild flavor, works great in everything from cereal to baking and performs just like cow’s milk, affordable and easy to find
Also try:
- Califia Farms Almond Milk
- Oatly Oat Milk {especially in baking or ice cream mixes}
- Ripple {especially if you need extra protein}
🧀 Shredded Cheese
Go-To: Daiya, Violife, or Good Planet {these are all interchangeable for me so I get whatever is on sale}
Why I love them: These melt SO good now! When I first started melting was a big issue but no more! I use these for tacos, quesadillas, baked pasta- you name it.
Also try:
- Follow Your Heart
- So Delicious
- 365 by Whole Foods Market {budget-friendly but obviously Whole Foods exclusive}
🧈 Butter
Go-To: Miyoko’s Creamery
Why I love it: It tastes like real butter and works perfectly for baking and cooking.
Also try:
- Earth Balance {great if you need something a little more budget-conscious or easier to find}
- Country Crock Plant Butter
- Any margarine- these are all “vegetable oil” based which means dairy-free! If you’re not margarine-adverse just grab whatever is on sale. {Double check the ingredients but I’m yet to find one with dairy in it!}
🧀 Parmesan
Go-To: Violife Parmesan
Why I love it: You can grate it just like the real deal which means it’s fresh and not cakey. It’s so good on pasta, roasted veggies, or literally anything else.
Also try:
- Follow Your Heart Shredded Parmesan {pre-grated}
🍦 Sour Cream
Go-To: Violife Sour Cream
Why I love it: This one has the best texture from any I’ve tried! I use it in dips, tacos, and even baking.
Also try:
- Forager Project Sour Cream {this one is a bit runnier, best for dips and baking}
- KiteHill Sour Cream Alternative
🧀 Ricotta
Go-To: Kite Hill Almond Milk Ricotta
Why I love it: If you like ricotta, this will change your LIFE. The taste and texture is spot on and it works perfectly in lasagna, baked ziti, stuffed shells or whatever you’re making.
Also try:
- You tell me! I currently swear by this one but if there’s a good alternative out there, I’d love to hear it.
🍦 Yogurt
Go-To: Silk Soy Milk Yogurt
Why I love it: It’s creamy, not too sweet, and works well in parfaits, smoothies, with granola, or just on its own. I’m also not a fan of coconut flavor in my yogurt so I appreciate that this one is soy.
Also try:
- Kite Hill Almond Milk Yogurt
- Siggi’s Plant-Based Yogurt
🧀 Cream Cheese
Go-To: Philadelphia Dairy Free Cream Cheese
Why I love it: This one tastes just like the real thing.
Also try:
- Tofutti
- Kite Hill
🥗 Ranch Dressing
Go-To: Hidden Valley Plant Powered Ranch
Why I love it: It tastes exactly like the classic ranch- creamy, herby, and perfect for salads, dipping veggies, or drizzling over wraps.
Also try:
- Daiya Homestyle Ranch – A solid option with a thicker consistency, great for dipping.
OR Naturally Dairy-Free Dressing Options:
While ranch is usually dairy-based, there are a bunch of dressings that are naturally dairy-free- and just as versatile:
- Poppyseed Dressing– Sweet and tangy, pairs perfectly with berries or spinach salads.
- Balsamic Vinaigrette– A pantry staple that works on just about everything.
- Italian Dressing– Zesty and bright, ideal for chopped salads or pasta salads. {Check for parm though!}
- Oil + Vinegar– Simple and fresh—just add a pinch of salt and pepper for a quick, flavorful option.
Where to Shop for Dairy-Free Products
Most of these swaps are available at my regular grocery store {a Kroger affiliate, for reference}, but if you’re not finding what you need, Sprouts is usually my go-to for harder-to-find items. Actually I do most of my shopping at Sprouts these days!
Whole Foods is another good option if you have one close by, and some items can be ordered online directly from the brand or {affiliate link} through Amazon.
Your Screenshot-Friendly Dairy-Free Grocery List
Here’s a quick list you can take with you next time you’re grocery shopping. Whether you’re replacing one or all dairy products in your kitchen, this is a great place to start!
Dairy-Free Grocery Swaps:
- Almond Milk [Silk or Califia]
- Shredded Cheese [Violife, Daiya, Good Planet]
- Butter [Miyoko’s or Earth Balance]
- Parmesan [Violife or Follow Your Heart]
- Sour Cream [Violife or Forager]
- Ricotta [Kite Hill or Tofutti]
- Yogurt [Silk or So Delicious]
- Cream Cheese [Philadelphia Dairy Free or Kite Hill]
You Don’t Have to Compromise on Flavor
Going dairy-free doesn’t mean giving up the foods you love. With the right swaps, you can keep your favorite recipes in rotation- whether it’s pasta night, taco Tuesday, or weekend baking. And honestly, even if I could eat dairy again, I’d still reach for these. They’ve become our family’s staples for a reason!
Have a favorite dairy-free product you think I should try? Leave a comment or message me- I love finding new must-haves to add to my list!
Note: These photos are not of the mentioned products, but rather the “conventional” version. Not all dairy-free substitutes look just like their conventional counterparts but some do!
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