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Dairy-Free Sour Cream Substitutes: And a DIY Recipe

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I wish someone had told me that going dairy-free doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite creamy recipes. If you’re used to topping tacos with sour cream, adding it to baked potatoes, or using it in baking, you may be wondering—what now?

bowl of soup with the meatballs showing and topped with avocado, cheese and cilanrtro

RELATED ARTICLE: Hearty Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken & Beef Taco Soup

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! There are plenty of delicious dairy-free sour cream substitutes that are easy to find (or make at home) and just as tasty.

Whether you’re new to a dairy-free lifestyle or just looking for allergy-friendly options, this guide will help you swap sour cream without missing a beat.

Best Store-Bought Dairy-Free Sour Cream Brands

If convenience is your love language, you’ll be happy to know there are some great dairy-free sour cream brands on the shelves:

  • Forager Dairy Free Sour Cream – Like all of Forager’s products, this one is a favorite. Try this one first if you can find it!
  • Violife Dairy Free Sour Cream – This is a favorite among the dairy free crowd. It’s a great alternative.
  • Follow Your Heart Dairy-Free Sour Cream – Rich, tangy, and made from a blend of plant-based ingredients.
  • Daiya Dairy-Free Sour Cream – Creamy with a slight tang, great for dips or tacos. Mix it with something else
  • Kite Hill Sour Cream Alternative – Made from almond milk, this one is smooth and has that familiar sour cream tang.
  • Tofutti Better Than Sour Cream – A classic vegan option made from soy that’s been around forever but not a favorite
top view of potatoes cut in half iwth a drizzle and chives

RELATED ARTICLE: Air fryer potatoes With Taco Drizzle

These are perfect for topping baked potatoes, dolloping on chili, or stirring into taco soup like this Hearty Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken & Beef Taco Soup

sour cream in a brown bowl

Diary Free Sour Cream

This is the easiest dairy free sour cream recipe!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 2 hours)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • ½ cup water (more as needed)
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a blender
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy
  3. If it is too thick, add more water 1 Tablespoon at a time

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Sour Cream Substitutions That Work in a Pinch

If you don’t have dairy-free sour cream on hand, try these quick swaps:

  • Plain Unsweetened Dairy-Free Yogurt – Coconut, almond, or oat milk yogurts can step in for sour cream in baking and sauces.
  • Blended Silken Tofu – Smooth, neutral, and protein-packed. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for tang.
  • Coconut Cream – Works best in sweet recipes; chill the can and scoop the thick cream.

RELATED ARTICLE: Best Dairy-Free Cheese Alternatives (That Actually Taste Good!)

sour cream substitute

When to Use Which Substitute

  • For Tacos & Chili: Go with store-bought or cashew sour cream.
  • For Baking: Use unsweetened dairy-free yogurt or blended tofu for moisture and texture.
  • For Dips & Dressings: Cashew sour cream or Kite Hill are great choices.

Final Thoughts

Living dairy-free doesn’t mean sacrificing creaminess or flavor. With so many dairy-free sour cream alternatives, you’ll still be able to enjoy family favorites, comfort food, and new recipes without worry.

Next time a recipe calls for sour cream, give one of these swaps a try, and don’t be afraid to experiment!

Looking for more swaps? Check out more Ingredient Swaps HERE

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By on October 2nd, 2025

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