Low-fat yogurt is a fermented dairy product made typically from cow's milk. This healthy, nutrient-rich food can be consumed plain or unflavored, used in recipes or as a condiment. If you do not have low-fat yogurt on hand or want to try a non-dairy option, suitable substitutes may offer a similar texture and/or flavor.
Light Sour Cream
Light sour cream, like yogurt, is a fermented dairy product made from cream instead of cow's milk. Even light varieties contain more fat than low-fat yogurt. It offers a similar, though perhaps thicker, consistency and contains bacterial cultures, which give it a slightly sour flavor. Commercially prepared light sour creams may contain other ingredients, such as flavoring agents, salt, vegetable enzymes and gelatin, for example. Per 100-g portion, compared to low-fat yogurt, light sour cream offers 73 more calories, 9 g more of total fat, 5.6 g of additional saturated fat, 29 mg more cholesterol and the same amount of carbohydrates, protein and sodium. Per 100-g serving, light sour cream is slightly lower in calcium but higher in vitamin A.
Light Créme Fraîche
Créme fraîche is very popular in French cuisine and is a staple there found in the supermarkets in containers alongside the yogurt products. It is a high-fat, thick sour cream-like product that is ideal for making cream sauces, because it does not curdle when heated like yogurt, according to The Cook's Thesaurus. Another use for this yogurt substitute is as a dessert topping. Regular créme fraîche is too high in fat to be an appropriate substitute for low-fat yogurt, but you can find light varieties. A 100-g portion of 3 percent fat créme fraîche provides 77 calories, 3 g of protein, 3 g of fat and 9.5 g of carbohydrates. It has a similar nutrition profile to low-fat yogurt, though it is slightly lower in protein and slightly higher in carbohydrates.
Light Soy Yogurt
Light plain or unflavored soy yogurt makes an ideal vegan or non-dairy low-fat yogurt substitute, because it is made from soy milk with added yogurt bacteria. It has similar health benefits, as well as a comparable flavor, texture and consistency to cow's milk yogurt. Soy yogurt may be particularly beneficial as a low-fat yogurt substitute for individuals who cannot tolerate dairy products or have a dairy allergy. Soy yogurt, like traditional low-fat yogurt, is rich in calcium and vitamin D. A 100-g portion of plain soy yogurt provides 66 calories, 3 g of protein, 2 g of fat, 0 g of saturated fat and 10 g of carbohydrates. It is nearly equivalent in calories to low-fat yogurt, offers the same amount of fat, slightly more carbohydrates and, as a benefit, is cholesterol-free.