Does Tzatziki Have Dairy? What Reddit Users and Chefs Know

January 6, 2026 •

4 min read

Traditionally, authentic tzatziki is a yogurt-based dip made with dairy from sheep, goat, or cow's milk, which is a fact confirmed by numerous Reddit discussions. So, the short answer to “Does tzatziki have dairy reddit?” is yes, but the longer answer, explored by many home cooks online, reveals plenty of delicious workarounds.

Quick Summary

This guide addresses the online conversation about the dairy content of tzatziki. Traditional Greek recipes contain yogurt, a dairy product, while many modern, chef-approved versions offer excellent non-dairy substitutes. It details the ingredients, discusses popular alternatives like plant-based yogurt, and provides a comparison.

Key Points

Traditional tzatziki has dairy: The authentic Greek dip is made with strained yogurt from cow, sheep, or goat's milk.
Reddit confirms dairy content: Discussions on subreddits like r/lactoseintolerant acknowledge that traditional tzatziki contains dairy and is not suitable for dairy-free diets.
Dairy-free alternatives exist: Many plant-based options like vegan yogurt, cashew cream, and coconut yogurt are used as effective substitutes.
Proper cucumber preparation is key: To prevent a watery dip, it is essential to salt and squeeze the grated cucumber to remove excess moisture.
Vegan tzatziki can be customized: The flavor and texture of dairy-free versions can be adjusted by choosing different base ingredients and adding fresh herbs like dill or mint.
Allow time for flavors to meld: Refrigerating the tzatziki for at least an hour lets the garlic and herbs infuse, resulting in a more flavorful dip.

Does Traditional Tzatziki Contain Dairy?

For those wondering if tzatziki has dairy, especially after seeing discussions on Reddit, the answer is a resounding yes in its traditional form. The base of classic Greek tzatziki is strained yogurt, typically from sheep's or goat's milk, which provides its signature thick, tangy, and creamy texture. Modern versions in many restaurants or homes often use full-fat Greek yogurt made from cow's milk for a similar effect. This yogurt base, combined with grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and herbs like dill or mint, is what creates the beloved condiment. Reddit threads from subreddits like r/lactoseintolerant frequently address this, with users confirming that the yogurt base makes traditional tzatziki a definite dairy product.

The Reddit Take on Tzatziki and Dairy

Online forums like Reddit are full of discussions for those with dietary restrictions. Threads on r/dairyfree and r/veganrecipes show a vibrant community sharing tips for navigating this exact issue. Many users confirm that because tzatziki's creamy base is yogurt, it's not suitable for a dairy-free diet. However, they also share a wealth of knowledge on creating equally delicious alternatives. These posts often highlight which plant-based yogurts work best, how to achieve the right consistency, and what to look out for when buying store-bought versions.

Dairy-Free Alternatives for Tzatziki

Making a dairy-free version of tzatziki is surprisingly simple and can taste just as good as the original. The key is to find a plant-based yogurt that is thick, creamy, and relatively neutral in flavor. Here are some of the most popular substitutes discussed in online forums:

Vegan Greek-Style Yogurt: Brands are increasingly offering thick, Greek-style options made from ingredients like soy, oats, or coconut. Unsweetened versions are best for a savory dip.
Cashew Cream: For a richer, thicker consistency, some users on Reddit suggest a cashew-based cream. Blended cashews with water create a thick base that can be seasoned just like regular yogurt.
Coconut Yogurt: Coconut-based yogurts are widely available and can create a creamy texture. It's important to choose an unsweetened variety and be mindful of the subtle coconut flavor, which can be masked by adding more garlic and lemon juice.
Vegan Mayonnaise: For a quicker, albeit less traditional, alternative, some recipes use vegan mayo as a base. This provides a creamy texture but is a departure from the traditional yogurt tang.
Strained Soy Yogurt: Like with dairy yogurt, straining a plain, unsweetened soy yogurt through cheesecloth can create a thicker, Greek-style consistency for your dairy-free tzatziki.

Expert Tips for Perfect Dairy-Free Tzatziki

Regardless of which dairy-free base you choose, there are a few expert-level tips that ensure a perfect texture, an issue often raised in Reddit cooking threads. The most important tip for any tzatziki, dairy or dairy-free, is to properly handle the cucumber.

Strain the Cucumber: Grate the cucumber, sprinkle it with salt, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This draws out excess moisture. Squeeze the grated cucumber tightly with a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel to remove as much liquid as possible. This crucial step prevents a watery final product.
Allow Flavors to Meld: After combining all ingredients, refrigerate the tzatziki for at least an hour, or preferably overnight. This allows the garlic and herbs to fully infuse the base, creating a more complex flavor profile.
Use Fresh Herbs and Garlic: While dried versions can work, fresh dill and minced garlic are key for a vibrant, authentic taste. For those who want a less pungent garlic flavor, pre-roasting the garlic is a great technique.

Comparison: Traditional vs. Dairy-Free Tzatziki


Feature	Traditional Tzatziki	Dairy-Free Tzatziki (using plant-based yogurt)
Base	Dairy yogurt (cow, sheep, or goat)	Vegan yogurt (soy, oat, almond, coconut), cashew cream, vegan mayo
Flavor Profile	Creamy, tangy, slightly savory	Can vary; generally milder, may have hints of the base ingredient (e.g., coconut)
Texture	Very thick and creamy (when strained)	Can be slightly thinner; thickest options come from straining or cashew bases
Dietary Suitability	Not suitable for vegan or dairy-free diets	Suitable for vegan, lactose intolerant, and dairy-free diets
Recipe Adaptation	None needed; relies on standard ingredients	Requires swapping the yogurt and potentially adjusting consistency and flavor

Conclusion

For anyone asking “Does tzatziki have dairy reddit?” the consensus is clear: traditional tzatziki contains dairy due to its yogurt base. However, the vibrant online community, particularly on Reddit, has popularized and perfected a variety of delicious and easy-to-make dairy-free alternatives. Whether you opt for a store-bought vegan yogurt or craft a creamy base from cashews, you can absolutely enjoy this refreshing and savory dip. By following a few key steps, like properly draining the cucumber, even those with dietary restrictions can have an authentic-tasting tzatziki. For a highly-rated, simple dairy-free recipe, consider trying the method shared by Mama Knows Gluten Free in their article, available here: Dairy-Free Tzatziki.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you must always check the label, as most store-bought tzatziki is made with Greek yogurt, which contains dairy. Some companies, however, now offer specifically labeled dairy-free or vegan versions.

For dairy-free tzatziki, the best yogurt is typically an unsweetened, thick Greek-style vegan yogurt made from soy, oats, or almonds. Some Reddit users also recommend a coconut-based yogurt, but be mindful of the flavor.

To thicken dairy-free tzatziki, make sure you properly strain your plant-based yogurt and squeeze all the excess water from the grated cucumber. Cashew-based tzatziki is also a naturally thicker option.

Yes, some recipes use sour cream as a dairy base. However, this does not make it dairy-free and alters the traditional tangy flavor slightly.

While both are yogurt and cucumber-based sauces, Indian raita and Greek tzatziki are distinct. Tzatziki is typically thicker and tangier, while raita can be thinner and often uses different spices and herbs.

Besides dill, common tzatziki flavorings include fresh garlic, olive oil, and sometimes mint or parsley. A pinch of salt and black pepper are also essential for seasoning.

You need to salt and drain the cucumber to draw out its high water content. If you skip this step, the excess moisture will make the tzatziki watery and thin.