What Greek Yogurt is Non-Dairy? Exploring Delicious Alternatives

November 24, 2025 •

3 min read

According to recent market analysis, the plant-based yogurt sector is experiencing rapid growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate of nearly 20% from 2020 to 2027. For those navigating this trend and wondering what Greek yogurt is non-dairy, it's crucial to understand that by definition, Greek yogurt is a dairy product made from strained cow's milk.

Quick Summary

Greek yogurt is made from milk and is not a non-dairy product, but a wide variety of excellent plant-based alternatives are available. These products are crafted from soy, coconut, almond, and cashew bases, offering similar textures and flavors for vegan diets.

Key Points

Greek Yogurt is Dairy: Authentic Greek yogurt is a dairy product, strained from cow's milk, and is not non-dairy.
Plant-Based Bases: Non-dairy Greek-style alternatives are made from soy, coconut, almond, cashew, and oat bases.
Soy for Protein: Soy yogurt is often highest in protein, making it the best option for replicating Greek yogurt's nutritional profile.
Coconut for Creaminess: Coconut yogurt provides a rich, creamy texture and is excellent for desserts and creamy dishes.
Read the Label: Check for added sugars and fortification with key nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, which may not be present naturally.
DIY Options Available: For those who enjoy homemade food, it is possible to create your own vegan Greek-style yogurt with a plant-based milk base and live cultures.

Greek Yogurt and the Non-Dairy Misconception

Greek yogurt is a thick, creamy dairy product created by straining regular yogurt to remove the whey. This straining process concentrates the protein and reduces the lactose content, but it does not remove the dairy entirely. Therefore, authentic Greek yogurt is never non-dairy and is unsuitable for those with a milk allergy or those following a strict vegan diet. However, the rise in plant-based eating has led to a flood of innovative and delicious alternatives that mimic the signature texture and tang of Greek yogurt, providing a perfect substitute for non-dairy eaters.

A Guide to Non-Dairy Greek-Style Alternatives

Today's market offers a rich selection of plant-based yogurts, each with a unique flavor and nutritional profile. Understanding the different bases will help you find the best fit for your needs, whether for a smoothie, parfait, or savory dip.

Soy Yogurt

Flavor and Texture: Soy yogurt is prized for its high protein content, often rivaling that of dairy yogurt, and its relatively neutral flavor profile. It typically has a smooth, creamy texture that works well in a variety of applications.
Best Uses: Its versatile flavor makes it ideal for both sweet and savory dishes, including sauces, dressings, and baking.
Nutrition Note: Many brands, like some Alpro varieties, are fortified with calcium and vitamin D.

Coconut Yogurt

Flavor and Texture: Made from coconut milk, this alternative is naturally rich and creamy with a tropical flavor. It excels in recipes where a hint of coconut is welcome.
Best Uses: Perfect for desserts, breakfast bowls, and smoothies, coconut yogurt adds a lush texture and decadent taste.
Nutrition Note: Coconut yogurt is generally higher in fat but lower in protein than soy or dairy options. Brands like So Delicious offer unsweetened versions with minimal sugar.

Almond Yogurt

Flavor and Texture: Almond-based yogurts offer a subtly nutty taste and a smooth, lighter texture than coconut or soy options.
Best Uses: Best enjoyed in smoothies or as a lighter topping for fruit, almond yogurt provides a simple, clean flavor.
Nutrition Note: The protein content of almond yogurt is typically lower than that of soy or dairy yogurts, so check the label if protein is a priority.

Cashew Yogurt

Flavor and Texture: Cashew yogurt is known for its exceptionally rich and luxurious creamy texture, making it an excellent substitute for more indulgent recipes.
Best Uses: Use it in creamy sauces, desserts, or as a decadent base for fruit parfaits.
Popular Brands: Forager Project and Kite Hill both offer popular Greek-style cashew yogurt alternatives.

Oat Yogurt

Flavor and Texture: Oat-based yogurt is a newer entry into the market and is known for its thick, hearty consistency and mild flavor.
Best Uses: Ideal for breakfast parfaits, dips, and baking, its neutral flavor and good thickening properties make it very versatile.
Popular Brands: Oatly offers a Greek-style oatgurt alternative.

Comparison of Dairy and Non-Dairy Greek-Style Yogurts


Feature	Dairy Greek Yogurt	Soy-Based Alternative	Coconut-Based Alternative	Oat-Based Alternative
Protein	High	High	Low	Moderate
Fat	Varies by type (nonfat to full-fat)	Low	High	Low
Lactose	Low, but not free	Lactose-free	Lactose-free	Lactose-free
Key Flavor	Tangy, creamy	Neutral, versatile	Sweet, tropical	Mild, hearty
Best for	Protein boost, general use	Versatile cooking, high protein	Desserts, creamy dishes	Smoothies, dips, parfaits

How to Choose the Right Non-Dairy Yogurt

Choosing the best non-dairy Greek-style yogurt depends on your specific goals. For the highest protein content, soy-based yogurts are typically the best option, often with a fortified nutritional profile. If a rich and creamy texture for desserts is your priority, coconut or cashew yogurts are excellent choices. Always read the nutrition label carefully, as some brands add more sugar than others to enhance flavor. Checking for fortification is also important, as plant-based options may not naturally contain the same levels of calcium and vitamin D as their dairy counterparts. Alternatively, you can even make your own vegan Greek yogurt at home with plant-based milks and live vegan cultures.

Conclusion: Navigating the Non-Dairy Landscape

While the search for a non-dairy Greek yogurt is technically futile, the modern plant-based food industry has created a fantastic array of comparable alternatives. Consumers can now enjoy the thick, tangy, and protein-packed experience of Greek yogurt without dairy. With options ranging from high-protein soy to luxuriously creamy cashew and coconut, there is a non-dairy Greek-style yogurt available to satisfy every taste and dietary requirement. By understanding the different bases and reading labels, you can confidently choose the best product to enjoy your favorite yogurt dishes, dairy-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, true Greek yogurt is made from dairy. The term 'non-dairy Greek yogurt' is a misnomer. However, there are many excellent plant-based alternatives that mimic its thick, creamy texture and tangy flavor.

Soy-based Greek-style yogurts, such as those by Alpro, typically offer the highest protein content among non-dairy options, most closely matching traditional Greek yogurt's protein levels.

Non-dairy alternatives can be a healthy choice, especially for those with allergies or lactose intolerance. Their nutritional profiles vary widely, so it's best to check labels for added sugars and to ensure they are fortified with calcium and vitamin D.

The thick texture of non-dairy Greek-style yogurt can be achieved through different methods, such as straining the cultured base, using high-fat ingredients like coconut cream, or adding thickeners like tapioca starch or pea protein.

Yes, for most applications, non-dairy Greek-style alternatives can be used similarly to dairy Greek yogurt. They work well in smoothies, dips, parfaits, and for baking, though the flavor profile may be different depending on the base.

For baking, soy-based or oat-based Greek-style yogurts are often good choices due to their neutral flavor and thick consistency. The best option can depend on the specific recipe requirements.

Popular brands include Kite Hill (almond, cashew), Forager Project (cashew), So Delicious (coconut), Oatly (oat), and Silk (almond, coconut).