Sour cream vs. Greek yogurt (2024)

For those of us who like to start the day off right, a bowl of yogurt is a good choice. There’s nothing like preparing a light snack of Greek yogurt with honey drizzled on top and a sprinkling of granola — until you realize it’s actually sour cream. We hear your concerns. This is a comprehensive guide that should help you to never make this mistake again.

First of all, plain yogurt is really just fermented milk, and Greek yogurt has been strained to remove the whey. Sour cream, as the name predicts, is cream that has been fermented. Obviously yogurt and sour cream have been fermented with different bacteria, but we’ll save you the trouble of trying to pronounce their names.

Greek yogurt is not as shiny as sour cream. It is a little dull looking. If sitting for a long period of time, it will separate into a solid and a liquid, with the latter pooling on top. Greek yogurt can even be substituted for cream cheese, if that gives you an idea of its consistency. Sour cream, on the other hand, is shinier and more uniform in texture.

If you’re really unsure, do the spoon test. Greek yogurt won’t slide off of the spoon as easily as sour cream may. Sour cream will form a nice dollop, the way you might find it on the surface of a creamy soup.

Of course, if you really really can’t tell, and you’re brave, take a bite. While they both can taste pretty tart, sour cream will be much richer. Unlike Greek yogurt, which ranges from 100–300 calories per cup, sour cream tends to be more caloric because of its higher fat content.

If this only made you more confused, just ask someone from Bon Appetit.

Sour cream vs. Greek yogurt (3)
Sour cream vs. Greek yogurt (2024)

FAQs

Which is healthier, Greek yogurt or sour cream? ›

Also, Greek yogurt is generally lower in fat and calories, making it a healthier alternative for those watching their weight or heart health. However, sour cream also has its own benefits. It is rich in calcium and vitamin A, making it a nutrient-dense addition to your diet.

Can Greek yogurt be substituted for sour cream? ›

Full-fat Greek yogurt will offer the closest approximation of sour cream's flavor and texture, and can be used as a one-to-one replacement for sour cream. If you'd like, you can stir some heavy cream into any percentage of Greek yogurt to give it a somewhat richer body and higher fat content.

Which Greek yogurt tastes most like sour cream? ›

Go for whole-milk Greek yogurt: The yogurt closest in texture and flavor to regular sour cream is whole-milk Greek yogurt.

Is sour cream healthy for weight loss? ›

Sour cream is high in saturated fats, so limiting your intake and focusing on healthy options is best. If you only have 1 or 2 tablespoons of full-fat sour cream as an occasional garnish, it's probably not a big concern, though. Alternatively, you could switch to light, low-fat, or fat-free versions.

Why use sour cream instead of yogurt? ›

Use: All-purpose yogurt substitute

Sour cream will give you a similar texture and tanginess, and swapping sour cream for yogurt is a simple 1-to-1 ratio. Where it gets tricky is if you're using a fat-free variety: In that case, the substitution only works for cold recipes, like dips. Otherwise, the texture will be off.

Is sour cream good for your gut? ›

The main health benefits of sour cream come from probiotics. Probiotics are healthy live bacteria that live in the human gut. Probiotics help people with lactose intolerance break down lactose in the small intestine before it reaches the colon (large intestine).

Is Greek yogurt basically sour cream? ›

One major difference between Greek yogurt and sour cream is fat. Sour cream has a much higher fat content which gives it that velvety texture and rich flavor. Moderation is key if you're watching your fat intake.

What are the benefits of eating sour cream? ›

Sour cream is particularly high in vitamin A in its most bioavailable (retinol) form. After calcium, phosphorus is the most abundant mineral in the body, and approximately 85% is stored in the bones. It plays a vital role in strengthening our bones and maintaining dental health.

Is Greek yogurt or sour cream better for cheesecake? ›

Greek yogurt is a thick and creamy yogurt with a tangy taste similar to sour cream. It can be used as a 1:1 substitute for sour cream in cheesecake. Greek yogurt is a great option for those looking for a healthier option, as it is lower in fat and calories than sour cream.

What yogurt does Chick-fil-A use? ›

Fairlife makes Chick-fil-A's new Greek yogurt with a patented filtration process at its flagship Fair Oaks Farms at the border of Newton and Jasper counties. Chick-fil-A chefs worked with the farm for seven months to get the flavors they wanted.

Is Chobani real Greek yogurt? ›

Chobani® | Yogurt. Chobani® Greek Yogurt is crafted from farm-fresh local milk, making it an excellent source of protein. Nonfat, lowfat, and whole milk options are the perfect base for breakfast bowls, smoothies, and more.

Is sour cream inflammatory? ›

In one recent meta-analysis, researchers actually found that dairy had a modest anti-inflammatory effect in individuals with metabolic disorders. Much of these effects can be attributed to the fermented dairy products such as kefir, yogurt, or sour cream that can easily be incorporated into a healthy diet.

Is sour cream a probiotic? ›

Sour cream is traditionally made by fermenting dairy cream with lactic acid bacteria, which are one of the most common probiotics in food production. Thus, certain types of sour cream may offer probiotic benefits ( 6 ).

What is a healthy version of sour cream? ›

Plain yogurt

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggest making simple swaps for healthier meals. For example, they suggest plain yogurt as a substitute for sour cream.

Is Greek yogurt better than sour cream for cholesterol? ›

Is Greek Yogurt Healthier? The difference between sour cream and yogurt is quite obvious. Greek yogurt is ​higher in protein​ and lower in fat and cholesterol. It also ​contains probiotics​ that balance the gut flora and may improve digestive health.

What is a healthy substitute for sour cream? ›

Greek yogurt is one of the best swaps for sour cream that you can find. (Just be sure to look for plain Greek yogurt, not the flavored variety.) It has a similar creamy texture and that characteristic tang; plus, it's a healthy ingredient that'll add protein to your dish.

Which has more protein Greek yogurt or sour cream? ›

Moreover, you will get more protein as a result of using Greek yogurt over regular sour cream. Greek yogurt has a similar consistency to sour cream, but with a stronger flavor, which is not noticeable in most recipes.

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