Cooking Substitutions, Recalculated

What can I use instead of milk?

Best substitute for 1 cup milk
1/2 cup evaporated milk + 1/2 cup water
Evaporated milk + water — Classic pantry swap.
cups
Amounts below are for 1 cup milk

5 substitutes for milk

SubstituteUse this muchNotes
Evaporated milk + water1/2 cup evaporated milk + 1/2 cup waterClassic pantry swap.
Heavy cream + water1/2 cup heavy cream + 1/2 cup waterRicher result.
Plain yogurt + water3/4 cup plain yogurt + 1/4 cup waterWhisk until smooth.
Almond milk1 cup unsweetened almond milkDairy-free; 1:1.
Oat milk1 cup oat milkCreamy; great for baking.

Run out of milk? For baking and cooking you have plenty of pantry and plant-based options that swap in at 1 cup for 1 cup.

Tips

  • For baking, unsweetened plant milks swap 1:1.
  • Powdered milk plus water also works in a pinch.

FAQ

Can I use water instead of milk?
In baking you can, but add 1 tbsp butter or oil per cup to replace the fat.
Best non-dairy milk for baking?
Oat and soy milk are the most neutral and creamy for baking.