Quick Answer
Yogurt can be substituted for Cool Whip in some recipes, but there are a few important differences to keep in mind. Cool Whip is a frozen whipped topping made from hydrogenated vegetable oil, sugar, and milk proteins. It has a light, fluffy texture and a sweet flavor. Yogurt is a fermented dairy product made from milk and live cultures. It has a thicker, tangier flavor than Cool Whip.
When substituting yogurt for Cool Whip, opt for a thick, Greek-style yogurt to better mimic the airy texture. The yogurt should also be plain and unflavored to let the other ingredients in the recipe shine. Because yogurt is tangy, you may need to add a bit of sugar or other sweetener to balance the flavors. The yogurt texture will soften and break down more than Cool Whip would when mixed into a recipe. So it’s best for no-bake applications or where a firm whipped texture isn’t essential.
Should You Substitute Yogurt for Cool Whip?
There are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to sub yogurt for Cool Whip:
Texture
Cool Whip has a light, airy, and fluffy texture from being whipped with air. Yogurt has a thicker, creamier consistency. Whipped Greek yogurt can mimic some of the airiness but won’t quite match the same billowy texture.
Flavor
Cool Whip has a mild, sweet flavor that complements other ingredients without overpowering them. Yogurt has a tangy, sour taste from the live cultures. It may alter the flavor profile of the dish more noticeably.
Fat and Calories
Cool Whip is lower in fat and calories compared to full-fat Greek yogurt. Light or low-fat yogurts can help cut down on calories. But the texture may suffer.
Reactions in Recipes
Cool Whip holds its shape well when mixed into recipes. Yogurt tends to get thinner and softer when combined with other ingredients. So yogurt may not work as well for recipes where stiffness is important.
Best Uses for Yogurt Instead of Cool Whip
Here are some of the best ways to use yogurt as a Cool Whip substitute:
Fruit Dip
Plain yogurt mixed with a bit of honey or maple syrup makes a tasty lower-fat dip for fresh fruit. The yogurt gets thin and creamy for excellent coating ability.
Parfaits or Trifle
Layer yogurt with fruit, granola, whipped cream, or other ingredients in a parfait glass or trifle dish. The yogurt softens but still provides thickness between the layers.
Smoothies
Add Greek yogurt to smoothies instead of ice cream. It blends up creamy without diluting the beverage too much. The tangy flavor also cuts through sweetness nicely.
Frosting or Filling
Beat yogurt with powdered sugar or honey for a fluffy frosting on cakes or cupcakes. Or use it as a base for no-bake cheesecake fillings. The soft texture works well.
Chilled Soups
Swirl yogurt into chilled soups like cucumber or minted pea for added richness and body. The yogurt melts into the soup elegantly.
Tips for Subbing Yogurt for Cool Whip
– Use plain, unflavored Greek yogurt for the most neutral flavor and best texture.
– Add a bit of sugar, honey, or other sweetener to counter the yogurt’s tanginess.
– For improved stability, drain excess whey from the yogurt through a cheesecloth.
– Whip the yogurt briefly to introduce some air before using. This slightly improves the texture.
– Reduce other liquids in recipes to account for the higher moisture content in yogurt.
– Add a pinch of salt to help balance the yogurt’s acidity.
– Consider combining yogurt with whipped cream or beaten egg whites to better mimic Cool Whip.
Nutrition Comparison
| Nutrition Facts | Cool Whip | Greek Yogurt |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 25 per 2 tbsp | 59 per 2 tbsp |
| Total Fat | 2g | 3g |
| Protein | 0g | 4g |
| Carbs | 4g | 2g |
As shown in the table, Cool Whip is lower in calories, fat, and carbs compared to an equal serving of plain Greek yogurt. But yogurt provides more protein. When substituting, opt for low-fat or nonfat yogurt to lighten it up.
The Bottom Line
Yogurt can work as a substitute for Cool Whip in some cases, but the different texture and flavor should be accounted for. Whipped Greek yogurt works best to mimic some of Cool Whip’s lightness. But yogurt may not be suitable if a recipe relies on the whipped topping holding its form. Overall, yogurt adds a tangy creaminess that can enhance dishes like fruit dip, smoothies, frosting, and more. Just adjust other components like sugar and liquids to balance the flavors and thickness.