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Best Substitutes for Whole Milk — What to Use Instead

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Skim Milk + Cream or Butter: 1 cup skim milk + 1 tbsp melted butter per 1 cup whole milk — Adds back the fat. Butter provides richness that skim milk lacks.

Half-and-Half + Water: 1/2 cup half-and-half + 1/2 cup water — Dilute richer dairy to match whole milk fat content (about 3.25%).

Overview

Top substitute for whole milk: Skim Milk + Cream or Butter (1 cup skim milk + 1 tbsp melted butter per 1 cup whole milk). Adds back the fat. Butter provides richness that skim milk lacks. Plus 3 more alternatives.

Key Details

  • Skim Milk + Cream or Butter: 1 cup skim milk + 1 tbsp melted butter per 1 cup whole milk — Adds back the fat. Butter provides richness that skim milk lacks.
  • Half-and-Half + Water: 1/2 cup half-and-half + 1/2 cup water — Dilute richer dairy to match whole milk fat content (about 3.25%).
  • Oat Milk: 1:1 — Best non-dairy substitute. Naturally creamy and slightly sweet. Works in baking and cooking.
  • Coconut Milk (carton, not canned): 1:1 — Creamy, slightly tropical. Works in most recipes. Use carton variety, not thick canned.

Why This Matters

  • Whole Milk may need substituting due to dietary restrictions
  • Running out of an ingredient mid-recipe is common
  • Allergies or preferences may require alternatives

How To

  1. 1Best overall substitute: Skim Milk + Cream or Butter at 1 cup skim milk + 1 tbsp melted butter per 1 cup whole milk
  2. 2Consider what role the ingredient plays in the recipe
  3. 3Test substitutes in small batches first
  4. 4Adjust other ingredients as noted for best results

Tags

substitutesdairy-subwhole-milkingredient-swapcooking-tips

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Frequently Asked Questions

The best substitute is Skim Milk + Cream or Butter at 1 cup skim milk + 1 tbsp melted butter per 1 cup whole milk. Adds back the fat. Butter provides richness that skim milk lacks.