6 Amazing Heavy Cream Substitutes for Low-Sodium Cooking

As a cook, you might need a heavy cream substitute for various reasons – maybe you’re watching your sodium intake, or you ran out of cream and need a quick fix. Whatever the reason, finding a suitable substitute can be a challenge but fear not! This article covers six of the best options for heavy cream substitutes in low-sodium cooking.

Coconut Cream

If you’re looking for a rich, creamy substitute for heavy cream, look no further than coconut cream. Made from the flesh of mature coconuts, coconut cream has a velvety texture and a natural sweetness, making it a perfect substitute for heavy cream.

One of the best things about coconut cream is that it can be used as a one-to-one substitute for heavy cream in most recipes. So, if a recipe calls for a cup of heavy cream, you can use a cup of coconut cream instead. This makes the substitution process quick and easy, and you won’t have to worry about making any complicated conversions.

In addition to its versatility, coconut cream is a healthier alternative to heavy cream. It is lower in saturated fat and calories and contains beneficial medium-chain fatty acids to improve heart health and boost metabolism.

Evaporated Milk

Another great option for a heavy cream substitute is evaporated milk. This type of milk has removed 60% of its water content, making it thicker and creamier than regular milk. Mixing equal parts of evaporated milk and water can create a substitute for heavy cream that is lower in sodium.

When using evaporated milk as a substitute for heavy cream, it’s important to note that the final product may be thinner than traditional heavy cream. However, this can be easily remedied by adding more evaporated milk to the mixture. Additionally, evaporated milk has a slightly sweeter taste than heavy cream, so you may need to adjust the sweetness of your recipe accordingly.

Despite these small differences, evaporated milk is still a great option for a heavy cream substitute. It is low in fat and calories and readily available in most grocery stores. So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to replace heavy cream in your recipes, consider evaporated milk.

Yogurt or Greek Yogurt

You need yogurt or Greek yogurt for those looking for a tangy and healthy alternative to heavy cream. These creamy dairy products are lower in fat and calories than heavy cream and can add a delightful tang to recipes like soups, sauces, and baked goods.

To use yogurt or Greek yogurt as a heavy cream substitute, replace the heavy cream with an equal amount of yogurt or Greek yogurt. For example, if a recipe calls for a cup of heavy cream, you can use a cup of yogurt or Greek yogurt instead. However, remember that the final product may be slightly thinner and tangier than traditional heavy cream.

If you’re looking for a thicker substitute, choose Greek yogurt, which is strained to remove the whey and has a thicker, creamier consistency. You can also make your Greek yogurt by straining regular yogurt in a cheesecloth or coffee filter.

Silken Tofu

Consider using silken tofu for a vegan and low-sodium alternative to heavy cream. This type of tofu is soft and smooth, making it an ideal substitute for heavy cream in recipes like smoothies, puddings, and soups.

To use silken tofu as a heavy cream substitute, blend the tofu in a food processor until it is smooth and creamy. Then, use an equal amount of the blended tofu in place of the heavy cream called for in the recipe. For example, if the recipe calls for a cup of heavy cream, use a cup of blended silken tofu.

One of the best things about using silken tofu as a heavy cream substitute is it’s incredibly versatile. You can use it to make a variety of dishes, from creamy soups to sweet puddings, and it won’t add any unwanted flavors or alter the taste of the final dish.

Another great benefit of silken tofu is its low sodium, fat, and calories. So, not only is it a tasty alternative to heavy cream, but it is also a healthier one.

Almond or Soy Milk

Consider using almond or soy milk for those looking for a nutty and creamy alternative to heavy cream. This plant-based milk can be used instead of heavy cream in recipes like sauces, soups, and baking.

To use almond or soy milk as a heavy cream substitute, replace the heavy cream with an equal amount of almond or soy milk. However, remember that the final product may be thinner and slightly nutty. This can be especially noticeable when using almond milk, as it has a distinct almond flavor that can be overpowering in some dishes.

While the final product may not taste exactly like heavy cream, using almond or soy milk as a substitute can still produce delicious and creamy dishes. These plant-based milk are low in sodium and fat and a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthier alternative to heavy cream.

Cashew Cream

Finally, consider using cashew cream as a creamy and nutty alternative to heavy cream. This dairy-free cream substitute can be made by blending cashews with water, and it works well in various dishes, from soups to sauces to baking.

To make cashew cream, blend equal parts of cashews and water in a food processor until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, use an equal amount of the cashew cream in place of the heavy cream called for in the recipe. For example, if the recipe calls for a cup of heavy cream, use a cup of cashew cream instead.

One of the best things about using cashew cream as a heavy cream substitute is its versatility. You can use it in various dishes, and it won’t add any unwanted flavors or alter the taste of the final dish. Additionally, cashew cream is low in sodium and fat, making it a healthier alternative to heavy cream.

In conclusion, heavy cream substitutes are many great options in low-sodium cooking. Whether you’re looking for a vegan option, a nutty alternative, or something tangy, there is a substitute for you. So, next time you need a heavy cream substitute, try one of these options and see just how delicious and versatile these substitutes can be.