Vegan Substitute

Vegan Substitute for Cream

Replace heavy cream, light cream, and half-and-half in any recipe with these plant-based alternatives. Perfect for sauces and soups.

Why replace cream?

Cream is one of the most resource-intensive dairy products. Producing 1 kg of cream generates about 5.6 kg of CO2 equivalent emissions.

Best vegan alternatives

Full-fat coconut cream

Curries, soups, whipped toppings, ganache

1:1 replacement for heavy cream

Refrigerate the can overnight and scoop the solid cream. Whips beautifully.

Cashew cream

Pasta sauces, creamy dressings, cheesecakes

1 cup soaked cashews + 3/4 cup water, blended = 1 cup cream

Soak raw cashews for 4+ hours or boil for 15 minutes before blending until silky smooth.

Oat cream (e.g. Oatly Cream)

Coffee, soups, light sauces

1:1 replacement for light cream / half-and-half

Won't whip stiff like coconut cream, but great for pouring and cooking.

Frequently asked questions

What can I use instead of heavy cream in pasta?

Cashew cream is the best substitute for heavy cream in pasta. Blend soaked cashews with water until silky smooth, then add directly to your pasta sauce. Coconut cream also works but adds a subtle coconut flavor.

Can I whip coconut cream like regular cream?

Yes! Refrigerate a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight, then scoop the solid cream and whip with powdered sugar. It whips to soft peaks and holds well for several hours.

Is vegan cream healthy?

Vegan creams tend to be lower in saturated fat than dairy cream. Cashew cream provides healthy unsaturated fats and minerals. Coconut cream is higher in saturated fat but still cholesterol-free.

Have a recipe with cream?

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