Mayo vs Sour cream

A side-by-side guide to substituting Sour cream for Mayo (or vice versa).

Quick answer

Sour cream works as a 1:1 swap for Mayo in most recipes.

Side-by-side

Mayo

Base unit: tbsp

Read the full guide: Mayo

Sour cream

Conversion: 1:1 substitution (use the same amount)

Tags: none

Notes: Use equal volume of sour cream for mayo. Sour cream is tangier and thinner; thin with milk if needed for spreading consistency. Works in dressings, dips, and baking but changes flavor profile.

Read the full guide: Sour cream

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When to use Sour cream instead of Mayo

Use equal volume of sour cream for mayo. Sour cream is tangier and thinner; thin with milk if needed for spreading consistency. Works in dressings, dips, and baking but changes flavor profile. The conversion is 1:1 substitution (use the same amount).

Common questions

Can I substitute Sour cream for Mayo?

Yes — Use equal volume of sour cream for mayo. Sour cream is tangier and thinner; thin with milk if needed for spreading consistency. Works in dressings, dips, and baking but changes flavor profile. Ratio: 1:1 substitution (use the same amount).

What's the conversion ratio for Mayo to Sour cream?

1:1 substitution (use the same amount). For other quantities, use the SubSwap calculator.

Are Mayo and Sour cream interchangeable?

They are similar in most uses, but Use equal volume of sour cream for mayo..

Is Sour cream a better substitute than other options for Mayo?

Sour cream is one of the options SubSwap lists for Mayo. The 'best' choice depends on your recipe — see the full list of Mayo substitutes.

Looking for more Mayo substitutes beyond Sour cream?

See all Mayo swaps →

Related ingredients

Mayo Sour cream Miracle Whip Butter Egg Buttermilk Milk Flour Sugar Baking powder Cream Crème Fraîche Greek yogurt Mayonnaise