12 Best Apple Cider Vinegar Substitutes
These simple swaps will do the trick!
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Of all the vinegars out there, apple cider vinegar is one of the most multi-purpose. It can do everything its fellow vinegars do (including clean!) and even gets touted as a health elixir within the wellness community. So, what happens when you find yourself pouring out that last precious drop in the bottle? Forget the last-minute grocery store run! You're bound to have a few apple cider vinegar substitutes in your well-stocked pantry already.
Apple cider vinegar is derived from a combination of fermented apples and water; it's slightly sweeter than most vinegars with its apple notes. Keep in mind, however, that there is a key difference between apple cider vinegar and apple cider versus apple juice. This particular vinegar is considered to be mild—it's less sweet than balsamic but sweeter than most wine-based vinegars (think white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, or sherry vinegar). It can brighten and sharpen salad dressings or cooking liquids, work culinary magic as a quick-pickling solution and even function as a key ingredient in baking recipes, where it helps activate leaveners. Ree Drummond herself uses it in all sorts of recipes: the best baked beans ever, apple, pecan, and blue cheese salad with dried cherries and glazed ham. Before you start cooking, read on to find an apple cider vinegar substitute that works for you!
White Wine Vinegar
White wine vinegar and apple cider vinegar have a similar level of acidity, making for an easy swap. Add a splash of fruit juice to sweeten it up a bit, if desired.
Champagne Vinegar
Champagne vinegar is milder than apple cider vinegar, though a 1:1 swap will work just fine. If you need more of a punch, add a bit more champagne vinegar to taste.
Red Wine Vinegar
The overall flavor of red wine vinegar is more pronounced than white wine vinegar, but it still works as a suitable sub for apple cider vinegar. Keep in mind, however, that the dark hue of red wine vinegar may affect the color of a dish.
Sherry Vinegar
Sherry vinegar has a distinct flavor that is more pronounced and complex than apple cider vinegar, but it's still a great swap. If you're a fan of sherry or sherry vinegar, feel free to up the amount to taste—just don't alter the amount of liquid in a baking recipe!
Rice Wine Vinegar
Sweeter and milder than apple cider vinegar, rice wine vinegar is still a great substitute. It has a pleasant taste, but also adds the snappiness you'd expect from a vinegar.
Balsamic Vinegar
If you stir a little honey or maple syrup into apple cider vinegar, you'll end up with a mixture resembling balsamic vinegar. You can use the mix as 1:1 swap for apple cider vinegar, but keep in mind that balsamic vinegar is significantly sweeter, so consider adjusting the amount as needed to taste. It's also much darker and opaque, so it will affect the color of a dish.
Distilled White Vinegar
Though your standard white vinegar is considered neutral in flavor, it is highly acidic and has a pronounced sharp bite. Use it as an equal swap for apple cider vinegar, but consider adding a splash of fruit juice or a pinch of sugar to balance out the flavor. On its own, distilled white vinegar can be a bit harsh.
Malt Vinegar
A good match for all things fried and crisp, malt vinegar is a great substitute for apple cider vinegar, though it will add a yeasted note in terms of overall flavor.
Apple Juice
This non-fermented cousin of apple cider vinegar makes for a worthwhile sub. Just keep in mind that it doesn't offer the acidity of vinegar, so it won't activate leaveners. If using in savory recipes, add a splash of another vinegar or some citrus juice for acidity.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is naturally tart and acidic—which means it's an ideal substitute for apple cider vinegar. Use it in dressings, sauces or any time you need a splash of acidity.
Orange Juice
Any citrus juice will add brightness to a dish, but orange juice is slightly sweeter than the other citrusy contenders. Use it as a 1:1 swap, but feel free to add a splash of another vinegar, if desired, for a sharper note.
Lime Juice
Another ideal sub, lime juice packs in all the right acidic notes. Keep in mind that it's a bit sharper than both lemon and orange juice, and it has a very distinct flavor.
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