The Best Apple Cider Vinegar Substitutes

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If you are preparing a dish and realize you are out of vinegar, these are The Best Apple Cider Vinegar Substitutes.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple Cider Vinegar derives from apples. Fermented Apples are crushed to release the juices which then are turned into vinegars with its apple juice.

The fermentation process begins with the light golden vinegar then sugar is added to the yeast. Then a yeast is formed which turns into a acetic acid.

We use apple cider vinegar in many different recipes. We make salad dressings, marinades to preserving, cooking and baking. There are many different health benefits that apple cider vinegar offers.

Best Apple Cider Vinegar Substitute:

There are many different substitutes for Apple Cider Vinegar. This tangy, sour and bold flavor vinegar can be found at many grocery stores. It will depend on the recipe on what you want to use to substitute the vinegar.

My two favorite substitutes for vinegar is lemon juice and red wine vinegar. They offer the similar tangy flavors that apple cider vinegar offers.

1. Red Wine Vinegar:

We like using red wine vinegar for a substitute for apple cider vinegar. It has a similar fruity flavor but doesn’t have as strong flavor. But since red wine vinegar is red in color, it will change the color of dish.

When substituting with red wine vinegar it doesn’t require a little bit more than what apple cider vinegar does. So keep that in mind.

Substitute 1 and ¼ tablespoon of Red Wine Vinegar for 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar.

2. White Wine Vinegar:

You will love using white win vinegar as a replacement because the acidity profile is similar to cider vinegar. Because there is no red wine added, then you will not have the fruity flavoring.

If you are needing the fruit flavoring, squeeze in some fresh lemon or lime to your recipe.

Substituting with White Wine Vinegar as a 1:1 Ratio

3. Rice Vinegar:

If you have rice wine vinegar then it will work as a substitute. It is made from fermented rice and used mostly in Asian dishes. It has a similar acidity but make sure you do not use seasoned rice vinegar.

Seasoned Rice vinegar has sugar and salt and used mainly for Asian style salads and sushi.

4. Sherry Vinegar:

If you are making a Spanish dish and are out of cider vinegar, use Sherry Vinegar. It is lightly sweet and offers a kick like cider vinegar does. It is a good substitute option. If you have sherry wine vinegar, check out these The Best Substitutes for Cooking Sherry.

5. Champagne Vinegar:

If you have champagne vinegar it will work as a replacement but doesn’t offer the zing that cider vinegar does. It is mild in flavor and it is made from fermented champagne.

6. Lemon Juice:

We love using lemon juice as a substitute. Fresh squeeze lemon can easily be found at the store and the flavor is close to cider vinegar. It gives your dish the best alternative for that fruit flavor.

We have also used orange juice as a substitute. It is fruit, tangy and acidity as cider vinegar is.

Substitute with Citrus Juice as a ratio of 1:1

7. Lime Juice:

If we are making salad dressings or marinades, then lime juice is a great alternative. It is stronger than lemon juice but gives you that fruity flavor that I need for recipes.

You can even use a lime squeezer to squeeze fresh lime in your recipes.

Squeeze Fresh Lime as a substitute for a 1:1 Ratio

8. White Vinegar:

If you have white vinegar it can be used as a substitute. It is similar in flavor but high in acidity. To make it closer to cider vinegar, squeeze in some fresh lemon or lime.

Malt vinegar is also a good substitute if you have it. It is fermented from barley so its fruity flavors of different kinds of vinegar.