Best Apple Cider Vinegar Substitute 13 Alternatives Bake It With Love

All of the best Apple Cider Vinegar Substitute options to use for all of your cooking, baking, and preserving needs! Whether you’re in the middle of a recipe and realize you’ve run out, or simply don’t have any cider vinegar on hand, there is sure to be a readily available alternate below!

The 13 best substitutes for Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in cooking and baking!

Don’t get stuck on a recipe because you’re halfway into making something awesome and realize you’re out of apple cider vinegar! With my complete list of the best apple cider vinegar substitute options shared here, you can easily swap out your ingredients!

Check out all of my cider vinegar substitutions listed below, or look at the purpose-specific section to help you best match the ACV alternate to your recipe!

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

It should come as no surprise that apple cider vinegar (also called cider vinegar) derives from apples! More specifically, apples are crushed to release apple juice, which is then fermented into vinegar.

This light golden vinegar has had yeast added to the sugars of the apple juice to form an alcohol. The (apple juice) alcohol is then turned into acetic acid through the fermentation process.

Apple cider vinegar is used in a variety of recipes, from salad dressings and marinades to preserving, cooking, and baking.

Apple Cider Vinegar Substitutions

I’m starting out with my personal favorite here, which would be lemon juice. Other great apple cider vinegar substitutes are listed below for you to select from.

Choose the best ACV alternative based upon the flavor profile of what you are making and go from there!

1. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is perhaps the best substitution for apple cider vinegar. Fresh lemons or pre-squeezed lemon juice are easy to find at any supermarket.

The flavor matches apple cider vinegar better than any other alternative and is guaranteed to add the fruity acidity that your recipe needs.

Substitute lemon juice for apple cider vinegar in a 1:1 ratio.

2. Lime Juice

Like lemon juice, lime juice is another fantastic alternative to apple cider vinegar. It is stronger than lemon juice, but still has the fruity acidity that you need.

This alternative is perfect for salad dressings, marinades, and recipes that require cooking.

Squeeze some fresh limes and use a 1:1 ratio for this one!

3. Orange Juice

It’s not surprising to see orange juice on the list when you see other common citrus fruits including lemon and lime on the list as well. Like lemon and lime juice, this citrus fruit can also replace apple cider vinegar with very tasty results.

Orange juice is fruity, tangy, and has the acidity that your recipe calls for.

Use orange juice in a 1:1 ratio for apple cider vinegar substitution.

4. White Wine Vinegar

White wine vinegar is another one of the best alternatives to apple cider vinegar because the acidity profile is such a close match, if not the same.

It should be noted, though, that white wine vinegar doesn’t have the same fruity flavor that apple cider vinegar has. So, it is recommended to add some fresh citrus (lemon, lime, or orange) juice to the mix.

To substitute white wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar, use a 1:1 ratio.

5. Apple Juice

Perhaps overlooked, you can easily use apple juice as an alternative to apple cider vinegar. This is a particularly wonderful substitute when used in recipes that are complementary to the apple flavor (of ACV).

It won’t be nearly as acidic, as it hasn’t been fermented, but definitely has the fruity flavor that matches!

Use 2 tablespoons of apple juice for 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, or a 2:1 ratio.

6. White Vinegar

White vinegar can be considered neutral in flavor but it is highly acidic.

You can use white vinegar in place of apple cider vinegar using a 1:1 ratio but it is recommended that you add some fresh citrus juice to add some fruity flavor, making it a closer match to apple cider vinegar.

7. Unseasoned Rice Wine Vinegar

Rice wine vinegar isn’t as common as many of the other vinegar varieties but it should be! It’s versatile and can be used for rice dishes, stir-fries, soups, and even in salad dressings.

It has a fruity flavor like apple cider vinegar but isn’t as acidic. Still, you can substitute using a 1:1 ratio.

8. Malt Vinegar

Malt vinegar isn’t one of the most common types of vinegar but can be used as a substitution if you have it.

It’s made from fermented barley, so it has a yeasty flavor in comparison to the fruity flavors that are typical of many kinds of vinegar.

To use malt vinegar in place of apple cider vinegar, substitute with a 1:1 ratio.

9. Sherry Vinegar

Sherry vinegar has a unique, bold flavor that is different than apple cider vinegar but has the same acidic profile.

It is recommended that you taste a sample of sherry vinegar first to see if you like the flavor. If you like it, then you can use a 2:1 substitution.

If you don’t love the flavor but have no other option, use sherry vinegar in a 1:1 substitution ratio for apple cider vinegar.

10. Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is a common pantry and can be used as an alternative to apple cider vinegar, especially in salad dressings.

It’s much sweeter, though, so use a 1:1 ratio or less. Also note that it’s dark in color, so if you don’t mind the darker coloring in your recipe, you can use it.

11. Beer

If you don’t have any of the other aforementioned alternatives or want to try something different, you can use beer as an alternative to apple cider vinegar. Beer actually makes a great substitution, depending on the recipe, and you may have it on hand.

Because beer doesn’t have the same acid profile as apple cider vinegar you should select a mild-flavored beer and use a 3:1 ratio.

12. Champagne Vinegar

Champagne vinegar can be hard to find but is a great substitution for apple cider vinegar. It’s milder in flavor, but perfectly acidic, and can be used like rice wine vinegar, in soups, rice, stir-fries, and dressings.

The recommended substitution ratio for this ACV alternative is 2:1. Use 2 parts champagne vinegar for each 1 part apple cider vinegar.

13. Red Wine Vinegar

Red wine vinegar has a similar fruity flavor but isn’t as strong as apple cider vinegar. It’s also red, so be aware that it will likely change the color of whatever you are using it for.

To use red wine vinegar, substitute with a little more, using a 1.25:1 ratio. To make the math easier, for every tablespoon of apple cider vinegar the recipe calls for, use 1 and ¼ tablespoons of red wine vinegar.

Table 1: Apple Cider Vinegar Substitutes

Use each of the substitute options below in the amount noted for each 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar called for in your recipe.

ACV Cooking & Baking Substitutions

Some of the specific substitutes for apple cider vinegar, based on purpose, help you best match your recipe to the most suitable alternative.

For Deglazing Pans

To deglaze a pan use sherry, port, a complimentary flavor profile wine (to match your protein), or use stock or broth (an alcohol-free alternative).

For Baking

When baking, you can use regular white vinegar (in a 1:1 ratio) or lemon juice in a slightly smaller amount. If the recipe calls for ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, use ⅓ cup of lemon juice instead.

For Ribs & Pulled Pork

To cook ribs and pulled pork recipes that call for apple cider vinegar, look no further than lemon, lime juice, or orange juice! All three are easy, tasty alternatives that will add both sweetness and acidity to your pulled pork dinners.

For Pickling

For pickling alternatives, use white vinegar, malt vinegar, or another vinegar that has at least 4% acetic acid. ACV has an acetic acid content of 5-6% which means that it is technically classified as a weak acid.

Whenever you are substituting for apple cider vinegar in canning and pickling recipes, you want to find a vinegar that comes as close as possible to the acetic acid content of apple cider vinegar.

Table 2: Acetic Acid Content of Vinegars

To best substitute for cider vinegar, choose a comparable vinegar in both flavor and acetic acid content (as best as possible). For pickling, canning, and preserving foods your acetic acid content matters!

Recipes Using Apple Cider Vinegar

I love using apple cider vinegar when smoking meats, you can see it in action with my smoked St. Louis pork ribs and smoked beef ribs! Apple cider vinegar also makes the flavor of my sweet and sour sauce divinely tangy!!

Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar? Yes! White vinegar can be used instead of apple cider vinegar. As mentioned above, it is recommended that you add some fresh citrus juice, which will give the white vinegar a fruity flavor. This combination of white vinegar and citrus juice matches the flavor and acidic profile of apple cider vinegar. Can I substitute balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar? You can! Balsamic vinegar is sweeter than apple cider vinegar, though, so it is recommended that you do no more than a 1:1 ratio. You might even want to consider starting with less than 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, as you can always add more. Which is stronger: white vinegar or apple cider vinegar? White vinegar is the strongest kind of vinegar with 5-10% acetic acid. Apple cider vinegar only contains 4-6% acetic acid, making it not as strong as its counterpart. What does apple cider vinegar do in baking? It may come as a surprise that apple cider vinegar is sometimes used in baking, particularly for vegan recipes. It adds tangy flavor, aerated texture, and helps activate baking soda.

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Apple Cider Vinegar Substitute

All of the best Apple Cider Vinegar Substitute options to use for all of your cooking, baking, and preserving needs! Whether you’re in the middle of a recipe and realize you’ve run out, or simply don’t have any cider vinegar on hand, there is sure to be a readily available alternate below!

Author | Angela

Servings: 1 serving Calories: 3kcal Prep 1 minute Cooking 0 minutes Total Time 1 minute

Pin Recipe Share on Facebook Ingredients 1x2x3xOption 1 - Lemon Juice▢ 1 tablespoon lemon juiceOption 2 - Lime Juice▢ 1 tablespoon lime juiceOption 3 - Orange Juice▢ 1 tablespoon orange juiceOption 4 - White Wine Vinegar▢ 1 tablespoon white wine vinegarOption 5 - Apple Juice▢ 2 tablespoon apple juiceOption 6 - White Vinegar▢ 1 tablespoon white vinegar (plus a splash of some citrus juice)Option 7 - Rice Wine Vinegar (Unseasoned)▢ 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (use unseasoned rice wine vinegar)Option 8 - Malt Vinegar▢ 1 tablespoon malt vinegarOption 9 - Sherry Vinegar▢ 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar (1-2 tablespoons depending on taste)Option 10 - Balsamic Vinegar▢ 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (start with less, add more to taste)Option 11 - Beer▢ 3 tablespoon beer (select a mild-flavored beer variety)Option 12 - Champagne Vinegar▢ 2 tablespoon champagne vinegarOption 13 - Red Wine Vinegar▢ 1 ¼ tablespoon red wine vinegar

InstructionsOption 1 - Lemon JuiceUse lemon juice in a 1:1 ratio of equal parts lemon juice to the amount of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe.1 tablespoon lemon juiceOption 2 - Lime JuiceUse lime juice in a 1:1 ratio of equal parts lime juice to the amount of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe.1 tablespoon lime juiceOption 3 - Orange JuiceUse orange juice in a 1:1 ratio of equal parts orange juice to the amount of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe.1 tablespoon orange juiceOption 4 - White Wine VinegarUse white wine vinegar in a 1:1 ratio of equal parts white wine vinegar to the amount of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe.1 tablespoon white wine vinegarOption 5 - Apple JuiceUse apple juice in a 2:1 ratio, or 2 tablespoons of apple juice to 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe.2 tablespoon apple juiceOption 6 - White VinegarUse white vinegar in a 1:1 ratio of equal parts white vinegar to the amount of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe. For best results, add some lemon, lime, or orange juice for flavor.1 tablespoon white vinegarOption 7 - Rice Wine Vinegar (Unseasoned)Use unseasoned rice wine vinegar in a 1:1 ratio of equal parts rice wine vinegar to the amount of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe.1 tablespoon rice wine vinegarOption 8 - Malt VinegarUse malt vinegar in a 1:1 ratio of equal parts malt vinegar to the amount of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe.1 tablespoon malt vinegarOption 9 - Sherry VinegarUse sherry vinegar either in a 1:1 ratio of equal parts sherry vinegar to the amount of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe. OR (if you like the sherry vinegar taste) use 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar for each 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.1 tablespoon sherry vinegarOption 10 - Balsamic VinegarUse balsamic vinegar in a 1:1 ratio of equal parts balsamic vinegar to the amount of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe. Note that balsamic vinegar has a sweet taste, be sure to start with less balsamic vinegar and adjust to taste.1 tablespoon balsamic vinegarOption 11 - BeerUse beer in a 3:1 ratio, or three tablespoons of beer for each 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe.3 tablespoon beerOption 12 - Champagne VinegarUse champagne vinegar in a 2:1 ratio, or 2 tablespoons of champagne vinegar to 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe.2 tablespoon champagne vinegarOption 13 - Red Wine VinegarUse red wine vinegar in a 1.25:1 ratio, or 1 ¼ tablespoons of red wine vinegar to 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe.1 ¼ tablespoon red wine vinegar NotesUnless otherwise noted in the specific item instructions, each replacement listed here is for 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. NutritionCalories: 3kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g (2%) | Fat: 1g (2%) | Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 15mg | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 6mg (7%) | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg (6%) Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love! Apple Cider Vinegar Substitute, substitutions Course SubstitutionsCuisine American

Angela @ BakeItWithLove.comAngela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma’s kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love! bakeitwithlove.com/about/

Yes! White vinegar can be used instead of apple cider vinegar. As mentioned above, it is recommended that you add some fresh citrus juice, which will give the white vinegar a fruity flavor. This combination of white vinegar and citrus juice matches the flavor and acidic profile of apple cider vinegar.

Can I substitute balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar? You can! Balsamic vinegar is sweeter than apple cider vinegar, though, so it is recommended that you do no more than a 1:1 ratio. You might even want to consider starting with less than 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, as you can always add more.

Which is stronger: white vinegar or apple cider vinegar? White vinegar is the strongest kind of vinegar with 5-10% acetic acid. Apple cider vinegar only contains 4-6% acetic acid, making it not as strong as its counterpart.

What does apple cider vinegar do in baking? It may come as a surprise that apple cider vinegar is sometimes used in baking, particularly for vegan recipes. It adds tangy flavor, aerated texture, and helps activate baking soda.

You can! Balsamic vinegar is sweeter than apple cider vinegar, though, so it is recommended that you do no more than a 1:1 ratio. You might even want to consider starting with less than 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, as you can always add more.

White vinegar is the strongest kind of vinegar with 5-10% acetic acid. Apple cider vinegar only contains 4-6% acetic acid, making it not as strong as its counterpart.

It may come as a surprise that apple cider vinegar is sometimes used in baking, particularly for vegan recipes. It adds tangy flavor, aerated texture, and helps activate baking soda.

Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It!

5 from 43 reviews

Apple Cider Vinegar Substitute

Author | Angela

Servings: 1 serving

Calories: 3kcal

Prep 1 minute

Cooking 0 minutes

Total Time 1 minute

Ingredients 1x2x3xOption 1 - Lemon Juice▢ 1 tablespoon lemon juiceOption 2 - Lime Juice▢ 1 tablespoon lime juiceOption 3 - Orange Juice▢ 1 tablespoon orange juiceOption 4 - White Wine Vinegar▢ 1 tablespoon white wine vinegarOption 5 - Apple Juice▢ 2 tablespoon apple juiceOption 6 - White Vinegar▢ 1 tablespoon white vinegar (plus a splash of some citrus juice)Option 7 - Rice Wine Vinegar (Unseasoned)▢ 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (use unseasoned rice wine vinegar)Option 8 - Malt Vinegar▢ 1 tablespoon malt vinegarOption 9 - Sherry Vinegar▢ 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar (1-2 tablespoons depending on taste)Option 10 - Balsamic Vinegar▢ 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (start with less, add more to taste)Option 11 - Beer▢ 3 tablespoon beer (select a mild-flavored beer variety)Option 12 - Champagne Vinegar▢ 2 tablespoon champagne vinegarOption 13 - Red Wine Vinegar▢ 1 ¼ tablespoon red wine vinegar

InstructionsOption 1 - Lemon JuiceUse lemon juice in a 1:1 ratio of equal parts lemon juice to the amount of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe.1 tablespoon lemon juiceOption 2 - Lime JuiceUse lime juice in a 1:1 ratio of equal parts lime juice to the amount of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe.1 tablespoon lime juiceOption 3 - Orange JuiceUse orange juice in a 1:1 ratio of equal parts orange juice to the amount of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe.1 tablespoon orange juiceOption 4 - White Wine VinegarUse white wine vinegar in a 1:1 ratio of equal parts white wine vinegar to the amount of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe.1 tablespoon white wine vinegarOption 5 - Apple JuiceUse apple juice in a 2:1 ratio, or 2 tablespoons of apple juice to 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe.2 tablespoon apple juiceOption 6 - White VinegarUse white vinegar in a 1:1 ratio of equal parts white vinegar to the amount of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe. For best results, add some lemon, lime, or orange juice for flavor.1 tablespoon white vinegarOption 7 - Rice Wine Vinegar (Unseasoned)Use unseasoned rice wine vinegar in a 1:1 ratio of equal parts rice wine vinegar to the amount of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe.1 tablespoon rice wine vinegarOption 8 - Malt VinegarUse malt vinegar in a 1:1 ratio of equal parts malt vinegar to the amount of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe.1 tablespoon malt vinegarOption 9 - Sherry VinegarUse sherry vinegar either in a 1:1 ratio of equal parts sherry vinegar to the amount of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe. OR (if you like the sherry vinegar taste) use 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar for each 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.1 tablespoon sherry vinegarOption 10 - Balsamic VinegarUse balsamic vinegar in a 1:1 ratio of equal parts balsamic vinegar to the amount of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe. Note that balsamic vinegar has a sweet taste, be sure to start with less balsamic vinegar and adjust to taste.1 tablespoon balsamic vinegarOption 11 - BeerUse beer in a 3:1 ratio, or three tablespoons of beer for each 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe.3 tablespoon beerOption 12 - Champagne VinegarUse champagne vinegar in a 2:1 ratio, or 2 tablespoons of champagne vinegar to 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe.2 tablespoon champagne vinegarOption 13 - Red Wine VinegarUse red wine vinegar in a 1.25:1 ratio, or 1 ¼ tablespoons of red wine vinegar to 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar called for in a recipe.1 ¼ tablespoon red wine vinegar

NotesUnless otherwise noted in the specific item instructions, each replacement listed here is for 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.

Nutrition

Calories: 3kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g (2%) | Fat: 1g (2%) | Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 15mg | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 6mg (7%) | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg (6%)

Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!

Course SubstitutionsCuisine American