Substitutes for apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar substitutes
Apple cider vinegar adds tang with a light fruitiness. Another mild vinegar or citrus juice gives the same acidity.
What apple cider vinegar does
Adds tangy acidity with a mild fruity note to dressings, marinades, slaws and sauces.
Quick reference
| Substitute | Amount |
|---|---|
| White wine vinegar Sources vary | 1 tbsp white wine vinegarper 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar |
| Unseasoned rice vinegar Sources vary | 1 tbsp unseasoned rice vinegarper 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar |
| Lemon or lime juice Sources vary | 1 tbsp lemon or lime juiceper 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar |
When the substitute matters
- For dressings and marinades, white wine or rice vinegar swaps one for one.
- Use unseasoned rice vinegar; the seasoned kind contains sugar and salt.
- Lemon juice works but adds a citrus flavour.
The substitutes, in detail
White wine vinegar
Amount: 1 tbsp white wine vinegar per 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Sources vary
Food Network lists it as a straight swap without stating an amount; Mashed says one for one. Pantry & Larder starts with 3/4 of the amount and adds more to taste.
Best for
- dressings
- marinades
- pickling liquids
What changes
A cleaner, sharper flavour with less apple fruitiness.
- vegan
- dairy-free
- egg-free
- gluten-free
Unseasoned rice vinegar
Amount: 1 tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar per 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Sources vary
Food Network lists it as a straight swap without stating an amount; Pantry & Larder and Mashed say 1:1. Use plain (unseasoned) rice vinegar.
Best for
- dressings
- marinades
- slaws
What changes
Similar acidity with a milder, less fruity flavour.
- vegan
- dairy-free
- egg-free
- gluten-free
Lemon or lime juice
Amount: 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice per 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Sources vary
Food Network lists it as a straight swap without stating an amount; Mashed says one for one, and the Saskatchewan Health Authority replaces vinegar with an equal amount of lemon or lime juice. Pantry & Larder starts with half and adds more to taste.
Best for
- dressings
- marinades
What changes
Tastes of citrus instead of vinegar.
- vegan
- dairy-free
- egg-free
- gluten-free
Don't use
- Balsamic vinegar
Pantry & Larder advises against it as a swap for apple cider vinegar.
How we source this
Each swap is backed by at least two independent sources, including a test kitchen, university extension service or product maker. The amounts replace one unit of the original ingredient and do not work in reverse. See the full source list.