Substitutes for rice vinegar
Rice vinegar substitutes
Rice vinegar is milder and slightly sweeter than most vinegars. Another light vinegar with a little sugar comes closest.
What rice vinegar does
A mild, slightly sweet vinegar that adds gentle acidity to dressings, pickles and sushi rice.
Quick reference
| Substitute | Amount |
|---|---|
| Apple cider vinegar plus sugar Sources vary | 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar + 1 tsp sugarper 1 tbsp rice vinegar |
| White wine vinegar plus sugar Sources vary | 1 tbsp white wine vinegar + 1 tsp sugarper 1 tbsp rice vinegar |
When the substitute matters
- For dressings and slaws, apple cider vinegar with sugar is the easiest swap.
- White wine vinegar is more neutral; add sugar to soften it.
- Seasoned rice vinegar already contains sugar and salt, so it is not the same as plain.
The substitutes, in detail
Apple cider vinegar plus sugar
Amount: 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar + 1 tsp sugar per 1 tbsp rice vinegar
Sources vary
Food Network's mix, for rice vinegar or rice wine vinegar. Pantry & Larder, Healthline and Insanely Good Recipes swap the vinegar 1:1 without stating any sugar.
- Stir the sugar into the vinegar until it dissolves.
Best for
- dressings
- marinades
- slaws
What changes
Slightly fruitier and a little sharper than rice vinegar.
- vegan
- dairy-free
- egg-free
- gluten-free
White wine vinegar plus sugar
Amount: 1 tbsp white wine vinegar + 1 tsp sugar per 1 tbsp rice vinegar
Sources vary
Food Network's mix. Pantry & Larder and Medical News Today add less sugar, about 1/4 teaspoon per tablespoon; Healthline swaps 1:1 without sugar.
- Stir the sugar into the vinegar until it dissolves.
Best for
- dressings
- slaws
- pickles
What changes
Sharper and more neutral than rice vinegar; the sugar softens it.
- vegan
- dairy-free
- egg-free
- gluten-free
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.