You’re making a salad dressing or marinade and realise the apple cider vinegar is gone—no need to worry. Chances are, you already have a few easy substitutes in your pantry that will work just as well.
Apple cider vinegar is an everyday kitchen staple, known for its sharp, tangy taste and a hint of apple sweetness. It’s made by fermenting apple juice into alcohol, then converting that into acetic acid (Apple Cider Vinegar, 2025). This gives it a bright, acidic flavour that complements everything from sauces and glazes to roasted vegetables and drinks.
Understanding what makes apple cider vinegar special helps in finding the right replacement. This guide will walk you through five of the best substitutes for apple cider vinegar, explaining how and when to use them to keep your cooking on track.
How to Substitute Apple Cider Vinegar
If a recipe needs apple cider vinegar, you want to match its acidity and mild fruitiness. The best substitutes have a similar tang, even if they don’t taste exactly like apples. Here are five good options to try.
1. White Wine Vinegar
White wine vinegar works well as a substitute because it has a similar acidity (Is Vinegar More Acidic Than Wine Vinegar? A Clear Guide, 2023). Its flavour is more neutral and doesn’t have the fruity notes of apple cider vinegar, but it still provides recipes with the tang they need. For a more fruity dressing, add a touch of citrus juice.
- How to use: Swap white wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar in equal amounts. For extra fruitiness, add about ¼ teaspoon of lemon juice per tablespoon.
2. Rice Vinegar
Rice vinegar, also known as rice wine vinegar, is another excellent alternative. It’s slightly milder and sweeter than many other kinds of vinegar, making it a good fit for stir-fries, soups, and rice dishes. (Rice Vinegar: Benefits, Uses & Recipes, 2025) Like white wine vinegar, it doesn’t have a strong fruity taste, but this can be easily adjusted.
- How to use: Use the same amount of rice vinegar as you would apple cider vinegar. For more fruitiness, add ¼ teaspoon of sugar or a squeeze of lemon juice per tablespoon.
3. Balsamic Vinegar
When making a vinaigrette, glaze, or sauce, balsamic vinegar is a great choice. Made from fermented grape juice, it’s naturally fruitier and sweeter than apple cider vinegar. Its rich, dark colour can alter the appearance of your dish, so keep that in mind if you’re aiming for a lighter-colored result. Balsamic vinegar works exceptionally well in recipes for meat, poultry, and roasted vegetables. (What does balsamic vinegar do to meat?, 2025)
- How to use: Swap balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar in equal amounts. You don’t need to add anything extra, since balsamic is already rich and flavorful.
4. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice, whether fresh or bottled, is a quick and easy substitute. It has the same acidity and fruitiness as apple cider vinegar, making it suitable for use in dressings, marinades, and as a finishing touch (Is Lemon Juice More Acidic Than Vinegar?, 2024). Its bright citrus flavour can give your recipe a fresh twist.
- How to use: Use lemon juice in a 1:1 ratio. One tablespoon of lemon juice can be used as a substitute for one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
5. Lime Juice
Lime juice, like lemon juice, is both acidic and fruity, making it a suitable substitute for lemon juice. Its flavour is stronger and more distinct than both lemon juice and apple cider vinegar (Can I Use Apple Cider Vinegar Instead of Lemon Juice?, 2024). Start with a small amount and add more to taste as needed. Lime juice is ideal for dressings and marinades that require a bold, zesty flavour.
- How to use: Begin with half a tablespoon of lime juice for each tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Taste and add more if you want, up to equal amounts.
Don’t Let an Empty Bottle Stop You
It’s frustrating to run out of a key ingredient, but it doesn’t have to stop your cooking. With these easy substitutes for apple cider vinegar, you can finish your recipe using what you already have. Whether you choose another vinegar or a citrus juice, you’ll still get the right balance of acidity and flavour.
You can try out these alternatives to see which one you like best, if you like. You might even discover a new favourite flavour to incorporate into your cooking.
