Apple cider vinegar is a light gold vinegar made from -- you guessed it -- apples! It also contains sugar and yeast. Once the apples have been pressed into juice, bacteria and yeast living in the juice convert the sugar into alcohol. The alcohol is then turned into vinegar by acetic-acid-forming bacteria. Since apple cider is highly acidic, it tastes notably tart when it has been converted into vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar is remarkably versatile. It is frequently used as a nutritional supplement, a cleaning product, and a toiletry item. However, it is most commonly used in the kitchen as a cooking ingredient. It works well in salad dressings, soups, sauces, and hot beverages.
When a recipe calls for apple cider vinegar and there is none to be found in your pantry, don't worry -- there are many substitutes that approximate the acidic, mildly sweet flavor of apple cider vinegar.
8 Substitutes For Apple Cider Vinegar
1. Lemon Juice
Substitute one tablespoon of lemon juice for one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
Like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice is highly acidic and has a low pH. With its fruity tones and high acidity, lemon juice will provide a flavor similar to that of apple cider vinegar in your recipe.
2. Lime Juice
Substitute one tablespoon of lime juice for one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
Another fruity, acidic option on our list of alternatives is lime juice. Lime juice contains citric acid, just like lemon juice, which makes it a good substitute for apple cider vinegar.
3. White Wine
Substitute two tablespoons of white wine for one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
When you don't have apple cider vinegar in your pantry, but you do have a bottle of white wine in your wine cooler, you're in luck! The sweetness of apple cider vinegar is similar to that of white wine.
4. Rice Vinegar
Substitute one tablespoon of rice vinegar for one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
Like apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar is one of the milder kinds of vinegar. This makes rice vinegar an excellent substitute for apple cider vinegar. Rice vinegar is perfect in stir-frys, soups, and rice dishes. Although rice vinegar is less acidic than apple cider vinegar, it has a sweet taste that can approximate the taste of apple cider vinegar in many recipes.
5. White Wine Vinegar
Substitute one tablespoon of white wine vinegar for two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
White wine vinegar is a very versatile vinegar in cooking. It can be used in many dishes, and this makes it an excellent alternative to apple cider vinegar. Although it does not have the light undertones of apple, it does offer a tangy taste and is a great all-purpose vinegar.
6. White Vinegar
Substitute one tablespoon of white vinegar for one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
White vinegar has a very sharp, tart flavor. Although it will not provide the subdued fruity undertones of apple cider vinegar, it provides a similar level of acidity. Add a splash of lemon and lime juice if using this substitute in salad dressings or marinades. This will provide some brightness, since distilled white vinegar has no flavor.
7. Red Wine Vinegar
Substitute 1 1/4 tablespoons of red wine vinegar for one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
Red wine vinegar is made from wine grapes, which will produce fruity notes similar to those of apple cider vinegar. However, this vinegar substitute is not as tart, so you will need to add a little more of it when using it as a substitute in your recipes. Keep in mind that due to its deep red color, this vinegar may alter the appearance of your dish.
8. Malt Vinegar
_Substitute one tablespoon of malt vinegar for one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. _
Malt vinegar is made from malted barley that has been fermented. This is the same process used to make beer, and it gives malt vinegar a notably yeasty taste. Malt vinegar is mild and sweet and a suitable substitute for apple cider vinegar. However, the yeasty flavor may alter the taste of your dish. Malt vinegar is not the best option for those sensitive to gluten, since barley contains gluten.
If you find yourself without apple cider vinegar and need a replacement, you can use any of these eight substitutions. They all are similar to apple cider vinegar in acidity and flavor and can be used in a pinch.