Best Apple cider vinegar Substitutes

🍳 SubSwap guide 3 substitutes 🌿 vegan options 🥛 dairy-free options

What Can I Use Instead of Apple cider vinegar in a Recipe?

⭐ Top Pick
White wine vinegar
commonveganvegetariandairy-freegluten-freeketopaleonut-free

Use the same amount as the original. 1:1 swap. Slightly less fruity but similar acidity. Works in virtually all recipes calling for apple cider vinegar — dressings, marinades, baking.

Not this one? Try: Balsamic vinegar Lemon juice See all 3 →

Looking for the best Apple cider vinegar substitute? You're in the right place. We've rounded up 3 reliable Apple cider vinegar replacements that work in cooking — ranked and explained so you can pick the right one for your recipe. Great for when you want to keep things plant-based or avoid dairy. The top pick is White wine vinegar — it's the closest match for most recipes. 1:1 swap. Slightly less fruity but similar acidity. Works in virtually all recipes calling for apple cider vinegar — dressings, marinades, baking.

Want exact ratios calculated for your specific recipe? Use the free SubSwap calculator.

Get ratios for Apple cider vinegar →

All Apple cider vinegar Substitutes (3 options)

White wine vinegar Same amount
bestcommonveganvegetariandairy-freegluten-freeketopaleonut-free

1:1 swap. Slightly less fruity but similar acidity. Works in virtually all recipes calling for apple cider vinegar — dressings, marinades, baking.

Balsamic vinegar Use 75%
veganvegetariandairy-freegluten-freeketopaleonut-free

Use ¾ tbsp per 1 tbsp ACV. Much sweeter and deeper — changes the flavor profile significantly. Best in glazes and dressings where sweetness is welcome.

Lemon juice Same amount
commonveganvegetariandairy-freegluten-freenut-free

1:1 swap. Fresh, citrusy acidity in place of vinegar's tang. Works in dressings, marinades, and baked goods where acidity is needed.

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Tips for Substituting Apple cider vinegar

For most recipes, White wine vinegar is the best starting point. 1:1 swap. Slightly less fruity but similar acidity. Works in virtually all recipes calling for apple cider vinegar — dressings, marinades, baking. Going plant-based? White wine vinegar, Lemon juice are both vegan-friendly options that work well in most recipes. If you're unsure which Apple cider vinegar substitute to use, think about why the original is in the recipe: flavor, texture, moisture, or binding? Choose the substitute that best matches that function.


Common Questions About Apple cider vinegar Substitutes

What is the best substitute for Apple cider vinegar?

The best substitute for Apple cider vinegar is White wine vinegar. Use the same amount. 1:1 swap. Slightly less fruity but similar acidity. Works in virtually all recipes calling for apple cider vinegar — dressings, marinades, baking.

What is a apple cider vinegar substitute?

White wine vinegar is the closest substitute for Apple cider vinegar — use it at a 1:1 ratio for most baking and cooking applications. Slightly less fruity but similar acidity. Works in virtually all recipes calling for apple cider vinegar — dressings, marinades, baking.

What is a sub for apple cider vinegar?

White wine vinegar is the closest substitute for Apple cider vinegar — use it at a 1:1 ratio for most baking and cooking applications. Slightly less fruity but similar acidity. Works in virtually all recipes calling for apple cider vinegar — dressings, marinades, baking.

What's a good apple cider vinegar alternative?

White wine vinegar is the closest substitute for Apple cider vinegar — use it at a 1:1 ratio for most baking and cooking applications. Slightly less fruity but similar acidity. Works in virtually all recipes calling for apple cider vinegar — dressings, marinades, baking.

Can I use a substitute instead of Apple cider vinegar?

White wine vinegar is the closest substitute for Apple cider vinegar — use it at a 1:1 ratio for most baking and cooking applications. Slightly less fruity but similar acidity. Works in virtually all recipes calling for apple cider vinegar — dressings, marinades, baking.

How many substitutes are there for Apple cider vinegar?

This guide lists 3 Apple cider vinegar alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.

What is a vegan substitute for Apple cider vinegar?

White wine vinegar is a great plant-based alternative to Apple cider vinegar. 1:1 swap. Slightly less fruity but similar acidity. Works in virtually all recipes calling for apple cider vinegar — dressings, marinades, baking.

Also commonly substituted

Balsamic Black Vinegar (Chinkiang) Cane Vinegar (Caribbean) Champagne Vinegar Coconut Vinegar Lemon juice Malt Vinegar Red Wine Vinegar Suka (Cane Vinegar) White Wine Vinegar Butter Egg

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