Best Cider Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Cider in a Recipe?
Use the same amount as the original. Apple juice is sweeter and less acidic than cider. Use 1:1 but reduce other sweeteners slightly and add a splash of vinegar if acidity is important.
Looking for the best Cider substitute? You're in the right place. We've rounded up 3 reliable Cider replacements that work in cooking and baking — ranked and explained so you can pick the right one for your recipe. Great for when you want to save money at the store. The top pick is Apple Juice — it's the closest match for most recipes. Apple juice is sweeter and less acidic than cider. Use 1:1 but reduce other sweeteners slightly and add a splash of vinegar if acidity is important.
Want exact ratios calculated for your specific recipe? Use the free SubSwap calculator.
Get ratios for Cider →All Cider Substitutes (3 options)
Apple juice is sweeter and less acidic than cider. Use 1:1 but reduce other sweeteners slightly and add a splash of vinegar if acidity is important.
Reduced and concentrated cider; dilute with ¾ cup water per ¼ cup concentrate to achieve 1 cup liquid with desired strength and sweetness.
Less processed than regular juice; closer to cider flavor profile with more pulp and sediment.
As an Amazon Associate, SubSwap earns from qualifying purchases.
Tips for Substituting Cider
For most recipes, Apple Juice is the best starting point. Apple juice is sweeter and less acidic than cider. Use 1:1 but reduce other sweeteners slightly and add a splash of vinegar if acidity is important. Watching your grocery budget? Apple cider concentrate is the most wallet-friendly swap and does a solid job in most uses. If you're unsure which Cider 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 Cider Substitutes
The best substitute for Cider is Apple Juice. Use the same amount. Apple juice is sweeter and less acidic than cider. Use 1:1 but reduce other sweeteners slightly and add a splash of vinegar if acidity is important.
This guide lists 3 Cider 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.
Also commonly substituted
Related ingredients
New ingredients and substitutions added regularly. Get notified first — no spam.
SubSwap is free. If it saved your recipe, consider buying me a coffee ☕
☕ Buy me a coffee