Red Wine Vinegar vs Balsamic vinegar
A side-by-side guide to substituting Balsamic vinegar for Red Wine Vinegar (or vice versa).
Balsamic vinegar works as a 1:1 swap for Red Wine Vinegar in most recipes.
Side-by-side
Balsamic vinegar
Conversion: 1:1 substitution (use the same amount)
Tags: common
Notes: Balsamic is sweeter and more complex; use equal amounts but reduce other sweeteners slightly. Works well in dressings and marinades.
Read the full guide: Balsamic vinegar
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Open calculator →When to use Balsamic vinegar instead of Red Wine Vinegar
Balsamic is sweeter and more complex; use equal amounts but reduce other sweeteners slightly. Works well in dressings and marinades. The conversion is 1:1 substitution (use the same amount).
Common questions
Yes — Balsamic is sweeter and more complex; use equal amounts but reduce other sweeteners slightly. Works well in dressings and marinades. Ratio: 1:1 substitution (use the same amount).
1:1 substitution (use the same amount). For other quantities, use the SubSwap calculator.
They are similar in most uses, but Balsamic is sweeter and more complex; use equal amounts but reduce other sweeteners slightly..
Balsamic vinegar is one of the options SubSwap lists for Red Wine Vinegar. The 'best' choice depends on your recipe — see the full list of Red Wine Vinegar substitutes.
Looking for more Red Wine Vinegar substitutes beyond Balsamic vinegar?
See all Red Wine Vinegar swaps →