White vinegar is a staple in my kitchen for both cooking and cleaning and likely it’s the same in your kitchen.
But what do you do when it’s done and you don’t have time to run to the store?
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are 10 substitutes for white vinegar that will work just as well in your recipes.
Plus, we’ll give you the ratios and recipes so you can get started right away!
Best Substitutes for White Vinegar:
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Malt Vinegar
- Lemon Juice
- Lime Juice
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Wine Vinegar
- Rice Vinegar
- White Balsamic Vinegar
- Champagne Vinegar
- Herb Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a popular substitute for white vinegar. It has many health benefits, including weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and improved gut health.
It also has a unique acid and fruity taste that can enhance the flavor of many dishes. However, there are some cases where apple cider vinegar is not an ideal substitute for white vinegar.
For example, if you are making a recipe that requires a light, delicate flavor, apple cider vinegar may not be the best choice. Additionally, apple cider vinegar is more expensive than white vinegar and may not be available in all stores.
When choosing a substitute for white vinegar, be sure to consider the specific needs of your recipe.
Malt Vinegar
Malt vinegar is a great substitute for white vinegar. It is also known as brewing vinegar and is made from malt. It has a similar color and acidity, making it a perfect choice for cooking. When pickling vegetables, you can use it for a nice flavor added to the pickles.
Malt vinegar is also less harsh than white vinegar, so it’s a great choice for cleaning surfaces that the acidity of white vinegar might damage.
Finally, it is a great option for making homemade ketchup or BBQ sauce. It has a similar color so it won’t affect the appearance of your dish. The malt vinegar adds a depth of flavor that you can’t get with white vinegar. So, if you’re looking for a versatile and flavorful substitute for white vinegar, malt vinegar is a great option.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a great substitute for white vinegar. It has a similar sour flavor, making it ideal for baking and cooking applications. It also has a similar acidity level and can be used in baking to add flavor.
It is also a great way to add flavor to salad dressings and marinades. I consider it amazing because of the added benefit of being rich in vitamin C.
In addition to that, it can also be used as a natural cleaning solution. When mixed with water, lemon juice can help to remove stains and clean surfaces. As a result, lemon juice is a versatile and powerful cleaning agent.
Did you know it can help to brighten the skin and hair? It is also known for its antiseptic properties, making it an ideal ingredient in acne treatments.
This means one thing; lemon juice is not only an incredibly versatile ingredient but a great substitute for vinegar. So, when substituting lemon juice for vinegar, use the same amount of lemon juice as you would vinegar.
Lime Juice
Lime juice is a great substitute for white vinegar. It is easy to find, has a similar flavor profile and can be used in many of the same recipes.
The benefits of lime juice include its sour taste, which can help to liven up a dish, and its high vitamin C content. It is also a good source of antioxidants and can help to boost the immune system.
Like vinegar, lime juice has a tart and acidic flavor profile. This makes it ideal for balancing out rich and savory flavors. You can use it as a direct substitution in most cases. Simply use the same amount of lime juice as you would vinegar.
However, lime juice is a bit more potent than vinegar, so you may need to adjust the amount depending on your taste preferences. Overall, lime juice is a great alternative to white vinegar and can be used in many different dishes.
Red Wine Vinegar
Red wine vinegar is a perfect substitute for white vinegar. You can use it in the same ratio as you would white vinegar, and it will provide the same amount of acidity.
The main difference is in the color and flavor. Red wine vinegar will add a slightly red tint to your dish, and it also has a more complex flavor than white vinegar. However, this substitute is a great way to add depth to your dish without altering the taste too much.
Again, it is also less processed than white vinegar, so it retains more of the nutrients from the grapes. This makes it a healthier option for those looking for a vinegar substitute.
Finally, red wine vinegar has been shown to have many benefits, such as reducing cholesterol and improving heart health. So, if you’re looking for a healthier option, red wine vinegar is the way to go.
White Wine Vinegar
In many cases, white wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for white vinegar. They are both quite similar in taste, and when used in the same ratio, white wine vinegar can produce similar results.
One benefit of white wine vinegar is that it is often less acidic than white vinegar, making it a great choice for those who are sensitive to acidity levels.
In addition, white wine vinegar can add a subtle flavor profile to dishes that white vinegar might otherwise overshadow.
When substituting white wine vinegar for white vinegar, be sure to taste the dish before serving to ensure that the desired level of acidity has been achieved.
Rice Vinegar
Rice vinegar is a great substitute for white vinegar. It has a similar level of acidity, but it is much sweeter and milder.
This makes it ideal for use in salad dressings or marinades and other recipes where you want a touch of sweetness.
Although rice vinegar is not as easy to find as white vinegar, it is worth seeking out if you want to experiment with different flavors.
When substituting rice vinegar for white vinegar, use a 1:1 ratio.
White Balsamic Vinegar
White balsamic vinegar is a great substitute for white vinegar. It has a sweetness to it that white vinegar doesn’t have. The color is also a little different, but it’s not a big deal. You can use it in the same ratio as white vinegar.
The benefit of using white balsamic vinegar is that it’s less acidic than white vinegar. It can be harsh on your skin and white balsamic vinegar is much gentler. If you’re looking for a white vinegar substitute, I would definitely recommend trying this one out!
Champagne Vinegar
Champagne vinegar is a great substitute for white vinegar because it has a similar flavor and color. The main difference between champagne vinegar and white vinegar is the ratio of acid to water.
Champagne vinegar is made with wine, while white vinegar is made with distilled water and has a lighter flavor. This means using champagne vinegar will give you a higher acidity level than white vinegar.
However, champagne vinegar can be used in all the same ways as white vinegar. It can be used as a cleaning agent, to make salad dressing, or as a general cooking ingredient.
Champagne vinegar also has some benefits over white vinegar. For example, it is less likely to discolor light-colored clothing. It also imparts a subtle flavor to dishes that white vinegar does not.
When substituting champagne vinegar for white vinegar, it is best to use a 1:1 ratio.
Herb Vinegar
Herb vinegar is a great substitute for white vinegar in many recipes. It can be used in salad dressings, marinades, and even stews.
The type of herb vinegar you use will depend on the dish you’re making. For instance, if you’re making a savory dish, you might want to use rosemary herb vinegar. If you’re making a sweet dish, you might want to use lavender herb vinegar.
There are many benefits to using herb vinegar as a substitute for white vinegar.
First, it adds a unique flavor that white vinegar cannot provide to your dish. Second, it is loaded with nutrients that can boost your health. Finally, herb vinegar is often made with organic ingredients, which makes it a more sustainable choice than white vinegar.
In conclusion
There are many substitutes for white vinegar. Each has its unique flavor and benefits.
So, if you’re looking to switch things up, you can always experiment with different kinds of vinegar in your cooking. And remember to use the ratio that is appropriate for the recipe you’re making.
Happy cooking!
PS. What are some of your favorite substitutes for white vinegar?