Out of vinegar and don’t have time to shop? Here’s the best vinegar substitute for the most common types used in recipes!
Making a recipe and realized you’re out of vinegar? There are many varieties of vinegar commonly used in home cooking, from dark balsamic to tangy apple cider vinegar and mild rice vinegar. Each is made from a different raw material, and has a different flavor and function.
How to substitute for each one? Here’s a list of the best vinegar substitutes for the most common types! It’s helpful to head to the related link to understand context around the substitution before you have a go at the recipe.
Best Vinegar Substitute
1. Balsamic vinegar
The best balsamic vinegar substitute? Red wine vinegar + maple syrup or honey. Mix 1 tablespoon vinegar and 2 teaspoons syrup. Go to Best Balsamic Vinegar Substitute.
2. White wine vinegar
The best white wine vinegar replacement? See Best White Wine Vinegar Substitute or use a 1:1 replacement of (in order of preference):
- Red wine vinegar
- Rice vinegar (not seasoned)
- Sherry vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Champagne vinegar
- Lemon juice (in a pinch)
3. Red wine vinegar
The best red wine vinegar substitute? See Best Red Wine Vinegar Substitute or use a 1:1 replacement of (in order of preference):
- White wine vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sherry vinegar
- Champagne vinegar
- Lemon juice (in a pinch)
4. Apple cider vinegar
The best apple cider vinegar replacement? See Best Apple Cider Vinegar Substitute or use a 1:1 replacement of (in order of preference):
- Red wine or white wine vinegar
- Rice vinegar (not seasoned)
- Sherry vinegar
- Champagne vinegar
- Lemon juice (in a pinch)
5. Sherry vinegar
The best sherry vinegar substitute? See Best Sherry Vinegar Substitute or use a 1:1 replacement of (in order of preference):
- Rice vinegar (not seasoned)
- Champagne vinegar
- Red wine or white wine vinegar
- Lemon juice (in a pinch)
6. Rice vinegar
The best rice vinegar replacement? See Best Rice Vinegar Substitute or use a 1:1 replacement of (in order of preference):
- White wine vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Seasoned rice vinegar (for every 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar, remove ½ teaspoon sugar and ⅛ teaspoon salt from the recipe)
7. White vinegar
The best white vinegar replacement? See Best White Vinegar Substitute or use a 1:1 replacement of (in order of preference):
- White wine vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Rice vinegar
- Malt vinegar
No Vinegar? Use Citrus
Fresh lemon or lime juice is the easiest stand in if you have no vinegar. Use 1:1, and expect slightly less acidity with a citrus flavor. This works best in dressings and marinades: but don’t use it in pickling or canning.
Vinegar Substitutes in Baking
If a baked recipe calls for vinegar with baking soda, it’s there to make things rise. So you can use any acid: use lemon juice 1:1. Cream of tartar can work work too: use ½ teaspoon per tablespoon of vinegar (I have not personally tested this one!).
