Made with fermented apples and water, apple cider vinegar can serve a number of purposes. From being a key ingredient in recipes to serving as a cleaning product!
There are also an array of benefits from simply swigging it from the bottle! These include aiding in weight loss and reducing cholesterol levels.
Rather than having to dip out on a last-minute grocery run when you find yourself out of apple cider vinegar, this article will provide you with some great substitutes for it!
1. Red Wine Vinegar
Red wine vinegar usually has the strongest flavor out of all the different kinds of vinegar. If you do choose to use this as a substitute, you should always start with less and build it up.
You also need to be mindful of the color, as red wine vinegar has a red color to it, so if this will affect your dish, it’s best to stick to some other substitutes we will cover below.
2. White Wine Vinegar
White wine vinegar (see also ‘The 8 Best White Wine Vinegar Substitutes‘) has a very similar acidity level to apple cider vinegar, making it a great substitute. If you do need to sweeten it up more, then you can add some fruit juice!
3. Champagne Vinegar
Made by fermenting champagne, this vinegar also works as a great substitute.
However, the flavor is a lot milder than apple cider vinegar, so you may need to use more of it when using it as a substitute in dishes.
4. Sherry Vinegar
This substitute works well, but it does have more of a complex flavor than apple cider vinegar.
That being said, their acidity levels are pretty similar, which is what makes sherry vinegar (see also ‘4 Sherry Vinegar Substitutes‘) a relatively good substitute.
Be wary when adding it to recipes because of the taste, but as long as you’re careful, all should go well!
5. Rice Wine Vinegar
There’s a pleasant taste when it comes to rice wine vinegar, although it is milder than apple cider vinegar.
It is made with fermented rice and is a very popular addition to Asian-inspired dishes. However, you must ensure to use unseasoned rice wine vinegar if you are looking to replace apple cider vinegar.
This is because this type of vinegar is often seasoned with sugar and salt in order to add flavor to dishes.
6. Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is very similar to apple cider vinegar, although much sweeter. In fact, if you were to mix some honey into apple cider vinegar, you would end up with balsamic vinegar.
If you’re using balsamic as a replacement, you do need to be mindful of the difference in sweetness, so adjust the amount you use accordingly.
7. Distilled White Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is very acidic and does have a sharp flavor. It can be used as a direct replacement for apple cider vinegar in equal measures, but it is advised that you use some fruit juice or sugar in order to balance the flavor out.
8. Apple Juice
Apple juice can be used as a substitute for apple cider vinegar (see also ‘12 Chinese Black Vinegar Substitutes‘), but it won’t have any acidity to it like the other vinegar on this list.
Therefore, it is best to use this replacement when the fruity element is needed in whatever recipe you are using.
In order to add more acidity, try mixing it with another kind of vinegar, such as distilled white vinegar, in order to add the punch that it needs.
9. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is very acidic naturally, and this makes it a good replacement for apple cider vinegar.
It is especially useful if you are making a salad dressing or a sauce that needs apple cider vinegar.
Final Thoughts
Apple cider vinegar is widely used in a variety of recipes, and for a variety of purposes.
When it comes to finding a replacement, the best thing to do is to find something that has a similar acidity but also has a slight sweetness to it.
We hope this article has given you insight into what replacements are useful when it comes to apple cider vinegar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is Apple Cider Vinegar Made?
Apple cider vinegar is made by cutting up apples and then covering them with water. They are then left at room temperature in order for the natural sugars to ferment, which then form ethanol.
Over time, bacteria grow and convert this to acetic acid, and apple cider vinegar is formed.
Is Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Good For You?
Many individuals drink apple cider vinegar due to its health benefits. Studies have shown that consuming it as a beverage can promote weight loss, decrease blood sugar levels, and improve cholesterol.
However, it should only be consumed in moderation, as it is highly acidic, and consuming too much can lead to erosion of tooth enamel, skin burns, throat burns, and some digestive issues.
9 Apple Cider Vinegar Substitutes
If you ever find yourself with an empty bottle of apple cider vinegar, you no longer need to panic! Here are 9 amazing substitutions that work perfectly well!
Ingredients
Red Wine Vinegar
White Wine Vinegar
Champagne Vinegar
Sherry Vinegar
Rice Wine Vinegar
Balsamic Vinegar
Distilled White Vinegar
Apple Juice
Lemon Juice
Directions
- Decide on what substitute you need
- Pick a substitute from the list above
- Read what you need to substitute with
- Create the recipe and enjoy
Recipe Video
Cooking is great for your mental, physical, and emotional health. What’s the worst that could happen? Find a recipe that you like the sound of and cook it along with me. You might even unlock a new passion!
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