Are there any substitutes for apple cider vinegar?

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

For cooking, health tonics, or cleaning, apple cider vinegar's distinct flavor and properties are not irreplaceable. Numerous pantry staples can serve as effective substitutes for apple cider vinegar, depending on the application and desired flavor profile. This guide explores the best alternatives to use when you run out.

Quick Summary

Explore effective substitutes for apple cider vinegar, including white vinegar, lemon juice, and various wine vinegars. Each alternative offers unique flavors and properties for cooking, health, and household cleaning tasks.

Key Points

White Vinegar: A sharp, neutral-flavored substitute ideal for cleaning and baking, offering higher acidity than ACV without affecting color.
Lemon or Lime Juice: Use as a 1:1 replacement for ACV to add bright, fruity acidity in dressings and marinades, but expect a different flavor profile.
White Wine Vinegar: A close match for ACV's acidity and mildness, especially suitable for salad dressings; consider adding a little fruit juice to mimic ACV's fruit notes.
Balsamic Vinegar: A sweeter, richer substitute that adds complexity to dressings and glazes, though it should be used in smaller quantities due to its bolder flavor.
Coconut Vinegar: A milder, probiotic-rich alternative that supports gut health, making it a good choice for health drinks and dressings with a softer flavor.
Baking Soda: An alkaline alternative for cleaning and leavening, but should be used separately from acidic substitutes to avoid neutralizing their effects.
Red Wine Vinegar: Offers a fruity, robust flavor suitable for marinades and sauces, but its darker color should be considered for lighter dishes.

The short answer is yes, there are many substitutes for apple cider vinegar (ACV), and the best one depends on how you plan to use it. The core component giving ACV its tang is acetic acid, which is also present in other vinegars. However, the flavor nuances from the fermented apples are unique, so a substitute will alter the taste profile of your dish. Below, we break down the best alternatives based on your needs, whether for cooking, health, or household cleaning.

Cooking Alternatives for Apple Cider Vinegar

When a recipe calls for ACV, the right substitute depends on the final flavor you want to achieve. For recipes where the apple-forward flavor is secondary, a different type of vinegar or citrus juice will suffice.

Neutral Flavor for Leavening

In baking, ACV often reacts with baking soda for leavening. For this purpose, a neutral-flavored acid is best.

White Vinegar: With a higher acetic acid concentration, distilled white vinegar offers a sharp, neutral taste and is a great 1:1 substitute in baking where the flavor isn't prominent.
Lemon Juice: Provides citric acid with a similar pH to ACV. Use a 1:1 ratio, but be mindful of the citrusy undertone it will add.

Similar Acidity, Different Profile

For salad dressings and marinades, maintaining the right acidity is crucial, even if the flavor changes slightly.

White Wine Vinegar: This has a very similar acidity profile to ACV and a mild, slightly fruity flavor that works well in most applications. For a fruitier note, you can add a touch of apple juice.
Rice Wine Vinegar: A milder, slightly sweeter option than ACV, it can be used in a 1:1 ratio. It's excellent for Asian cuisine and lighter dressings.

Richer Flavor for Dressings and Glazes

For applications where a deeper, richer flavor is a welcome twist, consider these options.

Balsamic Vinegar: This offers a more complex, sweeter flavor than ACV. Use a little less than the recipe calls for, as it's typically thicker and sweeter. It adds a lovely richness to dressings and glazes.
Red Wine Vinegar: Made from fermented red wine, it has a robust, fruity flavor. It is a good choice for marinades, but remember it may tint lighter-colored foods.

Health and Tonic Substitutes

Many people drink ACV diluted for purported health benefits like aiding digestion or managing blood sugar. While alternatives may not offer the exact same benefits, some provide similar digestive or antioxidant support.

Lemon Juice: Diluted in water, lemon juice can boost metabolism and aid digestion. It's a great source of Vitamin C and antioxidants.
Coconut Vinegar: A milder option, coconut vinegar contains probiotics that promote gut health. It's a good choice for people sensitive to ACV's strong taste.
Herbal Teas or Water with Honey: For those who simply seek a warm, soothing health drink, a cup of herbal tea or warm water with honey can be a palatable alternative without the intense acidity.

Cleaning Substitutes

Vinegar's effectiveness as a cleaner comes from its acetic acid content. For cleaning purposes, the specific type of vinegar often matters less than its acidity, though clear options are best for avoiding stains.

White Vinegar: As a cleaning agent, white vinegar is superior to ACV because of its stronger acidity and lack of color, which prevents stains on surfaces. It's effective for disinfecting, descaling, and deodorizing.
Baking Soda: While not a liquid acid, baking soda can act as an abrasive scrub, deodorizer, and stain remover. For certain tasks, like unclogging drains with vinegar, it's a key ingredient.
Hydrogen Peroxide: For disinfecting surfaces, 3% hydrogen peroxide is an effective and safe alternative to vinegar. It is particularly useful for killing bacteria and viruses.

Apple Cider Vinegar Substitutes at a Glance


Substitute	Flavor Profile	Acidity Match	Best For	Considerations	Ratio	Citations
White Vinegar	Sharp, Neutral	Similar to Stronger	Baking, Pickling, Cleaning	Stronger flavor; no fruit notes; no coloring.	1:1 or diluted	,
Lemon Juice	Bright, Citrusy	Similar	Dressings, Marinades, Drinks	Introduces citrus flavor; rich in Vitamin C.	1:1	,
White Wine Vinegar	Mild, Neutral	Similar	Dressings, Marinades	Lacks fruity notes; add apple juice for mimicry.	1:1
Balsamic Vinegar	Rich, Sweet	Lower	Dressings, Glazes	Sweeter and thicker; dark color may affect dish.	~1:0.5
Rice Wine Vinegar	Mild, Sweet	Similar	Asian Cuisine, Lighter Dressings	Mildest flavor; good for delicate dishes.	1:1
Red Wine Vinegar	Fruity, Robust	Similar	Marinades, Sauces	Stronger flavor; dark color may affect dish.	~1:1

How to Choose Your Substitute

Consider the Purpose: Is it for flavor, leavening, or cleaning? For baking, white vinegar is often the safest bet due to its neutral flavor. For a salad dressing, you might prefer lemon juice or a wine vinegar. For cleaning, white vinegar's superior acidity is ideal.
Think About Flavor: Some substitutes, like balsamic vinegar, introduce a rich, sweet flavor, while others, like white vinegar, are purely acidic. Consider what will complement your dish best.
Adjust the Ratio: The 1:1 substitution ratio for ACV is not always perfect, especially with more potent or milder alternatives. Taste as you go and adjust according to your preference.

List of Common Uses

Vinaigrettes: White wine vinegar or lemon juice are excellent choices. Allrecipes offers recipes using various vinegars to help you experiment with flavor.
Marinades: Red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar work well to tenderize meat and add rich flavor.
Pickling: White vinegar is often preferred for its clear color and stronger acetic acid content, resulting in crispier pickles.
Drinks: Diluted lemon juice or coconut vinegar are popular health-conscious alternatives.
Cleaning: White vinegar or a paste of baking soda can handle a wide variety of household tasks.

Conclusion

While apple cider vinegar is a popular and versatile ingredient, a well-stocked pantry offers many effective alternatives for cooking, health, and cleaning. By understanding the purpose of ACV in a specific recipe or application, you can easily choose a substitute that provides a similar acidic punch or flavor profile. Whether you need a neutral-flavored acid for baking or a zesty citrus kick for a dressing, there is always a viable alternative. Experimentation with different options can even introduce exciting new flavor combinations to your culinary repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, white vinegar is an excellent and often better substitute for cleaning. It has a higher acetic acid content, making it a stronger cleaner, and its clear color prevents staining that darker vinegars might cause.

Yes, lemon juice works well as a substitute, especially in salad dressings and marinades, offering similar acidity. Use a 1:1 ratio, but be aware that it will impart a distinct citrus flavor.

Many of the health benefits of ACV come from its acetic acid. Lemon juice also has weight loss benefits, aiding metabolism and digestion. Coconut vinegar, with its probiotics, supports gut health, which can aid weight management.

Balsamic vinegar is sweeter and less acidic than ACV. While it works well for dressings and glazes, it has a richer flavor profile. For an ACV substitution, use slightly less balsamic to avoid overwhelming the dish.

Yes, rice wine vinegar is a good substitute, especially if you want a milder, slightly sweeter flavor. It works well in Asian cuisine and can be used in a 1:1 ratio for ACV in many recipes.

Red wine vinegar has a robust, fruity flavor that can work in marinades and sauces. It has a similar acidity to ACV but may impart a red color to lighter-colored dishes.

Distilled white vinegar is the most common and versatile option, as it is readily available and offers a strong, neutral acidity suitable for many cooking and cleaning applications.