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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, resulting in a different flavor and function in recipes. 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. Let us know if you have questions in the comments below!
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
Related recipes
Here are some recipes where you could use these vinegar substitutions:
- Balsamic vinegar: Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette, Beet Salad with Balsamic Dressing, Blackberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette, Perfect Spinach Salad, Blistered Tomatoes
- White wine vinegar: Honey Mustard Dressing, Dijon Mustard Dressing, Italian Dressing, French Potato Salad, Carrot Salad
- Red wine vinegar: Fresh Basil Vinaigrette, Greek Salad Dressing, Chimichurri, Red Cabbage and Apples
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing, Mexican Coleslaw, Simplest Pickled Red Onions, Red Cabbage Slaw, Black Bean Salad
- Rice vinegar: Quick Soba Noodle, Easy Grilled Tofu, Shrimp and Broccoli, Broccoli Stir Fry
- Sherry vinegar: Panzanella, Rice & Lentil Salad, Easy Romesco Dip
