Apple cider vinegar stands out as the kitchen’s superstar! But you can use many other items as apple cider vinegar alternatives for your specific needs. Those alternatives may change the result a bit but will fill up the same role for you.
For instance, you can use balsamic vinegar, rice vinegar, coconut vinegar, wine vinegar, or even lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar for cooking. If you do not need the acidity part for cooking, different types of fruit juice can step in as a substitute for apple cider vinegar.
Hi, I am Ismoth Jahan, a content writer ( Cooking blackbelt) for the Myorganic Bd team. With my cooking knowledge, team expertise, and moths of research. I am confident to come up with the best alternatives to apple cider vinegar.
We will explore apple cider vinegar alternatives in this article. Will cover everything you need to know in this topic.
Before we start!
You should know some initial things to understand how and why we listed those items as apple cider vinegar alternative.
Organic apple cider vinegar with mother is unique due to its remarkable versatility and diverse applications. Apple cider vinegar is 5-7% acetic acid, a common characteristic that other types of vinegar also have. But apple cider vinegar has mother that contains beneficial bacteria and various enzymes. It improve digestion and boost overall metabolism.
However, the probiotic effect is not constant in all types of apple cider vinegar. Most organic apple cider vinegar substitutes here may not contain this benefit.
This list primarily focuses on the Taste, cooking. How different alternatives of apple cider vinegar fit into different dishes and salads. Additionally, We highlights any unique health benefits that every alternative may provide.
15 Best Apple Cider Vinegar Alternative
15 Best apple cider vinegar alternatives are :
- Distilled white vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Sherry vinegar
- Malt vinegar
- Rice wine vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Red wine vinegar
- White wine vinegar
- Coconut cider vinegar
- Orange juice
- Lemon juice
- Lime juice
- Apple juice
- Grape juice
- Blueberry juice
Let us explain how and why this works as an alternative to Apple cider vinegar. Also include a table so you can easily visualize it.
Distilled White Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is the most common type of vinegar; you may already have this in your kitchen. You can easily use distilled white vinegar as a direct apple cider vinegar alternative for cooking. But as white vinegar has nothing but acetic acid, it has a strong acetic smell. Adding fruit juice to it can easily mask the acetic aroma.
As it contains acetic acid, it also helps reduce blood sugar and support weight loss.
Advice: Want to reduce the fruity flavor of apple cider vinegar for a dish? You can try mixing the white vinegar with apple cider vinegar.
| Attributes compared to OACV | Notes |
| Acidity | Very high |
| Fruity flavor | no |
| Sweetness | no |
| Role | Can fit in the exact recipe with some adjustments. |
| Health benefits | Basic acetic acid benefits |
White Wine Vinegar
White wine vinegar is made by two stages of fermentation of peeled grape juice. It has a similar acidic profile and a hint of sweetness, like apple cider vinegar. Therefore, it can nicely fit anywhere you use it as an apple cider vinegar alternative. White wine vinegar effectively substitutes the sourness, sweetness, and fruity flavor. Making it one of the top choices to use instead of apple cider vinegar in salads and coleslaws.
Tip: You can also use white wine vinegar instead of white vinegar, but white wine vinegar will add a slight sweetness and fruity flavor.
| Attributes compared to OACV | Notes |
| Acidity | Similar to ACV |
| Fruity flavor | Yes |
| Sweetness | Yes |
| Role | same |
| Health benefits | It may help lower cholesterol. |
Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is made from a particular type of black grape, providing its unique color. It has a complex and distinct smell. It is sweeter than apple cider vinegar and white wine vinegar. It can be a good substitute for organic apple cider vinegar. But you must adjust the amount as it has mild acidity & high sweetness. It has similar health benefits as other vinegar. It is more famous for skin care.
| Attributes compared to OACV | Notes |
| Acidity | Mild |
| Fruity flavor | High |
| Sweetness | High |
| Role | Needs adjustment to use ACV alternative. |
| Health benefits | Good for the skin. |
Sherry Vinegar
Sherry vinegar is made by fermenting sherry in wooden barrels. It is less tart than most other vinegars. But it’s sweet nut-like flavor and sweet, tangy taste make it a suitable apple cider vinegar alternative for many dishes. But as it lacks a fruity flavor, may change the flavor theme slightly, which can also be fantastic!
| Attributes compared to OACV | Notes |
| Acidity | Very low |
| Fruity flavor | No, nutty flavor masks the acid smell |
| Sweetness | Yes |
| Role | Similar role with different flavor |
| Health benefits | Better for liver function. |
Malt Vinegar
Malt vinegar is made from barley and has a strong barley-like smell. Although it does not have the fruity smell of apple cider vinegar, its malty smell suits fish, chips, salads, and dishes nicely. It has a mild sour taste and hint of sweetness. Making it a potential substitute for apple cider vinegar.
| Attributes compared to OACV | Notes |
| Acidity | Mild |
| Fruity flavor | No, but masks have an acid smell |
| Sweetness | Mild |
| Role | Similar to ACV with smell difference |
| Health benefits | Same as vinegar |
Champagne Vinegar
Champagne vinegar also fits in the place of apple cider vinegar. But as it has a weaker taste, you may have to adjust the amount of use. If the recipe says add two spoons of apple cider vinegar, add four spoons of champagne vinegar. Champagne Vinegar has an excellent crisp taste that will bring life to your dish.
| Attributes compared to OACV | Notes |
| Acidity | Mild |
| Fruity flavor | No. But contains a crisp smell. |
| Sweetness | Mild |
| Role | Similar to ACV when use double than ACV. |
| Health benefits | Same as vinegar |
Rice Wine Vinegar
Rice wine vinegar can be a suitable apple cider vinegar alternative with its hint of sweetness and acidic taste. It produce from fermented rice wine. However, it does not have a fruity flavor but enhance the taste and flavor of the dish. The neutral flavor and sweetness also make it an excellent alternative to most other types of vinegar. Rice wine vinegar is more trendy in the Asian countries.
| Attributes compared to OACV | Notes |
| Acidity | Mild |
| Fruity flavor | No, but has less acetic flavor |
| Sweetness | Yes |
| Role | Fits in most dishes without adding any flavor |
| Health benefits | Similar to acetic acid. |
Red Wine Vinegar
Red wine vinegar produce from red wine. Which come from specific types of grapes. It has a sour taste with a grapefruit smell.
The difference between red and white wine vinegar is that it is usually a bit stronger in smell and taste than white wine vinegar. In case you do not have ACV for your salad dressing, red wine vinegar can fit nicely as a substitute. It is indeed a good apple cider vinegar alternative!
| Attributes compared to OACV | Notes |
| Acidity | Slight higher than ACV |
| Fruity flavor | Yes |
| Sweetness | Yes |
| Role | Same, but may change color. |
| Health benefits | Similar benefits of acetic acid. |
Coconut cider Vinegar
Coconut vinegar is made from a long fermentation process of sap from coconut trees. It is mildly sour but is sweeter than apple cider vinegar. So, you can use coconut vinegar as a substitute for apple cider by adjusting the amount. It’s strong coconut flavor differs from apple cider vinegar, but the smell cooperates nicely with many dishes.
The best similarity between apple cider vinegar and coconut vinegar is both have significant probiotic effects. So, if you do not like the sourness of ACV, should try coconut vinegar as an alternative.
| Attributes compared to OACV | Notes |
| Acidity | Milder than ACV. |
| Fruity flavor | Yes, but different. |
| Sweetness | Strong. |
| Role | Fits nicely with some adjustments. |
| Health benefits | Have a probiotic effect similar to ACV. |
Orange Juice
As an apple cider vinegar substitute, organic orange juice can perform well in many dishes. The sourness may be lacking, but the fruity flavor and pleasant fragrance can add life to most dishes. From barbecue to salad dressings, orange juice can rarely go wrong if you use it properly.
You may think as it is not vinegar, it may not have the blessing of acetic acid. But no, citric acid of orange and citrus fruits may also benefit in blood sugar and cholesterol reduction!
| Attributes compared to OACV | Notes |
| Acidity | Low |
| Fruity flavor | High |
| Sweetness | High |
| Role | May sweeter and change flavor. |
| Health benefits | Help reduce blood sugar and colesterol. Plus, you can take this tasty juice quite a lot more than vinegar! (why not!) |
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice can be a fantastic apple cider vinegar alternative. They have similar tanginess. Instead of the apple flavor of ACV, lemon juice has a fresh citrus smell that contrasts amazingly with chicken, pork, salad, and baking. However, it may lack sweetness, but adding a spoonful of sugar or honey will back it up nicely.
| Attributes compared to OACV | Notes |
| Acidity | Slightly high |
| Fruity flavor | Yes, but citrus |
| Sweetness | No |
| Role | Similar to ACV without sweetness |
| Health benefits | Good source of vitamin C. |
Lime Juice
Lime juice can be a great substitute for apple cider vinegar. But limes are more tangy, citrusy, and bitter. So, you should be aware of using a moderate amount that does not ruin the taste of your dish. Lime is a better source of vitamins A, C, calcium, and folate.
| Attributes compared to OACV | Notes |
| Acidity | High |
| Fruity flavor | Yes, but citrusy |
| Sweetness | No |
| Role | Similar in many dishes. Should use a moderate amount. |
| Health benefits | Similar to citric acid. |
Apple Juice
Apple juice may not have that strong vinegary taste, but it may have just enough aroma & sweetness to work in many dishes. Green apples can have an acidity of 3.3 to 4.00, close to apple cider vinegar. Even if you don’t have the unripe ones, ripe apple juice can fit smoothly in some dishes. The malic acid from organic apple juice is beneficial for the skin.
| Attributes compared to OACV | Notes |
| Acidity | Low |
| Fruity flavor | High |
| Sweetness | High |
| Role | May not work similarly in every dish, but it will keep the flavor the same. |
| Health benefits | Beneficial for skin health. |
Grape Juice
You can also consider using grape juice as an alternative to apple cider vinegar. Grape may lack the acetic taste, but it will shine in the fruity part and sweetness. Which may fit nicely in some dishes. It is not a direct substitute for apple cider vinegar but can enhance flavor and taste.
| Attributes compared to OACV | Notes |
| Acidity | Low |
| Fruity flavor | High |
| Sweetness | High |
| Role | Enhance taste and flavor, but not like apple cider vinegar. |
| Health benefits | Compact with vitamin C, it boosts immunity. |
Blueberry Juice
Blueberry juice adds a fruity flavor and sweet taste but lacks a tart taste like apple cider vinegar. Adding a bit of white vinegar with blueberry juice or other less sour fruit juice may have a similar effect to organic apple cider vinegar. Blueberries can promote digestive, eye, and skin health.
| Attributes compared to OACV | Notes |
| Acidity | Low |
| Fruity flavor | High |
| Sweetness | High |
| Role | It may work similarly to ACV when added to white vinegar. |
| Health benefits | Boosts digestive, eye, and skin health. |
FAQ
Can I use ACV instead of white vinegar in my hair?
Yes, absolutely. Diluted apple cider vinegar will enhance the shine of your hair just like white vinegar.
Which is stronger white vinegar or apple cider vinegar?
White vinegar is stronger and more acidic in taste and smell than apple cider vinegar.
Why is white wine vinegar better than white vinegar?
White wine vinegar is made from grapes that contains mild sweetness & sourness.Thts why the taste better than regular white vinegar.
Conclusion
If you do not mind a bit of change the taste of a dish, many apple cider vinegar alternatives are there. They have distinct smell and taste while playing the same role in your dish.
If you want a similar substitute for ACV, consider white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, or white vinegar with fruit juice. If you do not mind less acidity and sweetness, balsamic vinegar, coconut vinegar, or malt vinegar can fit nicely with your taste.
For less sweet and good flavor, use lemon and limes; for fruity flavor and less sour taste, use apple, the grape of blueberry juice.
The best apple cider vinegar alternative depends on your taste and dish. Choose the right match you have near your hand & cook with a happy face!
Mr. Shariful Alam Pavel believes in natural living. To live a healthy conscious living, we need to eat green, live green. MyOrganic Bd is a green wellbeing brand, educating millions to live a better life with mother nature.
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