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 :

  1. Distilled white vinegar
  2. Balsamic vinegar
  3. Sherry vinegar
  4. Malt vinegar
  5. Rice wine vinegar
  6. Lemon juice
  7. Red wine vinegar
  8. White wine vinegar
  9. Coconut cider vinegar
  10. Orange juice
  11. Lemon juice
  12. Lime juice
  13. Apple juice
  14. Grape juice
  15. 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 OACVNotes
AcidityVery high
Fruity flavorno
Sweetnessno
RoleCan fit in the exact recipe with some adjustments.
Health benefitsBasic 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 OACVNotes
AciditySimilar to ACV
Fruity flavorYes
SweetnessYes
Rolesame
Health benefitsIt may help lower cholesterol.

Apple Cider Vinegar Alternative : Balsamic Vinegar

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 OACVNotes
AcidityMild
Fruity flavorHigh
SweetnessHigh
RoleNeeds adjustment to use ACV alternative.
Health benefitsGood 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 OACVNotes
AcidityVery low
Fruity flavorNo, nutty flavor masks the acid smell
SweetnessYes
RoleSimilar role with different flavor
Health benefitsBetter 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 OACVNotes
AcidityMild
Fruity flavorNo, but masks have an acid smell
SweetnessMild
RoleSimilar to ACV with smell difference
Health benefitsSame 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 OACVNotes
AcidityMild
Fruity flavorNo. But contains a crisp smell.
SweetnessMild
RoleSimilar to ACV when use double than ACV.
Health benefitsSame 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 OACVNotes
AcidityMild
Fruity flavorNo, but has less acetic flavor
SweetnessYes
RoleFits in most dishes without adding any flavor
Health benefitsSimilar 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 OACVNotes
AciditySlight higher than ACV
Fruity flavorYes
SweetnessYes
RoleSame, but may change color.
Health benefitsSimilar benefits of acetic acid.

Apple Cider Vinegar Alternative : Coconut Cider Vinegar

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 OACVNotes
AcidityMilder than ACV.
Fruity flavorYes, but different.
SweetnessStrong.
RoleFits nicely with some adjustments.
Health benefitsHave 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 OACVNotes
AcidityLow
Fruity flavorHigh
SweetnessHigh
RoleMay sweeter and change flavor.
Health benefitsHelp reduce blood sugar and colesterol.

Plus, you can take this tasty juice

quite a lot more than vinegar! (why not!)