Vinegar & Acid Substitutes
Swap vinegars, citrus juices, and acidic ingredients in dressings, marinades, and baking with these reliable alternatives.
19 ingredients · 74 tested substitutes
Acids brighten flavors, tenderize proteins, and activate leaveners in baking. When substituting vinegars, match the acidity level and flavor intensity. Mild rice vinegar swaps differ from bold balsamic replacements. For baking, any vinegar with similar acidity works since the flavor bakes off. For dressings and marinades, flavor matching matters more.
Most Popular in This Category
Apple Cider Vinegar
Top pick: White Wine Vinegar
Rice Vinegar
Top pick: Apple Cider Vinegar (diluted)
Red Wine Vinegar
Top pick: Sherry Vinegar
Lemon Juice
Top pick: Lime Juice
Balsamic vinegar
Top pick: Red wine vinegar + sugar
White Wine (in cooking)
Top pick: Chicken or Vegetable Broth + Lemon Juice
All Vinegar & Acid Ingredients
Red Wine Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar
Rice Vinegar
Lemon Juice
White Wine (in cooking)
Balsamic
Balsamic Glaze
Balsamic vinegar
Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
Black Vinegar (Chinkiang)
Cane Vinegar (Caribbean)
Champagne Vinegar
Malt Vinegar
Pedro Ximénez Vinegar
Rice Wine Vinegar
Sherry Vinegar
Sherry Wine Vinegar
Suka (Cane Vinegar)
Tarragon Vinegar
Recipe-Specific Guides
Need a substitute for a specific recipe? These guides give tailored advice for common dishes.
White Wine in Risotto
Best: Chicken or Vegetable Broth + Lemon Juice
Apple Cider Vinegar in Baking
Best: White Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar in Salad Dressing
Best: Red Wine Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar in Marinades
Best: White Wine Vinegar
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common vinegar & acid substitutes?
The most commonly substituted vinegar & acid ingredients include Apple Cider Vinegar, Rice Vinegar, Red Wine Vinegar, Lemon Juice. Each has multiple alternatives with exact ratios for different recipes.
Are there vegan vinegar & acid alternatives?
Yes, most vinegar & acid ingredients have vegan alternatives. Check each ingredient page for options marked with the vegan badge.
How many vinegar & acid substitutes are available?
We have 74 tested substitutes across 19 vinegar & acid ingredients, each with exact ratios and recipe-specific advice.