17 Perfect Recipe Substitutes Of White Vinegar To Use

All set to cook that delicious recipe and run out of white vinegar? Not to worry. You do not need to rush to the supermarket. Instead, there are a lot of substitutes you can use, provided you have a well-stocked kitchen. 

Vinegar has been used in cooking for the better part of the last 5000 years, so naturally, it finds its way into many recipes we still use. White vinegar is one of the common types of vinegar, known for being strong. It has an acetic acid content of 5-7%.

If you possess a rudimentary knowledge of vinegar and how it is made, it would be easy to substitute it. Don’t fret; even if you are a new hand in the kitchen, this comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about substituting white vinegar.

Of course, you must be careful with the proportions you measure so it benefits the recipe. 

Best White Vinegar Substitute

White vinegar is a widespread recipe ingredient, but if you run out of it, you must look for substitutes. Generally, other types of vinegar can work in place of white vinegar, provided you know the correct measures.

Quick Table: White Vinegar Substitutes

Substitute	Calories (Per 100 GM)	Protein (Per 100 GM)	Fat (Per 100 GM)
Apple Cider Vinegar	22	0g	0g
Lemon Juice	22	0.4g	0.6g
White Wine Vinegar	18	0.07g	0g
Balsamic Vinegar	88	0.5g	0g
Herb Vinegar	193	0g	0g
Fruit Vinegar	267	0g	0g
Malt Vinegar	40	0g	0g
Wine Vinegar	19	0g	0g
Rice Vinegar	0	0g	0g
Fortified Wine	160	0.2g	0g
Tamarind Paste	233	7g	0.7g
Champagne Vinegar	36	0g	0g
Sherry Vinegar	71	0g	0g
Red Wine Vinegar	19	0g	0g
Lime Juice	25	0.4g	0.07g
Honey Vinegar	500	0g	0g
Raspberry Vinegar	53	1.2g	0.7g

Also, keep in mind the varying acidity levels in each. The best substitutes for white vinegar are:

1. Wine Vinegar

Produced from grapes, wine vinegar gives you similar fruity tones to white vinegar. However, this vinegar is comparatively more robust and has a flavor that many would say is a bit harsh.

When using it in place of white vinegar, ensure that you add a small amount first so that the dish is not spoilt. Later you can increase the concentration if the cooking calls for it. 

You will find both white and red colors of wine vinegar. Choose according to the meal you will be cooking. If you consume wine vinegar in excess, the sharp acid in it will cause problems with the lacquer of your teeth. Dilute this vinegar and use it in moderation. 

How To Substitute

For one teaspoon of white vinegar, substitute with 2 teaspoons of wine vinegar and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice.

Here’s a video on how to make wine vinegar at home.

2. Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is composed of Trebbiano Grapes found in Italy, which is mixed in well with grape mush to make the characteristic light, sweet flavor for which this vinegar is famous. You can use this vinegar in salad dressings and sauces when you run out of white vinegar. 

Balsamic vinegar is less acidic than white vinegar and is also aged like wine. It is costlier than other types of vinegar. More hazy and thick, balsamic vinegar holds its own against others.

Do not drink excessive amounts of it, or your throat and esophagus may suffer. 

How To Substitute

Mix ¾ teaspoon of balsamic vinegar with ¼ teaspoon lemon juice and use in place of 1 teaspoon of white vinegar.

Check out this video to learn how to make it.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

This white vinegar substitute is produced by the fermentation of apple cider, after which it is strained and bottled. It possesses a bold flavor and a sour and tangy taste. If you make it during harvest time, it tastes sweeter than usual. 

If you want to lose weight or have high glucose levels, apple cider vinegar should be your go-to. Apple cider vinegar goes wonderfully with salad dressings, marinades, and pickles.

This vinegar cannot reproduce the exact taste of white vinegar and is comparatively sharper. 

How To Substitute

One teaspoon of white vinegar should be replaced with two little spoons of apple cider vinegar.

Here’s a video on how to make it at home.

4. Fruit Vinegar

Many types of fruit vinegar are available, like berries, grapes, plums, mango, apples, oranges, and papaya. Perfectly made fruit vinegar is a bit acidic and has hints of sweetness. They possess the flavor of the fruit they are made from. 

Used in desserts, salads, marinades, and drinks, you can easily use it in place of white vinegar if you want to introduce some fruitiness to your cooking.

Just keep in mind that the fruit flavor used should complement the rest of the ingredients.

Fruit vinegar is also used to deglaze gravy, sauces, pastry, and other items in place of white vinegar. If the fruit vinegar lacks the required acidity, introduce some cooking vinegar into the mix.

It is the best white vinegar substitute for specific recipes.

How To Substitute

1 tablespoon of fruit vinegar will be used instead of 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.

Scan this video to see how fruit vinegar is made.

RELATED: 12 Of The Best Substitutes For Apple Cider Vinegar

5. Rice Vinegar

Commonly used in many recipes of Asian origin, rice vinegar adds sweetness to the dish. It is made from aged rice and can be used when you run out of white vinegar. Rice dishes, dressings, and soups are where this kind of vinegar is most appreciated. 

If you wish to add complexity to your recipe, supplement the rice vinegar with a dash of lemon juice. Check to ensure that the bottle of rice vinegar used is regular or seasoned. Seasoned types will be sweeter as they could contain sugar. 

Since it is less acidic than white vinegar, you can use it liberally in your recipe. Just check to see if it does not get too sweet in there. 

How To Substitute

One teaspoon of white vinegar will be replaced with one tablespoon of rice vinegar.

6. Champagne Vinegar

As you rightly assumed, champagne vinegar has much in common with another kind of wine- white wine vinegar. Both are made from Chardonnay-like grapes.

With floral notes and mellow acidity, champagne vinegar is well-received in uncooked dishes like salads and condiments. 

One downside is that it is an exclusive product, and your neighborhood store may not have it in stock. So it is tough to find, and only an extensive store will stock it.

It can also be used to marinade meats and is generally kept aside for parties and the like. 

It has a great flavor and is less sharp than white vinegar. Out of many substitutes for white vinegar, you may try this one for its grapes flavor.

How To Substitute

One tablespoon of white vinegar can be replaced by one tablespoon of champagne vinegar.

See this video on how to make your champagne vinegar.

7. Sherry Vinegar

This vinegar is commonly found in French and Spanish cuisines. Concocted from sherry, the color, consistency, and flavor will depend on the kind of grapes that go into making the sherry.

The aging time also matters. Older sherry vinegar will be darker in color and have a complex flavor. 

When you introduce sherry vinegar into your cooking in place of white vinegar, you will immediately notice its balanced, acidic, and sweet flavor containing hints of caramel and nuts.

Because of its complexity, it helps to turn a simple recipe into a culinary achievement.

Use sherry vinegar in sauces, marinades, glazes, soups, sauces, and desserts. Sherry vinegar brightens the dish and enhances the flavor of the other ingredients. 

How To Substitute

One to two teaspoons of sherry vinegar instead of one teaspoon of white vinegar. The actual substitution should be done according to the dictates of the recipe and your taste preferences.

This video shows you how to make sherry vinegar at home.

8. White Wine Vinegar

This kind of vinegar is produced from the fermentation of quality white wine, possessing a subtler taste than red wine vinegar. It has hints of fruit owing to the grapes that made it. However, your recipe will not be affected by the fruity notes. 

Use this vinegar to make your salad dressings, sauces, risotto, and marinades. Using white wine vinegar for pickling and softening meat is an excellent idea. Remember that this vinegar is easy to source and inexpensive. 

If you love your martinis, you could try white wine vinegar as one of the best substitutes for white vinegar.

How To Substitute

2 teaspoons of white wine vinegar plus one teaspoon of wine vinegar plus a half teaspoon of lime juice will substitute 1 teaspoon of white vinegar.

9. Honey Vinegar

As you correctly guessed, this is made from aging honey. Honey is a very healthy thing, and it should be there in your pantry. Honey vinegar is versatile, and perfect for sauces, marinades, salad dressings, and other sweet dishes. 

The flavor is sweet-sour, and it is well-balanced. The issue with this vinegar is that it is hard to find. You would do better to make it yourself. Honey helps to revive skin and assists in weight loss.

The acidity is decent, and its notes are similar to white vinegar. 

From the many substitutes for white vinegar, you can also use it in drinks. 

How To Substitute

One part of white vinegar will be substituted with four parts of honey vinegar.

See this video to see how it is made.

10. Herb Vinegar

This is the most exciting substitute on the list. Unpretentious and full of flavor, herb vinegar is a quaint substitute for white vinegar. There are many kinds of herb vinegar, and what you choose will also depend on the recipe’s ingredients. 

The subbed vinegar should be selected, keeping in mind the dish, dressings, and sauce used. Use only that much that will complement the dish and not overpower it. 

You can try red, rice, and apple juice vinegar along with the herb of your choice to make herb vinegar. Commonly used seasonings include thyme, basil, sage, dill, lemon balm, tarragon, parsley, and rosemary. 

How To Substitute

1 ½ teaspoon of herb vinegar instead of 1 teaspoon white vinegar. Give enough time for the dish to cook.

Check out this fun video on how to make herb vinegar.

11. Red Wine Vinegar

The color and taste of red wine vinegar and white vinegar are entirely different; however, you can use them to give your recipes a fruity and acidic flavor.

Made from fermented red wine, this vinegar is commonly used in pickles, sauces, marinades, salad dressings, vinaigrettes, and many other recipes. 

The only downside is that red wine vinegar will endow your dish with a pale dull color. If that is not a deterrent, forge ahead. Its taste is solid and full-bodied. When subbing for white vinegar, be cautious not to add too much. 

Dilute the vinegar because the acidic concentration may damage the enamel of teeth. 

How To Substitute

For one teaspoon of white vinegar, use one teaspoon of white wine vinegar and one teaspoon of red wine vinegar.

This video shows you how to make red wine vinegar.

12. Fortified Wine

Fortified wine waltzes into your recipe list as a fine substitute for white vinegar. The wine’s flavor is enhanced and expressed through the other ingredients in the mix. You will find many kinds of wine out there, and the choice is up to you. 

That said, some wines are better than others. To elevate the taste of your recipe, add a touch of lemon juice and vinegar. With fortified wine, you get rich and dense flavors.

It is also more intricate to taste and does wonderfully well with simple dishes. 

How To Substitute

For three teaspoons of white vinegar, use three teaspoons of fortified wine. It must be stored appropriately; otherwise, it will lose flavor and fragrance.

Here’s a video to show you how it is made.

13. Lemon Juice

This is an easily found and good substitute for our white vinegar. It is used when the recipe calls for more acidity, but remember that its citrus flavor can change your palate.

It has low pH and the fruity notes found in it complement your dining experience perfectly.

Lemons are used in innumerable dishes and also to go with fish and meat dishes. It boosts immunity but does not consume if you are prone to migraines or have allergies.

For those with a delicate stomach, the high acidity of this fruit has to be taken into account. 

How To Substitute

One tablespoon of lemon juice will be used instead of one tablespoon of white vinegar. Be careful not to add too much as it will cause excess acidity.

Check out this exciting video on how to use lemon juice in place of vinegar.

14. Malt Vinegar

This grain-based vinegar is obtained from ale. It goes well with dishes if you use a light version of it in place of white vinegar.

The most common ones are the light and the dark malt, besides the caramel colored. You can spot them in bakeries and condiments. 

Its taste is sweet and soft but coarser in texture compared to white vinegar. It is known to uplift the dishes it graces. Malt vinegar is also known as brown vinegar because of its color.

It enhances your food without adding to the calorie count. 

It also does not have sugar or sodium, making it a healthy choice for most people. 

How To Substitute

Go ahead and substitute 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with one tablespoon of malt vinegar. But, again, use your discretion according to the dish you are cooking.

Check out this video.

15. Tamarind Paste

This, again, is another great item on this list. You get tamarind paste from the tamarind fruit, and in Thai cuisine, it is treated as a savory. You will also find it in the Caribbean, Mexican and Latin dishes.

The sweet-sour taste of tamarind is unforgettable, tingling your taste buds.

It is highly versatile in chutneys, sauces, curries, beverages, desserts, candies, and dips. Its consistency is that of a thick paste, which resultantly makes your recipes a bit thicker.

However, it balances your cooking with its unique flavor. 

How To Substitute

Use one teaspoon of tamarind paste instead of one teaspoon of white vinegar.

Learn how to use tamarind paste in place of white vinegar here.

16. Lime Juice

If you are looking to make a tangy addition to your recipe, then lime juice can do wonders in your recipe as a white vinegar substitute. These are similar to lemons, only smaller, more acidic, and having a sour-bitter note.

It is also acidic to the taste, which warrants its use in recipes where there is a need for a broad range of flavors.

How To Substitute

Use one tablespoon of lime juice instead of one tablespoon of white vinegar.

17. Raspberry Vinegar Substitute

Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, this raspberry vinegar substitute can be used in various recipes. 

Made with fresh raspberries, this balsamic vinegar substitute is perfect for salad dressings, marinades, and more.

Raspberry Vinegar Substitute is a fruit vinegar with a delicate, fruity flavor. It can be used as a substitute for regular vinegar in cooking and can also be used as a drink. 

It can be used as a condiment on salads, vegetables, and other dishes.

How To Substitute

If you love Raspberry Vinegar but want to reduce the cost, you can easily substitute it for white vinegar in various recipes. To do this, measure 1/2 cup of white vinegar for every 1/2 cup of raspberry vinegar. The best part about this substitution is that it only costs a few cents more per recipe.

Quick Table: Fast And Filling Vinegar Recipes

Recipe	Calories	Preparation Time
Cucumber Vinegar Salad	39	10 Minutes
Crispy Salt And Vinegar Potatoes	107	1 Hour 10 minutes
White Balsamic Vinegar With Pork Chop Recipe	272	20 Minutes

1. Cucumber Vinegar Salad

This recipe has its origins in Europe. It is a cucumber vinegar salad recipe with cucumbers, fresh dill, as well as onion slices pickled in delish vinegar-based dressing. Be it Swedish meatballs or a beef potluck, cucumber vinegar salad goes with them all. 

The salad is light on the stomach, and the cucumber cools you down. While used as a side dish for heavier meals, this salad is great on its own too.

For this recipe, you need to make sure that the cucumbers are sliced thinly. The thicker the slices, the harder it is for the vinegar and sugar to be absorbed in them.

Calories Per 100 g: 39

Total Preparation Time: 10 minutes

2. Crispy Salt And Vinegar Potatoes

These are bound to become your latest addiction if you have a chance to make them right. The white vinegar imparts a zing to the roast potatoes, and these potatoes are deliciously crunchy on the outside, just as roast potatoes should be!

If salt and vinegar chips are your poison, you will definitely go gaga over these roasted, crunchy vinegar-soaked potatoes.

One thing to be sure of is that the time it takes to boil and then roast the potatoes will all be worth it in the end, as they deliver an amazing performance at every dinner table. 

When you cut the potatoes, the rounds should be about 1cm thick. You can use a veggie slicer to ensure that all the potato pieces are of the same thickness. 

Calories Per 100 g: 107

Total Preparation Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

3. White Balsamic Vinegar Pork Chops

Once again, this is a dish that is simple to make and requires very little effort. However, the flavor is king-sized. It will take your pork chops recipe to another level altogether. 

This recipe is a simple one, and it requires only three ingredients. This goes to show that less is actually more, at least as far as this recipe is concerned.

If you manage to source high-quality ingredients for this recipe, it will be all the better, as there is no substitute for quality. 

All you need for this recipe to be a hit are pork chops, extra virgin olive oil, and some white balsamic vinegar. When cooking the pork chops, make sure to rotate them, so they are cooked evenly. 

Calories Per 100 g: 272

Total Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Difference Between White And Distilled Vinegar?

White vinegar comes from grain alcohol that is distilled and has a harsh and sour taste. It has 4-7% acetic acid and 93-96% water. Higher concentrations are found in cleaning products.

White vinegar can also be distilled, and it finds use in cooking. White vinegar distilled is purer than regular white vinegar. 

Are Apple Cider And White Vinegar The Same?

They are not the same. There is a difference in the shade where white vinegar is clear and apple vinegar has earthy colors. 

Which Is Better White Vinegar Or Apple Cider?

Though both have nutritional advantages, apple cider vinegar is the healthier option because it has fruit. In addition, a mother enzyme is found in apple cider vinegar that is not there in white vinegar. 

What Is The Difference Between White Vinegar And Rice Vinegar?

You get white vinegar from the fermentation of grain alcohol. On the other hand, rice vinegar is made from fermented rice. White vinegar is more acidic and tangy than rice vinegar. Rice vinegar has a sweetness associated with it.