Apple cider vinegar is a light gold vinegar that is made from apples. It contains sugar and yeast. Once apples are pressed into juice, bacteria and yeast living inside the juice converts the sugar into alcohol. The alcohol is then turned into vinegar by acetic-acid-forming bacteria. Since apple cider is highly acidic, it has a tart taste when it has been converted into vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is very versatile and it is frequently used as a nutritional supplement and cleaning product, as well as a toiletry item. However, apple cider vinegar is most commonly used in the kitchen as a cooking ingredient. It works perfectly well in salad dressings, soups, sauces, and hot beverages too. Apple cider vinegar is easily accessible and affordable but if you have run out there are other alternatives that you can consider. Below are some of the good substitutes for apple cider vinegar.
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Lemon Juice
One of our first alternative for apple cider vinegar is lemon juice. Lemon juice is highly acidic and has a low Ph level just like apple cider vinegar. Lemon juice has fruity tones and high acidity, plus lemon juice will provide a flavour similar to that of apple cider vinegar in your recipe.
Lime Juice
The second substitute for apple cider vinegar is lime juice. Lime juice is another fruity, acidic option on our list of best substitutes for apple cider vinegar. Lime juice also contains citric acid, just like lemon juice, which makes it a good alternative for apple cider vinegar.
White Wine
Also on our list of best alternatives for apple cider vinegar is white wine. If you do not have apple cider vinegar in your pantry, but you have a bottle of white wine in your wine cooler you can use it as a substitute for apple cider vinegar. The sweetness of apple cider vinegar is almost the same as that of white wine so it can make a great substitute. You can use white wine in almost anything that may require apple cider vinegar.
Rice Vinegar
Like apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar is one of the milder kinds of vinegar that can also make a great substitute. Rice vinegar is ideal for stir-frys, soups, and rice dishes. Although rice vinegar is less acidic than apple cider vinegar, it tastes sweeter than apple cider vinegar. You can use rice vinegar in any dish that requires the use of apple cider vinegar.
White Vinegar
Also on our list of best substitutes for apple cider vinegar is white vinegar. White wine vinegar is a versatile vinegar that can be used in cooking. You can use it in a variety of dishes, and it makes an excellent alternative to apple cider vinegar. Although it does not have the light undertones of apples, white vinegar can offer a tangy taste plus it is a great all-purpose vinegar in general. Keep in mind that white vinegar has a very sharp, tart flavour. It also provides subdued fruity undertones of apple cider vinegar, and it has a similar level of acidity. You can also add a splash of lemon and lime juice if you use white vinegar as a substitute in salad dressings or marinades. White vinegar will also provide some brightness, since distilled white vinegar has no flavour.
Red Wine Vinegar
Also on our list of alternatives for apple cider vinegar is red wine vinegar. Red wine vinegar is made from wine grapes, which produce fruity notes similar to those of apple cider vinegar. However, this vinegar alternative is not as tart, so you may need to add a little more of it when using it as a substitute to apple cider vinegar in your recipes. Take note that due to its deep red colour, red wine vinegar may alter the appearance of your dish but it can make a great substitute for apple cider vinegar.
Malt Vinegar
Malt vinegar can also make a great substitute for apple cider vinegar. It is made from malted barley that has been fermented. Malt vinegar is made the same way beer is processed plus it gives the malt vinegar a notably yeasty taste. However, malt vinegar is mild and sweet and also one of your best substitutes for apple cider vinegar. Keep in mind that the yeasty flavour may alter the taste of your meal and that the vinegar is not the best option for people who are sensitive to gluten, because barley contains gluten but it can make a suitable substitute for apple cider vinegar.
Balsamic Vinegar
Another excellent substitute for apple cider vinegar is balsamic vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is both sweet and luxurious, plus it adds a rich, low-acidic flavour to dressings, glazes, and sauces. Since balsamic vinegar is aged like wine it tends to be more expensive than other kinds of vinegar. In order to use it as replacement for apple cider vinegar, for one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, substitute one tablespoon of either brown rice vinegar or Chinese black vinegar. You can also create your own balsamic vinegar from red wine vinegar with either sugar or honey.
Champagne Vinegar
Also on our list of substitutes for apple cider vinegar is champagne vinegar. Champagne vinegar brings a bright flavour to salad dressings, without an overly acidic bite. Champagne vinegar is best known for a flavourful champagne vinaigrette but it can be used in glazes for pork, chicken, and other meats. It is so mild in flavour so it is important to choose another mild-flavoured vinegar as a substitute. Most types of vinegar will overpower other flavours in a meal that calls for apple cider vinegar so you should not put too much in your dish. To use champagne vinegar as a substitute for apple cider vinegar, for one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar place one tablespoon of champagne vinegar, and you should get your desired results.
If you find yourself out of apple cider vinegar and need a replacement, you can use any of these alternatives. They are all similar to apple cider vinegar in acidity and flavour and can be used in a pinch.
