Apple cider vinegar is a fermented compound. It is made by combining apples and yeast and allowing them to ferment. This process produces acetic acid which is where the liquid gets its iconic flavor from.
The acid is also praised by many natural and homeopathic practitioners as being beneficial to your health. But, it is also well-loved addition in baking and cooking for this tangy, fruity flavor.
As the compounds ferment the yeast and sugars from the apples combine to form a gelatinous substance often called the “mother”. This conglomerate of yeast and sugar is similar to a SCOBY in Kombucha.
Apple cider has a salty flavor that mixes well with the natural acidic tanginess. It is a favorite in baking autumn treats such as pumpkin and apple bread. The natural tartness mixes well with the sweetness of these baked goods.
Due to the bacteria from the fermenting of the fruit, the natural sugars are no longer present. It still retains some sweetness, but nothing in comparison to other distilled vinegar. This makes it complimentary to sweets thanks to its tartness.
Here are the top 12 substitutions for apple cider vinegar to try in your next recipe!
1. Kombucha for Gut Health
Similar to apple cider vinegar, kombucha is high in healthy gut bacteria. These gut bacteria help to aid in digestion and regulate the user. Because of these aspects, some drink or otherwise consume apple cider vinegar for its supposed health benefits. Some of these benefits include the following:
- Weight loss
- Gut flora
- Enzymes
- Digestive health
- Clear skin
- Shiny hair
This is why many people use apple cider vinegar when they go on a diet. They sometimes take it as a pill or tincture, while others simply drink it diluted in water. Fortunately, other substances can imitate similar physical effects on the body.
2. White Wine Vinegar
White wine vinegar is an excellent substitute when cooking or baking. White wine vinegar holds many of the sweet and tart notes found in apple cider vinegar.
But, it lacks the distinctive apple flavor. It does have a fruity taste, since it’s made with wine and thus grapes. But, the fruitiness is not quite comparable with apples. The best way to use this as a substitute is to pair it with tart or savory sauces.
When adding white wine vinegar in place of apple cider vinegar you can also try adding a little bit of brown sugar. This is especially true if you are making a sweet bar be cue sauce.
Apple cider vinegar makes a fruity tangy bar be cue sauce that white wine vinegar copies well with a little help. Just try to add just a teaspoon of brown sugar.
3. Red Wine Vinegar
Similar to white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar is made with red wine. It has the fruity sweetness that people seek in apple cider vinegar.
But, this option is a little overwhelming. It’s very potent due to the concentration of red wine. The vinegar tends to retain much of its former flavors which is very unique.
As a salad dressing, this vinegar is great. If you want to create a sweet and tangy dressing this option can best emulate the taste of apple cider vinegar.
4. Distilled White Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is not the same as white wine vinegar. Distilled white vinegar is a very basic tasting vinegar that lacks the fruitiness and sweetness of the last two.
But, vinegar is not only used for flavoring dishes. Vinegar is commonly used for lowering pH and curdling milk.
If you wish to make buttermilk, apple cider vinegar is preferable. But, regular white vinegar is a suitable substitute for creating the separation you are after.
5. Lemon juice
Lemon juice has a similar acidic level as apple cider vinegar. If you use apple cider vinegar in your drinking water to lower the pH, lemon juice can be used in the same ratio with the same effects.
It can also replace apple cider vinegar as a leavening agent in baked goods. Apple cider vinegar is commonly used in heavy bread such as walnut banana bread or other treats.
When you add the acidic compound it creates air bubbles in the bread. This makes it taste lighter and fluffier. Lemon juice can be added the same way with similar effects.
You might just want to add a pinch of salt since lemon juice lacks the saltiness of apple cider vinegar. If you use lemon juice in a salad dressing instead of apple cider vinegar you may want to alter the recipe to accommodate the flavor profile difference.
6. Red or White Wine
We already discussed using red and white wine vinegar. In cooking, you can also add regular red and white wine to a recipe instead of apple cider vinegar.
In cooking apple cider vinegar is sometimes used to add some sweet tanginess. Red wine or white wine can also bring this to your stir fry, sauce, or marinade. Just be sure to add a little extra salt to create the same sensation.
7. Rosewater for the Skin
Apple cider vinegar is commonly applied for the face and legs by health enthusiasts. It is thought to help open the pores and create a clean, fresh feeling.
Rosewater is a great substitute for apple cider vinegar in this context. Rosewater seems to have similar properties as apple cider vinegar for opening the pores and moisturizing the skin.
8. Passion fruit for Weight Management
As stated in the introduction, apple cider vinegar is a common weight-loss tool. Many use it to help them burn fat as well as create more healthy digestive bacteria.
Passion fruit is high in healthy fiber and numerous vitamins and minerals. It is sour and low in natural sugars which makes it ideal for weight loss. Similar to apple cider vinegar, it helps create healthy prebiotics to aid in digestion and increase metabolism.
9. Sherry Vinegar for Sauteing Meat
Sherry has a somewhat distinct flavor that differs from apple favors of apple cider vinegar. But, it is a sweeter vinegar with a tangy flavor that emulates the taste of apple cider vinegar.
Sherry vinegar makes excellent sauteing sauces for chicken and pork. If you were going to make a sweet cream sauce with apple cider vinegar, sherry vinegar can work as a great substitute.
It can also be used to tenderize meats and helps enhance the natural flavors of the meat. Apple cider vinegar pairs best with some sweeter sauces such as bar be cue sauce. Sherry pairs well with similar sauces, but can also be used to make more savory sauces.
10. Apple Cider
In a pinch, you can add apple cider for flavor in a recipe that calls for apple tanginess. Just remember, apple cider is sweet and non-acidic. Apple cider is not so sweet and has a distinctively tangy taste.
But, you can add apple cider in certain recipes to replace apple cider vinegar. One of the best examples is apple cider donuts. Typically, you will want to make these with apple cider vinegar to create some aeration in the dough.
The best way to recreate the lightness of apple cider vinegar is to add lemon juice and a little extra baking soda. If you do this correctly it should recreate the tanginess of the vinegar and help aerate the dough.
11. Beer in Baking and Cooking
You need to be careful with this one because beer has a very strong flavor. We would not recommend this one for anyone looking to use apple cider vinegar for a salad dressing. Rather, you should use this in baking or cooking so it is more hidden.
Beer can be used in baking such as sweet bread or even sourdough bread. The bubbles in the beer create aeration that is similar to how apple cider vinegar reacts with the bread.
In cooking, you can add beer marinades if you are sauteing meats and vegetables. But, you may wish to add a little lemon juice to the sauce to recreate the tartness of apple cider vinegar.
12. Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is a common addition to Italian food. It has a naturally sweet and strong flavor that people love when added to pasta, salads, and dipping bread. It has a very distinct flavor that is unlike almost any other.
If you are looking to make a savory yet sweet sauce with apple cider vinegar, but do not have any, you can try using balsamic. The only thing to keep in mind is balsamic is unique. Instead of trying to add it to an apple cider vinegar dish, use it in its appropriate way.
In other words, make a balsamic vinegar dressing or sauce if you realize you’re all out of apple cider vinegar. This is better than trying to add it to a recipe that won’t taste natural. It’s an excellent replacement for apple cider vinegar though since it can be used in sauces and dressings.