Out of Balsamic, one case
Can you substitute apple cider vinegar for balsamic?
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Apple cider vinegar for balsamic vinegar
Same amount as the balsamic
Yes, you can substitute apple cider vinegar for balsamic vinegar in a 1:1 ratio, but they have different flavors and sweetness levels. Apple cider vinegar is more acidic while balsamic vinegar is sweeter.
- Best for —
- salad dressings
One casethe full balsamic vinegar card
Why it works
BalsamicApple cider vinegar and balsamic vinegar are both vinegars that can be used in similar dishes. The substitution works because they provide similar acidity and can be used in the same applications, though they have different flavors and sweetness levels.
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of balsamic |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple cider vinegar for balsamic vinegarsalad dressings | Same amount |
| 2 | Balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegarsalad dressings | Same amount |
| 3 | Apple cider vinegar + sugarsalad dressings | Same amount1 cup apple cider vinegar + 1-2 tbsp sugar |
| 4 | Red wine vinegarsalad dressings | Same amount |
| 5 | White wine vinegarsalad dressings | Same amount |
Apple cider vinegar for balsamic vinegar
acidic · similar texture
Mild, acidic vinegar that can substitute for balsamic vinegar. Good for when you want acidity.
- Best for
- salad dressings, marinades, when you want acidity, when you want mild flavor
Apple cider vinegar is more acidic than balsamic vinegar. Add sugar if you need sweetness.
Balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar
sweet · similar texture
Sweet, complex vinegar that can substitute for apple cider vinegar. Good for when you want sweetness.
- Best for
- salad dressings, marinades, when you want sweetness, when you want complexity
Balsamic vinegar is sweeter than apple cider vinegar. Reduce other sweeteners in the recipe if using.
Apple cider vinegar + sugar
sweet · similar texture
Mix apple cider vinegar with sugar to recreate the sweetness of balsamic vinegar.
- Best for
- salad dressings, marinades, when you want sweetness, when you want acidity
Mix apple cider vinegar with sugar until dissolved. This recreates the sweetness of balsamic vinegar.
Red wine vinegar
acidic · similar texture
Acidic vinegar that can substitute for both apple cider and balsamic vinegar. Good for general use.
- Best for
- salad dressings, marinades, when you want acidity, general cooking
Red wine vinegar is more acidic than both apple cider and balsamic vinegar. Add sugar if you need sweetness.
White wine vinegar
clean · similar texture
Clean vinegar that can substitute for both apple cider and balsamic vinegar. Good for when you want light color.
- Best for
- salad dressings, when you want light color, when you want clean flavor, general cooking
White wine vinegar is cleaner than both apple cider and balsamic vinegar. Add sugar if you need sweetness.
How it behaves in this recipe
When substituting between apple cider vinegar and balsamic vinegar, consider the sweetness and acidity you want. Apple cider vinegar is more acidic while balsamic vinegar is sweeter.
Tips for substituting balsamic
5 tips- Apple cider vinegar is more acidic than balsamic vinegar, so add sugar when substituting
- Balsamic vinegar is sweeter than apple cider vinegar, so reduce other sweeteners when substituting
- Both vinegars work well in salad dressings, marinades, and sauces
- Store both vinegars in cool, dry places away from light
- Consider the final flavor you want when choosing your substitute
Notes on balsamic
- Use apple cider vinegar with sugar for similar sweetness to balsamic vinegar
- Use red wine vinegar for acidity that works in both applications
- Consider the specific dish when choosing your substitute
- Use white wine vinegar for light color and clean flavor
Questions
5 questionsCan I use apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar can substitute for balsamic vinegar in a 1:1 ratio, but it's more acidic. Add sugar if you need sweetness.
What's the difference between apple cider vinegar and balsamic vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is more acidic and has a different flavor, while balsamic vinegar is sweeter and more complex. Both are vinegars with different taste profiles.
Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?
Yes, balsamic vinegar can substitute for apple cider vinegar in a 1:1 ratio, but it's sweeter. Reduce other sweeteners in the recipe if using.
Can I use apple cider vinegar with sugar instead of balsamic vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar with sugar is a good substitute for balsamic vinegar. It provides similar acidity and sweetness.
Do I need to adjust the recipe when substituting between apple cider and balsamic vinegar?
Generally no ratio adjustment is needed, but consider the sweetness and acidity differences. Apple cider vinegar is more acidic while balsamic vinegar is sweeter.