White vinegar substitutes
White vinegar substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Apple cider vinegar
Same amount as the white vinegar
Similar clear vinegar with different flavor.
The best substitutes for white vinegar are apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, or other clear vinegars like distilled vinegar or white wine vinegar, depending on the use.
Distilled white vinegar is sharp 5% acid and almost nothing else - no colour, no flavour of its own - so its job in a recipe is the sourness on its own: cutting richness, firing baking soda in a cake, souring milk. Because it adds no flavour, any comparable acid covers the job, and the only question is what flavour it brings with it.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- cooking
Updated 8 Oct 2026 · no sponsored swaps
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Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of white vinegar | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple cider vinegarcooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Rice vinegarcooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Distilled vinegarcooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | White wine vinegarcooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Champagne vinegarcooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Lemon juicecooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Apple cider vinegar
different taste, similar texture
Similar clear vinegar with different flavor.
- Covers
- Acid
- Best for
- cooking, baking
Different flavor, similar acidity.
Rice vinegar
different taste, similar texture
Milder, slightly sweet vinegar, about 4 to 4.3% acid against white vinegar's 5%.
- Covers
- Acid
- Best for
- cooking, dressings, marinades
Fine in cooking and dressings; add a little more for the same sharpness. Do not use it in place of 5% vinegar in a tested canning or pickling recipe. Check the bottle is not seasoned rice vinegar, which has sugar and salt added.
Distilled vinegar
similar taste and texture
Similar clear vinegar with similar flavor.
- Covers
- Acid
- Best for
- cooking, baking
Similar flavor, similar acidity.
White wine vinegar
different taste, similar texture
Similar clear vinegar with different flavor.
- Covers
- Acid
- Best for
- cooking, baking
Different flavor, similar acidity.
Champagne vinegar
different taste, similar texture
Similar clear vinegar with different flavor.
- Covers
- Acid
- Best for
- cooking, baking
Different flavor, similar acidity.
Lemon juice
different taste, similar texture
Similar acidic liquid with different flavor.
- Covers
- Acid
- Best for
- cooking, baking
Different flavor, similar acidity.
Questions
6 questionsCan I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar is a good substitute for white vinegar. It has similar acidity and can be used in most recipes that call for white vinegar.
What's the difference between white vinegar and apple cider vinegar?
White vinegar is made from grain alcohol and has a sharp, acidic flavor, while apple cider vinegar is made from apples and has a milder, fruity flavor. Both have similar acidity levels.
Can I use rice vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Yes, in cooking and dressings. Rice vinegar is milder, about 4 to 4.3% acid against white vinegar's 5%, so start with the same amount and add a little more for the same sharpness. Do not use it in place of 5% vinegar in a tested canning or pickling recipe.
Why is white vinegar so popular in cooking?
White vinegar is popular in cooking because it adds acidity and tangy flavor that complements other ingredients and is a traditional ingredient in many cuisines.
What is white vinegar made from?
White vinegar is made from grain alcohol that has been fermented and then distilled to create a clear, acidic liquid.
Can I use white vinegar for cleaning?
Yes, white vinegar is excellent for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces around the home.
Tips for substituting white vinegar
9 tips- White vinegar adds acidity and tangy flavor to dishes
- White vinegar can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- White vinegar pairs well with herbs, spices, and vegetables
- White vinegar works well in baking and desserts
- White vinegar can be used to make pickled vegetables. A tested canning recipe needs vinegar of at least 5% acidity, so check the label before swapping in another vinegar
- Store white vinegar in the pantry
- White vinegar is made from grain alcohol
- It has a sharp, clean acidity
- Great for pickling, cleaning, and cooking