Out of White wine, one case
Non-alcoholic white wine substitute for every recipe
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Chicken broth + lemon juice
Same amount as the white wine
Plus 1-2 tbsp lemon juice per cup
The best non-alcoholic white wine substitutes are chicken broth with lemon juice, vegetable broth with white wine vinegar, or white grape juice with lemon juice. These provide acidity and depth without alcohol.
- Best for —
- sauces
One casethe full white wine card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of white wine |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicken broth + lemon juicesauces | Same amountPlus 1-2 tbsp lemon juice per cup |
| 2 | Vegetable broth + white wine vinegarvegetarian dishes | 3 parts broth to 1 part vinegar |
| 3 | White grape juice + lemon juicesweet dishes | 3 parts juice to 1 part lemon |
| 4 | Apple cider vinegar + water + sugarmarinades | 1:3:½ tsp (vinegar:water:sugar) |
| 5 | Rice wine vinegar + water + sugarAsian-inspired dishes | 1:2:½ tsp (vinegar:water:sugar) |
Chicken broth + lemon juice
rich with bright acidity · similar texture
Chicken broth provides depth and richness while lemon juice adds the acidity that white wine normally provides.
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, deglazing, risotto, pasta dishes, soups
Add lemon juice gradually to taste.
Vegetable broth + white wine vinegar
vegetal with balanced acidity · similar texture
Vegetable broth provides depth without meat flavor while white wine vinegar adds the necessary acidity.
- Best for
- vegetarian dishes, soups, when you want lighter flavor, health-conscious cooking, risotto
Add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
White grape juice + lemon juice
fruity with bright acidity · similar texture
White grape juice provides fruitiness while lemon juice adds the necessary acidity for balance.
- Best for
- sweet dishes, when you want fruitiness, family-friendly cooking, desserts, glazes
Use unsweetened white grape juice.
Apple cider vinegar + water + sugar
fruity acidity · similar texture
Apple cider vinegar provides fruity acidity that's diluted with water and balanced with sugar.
- Best for
- marinades, when you want fruity acidity, fall-inspired dishes, pork dishes, salad dressings
Adjust sugar to taste.
Rice wine vinegar + water + sugar
mild acidity · similar texture
Rice wine vinegar provides mild acidity that's diluted with water and balanced with sugar.
- Best for
- Asian-inspired dishes, when you want mild acidity, delicate sauces, stir-fries, marinades
Use unseasoned rice wine vinegar.
How it behaves in this recipe
Non-alcoholic substitutes for white wine need to provide both the liquid component and the acidity that white wine brings to cooking. The key is finding the right balance of depth (from broth) and brightness (from acid) without any alcohol content.
Tips for substituting white wine
6 tips- Always taste and adjust acidity gradually
- For deglazing, use hot liquid to release browned bits
- In marinades, the acid helps tenderize meat
- For sauces, reduce the liquid to concentrate flavor
- Add sugar sparingly to balance acidity without making it sweet
- Consider the dish's flavor profile when choosing your substitute
Notes on white wine
- Use sparkling water with lemon for a lighter touch
- Try kombucha for fermented flavor without alcohol
- Use coconut water for tropical dishes
- Consider using tea for unique flavor profiles
- Use fruit purees for sweet applications
Questions
5 questionsWhy do I need acidity in cooking?
Acidity helps balance flavors, tenderize meat, and brighten dishes. It's essential for creating well-rounded flavors.
Can I use just broth without acid?
Broth alone will provide depth but lack the brightness that acidity brings. Adding lemon juice or vinegar is recommended.
How much lemon juice should I add?
Start with 1 tablespoon per cup of liquid and adjust to taste. Different dishes may need more or less acidity.
What's the difference between white wine vinegar and white wine?
White wine vinegar is more acidic and concentrated. Always dilute it with water when using as a substitute.
Can I use fruit juice as a substitute?
Yes, but choose unsweetened varieties and add acid (like lemon juice) to balance the sweetness.