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Home - Cooking - Substitutes

Latest Updated: Feb 28, 2026 by Andrew Gray

5 Best Apple Cider Vinegar Substitutes

Swap Discover with White Wine Vinegar, Red Wine Vinegar, Sherry Vinegar, Malt Vinegar, and Apple Juice.

White Wine Vinegar

White wine vinegar is a type of vinegar made from white wine.

For cooking, Red Wine Vinegar also works well - adjust the amount to taste.

Finding the perfect substitute for apple cider vinegar can feel like a mini quest. We all have that moment in the kitchen where we realize the bottle is empty.

No sweat, though. There are plenty of other ingredients lying around that can do the trick just as well.

I once had to whip up a dressing with no apple cider vinegar in sight; the result was surprisingly tasty.

Trust us, your dishes will still shine. And who knows, you might even discover a new favorite among these.

Table of Contents

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  • The 5 Best Substitutes for Apple Cider Vinegar
    • 1 - White Wine Vinegar
    • 2 - Red Wine Vinegar
    • 3 - Sherry Vinegar
    • 4 - Malt Vinegar
    • 5 - Apple Juice
  • Frequently Asked Questions

The 5 Best Substitutes for Apple Cider Vinegar

Regarding substitutes for apple cider vinegar, there are a few things to keep in mind.

The first is that you want something with a similar acidic taste.

The second is that you want something that will add the same level of tanginess to your dish.

And finally, you want something that is easily accessible and doesn't require a lot of special ingredients.

Here are five of the best substitutes for apple cider vinegar:

1 - White Wine Vinegar

white wine vinegar Save for Later!

White wine vinegar is a type of vinegar made from white wine.

It has a milder flavor than other types of vinegar and is often used in salad dressings, marinades, and sauces.

White wine vinegar is also a popular ingredient in many French dishes.

The vinegar is made by allowing white wine to spoil or ferment.

The fermentation process converts the wine's sugar into acetic acid, which gives vinegar its distinctive sour taste.

White wine vinegar can be made from any white wine but is most commonly made from Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

It has many uses in cooking and can be a great way to flavor your dishes.

2 - Red Wine Vinegar

red wine vinegar Save for Later!

Most commonly associated with French cuisine, red wine vinegar is a flexible ingredient in various dishes.

Its tart, acidic flavor helps brighten up savory and sweet dishes and can be used as a marinade or dressing.

Red wine vinegar is also a great way to add depth of flavor to soups and stews.

When shopping for red wine vinegar, look for a brand made from 100% red wine.

This will ensure that you get the best flavor and that the vinegar is high quality.

When stored properly, red wine vinegar will last for several months.

However, if it begins to smell sour or taste vinegary, it is time to discard it.

3 - Sherry Vinegar

sherry vinegar Save for Later!

Sherry vinegar is a type of vinegar made from sherry, a fortified wine.

It has a dark brown color and a rich, complex flavor.

Sherry vinegar is used in many Spanish dishes and in sauces, marinades, and vinaigrettes.

It is also a popular ingredient in chutneys and pickles.

When shopping for sherry vinegar, look for a brand aged at least six months.

This will ensure that the vinegar has the deepest flavor and complex aroma.

Sherry vinegar is an excellent choice for those who want to add a touch of sophistication to their cooking.

4 - Malt Vinegar

malt vinegar Save for Later!

It may not be the most popular on the shelf, malt vinegar is a versatile condiment with a long history.

Malt vinegar is made from fermented barley and has a deep amber color and a slightly sweet, malty flavor.

It is often used as a finishing touch on fish and chips, but it can also be used in marinades and sauces.

Malt vinegar can also be used as a household cleaner, and its acetic acid content makes it effective at removing stains.

In fact, malt vinegar has been used as a cleaning agent for centuries.

In medieval England, it was commonly used to clean floors and whiten laundry.

Today, many people still swear by its ability to clean everything from windows to kitchen countertops.

So, the next time you're looking for vinegar with a little more flavor, reach for the malt vinegar.

You may be surprised by how versatile it is.

5 - Apple Juice

apple juice Save for Later!

Apple juice is a popular beverage choice for many people, and it can be enjoyed in various ways.

One of the simplest ways to enjoy apple juice is to pour it into a glass and drink it.

However, many recipes call for apple juice as an ingredient.

For example, apple cider is a popular fall beverage that combines apple juice with spices such as cinnamon and cloves.

Another way to use apple juice is in cocktails.

Many mixed drinks, such as the classic Mimosa, call for apple juice as an ingredient.

Whether you enjoy it on its own or as part of a recipe, apple juice is a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed in many different ways.

You might also want to know how apple cider vinegar compares.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Discover?

White Wine Vinegar, Red Wine Vinegar, Sherry Vinegar, Malt Vinegar, and Apple Juice. Use it at a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for Discover.

Is there a good swap for this ingredient?

You have several options. White Wine Vinegar matches the original closely, while Red Wine Vinegar brings a slightly different character.

Either works at a 1:1 ratio.

Are there any substitutes that are easier to find?

Yes. Check your grocery store's international or health food aisle for widely available options.

Many substitutes are pantry staples that are easier to source than the original.

What dishes work best with a substitute?

Forgiving dishes - soups, stews, casseroles, and sauces - are the best starting point. They mask small texture or flavor differences better than dishes where the ingredient is the star.

Explore more: This post is part of our Ingredient Substitutes Guide.
Andrew Gray

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Restaurant industry veteran sharing real recipes, honest substitutes, and tips that actually work in a home kitchen.

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