Substitutions / apple cider vinegar
What to use instead of apple cider vinegar
Use white wine vinegar in equal amounts. Slightly less fruity and complex, but works well in virtually any recipe calling for apple cider vinegar.
Every option, best first
| Use instead | How much | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| White wine vinegar | 1:1 | Slightly less fruity and complex, but works well in virtually any recipe calling for apple cider vinegar. |
| Lemon juice | 1:1 | Adds brightness and acidity but brings a citrus note instead of the mild apple flavor. |
| Rice vinegar | 1:1 | Milder and a touch sweeter — works best in dressings and marinades, less ideal where a sharp tang is needed. |
How much is a cup of apple cider vinegar?
Substituting by volume and weighing are different problems, and the second one has an exact answer. Weigh apple cider vinegar in grams →
A word on how to read these
A substitution is a trade, not an equivalence. The ratio gets the quantity right; the third column is the part worth reading, because it tells you what you are giving up. In a stew, most of these are invisible. In a cake — where flour, liquid, fat and leavening are in a fixed relationship — the same swap can change the crumb.
Why baking notices and stew doesn't →
Where these came from
These substitutions were written by Gather's own kitchen model — the same one the app uses when you tap an ingredient and ask what else would work — then checked and saved as a fixed list in July 2026. Nothing on this page is generated while you read it. They are a good starting point and not a substitute for tasting as you go.