Last Updated on July 17, 2022 by
White wine vinegar is the ideal component for brightening and magnifying the flavor of a meal. It is often used in salad dressings and marinades. It may also be used in sauces and goes well with fish and other seafood meals. But can I use white vinegar instead of white wine vinegar?
No, you can’t. White vinegar and white wine vinegar have distinct aromas and purposes outside of cooking, so switching one for the other is something you should avoid if possible. But there are other alternatives you can use. Below are 11 best white wine vinegar substitutes you could use.
11 Best White Wine Vinegar Options
1. Red Wine Vinegar
Red wine vinegar, like white wine vinegar, is created from wine. Because both forms of vinegar have the same acidity level, red wine vinegar is an ideal alternative to white wine vinegar. Red wine has a somewhat stronger flavor; it tastes quite similar to white wine vinegar. A bottle of red wine vinegar is a typical pantry item that may be found at the back of most pantries.
However, if your meal is lighter in color, red wine vinegar will change the color of it. Red wine vinegar has a stronger taste than white wine vinegar. Use red wine vinegar in a 1:1 ratio to replace white wine vinegar. For example, instead of one tablespoon of white wine vinegar, use one tablespoon of red wine vinegar.
2. Champagne Vinegar
Champagne vinegar has the most similar taste profile to white wine vinegar. This makes it an excellent alternative for white wine vinegar in any recipe that asks for it. Champagne vinegar is created from wine grape juice, especially champagne grape juice.
It has a much lighter and more delicate taste than white wine vinegar, yet it works well in salads, sauces, and marinades. Champagne vinegar tastes just as good as it sounds! Unlike white and red wine vinegars, Champagne vinegar is prepared from fermented champagne.
Champagne vinegar does not have the strength of white wine vinegar because of its light taste. Because champagne vinegar is milder than white wine vinegar, use 1 1/2 teaspoons instead of 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar.
3. Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is produced from concentrated wine grape juice from Italy’s Modena area. Balsamic vinegar has a strong, sweet flavor that is distinct from white wine vinegar. That isn’t to say it won’t work in certain recipes.
Balsamic vinegar’s stronger tastes may be a fun option for adding a rich sweetness to meat meals. Avoid using it in lighter flavored (and colored) dressings and sauces because of their deeper color, stronger taste, and thicker consistency.
Balsamic vinegar may be substituted for white wine vinegar in most recipes that call for it. The sharpness of this vinegar may rapidly overshadow a meal, so start with half the quantity called for in the recipe and add more as desired.
4. Rice Vinegar
Rice vinegar, which is created from fermented rice, is often used in Asian cuisine. This white rice vinegar is often used to season Asian salads and sushi rice. Rice vinegar has a taste comparable to white wine vinegar.
Make sure you don’t pick up a seasoned rice vinegar bottle since it contains salt and sugar. If you use flavored rice vinegar, you won’t obtain the same white wine taste. Use the same amount of rice vinegar as you would white wine vinegar. Replace one tablespoon of white wine vinegar in a recipe with one tablespoon of rice vinegar.
5. Sherry Vinegar
If you don’t have red or white wine vinegar, sherry vinegar is an acceptable substitute. Sherry vinegar is often used in Spanish cooking and is gently sweet and medium-bodied. This vinegar has a milder taste profile than red or white wine vinegar.
It’s worth noting that sherry vinegar darkens with age. This does not imply that food has gone bad, but the taste will be considerably stronger. When you use this vinegar, you will note that it has a more prominent and unique taste than white wine vinegar.
Sherry vinegar is also an excellent replacement for red wine vinegar. To obtain the same taste, substitute one tablespoon of white wine vinegar with one tablespoon of sherry vinegar.
6. Vinegar
Depending on your preparation, herb vinegar may occasionally be used instead of white wine vinegar. Herb vinegars are often flavored with rosemary, tarragon, or thyme. Herb vinegar is a good replacement for white wine vinegar for creating salad dressing.
Similarly, herb vinegar may be used instead of white wine vinegar in marinades. Herb vinegar may be used in place of white wine vinegar at a 1:1 ratio. Keep in mind that the herbs will provide their taste, so use less spices throughout the dish.
7. White Wine
White wine might be one of the natural replacements you have on hand. While white wine vinegar is manufactured from white wine, the main distinction is that the vinegar has a greater acidity level than the wine.
Consequently, substituting white wine for vinegar results in a meal with less acidity. If you don’t have any other vinegar on hand or prefer a less acidic meal, go ahead and open that bottle of wine!
8. Lemon Juice
You may substitute lemon juice if you don’t have white wine vinegar (or another vinegar) on hand. Lemon juice is a citrus juice that is tart and acidic, similar to white vinegar. Remember that lemon juice has a natural lemon taste so it won’t work in every recipe. Conversely, lemon juice may be an excellent alternative to white wine vinegar in salad dressings.
Before substituting vinegar juice for white wine vinegar, be sure that a lemon or tart taste will work nicely in your dish. All of these criteria also apply to lime juice, albeit the taste will be somewhat different. White wine may be substituted for white wine vinegar in a 2:1 ratio – 2 tablespoons of wine for every 1 tablespoon of vinegar.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
White wine vinegar may be replaced with apple cider vinegar. The fermentation of apples produces this vinegar. The vinegar has the tanginess of vinegar, the sourness of apples, and a somewhat sweet taste.
The strong taste of apple cider vinegar does not work in every recipe, but it may be used as a replacement for white wine vinegar in certain circumstances. It has a more robust flavor than white wine vinegar, so use your discretion when using it in recipes.
In general, apple cider vinegar may be used in salad dressings, sauces, and marinades for fish or poultry. While you may work up to a 1:1 substitution of apple cider vinegar for white wine vinegar, we recommend beginning with 1/2.
10. Honey Vinegar
The fermentation of honey into vinegar produces honey vinegar. This vinegar may be used in a variety of ways. It may be used in cocktails and as a wonderful substitution for white wine vinegar in many recipes.
Honey vinegar is excellent for salads, dressings, and garnishes since it has a wonderful acidity and a hint of sweetness, similar to white wine vinegar. However, honey vinegar may be tough to locate since it is not the most widely accessible vinegar on the market.
11. Fruit Vinegar
Apples are not the only fruit utilized in the production of vinegar. Other fruit vinegar, such as lemon and berry vinegar, are available. While it is less typical to have it in your cabinet, it may be utilized in specific meals if you do happen to have any on hand. Fruit vinegar’s lighter tastes pair nicely with white fish, chicken, and mild vinaigrette sauces.
Most fruit vinegar has the same or lower acidity level than white wine vinegar. As a result, you may begin with a 1:1 substitute. Feel free to add additional to get the desired taste.
What Is A Good Substitute For White Wine Vinegar In Cooking?
Champagne vinegar is a wonderful replacement for white wine vinegar in cooking. White wine vinegar and Champagne vinegar are both made from wine. As a result, they have a milder taste and acidity than other forms of vinegar. Because both kinds of vinegar have the same taste and flavor profile, they may be used interchangeably in cooking.
Unlike other vinegar, white wine vinegar and champagne vinegar are gently acidic, making them ideal for cooking. Although white wine vinegar is more acidic than champagne vinegar, it may simply be replaced. Champagne vinegar may simply be substituted for white wine vinegar in marinades, vinaigrettes, salads, and even sauce boosting. It also goes very well with fish.
Conclusion On Can I Use White Vinegar Instead Of White Wine Vinegar
You’re in luck if you’ve run out of white wine vinegar and are seeking a replacement. There are several unique and excellent replacements for white wine vinegar that not only give the ideal taste but also a comparable acidity to your dish. Consider one of the excellent replacements mentioned above if you need a replacement.
If you’re in a pinch, you may also use lemon juice or balsamic vinegar. When replacing alternative vinegar for white wine vinegar, bear in mind the degree of acidity, tangy taste, or sweetness needed in the meal to get the desired flavor.
