This post contains affiliate links.

Trying to make a recipe that requires white wine vinegar but don’t have any around? Here are some options for a white wine vinegar substitute!

White wine vinegar on a white background.

What is white wine vinegar?

White wine vinegar is a vinegar made by fermenting white wine into acetic acid. The main difference between any vinegar is what its base ingredient is, which in this case is white wine! That makes it different from white vinegar and distilled white vinegar. Important to note that while you may be able to use these as substitutes, they are not completely interchangeable. 

White wine vinegar is a great addition to salad dressings and marinades. It’s also a go-to choice for pickling. You can use it in any pickling recipe you come across, like these quick pickled red onions!

This vinegar is known for being a mild, lighter flavor than a lot of other vinegar. It still packs the tanginess and acidity that you want from vinegar in any recipe, and you’ll be able to taste the slight white wine flavor. 

Wondering what you can use instead of white wine vinegar when you don’t have any in your pantry? There are plenty of options for white wine vinegar replacements that should serve you well.

White wine vinegar on a white background.

Best White Wine Vinegar Substitutes

Can I replace white wine vinegar? Yes! The most common white wine vinegar substitutes are rice vinegar, red wine vinegar, and apple cider vinegar. Read more about each white wine vinegar replacement below.

Rice vinegar on a white background.

1. Rice vinegar

Unspiced rice vinegar can make a great 1:1 substitute for white wine vinegar. You’ll use the same amount, and you don’t need to change anything.

Rice vinegar is made by fermenting rice into alcohol and then again into acetic acid. It’s a pretty mild vinegar that can be very versatile.

Rice vinegar is the same color as white wine vinegar, and the sweetness you get from the rice is similar to the slight fruitiness you get from the wine used to make white wine vinegar. The flavor profiles are very similar. 

Red wine vinegar on a white background.

2. Red wine vinegar

Red wine vinegar can also be used as a 1:1 substitute for white wine vinegar depending on the recipe you’re using it for. It’s made the same way as white wine vinegar, but with red wine instead. 

The color is different and the flavor is bolder, much like white wine vs red wine. It makes a good substitute for the acidity and tanginess as well as the slightly fruity flavor you want from white wine vinegar. 

Apple cider vinegar on a white background.

3. Apple cider vinegar

As a substitute for white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar can be used 1:1. Apple cider vinegar has a pretty distinct flavor and the fruitiness is less subtle than that of the white wine vinegar so it’s important to keep that in mind.

It can be a great white wine vinegar alternative for any meal that might benefit from a little extra apple fruity flavor! 

Eat vegetarian cookbook.

Let's eat more plants!

Packed with over 100 reader-favorite vegetarian recipes, my cookbook is your go-to guide for easy, healthy meals that make plant-based eating a breeze.

grab a copy

You May Also Like

Leave a comment

Question? Ask your question here! Sarah personally answers comments every weekday.

2 Comments

  1. Becky Benere says:

    What’s the differnce between white wine vinegar and distilled white wine vinegar?
    Can you used distilled white wine vinegar in recipes that call for white wine vinegar?

    Reply
    1. Sarah Bond says:

      White wine vinegar has a more complex, fruity flavor, while distilled white wine vinegar is sharper and more neutral. You can substitute distilled white wine vinegar, but your dish may lack the depth regular white wine vinegar provides 🙂