Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for white vinegar
Best swap for white vinegar: Distilled white vinegar. Same thing, different name. Use it 1:1.
How we checked this: these swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes, and their ratios follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than one published chart. For exact amounts on many common swaps, see the NDSU and Colorado State University extension tables listed below. Editorial policy
What can I use instead of White Vinegar?
White Vinegar and Distilled White Vinegar are the same ingredient under different names, so swap one for the other 1:1. Another option is White Wine Vinegar. The table below also lists Rice Vinegar, Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice, 5 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Distilled white vinegar | Same thing, different name. Use it 1:1. |
| White wine vinegar | 1:1; milder, slightly fruity; fine for cooking and dressings, not for canning pickles (use 5% white or cider vinegar) |
| Rice vinegar | 1:1; sweeter and milder; fine for cooking and dressings, not for canning pickles (often under 5% acidity) |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1:1; slightly fruity; fine for quick pickles and dressings How to use it: For canned pickles, use one labeled 5 percent acidity; it may darken pale foods like cauliflower. |
| Lemon juice | 1:1 in dressings and to brighten a dish; not for pickling or cleaning |
Source and limits
These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated . We remove swaps known to be unsafe, but not every swap has been tested in a kitchen, and a swap is cooking guidance, not an allergen or nutrition equivalent. Check labels and what the recipe needs before substituting.
The ratios and usage notes follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than a single published chart. These two university extension tables list exact amounts for many common swaps:
- Ingredient Substitutions (FN198), NDSU Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Ingredient Substitutions (9.329), Colorado State University Extension (opens in a new tab)
- National Center for Home Food Preservation, General Information on Pickling (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.