Ingredient substitute
What can you use instead of vinegar?
Lemon juice, Lime juice and Verjuice are the easiest swaps. Below: 4 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.
The quick answer
Lemon juice. Use the same amount. Same acidity (~2 pH), different flavor.
Adjust: Direct swap in most recipes.
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Lemon juice
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Same acidity (~2 pH), different flavor.
- Flavor
- Fruity citrus.
- Texture
- Same.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Direct swap in most recipes.
- Best for
- Any recipe needing acid
vegan
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Lime juice
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Sweeter acid than lemon.
- Flavor
- Tropical.
- Texture
- Same.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Direct swap.
- Best for
- Mexican, Southeast Asian
vegan
-
Verjuice
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Grape juice. Milder acid.
- Flavor
- Mild, fruity.
- Texture
- Same.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Direct swap for milder acidity.
- Best for
- Delicate dishes, Salads
vegan
-
Tamarind paste (diluted)
Small adjustmentUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Mix 1 tbsp paste + 2 tbsp water.
- Flavor
- Complex sweet-sour.
- Texture
- Smooth when dissolved.
- Moisture
- Added water.
- Adjust
- Changes flavor significantly.
- Best for
- Indian, Thai
vegan
Common questions
What is the best substitute for vinegar?
Lemon juice is the closest swap. Use the same amount. Same acidity (~2 pH), different flavor.
What is a vegan substitute for vinegar?
Good vegan options are Lemon juice, Lime juice, Verjuice and Tamarind paste (diluted).
How much should I use instead of vinegar?
It depends on the swap. Lemon juice: Use the same amount. Lime juice: Use the same amount. Verjuice: Use the same amount.
Recipes that use vinegar
More swaps
Scale it to your recipe
Enter the amount you need and the substitution tool works out the exact quantity. Or ask the chef how the swap will change your dish.