Apple cider vinegar and rice vinegar have distinct flavors and uses that set them apart. So, what’s the difference between them and when should you use each?
Below, I’ll give you all the information you need to make the right choice!
Comparing apple cider vinegar vs rice vinegar
Known for its amber hue and a hint of apple flavor, apple cider vinegar is slightly sweet and carries a distinct tanginess. It’s often used in salad dressings, marinades, and even for preserving fruits and vegetables.
In contrast, white rice vinegar (different from brown rice vinegar) is milder and lighter in flavor. It doesn’t have the fruity notes of apple cider vinegar but offers a clean, crisp acidity. This makes it perfect for sushi rice, stir-fries, and other Asian dishes.
But remember, while they may have their unique characteristics, you can often interchange them with a few adjustments to your recipe (more on that later).
| Apple cider vinegar | Rice vinegar | |
| Source | Apples/apple cider | Fermented rice |
| Acidity (acetic acid content) | 5 – 6% | 4 – 5% |
| Color | Amber and cloudy | Clear and colorless to pale yellow |
| Taste | Strong, tangy, slightly sweet | Mild, sour, somewhat sweet |
| Best cooking uses | Salad dressings, and sauces, marinades | Salad dressings, pickling vegetables, sauces |
| Nutritional value | Vitamins, minerals, and probiotics | Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants |
Differences between apple cider vinegar and rice vinegar
Flavor profile
The main difference between apple cider vinegar and rice vinegar is their flavor profile.
Apple cider vinegar has a robust, tangy flavor with a slight hint of apple, making it perfect for vinaigrettes, pickles, and marinades. Rice vinegar is more delicate and sweet, which I find pairs exceptionally well with Asian dishes, sushi rice, and salad dressings.
Color
Apple cider vinegar has a golden amber color and is often cloudy due to “the mother”, while rice vinegar is generally clear or pale yellow.
Acidity
Both vinegars have similar acidity levels, but apple cider vinegar is a tad stronger with an acidity level of 5-6% compared to 4-5% for rice vinegar, making it better for certain pickling recipes.
How to use apple cider vinegar vs rice vinegar
Here are the best ways to use each type of vinegar in the kitchen:
Apple cider vinegar uses:
- Marinades: Add depth and tang to your meat marinades with apple cider vinegar.
- Pickling: Make those crunchy pickles and preserved vegetables using the robust flavor of apple cider vinegar.
- Vinaigrettes: Create zesty salad dressings with a hint of apple undertones.
- Baking: Use it as a substitute for buttermilk in baking recipes.
Rice vinegar uses:
- Sushi rice: Achieve that essential sweet and tangy flavor in your sushi rice.
- Stir-fries: Enhance the flavors of your stir-fry dishes with rice vinegar’s subtlety.
- Salad dressings: Create light and sweet dressings for your salads (I find it works well with sesame oil and ginger to make an Asian sesame dressing).
- Pickle vegetables: Particularly good for quick pickling and preparing tsukemono, Japanese pickled vegetables.
Can you substitute rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar?
You can swap rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar in a pinch. Just keep in mind that rice vinegar has a more subtle and slightly sweet taste, while apple cider vinegar brings that tangy, apple-flavored punch.
In most cases, like marinades or salad dressings, you can make the switch without any issues. But for recipes where the vinegar’s flavor really matters, like some barbecue sauces or fruity chutneys, it might not be the best idea because it can change the taste quite a bit. Just be flexible with the quantities and think about how it’ll affect the overall flavor of your dish.
Nutrition: Apple cider vinegar vs rice vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is often touted for its potential health benefits linked to its acetic acid content, which may aid in weight management and blood sugar control. It also contains small amounts of minerals like potassium.
Rice vinegar contains a mix of nutrients that come from rice, including small amounts of vitamins and minerals such as iron and manganese.
Note that you can get unseasoned and seasoned rice vinegar. Seasoned rice vinegar contains sugar and salt, and more calories per serving (see table below).
Apple cider vinegar may contain a small amount of natural sugars from the apple juice it’s made from, typically less than 1 gram per tablespoon.
| Per 1 Tbsp (15 ml) | Apple cider vinegar | Rice vinegar (seasoned) |
| Calories | 2 | 30 |
| Protein (g) | 0 | 0 |
| Fat (g) | 0 | 0 |
| Carbs (g) | 0 | 8 |
| Sugar (g) | 0 | 8 |
| Sodium (mg) | 0 | 710 |
How to store apple cider vinegar and rice vinegar
Keep both vinegars in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Always ensure the bottle or container is tightly sealed to prevent air from getting in, which can lead to vinegar deterioration.
While refrigeration won’t harm the vinegars, it can lead to sediment formation, so it’s best to store them at room temperature.
Both vinegars have a long shelf life, but it’s a good practice to check the expiry date before use.
Apple cider vinegar vs rice vinegar: The ultimate verdict
I use both of these vinegars for different things. I use apple cider vinegar a bit more often, as I like the tanginess and potential benefits from the mother. If you’re making a hearty stew or pickling vegetables, apple cider vinegar’s bold and tangy flavor will shine through. Here are the best brands you can buy! On the other hand, for delicate dishes like sushi, light salads, or stir-fries, rice vinegar’s sweetness and mildness will work wonders.
FAQs
Yes, you can substitute rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar in many recipes, but be mindful of the flavor differences. The resulting dish may have a sweeter and milder taste when using rice vinegar, so adjust your quantities accordingly.
The choice between rice vinegar and apple cider vinegar depends on your specific dietary preferences and the intended use. Rice vinegar is milder and often used in Asian cuisine, while apple cider vinegar is known for potential health benefits and a more distinct flavor, so the better option depends on your culinary or health needs.
If you find yourself out of apple cider vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even distilled white vinegar as substitutes, depending on the recipe and your desired flavor profile. Each will bring its unique tang to the dish.
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