Are you planning to make a BBQ sauce but don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand? Don’t worry, you may be able to use white vinegar as a substitute. But before you do, let’s take a closer look at the differences between the two types of vinegar and how they affect your BBQ sauce.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple juice. It has a fruity and slightly sweet flavor with a mild tanginess. It is often used in BBQ sauces, marinades, salad dressings, and pickling.

What is White Vinegar?

White vinegar is made from distilled grain alcohol. It has a sharp and acidic flavor with no sweetness or fruitiness. It is commonly used for cleaning, cooking, and preserving.

Can You Use White Vinegar Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar in BBQ Sauce?

While white vinegar can be used as a substitute for apple cider vinegar in many recipes, it may not be the best choice for BBQ sauce. Apple cider vinegar adds a unique flavor profile to BBQ sauce that white vinegar cannot replicate. The fruity sweetness of apple cider vinegar complements the smoky and savory flavors of BBQ sauce, while white vinegar can make it taste too sour and harsh.

If you must use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar in your BBQ sauce recipe, consider adding some sugar or honey to balance out the sourness and add some sweetness. Also, use less white vinegar than what the recipe calls for apple cider vinegar as it’s more acidic.

Conclusion

In summary, while white vinegar can be substituted for apple cider vinegar in many recipes, it may not be the best choice for BBQ sauce due to its lack of fruity sweetness. If you must use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar in your BBQ sauce recipe, remember to balance out the sourness with sugar or honey and use less of it than what the recipe calls for.