Yes, generally you can substitute rice vinegar for white wine vinegar. But it’s not always a perfect swap. The two vinegars have different acidity levels and flavor profiles, so you may need to make some small adjustments. Here’s what you need to know to make this substitution and still deliver a deliciously balanced dish.
Read next: How to use and substitute for vinegars
Substituting rice vinegar for white wine vinegar
Rice vinegar is milder and slightly sweeter than white wine vinegar. White wine vinegar has a sharper, brighter acidity with more bite.
Because rice vinegar is softer, it works best in:
- Salad dressings
- Light marinades
- Pan sauces
- Pickled vegetables
In delicate dishes, rice vinegar works beautifully because it won’t overpower other flavors.
If you’re making something bold that relies on sharp acidity, you may need to adjust. See the bullets below for adding brightness.
Substitution ratio
For most recipes, you can substitute rice vinegar for white wine vinegar at a 1:1 ratio. If the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, start with 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar. Taste and adjust.
However, because rice vinegar is milder, consider one of these tweaks if you want more brightness:
- Add a small squeeze of lemon juice
- Add a tiny splash of white vinegar if you have it
Note that rice vinegar and seasoned rice vinegar are two different things. Seasoned rice vinegar contains sugar and salt, so it will be less reliable than regular rice vinegar as a substitute for white wine vinegar. If you only have seasoned rice vinegar, reduce other sweeteners in the recipe so your dish isn’t too sweet.
Tips for success
- Use unseasoned rice vinegar when possible. Seasoned rice vinegar contains sugar and salt, which can throw off savory recipes.
- Adjust slowly. Since rice vinegar is gentler, you may be tempted to add extra. Do it slowly. Acidity builds quickly.
- Consider the dish. Rice vinegar works beautifully in Asian-inspired dishes, vinaigrettes, slaws, and quick pickles. It’s less ideal in classic French reductions where white wine vinegar’s sharpness is essential.
- Balance sweetness. If your dish already contains honey, sugar, or sweet vegetables, rice vinegar may actually produce a smoother final flavor than white wine vinegar.
Other substitutes for white wine vinegar
Rice vinegar is one of the best substitutes, but it’s not the only one. Here’s how others compare.
Read next: Top rice vinegar substitutes
Apple cider vinegar
More acidic and fruitier than rice vinegar. It has more bite and noticeable apple notes.
Compared to rice vinegar, ACV is:
- Sharper
- Stronger
- Better for bold dishes
Use slightly less than 1:1 to avoid overpowering the recipe.
Champagne vinegar
The closest match to white wine vinegar. It’s delicate and balanced.
Compared to rice vinegar, champagne vinegar is:
- Slightly sharper
- Less sweet
- More neutral
If you have champagne vinegar, it’s usually the best substitute overall.
Read next: Top champagne vinegar substitutes
White wine with lemon
If you’re deglazing, you can use a splash of white wine plus a small squeeze of lemon.
Compared to rice vinegar, white wine with lemon is:
- Less acidic
- More complex
- Better for pan sauces
Diluted distilled white vinegar
Very sharp and aggressive.
Compared to rice vinegar, white vinegar is:
- Much more acidic
- No sweetness
- Can taste harsh
If using, dilute with water (½ vinegar, ½ water) and start small.
Yes, you can swap in rice vinegar
You can substitute rice vinegar for white wine vinegar. In many recipes, it works beautifully. Just remember that rice vinegar is milder and slightly sweeter.
Start with a 1:1 ratio, taste as you go, and adjust the acidity if needed. When balanced properly, rice vinegar can create a smoother, more rounded flavor than white wine vinegar, especially in dressings, marinades, and light sauces. The more delicate the flavors of the dish, the better rice vinegar will play with the other ingredients.