What changes when you substitute Balsamic vinegar?

Sharper, less fruity. Grainier tang.

Substitute for Balsamic vinegar

What it does in a recipe: Sweet-tart aged vinegar for dressings, glazes, and strawberries.

2 substitutes, ranked by what's already in your pantry. Amounts are dataset values — US and metric where a ratio exists.

Red wine vinegar + sugar, reduced

per 1 Tbsp balsamic

US1 Tbsp red wine vinegar + 1/2 tsp sugar, simmered 1-2 min

Metric15 ml red wine vinegar + 2 g sugar, simmered

Pantry stapleBaking-safe ✓Alcohol-freeDairy-freeEgg-freeFish-freeGluten-freeNut-freePeanut-freeShellfish-freeSoy-freeVegan

Reducing builds the syrupy sweetness.

What changes: Sharper, less fruity

Best for: Dressings, glazes

Chinese black vinegar

per 1 Tbsp balsamic

US1 Tbsp

Metric15 ml

SpecialtyBaking-safe ✓Alcohol-freeDairy-freeEgg-freeFish-freeNut-freePeanut-freeShellfish-freeSoy-freeVegan

Grainy tang with similar depth.

What changes: Grainier tang

Best for: Dressings, dumpling sauce

Related swaps

Common questions

What can I use instead of Balsamic vinegar?: Red wine vinegar + sugar, reduced: 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar + 1/2 tsp sugar, simmered 1-2 min. Chinese black vinegar: 1 Tbsp.
What is the exact ratio to substitute Balsamic vinegar?: Red wine vinegar + sugar, reduced (per 1 Tbsp balsamic) — US: 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar + 1/2 tsp sugar, simmered 1-2 min. Metric: 15 ml red wine vinegar + 2 g sugar, simmered.
What changes when you substitute Balsamic vinegar?: Sharper, less fruity. Grainier tang.

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