What Is White vinegar and How Can I Use It?

Wondering what to do with white vinegar? This guide covers how to pick it, cook it, store it, and swap it, plus 409 recipes to put it to work.

What is white vinegar?

White vinegar is the clear, sharp, no-frills vinegar in the cupboard. Often called distilled or spirit vinegar, it is made by fermenting a neutral grain alcohol into acetic acid, then filtering it until it is colorless and tastes of nothing but clean sourness.

That blankness is its job. There are no grape or apple notes to get in the way, just acid, which makes it the most aggressive and the most useful all-rounder of the bunch.

For the wider vinegar story and the general rule about acid, see the main vinegar page. This one is about the colorless bottle that pulls double duty in the kitchen and around the house.

Acidity and Flavor

White vinegar is the strong one. It usually sits at 5% acidity for the cooking grade, and cleaning versions run higher, up to 7% or more.

The flavor is one note: sharp. There is no sweetness or fruit to soften it, so a little goes a long way, and using it straight where a recipe expects a mellower vinegar will taste harsh and thin.

Cooking With White Vinegar

Pickling is its main event. Its high, reliable acidity is exactly what keeps preserved vegetables safe and crisp, and its clear color lets the food keep its own look, as in Easy Sweet-Sour Cucumber Pickles and Homemade Sauerkraut.

It is also the acid in many sweet and sour and Asian-style sauces, where sugar balances its bite. You will find it doing that work in Sweet & Sour Dipping Sauce and Mandarin Orange Chicken.

The pairing is no accident. Sharp acid needs sugar to tame it.

White vinegar earns a place in barbecue and condiments too. A splash sharpens a tangy slaw dressing like the one in Luby's Spanish Slaw with Dressing, and it forms the backbone of thin Carolina-style sauces such as Carolina Gold Pulled Pork.

Where it falls down is delicate work. Its harsh, one-dimensional sourness overwhelms a fine vinaigrette or a cream sauce, so for those leave it on the shelf and reach for a wine or rice vinegar instead.

Around the House

Worth knowing: the same bottle cleans. The acetic acid cuts grease and dissolves hard-water scale, which is why people run it through coffee makers and kettles or mix it with water for windows.

Keep a clear line between grades, though. Buy a food-grade bottle for anything you eat, and reserve the higher-strength cleaning vinegar, often sold at 6% or more, for chores only.

Substitutes

Apple cider vinegar is the easiest swap, used one for one. It is a hair less sharp and adds a faint fruitiness, which is usually welcome.

For pickling specifically, do not substitute blindly. The recipe relies on a known acidity, so swap only with another vinegar of at least 5% acidity or the preserve may not be safe.

In sauces where you just need clean acid, lemon or lime juice can stand in, though they bring their own flavor and a little less punch.

Buying and Storing

Grab the plain food-grade bottle for cooking and check that it reads 5% acidity, which is the standard for pickling. Cleaning-strength vinegar is a separate purchase.

It barely changes over time. The acidity keeps it stable, so a capped bottle lasts almost indefinitely in any cool cupboard, no refrigeration needed.

Because it is filtered and distilled, white vinegar rarely throws sediment or grows a mother. If it ever does, the haze is harmless and the vinegar is still fine to use.

Nutrition

Quick facts

Where to find white vinegar: White vinegar is usually found in the oils section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

Food group: White vinegar is a member of the Spices and Herbs US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.

In Chinese

白醋

British (UK) term

White vinegar

en français

vinaigre blanc

en español

vinagre blanco

How much does white vinegar weigh?

Related

Spices and Herbs

Recipes using white vinegar

There are 409 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Delightful Vegan Brownies

Vegan brownies built on the Depression-era wacky cake method: no eggs, no butter, no milk. Vinegar and baking soda do the lifting for a fudgy, chewy chocolate brownie that mixes in one bowl.

Asparagus & Arugula Salad with Poached Eggs

This refreshing salad combines tender roasted asparagus, peppery arugula, and perfectly poached eggs for a light yet satisfying dish. A tangy lemon-mustard dressing ties it together, while a slice of crusty whole-grain bread soaks up the flavorful juices and adds fiber. Ideal for brunch or a quick dinner, this salad is both nutritious and delicious.

Fluffy Breakfast Pancakes

One of the fluffiest American-style flapjacks/pancake recipes that my kids love. Quick and easy made from scratch that delivers happy faces every time.

Airy Pavlova

A healthier version of the classic Australian pudding

Amazing Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnati's iconic chili simmers with warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cocoa powder, creating a Greek-influenced meat sauce perfect for ladling over spaghetti.

Mustard Seed & Papaya Chutney

A sweet and savory chutney perfect for veggie burgers or on the side along with curries.

Arugula & Potato with Garlic Vinaigrette

Cooked and cubed potato is mixed with fresh arugula and tossed with garlic vinaigrette!

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

This is a perfect recipe. I'm in love with the red velvet flavoring and the icing is just delectable. Fabulous.

Tikka Chicken

Chicken pieces marinated in spiced yogurt with ginger, garlic, turmeric, and coriander, then grilled on skewers until charred and tender. Authentic Indian chicken tikka at home.

Joan's Pear Chutney

Pear chutney with white raisins, sweet peppers and warm spices. Homemade fruit condiment canned in half-pint jars, ready in 60 minutes.

Hot Dogs with Homemade Sauerkraut & Pickles

Classic hot dogs are served with homemade sauerkraut, pickles, yellow mustard and ketchup. An easy and delicious summer meal.

Lemon Meringue Tart

.

Chili with Kidney Beans

Chili with kidney beans is a hearty crowd-size beef chili built on garlic-browned ground beef, peppers, tomatoes, and red kidney beans, simmered low with chili powder, cloves, and bay. Crowd cooker for game day.

Cold Yogurt Gazpacho

Cold yogurt gazpacho with grated cucumber, fresh mint, dill, and garlic. A no-cook chilled soup inspired by Bulgarian tarator that's ready after a 2-hour chill.

Kung Pao Chicken Stir-Fry

A quick, easy and delicious chicken-lettuce stir-fry is ideal for a busy week-night meal when served with rice.

Firecracker Salad

A crisp, crunchy Asian-style salad with julienned radishes, cucumber, toasted sesame seeds, and a tangy soy-ginger dressing. Light, refreshing, and ready in under 30 minutes. A low-calorie side dish that packs serious flavor.

Pad Thai Pseudo

An easy homemade pad Thai that skips hard-to-find tamarind, leaning on fish sauce, vinegar, and paprika for that sweet-sour-salty tang. Chewy rice noodles tossed with tofu, shrimp, egg, bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts.

Dad's Best Brownies

Dad's best brownies are vegan wacky-cake-style brownies with no eggs, no butter, no dairy. Vinegar plus baking soda creates the rise. Loaded with chopped walnuts. Naturally egg-free and dairy-free.

Joyce's Sweet & Sour Sauce

Every Chinese cook has his own version of this. This one is intended for quick cooking in an American kitchen.

All Time Favourite Broccoli Salad

Classic broccoli salad: raw broccoli, crisp bacon, cheddar, red onion, and sunflower seeds tossed in a sweet-tangy creamy dressing. The crunchy, make-ahead picnic and potluck favorite.

Curried Spinach Salad

A fresh take on spinach salad. This sweet and savory salad is a wonderful alternative to the bacon and tomato variety.

Dot's Pickled Vegetables

Old-fashioned fermented and pickled mixed vegetables with cauliflower, carrots, cucumbers, celery, pearl onions, and red peppers. Crock-fermented giardiniera-style.

Poached Eggs Caprese For Two

An Italian twist to Eggs Benedict. Pesto replaces the Hollandaise sauce, mozzarella and tomatoes replaces the ham.

Frozen Guacamole

Freezer-friendly guacamole with mashed avocado, chili peppers, onion, and white vinegar. Make it ahead and freeze, then thaw and stir in fresh tomato before serving.

Chipotle Coleslaw

Super quick, easy to make, and it's creamy and delicious with some nice crunch and freshness.

Sauteed Bok Choy with Cashew Sauce

Quick stir-fried bok choy tossed with a creamy Thai-inspired cashew sauce flavored with ginger, basil, and mint. Ready in 15 minutes for a vibrant vegetable side.

Whole Wheat Tart Crust

This is a simple and easy way to make your own whole wheat tart crust.

Easy Way Kimchi

Easy kimchi skips the long fermentation: salt napa cabbage, toss with a garlicky gochugaru paste, scallions, sesame, and grated pear, then marinate just an hour. A fresh, spicy Korean side ready the same day.

Chicken & Vegetable Stir Fry

Chicken stir fry with broccoli, snow peas, carrots, and bell pepper in a savory onion soup-mix sauce. A pantry-friendly weeknight dinner in 30 minutes.

Spiced Pickled Pears

These sweet and slightly sour pickled pears are soft and melt in your mouth. Serve it with grilled meat, sausages or hot dogs. A delicious and refreshing side dish.

Creamy Sweet Potato & Red Pepper Pasta

Load up on your power vegetables, sweet potatoes and sweet red bell pepper in this satisfying pasta main dish.

Hot Gazpacho

Hot gazpacho built on tomato juice, beef bouillon, peppers, onion, and a hit of Tabasco, heated fast in the microwave and topped with chopped fresh vegetables and croutons.

Authentic General Tso's Chicken

This quick and tasty Tso's chicken is one of the most popular foods in Chinese restaurant or take-out. But when you realize how simple the dish is, you can just make it at your own kitchen within half an hour.

Sweet Broccoli Salad

Your kids don't eat enough veggies. Or they just hate brocoli. Or maybe they love broccoli either way you will want to make this salad. Everyone will love it. Great for BBQ, picnics, potlucks and just everyday side dish or lunch.

Chicken 'N' Vegetable Stir Fry

Chicken stir fry with broccoli, snow peas, carrots, and bell pepper in a soy-ginger sauce. A 30-minute weeknight one-pan dinner served over rice.

Honey Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs

Boneless and skinless chicken thighs, browned, coated in honey orange glaze and then finished in the oven to keep them juicy.

Mimi's Kosher Dill Pickles

Kosher dill pickles canned in a brine of vinegar, mustard seeds, peppercorns, garlic, and dill. Crunchy small-batch jars ready to crack open in 2 to 3 weeks.

Superbowl Ultimate French Onion Dip

This creamy and delicious French Onion dip is a great recipe when you have company, and it is also much healthier, with home made chips, enjoy the tasty food without worries and guilty.

Hawaiian Simmered Pork

This is one of my old tried and true recipes. The original recipe card is so faded that I can hardly read it!

P.F. Chang's Roasted Chicken Cantonese Style

A copycat recipe of a popular chinese chain in the US. The method used creates a super crispy skin for this roast chicken.

Grandma's Barbecue BBQ Sauce

Excellent and easy easy barbeque sauce that was handed down from my Grandmother.

Fourth of July Burgers

These juicy and classic burgers are shaped and decorated like the American flag, perfect for celebrating the 4th of July.

Red Velvet Cheesecake

These days it seems to be all the rage among my Facebook friends to post and repost ad nauseum a seemingly neverending list of recipes that SEEM like they might be super delicious. I haven't really saved any of them. Until now. I really really didn't want to lose this one so I'm sharing it with my colleagues on MY favorite recipe site. RecipeLand!

Chinese Steamed Pork Buns

Fluffy steamed buns filled with sweet Chinese BBQ pork. These dim sum favorites take time but reward with pillowy soft dough and savory-sweet char siu filling. Makes 12 buns.

Cherry Pavlova

Povlova is one of the most popular desserts in Australia. It's made with well whipped egg whites and sugar, baked in the oven under a low temperature. Airy and light, crispy on the outside, marshmallow-like on the inside. It's usually topped with freshly whipped cream and assorted fresh fruits.

Mango & Tamarind Chutney

Mango and tamarind chutney: slow-simmered jammy preserve with mango, golden raisins, ginger, mustard seed, and sour tamarind. Water-bath canned for a year of shelf life.

KFC Honey BBQ Dipping Sauce

One of the favorite items that is on the menu is the Barbecue sauce that was original made fresh in the store and used to dip the wings, the original chicken and now the chicken strips. Now it comes in a bag and all we have to do is adding hot water and keep warm.

Spicy Red Pepper Jelly

Easy-peesy! This is the perfect holiday gift for neighbors and friends. It's a never-fail recipe.

Baby Spinach Salad with Asian Ginger Dressing

Love this Asian ginger dressing, it is so versatile, and you can use it to dress any kind of salad.

Halloween Spooky Calzone Snake

Not only desserts attract people's attention at Halloween party, try this delicious cheesy oozy calzone snake, everyone will love it!

All 409 recipes