What can I substitute for malt vinegar?
Running low on malt vinegar? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.
About malt vinegar
Malt vinegar is a dark, pungent vinegar brewed from unhopped ale made from malted barley, giving it a distinctive yeasty, slightly sweet, and robust flavour. It is a staple condiment in British and Australian cuisine, most famously used on fish and chips. Its complex flavour profile and moderate acidity (around 5% acetic acid) make it suitable for pickling, marinades, and chutneys.
Best substitute
apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has a similar level of acidity and a mild, slightly fruity complexity that most closely mimics the rounded, fermented depth of malt vinegar. It works well in pickling, chutneys, and dressings where the colour difference is not a concern.
Use 1 tbsp for every 1 tbsp of malt vinegar
picklingchutneysmarinadesdressingsNot suitable for: authentic fish and chips flavour
Alternative
white wine vinegar
White wine vinegar provides clean, bright acidity that can stand in for malt vinegar in recipes where a lighter flavour is acceptable. It lacks the malty depth but performs well in sauces, dressings, and light pickles.
Use 1 tbsp for every 1 tbsp of malt vinegar
dressingssauceslight picklingNot suitable for: robust chutneysNot suitable for: fish and chips
Alternative
What is malt vinegar called in other countries?
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | malt vinegar |
| New Zealand | malt vinegar |
| United Kingdom | malt vinegar |
| United States | malt vinegar |
Common names for malt vinegar
brown vinegarbarley malt vinegarchip shop vinegar