Lemon juice is a versatile ingredient, adding a zippy, citrus flavor to foods and drinks. But what happens when you don’t have lemons on hand? Don’t worry! There are plenty of lemon juice substitutes to try. Here are 11 of the best alternatives:
Citrus Fruit Juices
- Lime juice Lime juice is the best across-the-board substitute for lemon juice. It has similar tenderizing properties in marinades and adds a pleasant citrus tartness to desserts. Substitute with an equal amount of lime juice to match the taste and pH of lemon juice. Lime juice can be used in salad dressings, sautes, desserts, cocktails, marinades, and for deglazing.
- Orange juice Orange juice has a distinctly different flavor profile and is less acidic than lemon juice, but it can be a great alternative. It works best in baked goods, marinades, and sauces where a sweet citrus flavor is desired. Replace lemon juice with equal amounts of orange juice.
- Grapefruit juice Grapefruit juice, with its tart and robust taste, can be a great replacement for lemon juice in marinade recipes and salad dressings. It can also work in some baked goods and certain cocktails. Use it in a 1:1 ratio, particularly in recipes where its distinctive flavor can add an interesting twist. Keep in mind that grapefruit juice has a bitter undertone that might not be suitable for some recipes that benefit from the sweetness of lemon, so you may need to add a bit more sugar to compensate.
- Yuzu juice Yuzu is a Japanese citrus fruit with a tart and fragrant flavor that can work as a replacement for lemon juice in both cooking and baking. Substitute yuzu juice for lemon juice in a 1:1 ratio. Because it’s akin to a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange, it may not be ideal in recipes that require the straightforward tartness of lemon, as its flavor is more complex and slightly sweeter.
- Pineapple juice Pineapple juice can be an intriguing alternative to lemon juice, offering a sweet and mildly acidic flavor profile. Use pineapple juice in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute. It works best in recipes that can accommodate its tropical, fruity flavor, such as certain baked goods, cocktails, and Asian dishes. Note that pineapple juice is much sweeter and has less pronounced acidity than lemon juice, so it may not be suitable for recipes with a tart flavor or in dishes requiring a strong acidic balance.
Other Alternatives
- Lemon extract Lemon extract is a good way to replace lemon juice in baking recipes, and is great as a substitute for the lemon flavor without the acidity. It’s best to use it when only a splash of lemon juice is needed or to replace lemon zest. You only need a teaspoon of extract per two tablespoons of lemon juice, or two teaspoons lemon zest.
- White wine Dry white wines are an excellent substitute for lemon juice. The best options are sauvignon blanc and pinot grigio, as these are the more acidic varieties of white wines. Replace white wine at a ½:1 ratio.
- Red wine vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar (ACV)
- White wine vinegar Vinegar is acidic and tart like lemon juice and also makes for a good substitute. Use it at half the amount of lemon juice needed. However, vinegar is strong in flavor and best used in savory recipes. Replace white wine or vinegar at a ½:1 ratio.
- Cream of tartar Cream of tartar is another acidic ingredient sold in the baking section of most grocery stores. Dissolve it in water and use it at a ratio of half to the amount of lemon juice needed. Replace at a ½:1 ratio.
- Celery juice
- Citric acid