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    Home » Recipes » Substitutions

    Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com · Leave a Comment

    Lemon Juice Substitute

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    Pin image with text showing lemons and lemon juice.

    A lemon juice substitute can be exceptionally helpful when you are cooking or baking and don't have any at home! These great alternatives can easily be swapped into any of your favorite recipes! Take a look at this list, and then pick out your favorite!

    Best Lemon Juice Substitutes To Use In Cooking & Baking

    Lemon juice is an incredibly common ingredient in both baking and cooking. You can get lemon juice by squeezing fresh lemons or simply picking some up at the grocery store.

    Not only does it add a bright, citrus flavor to dishes, but it also has a low pH level. Its acidic properties can help baked goods to rise properly or bring structure to things such as jam or jelly.

    Square image showing lemons and lemon juice.
    Jump to:
    • Best Lemon Juice Substitutes To Use In Cooking & Baking
    • 1. Lime Juice
    • 2. Vinegar
    • 3. White Wine
    • 4. Citric Acid
    • 5. Cream of Tartar
    • 6. Pineapple Juice
    • 7. Lemon Zest
    • 8. Lemon Extract
    • 9. Orange Juice
    • 10. Grapefruit Juice
    • 11. Pomegranate Juice
    • 12. Cranberry Juice
    • Table 1: Lemon Juice Substitutes At A Glance
    • 🫙 More Substitutions
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments
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    There are so many reasons as to why you might need an alternative to lemon juice, from allergies to dietary restrictions or even just not having any on hand. Take a look at this list of lemon juice substitutes for some great alternatives!

    1. Lime Juice

    Lime juice is a great substitute for lemon juice. It has a similar citrus flavor and acidity level and can be used in equal amounts. Lime juice is perfect for many different uses and can be used to replace lemon juice in practically any recipe. However, it is the best option when canning or preserving food.

    Swap lemon juice for lime juice in an equal 1:1 exchange.

    2. Vinegar

    White vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and other types of vinegar can be used as a substitute for lemon juice as it is still tart and acidic. It is ideal for recipes that only call for a small amount of lemon juice.

    Of course, vinegar has a very pungent flavor, so avoid using it in recipes where the lemon flavor is essential.

    When used in small amounts, you can use vinegar to replace lemon juice in a 1:1 swap. In larger amounts, use ½ to ⅔ cups per every 1 cup of juice.

    3. White Wine

    White wine can be used as a substitute for lemon juice in recipes that require a mild acidity. It works best in savory recipes and is great for deglazing pans. However, you'll want to stick with using only dry white wine varieties.

    Use in equal amounts as lemon juice.

    4. Citric Acid

    Citric acid powder is a concentrated form of acidity that is naturally found in lemons. This makes it an ideal substitute for baking. However, it is very concentrated, so you will not need as much and you may need to add more liquid in order to keep the same wet-to-dry ratio.

    Use ¼ teaspoon of citric acid powder for every tablespoon of lemon juice.

    5. Cream of Tartar

    Cream of tartar is an acidic powder that is often used as a leavening agent in baking. You can find it in the baking section of most grocery stores.

    The acidic nature of this powder makes it a good alternative to lemon juice when preparing baked goods. However, you may need to add more liquid to the recipe.

    Use ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar for every teaspoon of lemon juice.

    6. Pineapple Juice

    Pineapple juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice in recipes that require a sweet and acidic flavor. While the flavor isn't the same as lemons, you can use pineapple juice to add a tasty twist to drinks or vinaigrettes that call for lemon juice.

    Use in equal amounts as lemon juice.

    >>>>See all of my recipes HERE<<<<

    7. Lemon Zest

    Lemon zest is perfect for getting all of the lemon flavors without actually having any juice on hand. You can use dried, frozen, or fresh! If you had fresh lemons and ran out of juice, you'll already have everything you need for some zest!

    Use 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to replace 6 tablespoons of lemon juice.

    8. Lemon Extract

    Lemon extract is a highly concentrated form of lemon flavor. A little goes a long way, so you'll only need a few drops. This substitute is great for recipes where the flavor of lemon is needed, but you may need to add more liquid (especially in baking) to keep the proper wet-to-dry ratios.

    Use 1 teaspoon of lemon extract for every 2 teaspoons of lemon juice.

    9. Orange Juice

    Orange juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice in recipes that require a mild citrus flavor. The flavor is sweeter, and it is less acidic than lemon juice. The recipe's flavor will be affected, but it can still work in a pinch!

    Use in equal amounts as lemon juice.

    10. Grapefruit Juice

    Grapefruit juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice in recipes that require a tangy citrus flavor. Like the other juices mentioned here, the flavor won't be the same as lemon. However, grapefruit juice can easily be used in dressings, vinaigrettes, cocktails, and more!

    Use in equal amounts as lemon juice.

    11. Pomegranate Juice

    Pomegranate juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice in recipes that require a sweet and slightly tart flavor. It will give a much sweeter flavor than lemon juice, but that may be tasty in drinks or desserts.

    Use in equal amounts as lemon juice.

    12. Cranberry Juice

    Cranberry juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice in recipes that require a tart and slightly sweet flavor. It has a good amount of tartness, making it a great option for mixing into drinks. The taste won't match lemon juice, but it can still get the job done!

    Use in equal amounts as lemon juice.

    Table 1: Lemon Juice Substitutes At A Glance

    SubstituteHow to Use in Place of Lemon JuiceFlavor ProfileConsistency
    Lime JuiceUse in equal amounts as lemon juiceTart and acidicSimilar to lemon juice
    VinegarUse ½ to ⅔ cup for every 1 cup of lemon juiceTart and acidicThinner than lemon juice
    White WineUse in equal amounts as lemon juiceTart and acidicSimilar to lemon juice
    Citric AcidUse ¼ teaspoon for every 1 tablespoon of lemon juiceTart and acidicPowder
    Cream of TartarUse ½ teaspoon for every 1 teaspoon of lemon juiceSlightly tart flavorPowder
    Pineapple JuiceUse in equal amounts as lemon juiceSweet and acidicThinner than lemon juice
    Lemon ZestUse 1 tablespoon for every 6 tablespoons of lemon juiceTart and slightly sweetSolid
    Lemon ExtractUse 1 teaspoon for every 2 teaspoons of lemon juiceTart and slightly sweetThinner than lemon juice
    Quick reference chart of lemon juice substitutes and how to use them.

    Don't forget that, when swapping ingredients, the final outcome of your recipe may vary slightly in consistency or flavor. Overall, lime juice is the best alternative to lemon juice. However, you can try out any of these other great options as well!

    🫙 More Substitutions

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    More great substitution guides to help you out with all of your baking!

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    📋 Recipe

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    5 from 2 reviews

    Best Lemon Juice Substitute: Lime Juice (+More Great Alternatives!)

    A lemon juice substitute can be exceptionally helpful when you are cooking or baking and don't have any at home! These great alternatives can easily be swapped into any of your favorite recipes! Take a look at this list and then pick out your favorite!
    Author | Angela
    Servings: 1 serving
    Calories: 4kcal
    Prep 2 minutes
    Cooking 0 minutes
    Total Time 2 minutes
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    Ingredients
     

    • 1 tablespoon lime juice
    • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
    • 1 teaspoon lemon extract

    Instructions

    • Use lime juice in a 1:1 swap for lemon juice in all of your favorite recipes.
      1 tablespoon lime juice
    • Use 1 tablespoon of lemon zest per 6 tablespoons of lemon juice to add a great lemon flavor to dishes.
      1 tablespoon lemon zest
    • Use lemon extract in a ½:1 ratio to add flavor.
      1 teaspoon lemon extract

    Equipment You May Need

    Measuring Cups
    Measuring Spoons
    Mixing Bowl

    Notes

    *Nutritional information is calculated for lime juice only. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 4kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 0.3mg | Potassium: 18mg (1%) | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 5mg (6%) | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.01mg
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
    alternatives to lemon juice, best lemon juice substitute, lemon juice alternatives, lemon juice substitute
    Course Substitutions
    Cuisine American
    author profile photo
    Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

    Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

    bakeitwithlove.com/about/
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    Hi there, I'm Angela! I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, recipe creator, animal lover, and total foodie. I love sharing recipes that are new, fun, and creative as well as great classic recipes just like my Grandma used to make!

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