Lime juice is an essential ingredient in many recipes, but what do you do when you find yourself without it? Don’t worry.
There are plenty of substitutes for lime juice that will work just as well, and many of them might even surprise you!
In this post, we’ll be taking a look at substitutes for lime juice that you can use when your favorite recipes call for it.
Read on to discover some unexpected alternatives to lime juice that you can use in your cooking.
When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade! But what if you’re out of lemons? If that’s the case, you’ll need to find substitutes for lime juice in your recipes.
Thankfully, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from, so you can still get the same great taste without searching for lemons.
1. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is one of the most common substitutes for lime juice and makes for a great alternative. The flavor profile is similar, but lemon juice is slightly acidic and tart.
Depending on the dish, you may need to adjust the other ingredients accordingly. Lemon juice can be used in various dishes, such as salsas, marinades, dressings, cocktails, and more.
Plus, it’s an ingredient that is almost always available at your local grocery store!
2. White Vinegar
In recipes, white vinegar can be among the first great substitutes for lime juice. It has a similarly sharp and acidic flavor, although it is slightly less tart.
White vinegar also adds a bit of extra sweetness to the dish, so you may need to adjust your seasonings accordingly.
You can mix half white vinegar and lemon juice to get that tart flavor for an even closer taste to lime juice. Remember that white vinegar is much more potent than lime juice, so use it sparingly in recipes.
3. Green Apples
Green apples can be used as one of the interesting substitutes for lime juice in many recipes.
The tartness of the apples adds a similar acidic flavor to dishes that lime juice would and can bring balance to sweet dishes or mellow out spicy flavors.
Try substituting green apples with lime juice in marinades, salsas, and sauces for a delicious and unique flavor.
4. Tart Cherries
If you’re looking for a substitution for lime juice that offers a unique flavor, tart cherries are an excellent choice.
While they won’t give you the same acidic bite that lime juice provides, they do bring a nice tangy flavor to your dish.
Also, you can use tart cherry juice as a 1:1 substitute for lime juice or add a bit of lemon or orange juice to balance the sweetness.
Additionally, you can also make a paste out of tart cherries and use it as a replacement for lime juice in your recipes.
The best thing about using tart cherries as a substitute for lime juice is enjoying their delicious flavor and amazing health benefits.
Tart cherries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help fight off free radicals and improve overall health.
Plus, tart cherries have been linked to improved heart health, better sleep, reduced inflammation, and other positive effects.
5. Cranberries
Cranberries are unexpected substitutes for lime juice. Not only do they add a unique and flavorful sweetness, but they also have many health benefits.
High in vitamin C, cranberries have been known to help prevent urinary tract infections and reduce inflammation.
Cranberry juice can be used as a substitute for lime juice in cocktails and other recipes that call for a tart flavor. To replace one tablespoon of lime juice, use two tablespoons of cranberry juice.
When substituting cranberry juice for lime juice, it’s important to remember that it is naturally sweeter than lime juice, so adjust the sugar levels accordingly.
6. Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice is a great substitute for lime juice in many recipes. It has a slightly tart flavor and adds beautiful color to dishes. Plus, it’s a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
When using pomegranate juice as a substitute for lime juice, use it at a 1:1 ratio—1 tablespoon of lime juice for 1 tablespoon of pomegranate juice. Mix pomegranate juice and lime juice for an extra zesty flavor.
Be careful when using pomegranate juice as a substitute for lime juice in drinks, as the intense color can quickly overpower the desired hue. Use less pomegranate juice than you would lime juice to avoid this.
Overall, pomegranate juice is a great way to add some tartness and health benefits to recipes in place of lime juice.
7. Red Grapes
If you find yourself in a pinch and don’t have lime juice on hand, you might be surprised to know that red grapes make an excellent substitute.
The combination of acids and sugars makes it a great alternative when lime juice isn’t available.
To use this substitute, take one cup of red grapes and place them in a blender or food processor.
Blend until the mixture is completely pureed, and then strain the mixture through a sieve to get rid of any seeds. The result is a tart and flavorful juice that can be used in many recipes.
Additionally, if you want to add a bit of sweetness, you can add a teaspoon of sugar or honey to the juice.
Red grapes are a great way to add a tart flavor to any dish without using lime juice.
8. Kiwi
Kiwis are underrated substitutes for lime juice, yet it offers a great alternative for those looking to mix up their taste with its tangy flavor and vibrant color.
Kiwi has the perfect blend of sweetness and tartness to replace lime juice in many recipes.
For those who don’t have limes on hand, kiwi can be used as a great substitute for dishes such as ceviche, salsa, marinades, and drinks.
When using kiwi instead of lime juice, use a ratio of 1:1 for the substitution. For each tablespoon of lime juice needed in the recipe, use one tablespoon of kiwi.
Additionally, if the recipe calls for the zest of a lime, the best way to mimic this flavor is to add a pinch of sugar.
9. Meyer Lemon
Meyer lemon is an excellent substitute for lime juice in most recipes. It has a sweeter, less tart flavor than lime juice but still packs a citrusy punch! It’s a great option for those looking for a milder version of the traditional lime juice.
Meyer lemons can be found in most grocery stores and are quite affordable.
To use Meyer lemons as substitutes for lime juice, replace equal parts of lime juice with Meyer lemon juice in your recipe. Try it in cocktails, marinades, dressings, and more!
10. Yuzu
You should consider Yuzu if you’re looking for exotic substitutes for lime juice.
Yuzu is a Japanese citrus fruit with a unique tart and sour flavor. It has a distinct aroma and can create a unique recipe twist.
Yuzu is quite strong, so it’s important to use it sparingly. If you’re substituting lime juice for yuzu, you should use half the amount of yuzu as the recipe requires for lime juice. You can find Yuzu in many Asian grocery stores or online.
Yuzu is perfect for flavoring cocktails, marinades, dressings, and other dishes that require a tart citrus flavor.
You can also use it as a garnish for dishes or as an ingredient in baked goods. Try using Yuzu the next time you need a special twist in your cooking!
11. White Vinegar
White vinegar is a great substitute for lime juice if you’re out of lemons. It has a strong, tart flavor and is much easier to find than fresh limes.
You can use white vinegar in the same way you would lime juice in your recipes.
Just make sure to adjust the amount accordingly. Start with a smaller amount and add more until you reach the desired flavor.
White vinegar also works well in drinks such as margaritas and mojitos as a substitute for lime juice.
12. Tartaric Acid
Tartaric acid can be a great substitute for lime juice when you’re in a pinch. This acidic compound is commonly used in baking and winemaking. It has a tart and slightly sour taste that mimics the flavor of lime juice.
Also, it’s available in both powder and liquid forms and can be easily found online or at specialty stores.
To use it as a replacement for lime juice, add 1/2 teaspoon of tartaric acid to each tablespoon of water.
With this substitution, you’ll get all the same acidic and tart flavors from lime juice.
13. Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar is a great substitute for lime juice when you are out of lemons.
However, Cream of tartar is an acidic ingredient that can help add a bit of citrus flavor to recipes.
You can mix it with water and a bit of sugar to make a substitute for lime juice.
It’s also a good substitute for lime juice in recipes such as dressings, marinades, and cocktails. For best results, use twice as much cream of tartar as you would lime juice.
Remember that this substitute won’t give your dish the same intense flavor as lime juice, so you may want to add other ingredients, such as herbs and spices, to make up for it.
14. White Vinegar
White vinegar is a great substitute for lime juice, as it is acidic and tart. It has the same flavor profile as lime juice and can be used in various recipes to add a tangy twist.
While it doesn’t have the exact same properties as lime juice, it can still be used as a substitute in recipes that call for it.
One major benefit is that it’s much easier to find than limes, especially if you live in an area where limes are not widely available.
Another advantage is that white vinegar won’t spoil as quickly as lime juice, so you don’t have to worry about replacing it as often.
Using white vinegar as a substitute for lime juice may require some experimentation. You’ll want to start with a smaller amount of white vinegar and then adjust according to taste.
You may also need to adjust other ingredients in the recipe, such as salt or sugar, to balance out the flavor.
15. Yogurt
Yogurt may sound like an unlikely substitute for lime juice, but it can be used to replace the acidity of citrus in some recipes.
Yogurt is a great option for dishes that don’t require the distinct flavor of lime juice.
For example, yogurt can replace lime juice in sauces, marinades, and salad dressings.
When using yogurt as one of the substitutes for lime juice, you can use either plain Greek yogurt or regular yogurt.
Also, Greek yogurt will add a thicker consistency to the dish, while regular yogurt will give a more liquid-like result.
To keep your recipes balanced, adjust the other ingredients accordingly by adding more herbs and spices if needed.
You can also add a small amount of white wine vinegar to the recipe to boost the dish’s acidity.
Although yogurt can be used as a substitute for lime juice, it should not be used to replace lime juice in drinks such as margaritas or mojitos.
The flavor and acidity of yogurt are too strong for these types of beverages.
16. Club Soda
Club soda can be a great substitute for lime juice in a pinch. It won’t provide the same flavor as lime juice, but it does give drinks a bit of a citrusy tang that can be a nice alternative.
You should use about half the amount called for in the recipe when substituting with club soda.
This will help to prevent the drink from becoming overly carbonated and too bubbly.
With a few tweaks, you can use club soda as a substitute for lime juice when you’re out of lemons and still create a delicious beverage.
17. Sweetened Condensed Milk
Sweetened condensed milk is one of the most surprisingly effective substitutes for lime juice.
It has a similar sweetness and acidity that can work well in many dishes that call for lime juice.
However, it’s important to note that this substitution won’t work in every recipe.
For example, sweetened condensed milk won’t work in recipes that require lime juice’s additional liquid and flavor.
It’s best used in recipes that require only a small amount of lime juice, such as a salad dressing or marinade.
If you are using sweetened condensed milk as a substitute for lime juice, be sure to adjust the other ingredients accordingly to ensure that the overall flavor profile of the dish is not too sweet.
18. Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is one of the great substitutes for lime juice in recipes when you don’t have any lemons on hand.
It has a slightly different flavor than lime juice but can add a delicious tartness to your recipe. It can be used in marinades, sauces, and salad dressings.
Moreso, It also adds color to food, making it an ideal choice for brightening up dishes.
Try adding some cranberry juice to your favorite recipes and enjoy the taste of tartness without the need for limes.
19. Apple Cider
Apple cider vinegar makes one of the great substitutes for lime juice when you’re out of lemons.
It has a slightly different flavor, but it can be used to boost the acidity of your favorite dishes.
With its earthy aroma and slight sweetness, it’s an ideal replacement for lime juice in marinades, salad dressings, and sauces.
When using apple cider vinegar instead of lime juice, it’s best to start with a small amount and add more if needed.
Apple cider vinegar has a more intense flavor than lime juice, so you may need to adjust the other ingredients in your recipe to compensate.
Using high-quality apple cider vinegar is also important, as some lower-quality varieties can have a harsh aftertaste.
Unfiltered apple cider vinegar is typically the best choice, as it contains the beneficial bacteria that give it its signature tangy flavor.
20. Vitamin C/Ascorbic Acid
When you don’t have limes or lime juice on hand but need a tart, acidic ingredient for a recipe, you can use Vitamin C or ascorbic acid to replicate the same flavor.
Ascorbic acid, found in Vitamin C supplements, is a naturally occurring organic compound with a sour taste and is often used to replace the sour flavor of limes.
Using ascorbic acid is an easy and cost-effective way to replace lime juice in recipes.
All you need to do is add a few drops of ascorbic acid to water to create substitutes for lime juice.
The amount of ascorbic acid needed will depend on the strength of the flavor you desire.
Start with a few drops, mix it with the water, and then taste it. You can adjust the amount as needed until you get the right flavor.
Ascorbic acid can be found in most drug stores, health food stores, or online. It’s important to note that ascorbic acid is much more potent than lime juice, so you’ll want to use it sparingly.
You can easily create tasty substitutes for lime juice in any recipe with just a few drops.
21. White Wine
White wine can be great substitutes for lime juice in many recipes. While not quite as tart as fresh-squeezed lime juice, white wine still packs plenty of flavors.
Plus, it’s a great way to add a bit of acidity and complexity to dishes that might otherwise be a bit bland.
To make white wine substitutes for like juice, use the same amount of white wine as you would of lime juice. You can also adjust the amount to your desired taste.
22. Oranges
Oranges can be used as great substitutes for lime juice in many recipes. They are naturally high in acidity and, when juiced, offer the same tartness as lime juice.
The sweetness of the orange will add an extra layer of flavor to the dish, but you can also cut it with a bit of water or other liquid to balance out the flavors.
When using oranges as a substitute for lime juice, make sure to use freshly-squeezed juice for the best results.
23. Tamarinds
Tamarinds are great substitutes for lime juice when you’re out of lemons. They are tart and sour, like limes, providing the same flavor profile.
It can be found in most grocery stores, but if you have trouble finding them, you can always purchase tamarind paste or concentrate online.
To use the tamarinds, remove the outer shell and mash the inner fruit with a fork, mortar, and pestle. Then add the mashed tamarind to your dish in place of lime juice for a similar flavor.
For a unique tart flavor, tamarinds can be added to sauces, dressings, marinades, and even desserts.
24. Lime Oil
Lime oil is one of the great substitutes for lime juice when you’re out of lemons. It’s a concentrated form of lime essential oil and has a potent, citrusy flavor that can add a nice zing to any dish.
It can be used in cocktails, dressings, marinades, and sauces. Just be sure to use it sparingly since it is more concentrated than lime juice.
If you’re looking for a quick fix, try adding a drop or two of lime oil to your dish, and you’ll get the same refreshing burst of flavor that you’d expect from lime juice.
25. Black Lime(Loomi)
Black limes, or loomi, are excellent substitutes for lime juice when you don’t have access to lemons. Loomi is small, dried limes native to the Middle East and North Africa.
They have a unique sour-tart flavor that is similar to lime juice, making them an ideal ingredient in many dishes.
They can be used in place of lime juice in marinades, soups, stews, curries, and other recipes.
While loomi may not provide the same intense citrus flavor as lime juice, it can still add a nice tartness to any dish.
Plus, the added bonus of having a longer shelf life makes them a great option for cooks who don’t have access to fresh limes regularly.
26. Citric Acid
When you’re out of lime juice, citric acid is a great substitute. Citric acid is a natural acid found in citrus fruits, and it gives the same tart and tangy flavor as lime juice without being as tart as vinegar. It’s also easy to find in most grocery stores.
To use citric acid as substitutes for lime juice, mix one part citric acid with four parts water. This will make a concentrated solution you can use in place of lime juice.
For example, if your recipe calls for two tablespoons of lime juice, you can substitute two tablespoons of the citric acid solution instead.
Citric acid can be used in cocktails, marinades, dressings, sauces, and more.
27. Key Lime
If you’re out of limes but still need the tart flavor of lime juice, Key Lime is a great substitute.
Also known as Mexican or West Indian lime, Key Lime is smaller and has a more intense flavor than regular limes.
Cut the Key Lime in half to use it as substitutes for lime juice and squeeze it into a cup. It’s a great option when you’re in a pinch and need an alternative to lime juice.
28. Sour Orange
Sour oranges, also known as Seville oranges, are great substitutes for lime juice in many recipes.
Unlike regular oranges, sour oranges have a distinctive taste that adds a unique tartness to dishes.
They can be used in place of limes in many dishes, including marinades, dressings, sauces, and cocktails.
If you can’t find limes, try sour oranges as an alternative. They’re available in most supermarkets and add a unique flavor to any dish!
29. Calamansi
Calamansi, also known as calamondin, is an excellent substitute for lime juice in any recipe.
This tiny citrus fruit has a flavor that is much like a combination of lime and orange, making it a great alternative when you’re out of limes.
Calamansi is native to Southeast Asia but can be found in many Asian markets in the United States.
When using calamansi as a substitute for lime juice, you should use about half the amount that the recipe calls for.
So if the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of lime juice, use 1 tablespoon of calamansi instead. If the flavor is too strong, you can always add more water to thin it out.
Calamansi has many health benefits, including being rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. It also helps to boost your immune system and improve digestion.
Not only can you use calamansi as a lime juice substitute, but you can also use it to make delicious juices or even desserts.
For example, adding sugar or honey to the mix can make a sweetened version of calamansi juice.
You can also use calamansi to make sorbet or puddings or serve it on its own with some ice cubes.
So next time you’re in a pinch and don’t have any limes on hand, don’t worry – reach for some calamansi!
30. Powdered Lime Juice
Powdered lime juice is also among the great substitutes for lime juice when you’re out of lemons.
It is easy to find in most stores and can be used as a one-to-one replacement for lime juice in many recipes.
The advantage of powdered lime juice is its longer shelf life than fresh lime juice. It doesn’t require any preparation or refrigeration.
It also has a stronger flavor, which can be used as a more intense replacement for lime juice.
It’s important to remember that powdered lime juice does not contain the same nutritional benefits as fresh lime juice. So it should only be used for cooking purposes.
Conclusion
So there you have it substitutes for lime juice when you’re out of lemons! No matter what you’re cooking or baking, there is sure to be an ingredient that you can substitute for lime juice.
Whether it’s from a bottle, from another citrus fruit, or a vegetable, these ingredients can help make your dish delicious.
Be sure to experiment and find the best one for your recipe. Good luck and happy cooking!
