Need a Substitute for Lemon Juice? We've Got 5 Ideas! - Shelf Cooking (2024)

All out of lemons but need a splash for those baked goods or that vinaigrette? Before you rush to the store, find out if you can use a substitute for lemon juice instead! We've got five options you can try.

Need a Substitute for Lemon Juice? We've Got 5 Ideas! - Shelf Cooking (1)

Around here, we consider lemon juice a kitchen staple! There are SO many ways to use that liquid gold. Whether you need a marinade, a salad dressing, or want to make some lemon blueberry bread, lemon juice is a shelf cooking hero.

*Note: When you click the links in this post, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

What happens if you've already preheated the oven and you realize you've run out? Don't grab those car keys or fire up Instacart just yet! If you need a substitute for lemon juice, we're about to share several smart ideas. Here we go!

CAN YOU FREEZE LEMON JUICE?

Before we dive into the substitute options, let's address the question you're probably asking yourself! Can you freeze lemon juice? Why, yes. Yes, you can! Here are three easy methods:

  • Make Ice Cubes – Here's our favorite method! Pour your lemon juice (fresh or bottled) into an ice tray, freeze the cubes, then place the cubes in a freezer bag for safe keeping. Now you've got individual portions ready to thaw and use.
  • Freeze Lemon Slices – Prefer to fresh squeeze your juice? You can slice fresh lemons and toss them in an airtight bag to freeze. When you're ready for some fresh juice, just thaw those slices overnight in the fridge and juice away.
  • Place the Juice in a Freezer-Safe Container – Want to stock up on lemon juice? Pour any you can't use right away into an airtight, freezer-safe bag or container.

In general, lemon juice will keep in the freezer for around three months! Now, ready for some substitute options?

USE LIME JUICE AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR LEMON JUICE

Need a Substitute for Lemon Juice? We've Got 5 Ideas! - Shelf Cooking (2)

Here's your easiest option and our favorite substitute! Lime juice and lemon juice taste so similar and have the same chemical makeup, so you can swap them out for one another and never know the difference. Just use a one-to-to ratio, and you're all set! Fresh-squeezed, bottles, or a combo? Either way! You decide and use what you've got.

ORANGE OR GRAPEFRUIT JUICE CAN ALSO WORK

While you will notice a difference in flavor, the acid content in orange or grapefruit juice is similar enough to use as a lemon juice substitute. If you opt to go this route, we'd steer clear of any baked goods that need a lemony flavor. Keep in mind that orange juice is MUCH sweeter, but it can work in a pinch. Orange, grapefruit, or even pineapple juice are great substitutes in a marinade or vinaigrette recipe that calls for lemon.

VINEGAR WORKS AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR LEMON JUICE

Need a Substitute for Lemon Juice? We've Got 5 Ideas! - Shelf Cooking (3)

If you're making a recipe that just calls for a touch of lemon juice, vinegar is a good option. The acid makeup is almost identical, so it works as a one-to-one substitute in baking. If you're making lemon bars, a lemon loaf, or other lemony treats, you might be better off subbing in some lime juice instead.

TRY WHITE WINE

If you're like us and don't drink alcohol, you may have been left wondering what to do with that bottle of white wine your neighbor dropped off when you moved into the neighborhood. Well, wonder no more! During baking or cooking, the alcohol content disappears, and the chemical makeup of white wine makes it a great lemon juice alternative. A small amount goes a long way! This ingredient swap is perfect for deglazing pans or grilling. You could even add a small splash to the crockpot to help tenderize meat.

USE CREAM OF TARTAR

Need a Substitute for Lemon Juice? We've Got 5 Ideas! - Shelf Cooking (4)

Fun fact: a lot of the time, recipes call for lemon juice to create a chemical reaction rather than provide flavor. That means acidic cream of tartar can serve the same purpose if you're in a bind. For every one teaspoon of lemon juice, use 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar. Don't forget to compensate for the liquid you're omitting. A splash of water can make all the difference!

Well, there you have it! The next time you need a lemon juice substitute, you'll know what to do.

Do you have a favorite recipe that calls for lemon juice? Let us know in the comments! We LOVE trying new things!

Need a Substitute for Lemon Juice? We've Got 5 Ideas! - Shelf Cooking (5)

While you're here, why not brush up on some more substitution hacks?

  • If you need a substitute for ricotta cheese, we have five ideas.
  • All out of brown sugar? Try one of these substitutes!
  • Wondering want to substitute for eggs? We have ten clever options.

Squeeze the day!

Need a Substitute for Lemon Juice? We've Got 5 Ideas! - Shelf Cooking (2024)

FAQs

Need a Substitute for Lemon Juice? We've Got 5 Ideas! - Shelf Cooking? ›

ORANGE OR GRAPEFRUIT JUICE CAN ALSO WORK

What to use if there is no lemon juice? ›

Five Essential Lemon Juice Substitutes
  • Vinegar. If you're only missing a small amount of lemon juice from your recipe, vinegar makes for a great replacement. ...
  • Orange Juice. ...
  • White Wine. ...
  • Lime Juice. ...
  • Cream of Tartar.
Jun 3, 2024

What is a substitute for 1 teaspoon of lemon juice? ›

When cooking savory dishes, lime juice and orange juice make a good substitute for lemon juice. Replace the lemon juice with lime juice in equal amounts (e.g. 1 teaspoon for 1 teaspoon). Or, you could substitute the lemon juice with half as much white wine or white vinegar.

How much bottled lemon juice equals the juice of one lemon? ›

To use: Shake well before use, and use the same amount of bottled lemon juice in a recipe as you would fresh juice. If a recipe specifies the juice of 1 lemon, replace it with 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice.

How do you make shelf stable lemon juice? ›

The hot-fill packing includes three steps: (1) fill the pasteurized hot juice of 88-95 °C (190-203 °F) im- mediately into bottles, jars, or cans; (2) seal the bottles, jars, or cans with clean and sanitized lids; and (3) invert the container for three minutes to pasteurize the inside of lids with the juice's high ...

Can I use lemon extract if I don't have lemon juice? ›

However, the flavor of lemon extract is stronger than lemon juice, so if you don't want to overpower the other flavors in the recipe, opt for a ½ teaspoon of lemon extract for every teaspoon of lemon juice.

Can I use lemon oil instead of lemon juice? ›

One drop of lemon essential oil blended into a couple drops of oil or honey can be mixed into 8 oz of cool or warm water (depending on your preference) in the mornings instead of half a lemon for immune support, detoxification, and many other benefits.

What fruit can replace lemon? ›

Other citrus fruit like limes make a great substitute for lemons in many dishes, both sweet and savory, including marinades, sauces, and desserts. To substitute limes for lemons, you can use a 1:1 ratio for both the juice and zest.

Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice? ›

Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice? Yes! But white balsamic is the better choice. This milder and less sweet version of balsamic vinegar can serve as an alternative in recipes when you want to introduce a subtle tartness with a touch of sweetness.

What is the equivalent to juice of one lemon? ›

One regular-sized lemon contains about 2-3 tablespoons of juice. Since all lemons aren't exactly the same, we like to stay on the side of caution and assume that one lemon contains 2 tablespoons juice. This means, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, you'll need to use about ½ a lemon.

Can you substitute real lemon juice with bottled lemon juice? ›

Nutritionally speaking, bottled and fresh lemon juice are the same. Both are high in vitamin C (although fresh contains much more), folate, and potassium, and low in calories and fat. But one thing that isn't the same is the taste. Bottled lemon juice just tastes different.

Is bottled lemon juice the same as squeezing a lemon? ›

Here are some highlights: Both are very low in calories and fat. They are both good sources of vitamin C, folate and potassium. Fresh lemon juice contains significantly more vitamin C than bottled lemon juice.

Is ReaLemon the same as lemon juice? ›

ReaLemon is an American brand of lemon juice that debuted in 1934, and is manufactured and marketed as of 2016 by Mott's, part of Keurig Dr Pepper. ReaLime is a brand of lime juice that debuted in 1944, is produced in the same manner as ReaLemon, and is also produced and marketed by Mott's.

Does shelf stable lemon juice go bad? ›

Fresh squeezed lemon juice has a shelf life of about 3–4 days if it's stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Due to pasteurization and added preservatives, commercial bottled lemon juice has a much longer lifespan. An unopened bottle can last for 3–6 months in the pantry or 6–12 months in the fridge.

Can I use bottled lemon juice for preserved lemons? ›

I will give the recipe for one lemon here. If you want to preserve more just use a larger jar and adjust the quantities accordingly. I usually use bottled lemon juice for the brine because then I feel safe to have enough to cover the lemons in the jar.

Can you freeze lemon juice to make it last longer? ›

Lemon juice can be frozen for 3 months or even longer in a deep freezer. We love this spill proof ice cube tray from OXO. The ice cubes release easily when you push down on one side. Transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer safe ziploc bag and store in the freezer.

Can I make jam without lemon juice? ›

Unfortunately, now that the pectin is dissolved and free, the strands of pectin repel each other because they carry an electric charge that is negative. Without a little help, the pectin strands can't come together to form a network that will set your batch of jam — that's where the lemon juice comes into play.

Can I substitute lemon juice for vinegar? ›

The simple answer is yes, you may use lemon (or lime juice) in place of vinegar in home canning recipes, as lemon and lime juice are slightly more acidic than vinegar. Some people prefer the tastes of lemon or lime juice over vinegar, as they feel it has a milder flavor.

Top Articles
How to Tell if Pizza Dough Is Bad?
The 10 Best Substitutes for Sour Cream
Woodward Avenue (M-1) - Automotive Heritage Trail - National Scenic Byway Foundation
Skyward Houston County
Part time Jobs in El Paso; Texas that pay $15, $25, $30, $40, $50, $60 an hour online
From Algeria to Uzbekistan-These Are the Top Baby Names Around the World
Watch Mashle 2nd Season Anime Free on Gogoanime
Poe Pohx Profile
EY – все про компанію - Happy Monday
Our History | Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church - Houston, TX
Strange World Showtimes Near Amc Braintree 10
Craigslist Free Grand Rapids
Lesson 2 Homework 4.1
South Bend Tribune Online
Hijab Hookup Trendy
WEB.DE Apps zum mailen auf dem SmartPhone, für Ihren Browser und Computer.
Sound Of Freedom Showtimes Near Cinelux Almaden Cafe & Lounge
Milspec Mojo Bio
Whitefish Bay Calendar
97226 Zip Code
Kountry Pumpkin 29
Aaa Saugus Ma Appointment
Www.publicsurplus.com Motor Pool
Understanding Genetics
Allybearloves
Shiftselect Carolinas
Rimworld Prison Break
Dragger Games For The Brain
Elite Dangerous How To Scan Nav Beacon
4 Times Rihanna Showed Solidarity for Social Movements Around the World
Inter Miami Vs Fc Dallas Total Sportek
Nk 1399
JVID Rina sauce set1
8002905511
Craigslist Brandon Vt
Khatrimmaza
Nail Salon Open On Monday Near Me
Flixtor Nu Not Working
Craigslist Car For Sale By Owner
About Us | SEIL
The Closest Walmart From My Location
Bcy Testing Solution Columbia Sc
Wunderground Orlando
Chase Bank Zip Code
St Vrain Schoology
Menu Forest Lake – The Grillium Restaurant
Syrie Funeral Home Obituary
Blippi Park Carlsbad
Oak Hill, Blue Owl Lead Record Finastra Private Credit Loan
2487872771
Escape From Tarkov Supply Plans Therapist Quest Guide
Generator für Fantasie-Ortsnamen: Finden Sie den perfekten Namen
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nathanael Baumbach

Last Updated:

Views: 6182

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanael Baumbach

Birthday: 1998-12-02

Address: Apt. 829 751 Glover View, West Orlando, IN 22436

Phone: +901025288581

Job: Internal IT Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Motor sports, Flying, Skiing, Hooping, Lego building, Ice skating

Introduction: My name is Nathanael Baumbach, I am a fantastic, nice, victorious, brave, healthy, cute, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.