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8 Best Substitutes for Lime Juice in Guacamole

Guacamole is one of the most versatile dishes you can make, and it’s great as a dip, topping, or even in a salad.

But what if you don’t have limes on hand?

Don’t worry—you don’t have to skip your guac!

substitute for lime juice in guacamole

So, what’s the best substitute for lime juice in guacamole?

The best substitute for lime juice in guacamole is vinegar.

The acidity of the lime juice helps to keep the avocado from oxidizing and turning brown, but you can achieve a similar effect by mixing in a little apple cider vinegar.

Vinegar also adds a tangy flavor to your guacamole that will help it stand out on its own as well as when served with Mexican food.

For more alternatives, keep scrolling!

8 Best Substitutes for Lime Juice in Guacamole

Lime juice

Here are some substitutes for lime juice in guacamole that will keep your favorite dish tasting just as good as always:

1. Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar

Vinegar is a great substitute for lime juice in guacamole.

It has a similar sour tang, and it’s great for balancing out spicy ingredients like fresh chili peppers or jalapeños.

The best variety of vinegar to use for this purpose is balsamic vinegar, which has a deep, rich flavor that pairs well with Mexican cuisine.

Try adding a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar to your guacamole recipe next time you make it!

2. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is a delicious alternative to lime juice in guacamole because it has a similar flavor profile.

If you’re looking for something with a bit more tartness than lime juice, lemon juice is perfect for you.

You can also use lemon zest instead of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of citrusy flavor without all the pulp and seeds found in lemons (but please be sure not to zest too much!).

3. Lemon-Lime Soda/Club Soda

Lemon-Lime Soda

Lemon-lime soda is a great substitute for lime juice in guacamole, but it does have a distinct taste that some people may not like.

If you’re looking for something more subtle, club soda is a good option.

You can also try mixing one part lemon-lime soda with two parts club soda to get an even milder flavor.

4. Orange Juice

Orange juice

If you’re looking for something more citrusy than lemon, try orange juice—it has a more rounded flavor than lemon, but still packs a punch when used as a substitute for lime juice in guacamole!

Orange juice also goes well with cilantro and onion as well as other Mexican-inspired flavors like avocado or tomato.

5. Grapefruit Juice

Grapefruit juice

Grapefruit juice has a similar tangy taste and will give your guacamole a nice color.

You can also use it in other recipes that call for lime juice, like margaritas or citrus marinades.

Just be sure not to add too much—it has a strong flavor that can overpower the dish if used in excess!

6. Limeade or Lemonade

Lemonade

If you don’t have any lime juice on hand, but you do have some lemonade or limeade, a small amount of that can be an acceptable substitute for the lime juice.

In fact, if you’re using the juice from a carton or can of lemonade or limeade, then it’s already mixed with water and sugar—so it’s probably already a pretty good substitute!

The problem with this method is that it will only work if you’re making a small batch of guacamole.

If you’re making more than one avocado worth of avocado dip at once, then this is not a viable option.

7. Pomelo

Pomelo

If you’re looking to replace lime juice in guacamole, pomelo is a great option.

Pomelos are big and juicy, with a mild flavor that’s similar to lime.

They work well as a substitute for lime juice in guacamole because they’re juicy enough to add some moisture to the dip without overpowering the other flavors.

You can even use pomelo juice if you don’t have any limes on hand!

8. Bottled lemon juice or lime juice

Bottled lemon juice or lime juice are both great substitutes for lime juice in guacamole.

Bottled lemon and lime juices are available at most grocery stores and are usually sold in small bottles.

Do You Have to Use Lime Juice in Guacamole?

No, you don’t have to use lime juice in your guacamole.

Guacamole is a versatile dip that can be made with a variety of ingredients and flavors.

The only requirement is that the avocados used must be ripe (and you should use Hass avocados if possible).

Some people like their guacamoles spicy, while others prefer a milder version.

Lime juice is often added for its tartness, but you can use lemon or vinegar as well.

If you want your guacamole spicy, consider adding jalapeño peppers or cayenne pepper (but be careful not to overdo it!).

Try adding herbs like cilantro or parsley for flavor, and experiment with different types of tomatoes and onions to see which combination tastes best to you!

Why Is Lime Juice Added to Guacamole?

The main reason why most people choose to add lime juice to their guacamole is because it helps to keep the avocado from turning brown.

If you don’t add lime juice, or any other citrus juice, to your guacamole, it can turn brown very quickly.

Lime juice also adds a fresh flavor that many people enjoy.

It can help to wake up your taste buds and make the guacamole taste more alive!

Can Apple Cider Vinegar Go in Guacamole?

Yes, apple cider vinegar can go in guacamole.

Apple cider vinegar is a great addition to any guacamole recipe because it adds a tangy flavor that’s hard to replicate with any other ingredient.

It also helps balance out the flavors of your dish, making sure that you don’t have too much acidity or too little.

It’s important to use raw apple cider vinegar, though.

If you use regular white vinegar, it will be too acidic and ruin the taste of your guacamole.

substitute for lime juice in guacamole

8 Substitutes for Lime Juice in Guacamole

Guacamole is a staple of Mexican cuisine. It's a great way to add some freshness and flavor to your tacos, burritos, or nachos.
But what if you don't have any limes on hand? Or maybe you just don't like the taste of lime? Is it possible to make guacamole without lime juice?
Yes! You can use lemon instead of lime juice in your guacamole recipe. The result will be slightly different—the lemon will add more of a tangy note than the lime does—but it will still be delicious.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Course Dip
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 people
Calories 45 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Vinegar
  • Lemon Juice
  • Lemon-Lime Soda/Club Soda
  • Orange Juice
  • Grapefruit Juice
  • Limeade or Lemonade
  • Pomelo
  • Bottled lemon juice or lime juice

Instructions
 

  • Pick any alternative from this list to use instead of lime juice.
  • Prepare the rest of your dip.
  • Be ready to munch in no time!
Keyword Substitute for Lime Juice in Guacamole
jenny happy muncher
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Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.