Many recipes use fruit juices as an ingredient. They give unique and savory flavors to a specific dish. Often, fruit juices like apple juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and others are just some of the common ones.
However, there are times when some of their ingredients are not available. For this reason, it is best to know what alternatives you have. In some instances, you need to know which are the best substitute for apple juice or any other juices your recipe needs.
Best Substitutes for Apple Juice
One of the most commonly used fruit juices as an ingredient in many recipes is apple juice. However, in its absence, there are some substitutes that you can use.
1. Apple Cider – Since it is extracted from apples, apple cider is one of the best substitutes for apple juice. It is also one of the most readily available which can be found in any grocery store.
2. Rice wine Vinegar – Another good substitute is rice wine vinegar. Although it is made from rice, it gives a fruity flavor with a sweetness that is not too overpowering.
3. White Wine Vinegar – Vinegar made from white wine also works wonders as an apple juice alternative. Like the rice wine vinegar, it also has a mildly sweet and fruity flavor.
4. Red Wine Vinegar – It may have a different color compared to the other wine vinegar but red wine vinegar is also a great substitute for apple juice.
5. Soda – Surprisingly, sodas like ginger ale and sprite works amazing as an alternative to apple juice. For ginger ale, it offers a hint of sweetness with gingery flavor. Meanwhile, Sprite gives a minty, lemon flavor with a bit of acidity.
Benefits of Apple Juice
Aside from its flavor, there are other reasons why apple juice is a common ingredient and a great food item. It contains many of the key nutrients which include vitamin C, various B vitamins, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and copper.
Additionally, since it is extracted from apples, it also has fiber, phytochemicals, procyanidins, and flavonols. A cup of apple juice is equivalent to 10% of the daily required carbohydrates intake due to the natural sugars it contains. Lastly, a serving of apple juice can give you 7% of the required daily intake of potassium which is essential for the heart.
1. Improves heart health – Apple juice contains an abundant amount of potassium. It serves as an effective component to dilate blood vessels and arteries. As a result, it lessens the pressure on the cardiovascular system.
2. Helps boost immunity – Aside from being an effective agent in improving heart health, apple juice can also help boost the immune system. This is a result of the abundance of vitamin C in it. Vitamin C helps reduce inflammation, serves as an anti-oxidant, and prevents oxidative stress.
3. Helps with brain health – In a study published in the Advances in Nutrition journal, there were claims that apple juice can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Another study claims that the antioxidants present in apple juice can prevent neurological diseases.
4. Helps boost metabolism – Regular consumption of apple juice has been long time linked to lower levels of body fat, smaller waistlines, lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and a smaller chance of getting diabetes. All these are known to be risk factors for metabolic syndrome.
5. Improves the function of the liver – Malic acid is a component that can help improve liver function and is abundant in apple juice. This also helps stimulate frequent urination which helps flush out excess salts and fats inside the body.
The alkaline content in malic acid is also an effective aid in flushing out toxins and helps maintain the proper pH level of the body. All these are considered as its way of serving as an effective liver cleanser.
6. Relieves constipation – Apple juice contains tons of fiber that can help relieve constipation. It also contains sorbitol that can help ease stool movement by smoothing the digestive tract.
7. Aids in skincare – Since it is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, it is considered beneficial for the skin. It helps in reducing wrinkles, itchiness, and inflammation.