The Best Lime Juice Substitutes Every Home Cook Should Know

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If you’re in the middle of cooking and realize you’re out of lime juice, no need to worry with this easy list of the Best Substitute for Lime Juice. Whether you need a swap for marinades, dressings, or baked goods, these simple alternatives will help you keep your recipe on track without sacrificing flavor.

A white bowl filled with fresh green limes sits on a white surface next to a black-and-white checkered kitchen towel, perfect for anyone seeking the best substitute for lime juice, with two limes placed outside the bowl.

This is one of those kitchen moments I’ve run into more times than I can count — I’m halfway through a recipe and realize I’m out of lime juice. Cooking for a big family means I’ve learned to be flexible, and having a few reliable substitutes on hand has saved dinner more than once.

Knowing what works (and what doesn’t) makes it easy to keep meals simple, budget-friendly, and stress-free.

Limes have a sweet, tangy flavor that is a recognizable taste in our favorite recipes. We use limes squeezed on our guacamole recipe to our favorite marinades. So finding a substitute is very important to make the meal or drink complete. These substitutes will still provide the best flavor and still complement your recipe.

Can you Substitute Lime Juice for Lemon Juice?

The best recipes to replace fresh lemon juice for fresh lime juice is for baking and your favorite cocktails.

When baking and your recipes calls for lime juice, squeeze in the equal amount of lemon juice or any citrus fruits. Now if you are making that favorite Key Lime Pie recipe, it won’t taste the same squeezing in the lemon juice. It all depends on the baking dish you are making.

Lemon juice does work in your favorite Mexican dishes, but nothing replaces the zesty lime taste. Substituting lemon juice for lime juice is still a great option.

A white bowl filled with fresh green limes sits on a white surface, with three limes placed outside the bowl in the foreground—perfect for juicing or finding the best substitute for lime juice in your favorite recipes.

What Can I use instead of Lime Juice?

1. Lemon Juice

A great option and can be used for most of your baked goods and Mexican dishes. But nothing replaces the tangy flavor that lime gives. If your recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of Lime Juice use 1 tablespoon of Lemon Juice.

2. Lime Zest

If you all you have is dry lime zest but no Lime Juice, you can definitely use it as an excellent substitute. It adds brightness to any dish. Key limes can also substitute for regular lime.

Conversion – 1 tablespoon of Lime Juice = ½ teaspoon of lime zest.

3. White Wine

If you are making a salad dressing, use white wine vinegar as a good substitute. It is stronger than lime juice, so be careful when adding it. I would add a small amount and taste. Conversion – 1 table spoon of Lime Juice = ½ table spoon of white wine

4. Orange Juice

We have used orange juice before for a lime juice substitution and it worked great. It is a lot like lemon juice when adding it. Conversion – 1 tablespoon of Lime Juice = 1 tablespoon of Orange Juice.

5. Vinegar

Use any kind of vinegar include the regular apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or white white vinegar. Vinegar has a strong taste, so add in slowly. Start with about ½ the amount that the recipe calls for lime juice and taste. Add in more if needed.

A white bowl filled with whole green limes sits on a white surface, with two additional limes placed nearby. A white and black checkered cloth is in the background—perfect inspiration when searching for the best substitute for lime juice.

6. Use Bottle Lime Juice

If you are in the middle of a recipe and need a substitute for lime juice, this will work but is usually my last resort. Just make sure it is pure Lime Juice.

7. Grapefruit Juice or Orange Juice

The citrus juices works great also. It is a bit sweeter than lime juice, but it does the job.

Conversion – 1 tablespoon of Lime Juice = 1 tablespoon of Grapefruit Juice.

8. Black Lime Seasoning

If you are making a savory recipe, black lime seasoning is a great option. It does lack the sweetness of lime juice and it is more sour. But can be used in the Middle Eastern recipes.

A white bowl filled with fresh green limes sits on a white surface. Two limes are beside the bowl, and a black-and-white checkered cloth is partially visible at the top—perfect for discovering the best substitute for lime juice.

How to Store Fresh Squeezed Lime

Fresh squeezed lime juice can easily be stored. Store in a glass or plastic air tight container in the fridge. It is best to use it within 2-3 days.

You can also freeze freshly squeeze lime juice, by placing the juice in an ice tray. You will pour equal parts of juice in ice cube tray and freeze. Use a lime squeezer to make sure you get all the juices.

Also see How to Cut Lime Wedges.