Allen’s Apple Cider Vinegar Review

There are so many different kinds of apple cider vinegar (ACV) on the market.

Today, I’ll be sharing my experience with Allen’s Original Apple Cider Vinegar based on several essential criteria, including quality, taste, price, packaging, and more. Are you ready? Let’s get started!

Allen’s apple cider vinegar is:

• Filtered (no “mother”)
• 5% acetic acid
• Preservative-free
• Budget-friendly
• Available in a 4L jug

The benefits of apple cider vinegar

There are so many reasons why people use apple cider vinegar:

Digestive aid: ACV can help alleviate bloating, indigestion, and even heartburn because it increases the production of stomach acid.

Weight management: Studies suggest that apple cider vinegar might assist in weight loss by making you feel full and satisfied. While it’s not a magic potion, it can be an excellent addition to a healthy diet and exercise routine. 

Blood sugar control: Apple cider vinegar may help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing the glycemic response to meals. It contains acetic acid, which can slow down the digestion of carbohydrates and help control blood sugar spikes after eating. However, it should not be relied upon as a sole treatment for diabetes or blood sugar management.

Skin and hair care: Dilute it with water and use it as a toner for clearer, more radiant skin. You can even use it as a hair rinse to add a natural shine and luster to your locks.

What’s the best apple cider vinegar?

When I reviewed Allen’s apple cider vinegar, here are the key factors I considered:

1. Organic: Organic is the way to go! Apples are one of those fruits that are heavily sprayed with pesticides. Opt for organic apple cider vinegar made from 100% organically grown apples to ensure it’s free from harmful chemicals. Look for certifications such as USDA Organic or Non-GMO Project Verified.

2. Raw/unpasteurized: Look for ACV that is labeled as “raw” and “unpasteurized.” The pasteurization process uses heat, which can destroy many of the beneficial enzymes and probiotics in ACV – in other words, all the good stuff you want for healthy digestion. Keep it raw for maximum benefits!

3. Unfiltered: Unfiltered ACV retains the beneficial enzymes, probiotics, and sediment called the “mother.” This ensures that all the natural benefits of apple cider vinegar are included and not filtered out or refined, as is the case with distilled vinegar. The “mother” is where the magic happens!

4. No additives or preservatives: Some companies may sneak in additives, preservatives, artificial flavors, or other types of vinegar into their ACV products. To stay on the safe side, check the ingredients list. The only items on there should be apple cider vinegar and water, as it’s typically diluted to an acidity level of 5-6% acidity/acetic acid content, which is the ideal range for ACV.

5. Taste: Taste is subjective, of course, but the best apple cider vinegar brands have a well-balanced flavor, combining tartness and fruitiness.

I also factor in price, brand reputation, and packaging. Glass bottles tend to be better than plastic as they help preserve the quality of the ACV. 

Now, with our criteria in mind, let’s put Allen’s Apple Cider Vinegar to the test!

Reviewing Allen’s Apple Cider Vinegar

Quality 

Allen’s Original Apple Cider Vinegar is made in Canada from domestic and imported ingredients. The only ingredient is ‘apple cider vinegar’ – no other additives or preservatives such as sulphite.

However, if you take a look at the first 3 criteria mentioned above (organic, raw, and unfiltered), Allen’s misses the mark. The vinegar is filtered, resulting in a clear, amber-colored liquid without any sediment or the “mother”, so it’s lacking some of the beneficial bacteria and enzymes that are present in unfiltered ACV.

Taste

The flavor is very vinegary, with little apple flavor. It does smell like apples or cider, but there isn’t much flavor. There is not a lot of sweetness, either. It’s not too harsh on the palate. Overall, it’s a nice vinegar.

I like Allen’s ACV for cooking, canning and pickling vegetables.

Price

One of the main benefits of Allen’s apple cider vinegar is the price. For 4L of this stuff, I paid $6.27 CAD (or $4.59 USD) at Walmart. That’s almost the same price as some other premium ACV brands on the market, such as Bragg, but you get MUCH more vinegar for your money. While Allen’s is a relatively lower-quality product, as I mentioned, it still offers excellent value for money.

Packaging and storage

Allen’s ACV comes in a huge 4L plastic jug. Plastic-packaged apple cider vinegar is not as good as glass because plastic can potentially leach chemicals into the vinegar over time, affecting its flavor and purity.

Since ACV is self-preserving, it never goes bad. However, it may become less acidic over time, so I recommend using it within 2-3 years.

The verdict

Overall, this is a decent apple cider vinegar. It’s not the best, but not the worst either. Because it’s filtered, you’re missing out on potential health benefits that the “mother” provides. If you can, try to get Allen’s Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, which is unfiltered and unpasteurized to retain the mother. However, Allen’s Original ACV is a good budget-friendly option, and it’s great for pickling all of your vegetables.

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