Ancestral Apple Cider Vinegar vs Reinhart’s: Which Is Better?

Trying to decide which apple cider vinegar brand is best? Fear not!

In this article, I’ll explore the nuances between two Canadian brands: Ancestral and Reinhart apple cider vinegar, helping you make an informed decision about which one deserves a spot in your pantry.

Comparing Ancestral and Reinhart’s apple cider vinegar

Both Ancestral and Reinhart’s are Canadian-made, non-organic, unfiltered, and unpasteurized. This means they retain the beneficial “mother” and pack a punch in terms of flavor and potential health benefits. But don’t be fooled by the similarities—these two vinegars have their own unique personalities, which I’ll cover next!

	Ancestral	Reinhart’s
Ingredients	Apple cider vinegar	Unfiltered natural apple cider vinegar
Organic?	No	No
Non-GMO?	No	No
Raw/unpasteurized?	Yes	Yes
Unfiltered (contains the mother)?	Yes	Yes
Acidity (% acetic acid by volume)	5%	5%
Color/appearance	Semi-cloudy, light amber, little sediment	Semi-cloudy, deep amber, lots of sediment
Taste	Mild, musty, little apple flavor	Strong, sharp, deep apple flavor
Price (USD)	$5.12	$3.28
Serving size Servings per container	1 tbsp 66	1 tbsp 33
Packaging	Dark, opaque plastic	Glass

Differences between Ancestral and Reinhart’s apple cider vinegar

Appearance

First of all, these two vinegars look completely different. Ancestral has a light golden hue with minimal sediment. On the other hand, Reinhart’s is a deep reddish-brown, almost like a red wine vinegar, with large pieces of sediment and the “mother” floating around. Their different appearances give you a hint at their unique flavor profiles.

Flavor profile

Ancestral offers a milder flavor profile in contrast to Reinhart’s bolder and deeper flavor. I also find Reinhart’s to have more apple flavor, where it’s missing in Ancestral’s apple cider vinegar.

Packaging

Ancestral arrives in a sturdy, dark brown, opaque plastic bottle, generously offering a liter of goodness. Meanwhile, Reinhart’s is packed in glass bottles, with 500 mL of vinegar. While plastic may be more budget-friendly, glass has the upper hand when it comes to protecting the integrity of the apple cider vinegar.

Price

If you’re watching your pennies, Ancestral takes the lead. For twice the amount of vinegar, I paid a mere $5.12 compared to Reinhart’s $3.28 for 500 mL. Find Ancestral and Reinhart’s apple cider vinegar in Canadian stores.

Ways to use Ancestral and Reinhart’s apple cider vinegar

Now that we’ve dissected their appearances, flavors, and packaging, let’s dive into the practical aspect—how to make the most of these apple cider vinegars in your culinary adventures!

Both Ancestral and Reinhart’s can be used in a variety of ways:

• Salad dressings: Mix them with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and your favorite herbs for a delightful dressing.
• Marinades: Add a zing to your meat or tofu marinades for a flavor-packed dish.
• Sauces: Personally, I love making tangy BBQ sauces or sweet and sour sauces with apple cider vinegar.
• Drinks: Create beverages by diluting them with water, honey, and a splash of lemon juice. Or, try one of these 5 easy apple cider vinegar drink recipes!

Nutrition: Ancestral vs Reinhart’s apple cider vinegar

Let’s take a glance at the nutrition facts (see table below). Both vinegars boast zeros across the board, except for Reinhart’s, which throws in a bonus—10 mg of potassium. A small but noteworthy distinction.

Because both are unfiltered and unpasturized, they retain the “mother,” a combination of beneficial bacteria and enzymes. The mother is believed to contribute to the vinegar’s potential health benefits, such as aiding digestion, supporting weight loss, and providing antimicrobial properties. Plus, unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains compounds like acetic acid, which may help regulate blood sugar levels and promote overall well-being.

Per 1 tbsp (15 mL)	Ancestral	Reinhart’s
Calories	0	0
Fat (g)	0	0
Carbs (g)	0	0
Protein (g)	0	0
Sodium (mg)	0	0
Potassium (mg)	0	10

How to store Ancestral and Reinhart’s apple cider vinegar

Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of your apple cider vinegar. Whether it’s Ancestral or Reinhart’s, store them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve their flavor and potency. A pantry or cool cupboard is best. Ensure the cap is tightly sealed after each use to prevent oxidation and maintain freshness.

Note: Sedimentation in apple cider vinegar is normal and indicates the presence of natural compounds like proteins, enzymes, and beneficial bacteria. This sediment, often called the “mother,” is a sign of the vinegar’s authenticity and is safe to consume. Simply shake the bottle before use to redistribute the sediment and enjoy the health benefits of apple cider vinegar.

Ancestral vs Reinhart’s apple cider vinegar: Which is better

So, is there a clear winner? In terms of quality, they both shine on paper—unfiltered, raw, unpasteurized, and containing the coveted “mother.” However, it’s not just about what’s on the bottles label, it’s the experience. So, after taking a closer look and tasting each, Reinhart’s stands out. The visible sediment and mother in Reinhart’s, coupled with its deep, robust flavor, just speaks to me. I prefer its appley flavor over Ancestral apple cider vinegaar for drinks, salad dressings, cooking, and more.

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