Apple cider vinegar has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, with its potential benefits making headlines. But what sets it apart from white vinegar, and is it truly better?
I’ve got all of the important details below. So, let’s dig in and decide which one you should choose!
Comparing apple cider vinegar vs white vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is made from fermented apple juice. The apples undergo a two-step fermentation process, first turning the sugars into alcohol through yeast, and then converting the alcohol into acetic acid through acetic acid bacteria. The result is a tangy, slightly sweet vinegar with a host of potential benefits.
White vinegar, on the other hand, is a clear vinegar made from distilled alcohol from grains or other ingredients. It goes through a one-step fermentation process and lacks the fruity essence of apples. This vinegar is known for its sharp, acidic taste and is often used in cooking and cleaning.
| Apple cider vinegar | White vinegar | |
| Source | Apples/apple cider | Various ingredients (wheat, corn, potatoes) |
| Acidity (pH level) | 2 – 3 | 2.4 – 2.6 |
| Color | Amber and cloudy | Clear and colorless |
| Taste | Strong, tangy, slightly sweet | Strong, sour and tart |
| Best cooking uses | Salad dressings, sauces, marinades, and baking | Pickling vegetables, vinaigrettes, and as a leavening agent in baked goods |
| Nutritional value | Contains vitamins, minerals, and probiotics | Low in nutrients |
Differences between apple cider vinegar and white vinegar
The key differences between apple cider vinegar and white vinegar are their source, flavor profile, and primary uses.
Apple cider vinegar has a milder, fruity taste and is often used in cooking and for its potential health benefits, while white vinegar is a stronger, more acidic vinegar primarily used for cleaning and preserving.
I’ll go into the specifics and more differences below!
Color, taste, and smell
Apple cider vinegar retains a golden-brown color. In my experience, the smell can be quite strong (like fermented apples), but its flavor is more mild compared to white vinegar, with a faint fruity undertone.
White vinegar, in contrast, is clear and colorless, with a sharp and pungent taste that can be overpowering if not used in moderation. Its smell is more intense and more “vinegary.”
Acid concentration
White vinegar is pretty acidic, with a pH of around 2.4, making it a potent choice for pickling and cleaning.
Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity, with a pH ranging from 2 to 3. It’s often used to help balance the skin’s pH.
Fermentation
Apple cider vinegar’s fermentation process, as the name suggests, starts with apple juice, while white vinegar begins with alcohol from wheat, corn, potatoes, or other ingredients. This is what gives you the unique flavors and characteristics of each vinegar.
Cooking and baking with apple cider vinegar vs white vinegar
The choice between apple cider vinegar and white vinegar in your recipes often comes down to the flavor profile you’re looking for.
Use ACV when you want to add a subtle fruity note to your dishes. It’s excellent for salad dressings, marinades, and recipes where a touch of sweetness is welcome. I often use a dash of ACV to make a buttermilk substitute for baking. It’s also a great choice for barbecue sauces, ACV drinks or gummies!
White vinegar’s strong, clean acidity makes it my top pick for pickling and preserving. It’s ideal for pickled cucumbers, onions, and other vegetables. Plus, its antimicrobial properties are useful for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces around your home!
When mixed with baking soda, white vinegar makes a good leavening ingredient for baked goods. Adding a bit of vinegar to your pie crusts can even make them more tender! I prefer the taste of ACV in my baked goods over white vinegar.
Can you substitute apple cider vinegar for white vinegar?
In most cases, you can substitute apple cider vinegar for white vinegar (or vice versa). Just note that apple cider vinegar has a slightly sweeter and fruitier flavor compared to the more neutral taste of white vinegar. So, the substitution may alter the taste of your recipe slightly. But for most dishes, the substitution should work just fine!
Nutrition: Apple cider vinegar vs white vinegar
White vinegar is not a significant source of nutrients, but ACV is known for containing trace amounts of essential nutrients like potassium and magnesium.
While apple cider vinegar can contain some probiotics due to the fermentation of apple juice, white vinegar is typically more refined and processed, which eliminates most, if not all, of the beneficial bacteria.
So, apple cider vinegar may also help with aiding digestion, reducing blood pressure, managing blood sugar levels, and supporting weight loss efforts – just to name a few of its many benefits!
How to store apple cider vinegar and white vinegar
Keep both vinegars in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. A pantry or cupboard is ideal. There’s no need to refrigerate apple cider vinegar or white vinegar after opening and they can last indefinitely if stored properly.
Of course, you can refrigerate your vinegars if you prefer them chilled. Seal the bottles tightly to prevent air from entering, as exposure to air can lead to degradation of the vinegar over time. If any sediment or cloudiness develops, that’s natural and it’s usually safe to consume. In fact, that murky stuff at the bottom of ACV is “the mother” – a byproduct from the fermentation process and is actually what you want to see in a good quality apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar vs white vinegar: The ultimate verdict
So, which vinegar should you choose? Overall, I prefer apple cider vinegar, especially for cooking and dressings. It adds a touch of sweetness and complexity. Plus, it has potential nutritional and health benefits that white vinegar lacks. However, white vinegar’s lower pH level makes it better for some uses, like pickling and cleaning.
FAQs
Yes, you can generally substitute apple cider vinegar for white vinegar in most recipes, but be aware that it will impart a slightly fruity flavor to your dishes.
White vinegar and apple cider vinegar can often be used interchangeably in recipes, but apple cider vinegar has a milder, slightly fruity flavor, while white vinegar is more neutral and acidic. Plus, apple cider vinegar may have additional potential health benefits because it contains trace amounts of other compounds like probiotics and antioxidants, which are not present in white vinegar.
White vinegar is very acidic and doesn’t offer any significant nutrients, so it’s better to incorporate apple cider vinegar into drinks or shot recipes. Always dilute it with water before consuming and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
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