Apple Cider vs Apple Cider Vinegar: Which Is Better?

Apple cider and apple cider vinegar might sound pretty similar, but they’re different in taste, uses, and even nutritional benefits.

So, whether you’re a food lover or someone who cares about staying healthy, stick with me as we compare apple cider to apple cider vinegar and figure out which one is the real winner.

Comparing apple cider vs apple cider vinegar 

When you think of apple cider, imagine fresh apples being crushed, juiced, and then left to ferment naturally. The result? A sweet, slightly tangy, and incredibly refreshing drink that captures the essence of fall in a glass!

Apple cider vinegar, or ACV for short, is made from the same apple-y beginnings as apple cider. However, it goes through an extra fermentation process, transforming the alcohol in apple cider into acetic acid. This gives ACV its distinct tangy and pungent flavor.

	Apple cider	Apple cider vinegar
Source	Apple juice	Apple cider
Acidity (pH level)	Around 3.5	2 – 3
Color	Amber/brown and cloudy	Amber and cloudy
Taste	Sweet, crisp	Strong, tangy, slightly sweet
Best uses	Drinking and baking	Salad dressings, sauces, marinades, and baking
Nutritional value	Contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants	Contains vitamins, minerals, and probiotics

Differences between apple cider and apple cider vinegar 

The main difference between the two is that apple cider vinegar essentially takes apple cider and ferments it further to create a more acidic vinegar.

This gives them different looks, flavors, uses, and more, which I’ll cover next…

Appearance

Apple cider is typically cloudy and may have a brownish color due to the presence of apple solids and natural sediment.

Apple cider vinegar is usually cloudy and has a golden or amber color. Filtered versions are also available if you prefer a clear appearance.

Flavor 

Apple cider has a sweet and refreshing taste, similar to the flavor of fresh apples.

Apple cider is more acidic than apple juice but less acidic than apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar has a sharp, tangy, and sour flavor due to its high acetic acid content. It’s not typically consumed on its own in large quantities due to its strong taste.

Uses

Apple cider is primarily consumed as a beverage, either hot or cold. It is often associated with autumn traditions like apple picking and apple cider donuts.

Apple cider vinegar has a wide range of uses beyond being a beverage. It’s used in cooking, food preservation, as a salad dressing, and as a natural remedy for various health and beauty purposes. It is also sometimes used as a household cleaner.

Processing

Apple cider is usually minimally processed and is often left unfiltered to maintain its natural flavors. Apple cider vinegar, on the other hand, undergoes fermentation, which gives it that acidic kick.

How to use apple cider vs apple cider vinegar 

Apple cider is primarily enjoyed as a refreshing beverage on its own or mixed with spices like cinnamon sticks for a warm, cozy fall drink. It can also be used in cocktails, like apple cider sangria or mimosas. One of my favorite ways to use apple cider is in my baking, like in apple cider donuts. The flavor also pairs well with certain meats, such as braised pork.

Since apple cider vinegar is less sweet, there’s more you can do with it. Use it in salad dressings, marinades, or as a pickling agent. It’s also known for its potential health benefits and is used in natural remedies (see these health-boosting ACV drink recipes) and beauty routines.

Can you substitute apple cider for apple cider vinegar?

In some cases, such as salad dressings, marinades, or braising recipes, it might work if you dilute the apple cider with water. That way, you’re getting the apple flavor with less sugar.

However, for recipes that specifically require the acidic punch of apple cider vinegar, like pickles or certain marinades, it’s best not to substitute.

Nutrition: Apple cider vs apple cider vinegar 

Apple cider retains many of the nutrients found in whole apples, including vitamins like vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. It provides a modest amount of natural sugars and is higher in calories than apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is rich in acetic acid, which has been associated with potential health benefits like improved digestion, weight management, and blood sugar control. It may also contain trace amounts of beneficial compounds like polyphenols. Make sure you’re getting raw, unfiltered ACV that contains “the mother” for beneficial bacteria that provide additional benefits.

However, apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and should be consumed in small quantities and diluted to avoid potential side effects like tooth enamel erosion or digestive discomfort.

How to store apple cider and apple cider vinegar 

To store apple cider, keep it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days to maintain freshness. For longer-term storage, freezing is an option, but it may affect the texture.

Apple cider vinegar can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dark place, tightly sealed. It has a long shelf life, often remaining good for several years, thanks to its acidity and natural preservatives. No refrigeration is necessary for apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vs apple cider vinegar: Which is better

So, which is better, apple cider and apple cider vinegar?

The potential health benefits of apple cider vinegar give it a slight edge over apple cider. However, it’s pretty strong on its own. I recommend mixing it into drinks, salad dressings, or cooking with it to tone down the flavor. If you’re looking for something sweet and refreshing to sip on or bake with, apple cider is probably what you want.

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