When people refer to apple vinegar or apple cider vinegar, they are usually talking about the same thing: a type of vinegar made from apples through a fermentation process. But there may be subtle differences between the two.
The main difference between apple vinegar and apple cider vinegar is that “apple cider vinegar” specifically refers to vinegar made through the fermentation of apple cider, while “apple vinegar” is a broader term that could encompass various vinegars made from apples, including apple cider vinegar.
So, let’s explore what else sets them apart and when to use each!
Comparing apple vinegar vs apple cider vinegar
In some regions or contexts, “apple vinegar” may simply refer to vinegar made from apples without specifying the fermentation process or other details. This term is less specific and could encompass various types of vinegar made from apples, including apple cider vinegar. “Apple vinegar” may not necessarily indicate that it contains the “mother” or retains the same degree of apple flavor as apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is the most common term used and the one you’re likely most familiar with. Apple cider vinegar is made through a two-step fermentation process. First, crushed apples are exposed to yeast, which converts their sugars into alcohol. Second, acetic acid bacteria are added to the alcohol, which further ferments it into acetic acid, the main active component of vinegar.
Always check the label to understand the processing and ingredients used in the vinegar you’re purchasing.
| Apple vinegar | Apple cider vinegar | |
| Source | Apples | Apple cider |
| Acidity (pH level) | Unknown (probably similar to apple cider vinegar) | 2 – 3 |
| Color | Varies (light yellow to amber) | Amber and cloudy |
| Taste | Mild, slightly sweet | Strong, tangy, slightly sweet |
| Best cooking uses | Salad dressings, marinades, and pickling | Salad dressings, marinades, pickling, and health tonics |
| Nutritional value | Contains some vitamins and minerals | Contains vitamins, minerals, and probiotics |
Differences between apple vinegar and apple cider vinegar
Raw vs processed
Apple cider vinegar is usually unfiltered and unpasteurized, which means it retains the “mother” – a colony of beneficial bacteria and enzymes that can impart additional health benefits and flavor.
On the other hand, apple vinegar could refer to vinegar made from apple juice or concentrate, which may or may not be processed similarly to apple cider vinegar. It may not always contain the beneficial components found in raw, unfiltered ACV.
Flavor
Apple cider vinegar often has a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor compared to regular apple vinegar. The presence of the “mother” and the fermentation process can give ACV a unique tangy and fruity taste that may not be as pronounced in apple vinegar.
Acidity
ACV tends to have a milder acidity compared to some other types of vinegar, making it suitable for recipes that require a subtle tang. The acidity of apple vinegar can vary, but it is acidic enough to provide the necessary tartness in recipes.
Apple vinegar vs apple cider vinegar uses
Apple vinegar and apple cider vinegar have essentially the same uses:
Salad dressings: Both are used in salad dressings to add a fruity and tangy flavor.
Marinades: Both can be used to tenderize meats and add flavor to marinades.
Baking: In baking, apple vinegar can be used as a substitute for other vinegars, like white vinegar, in recipes that call for acidity. It can react with baking soda to create leavening agents, helping your baked goods rise.
Pickling: For pickling vegetables, both apple vinegar and apple cider vinegar can be used interchangeably, as their acidity levels are relatively similar.
Health tonic: Some people swear by apple cider vinegar as a health tonic. Check out these easy apple cider vinegar drink recipes!
Are apple vinegar and apple cider vinegar interchangeable?
“Apple vinegar” and “apple cider vinegar” are often used interchangeably in everyday language, but technically, “apple cider vinegar” specifically refers to vinegar made from fermented apple cider, while “apple vinegar” could potentially refer to any vinegar made from apples, which may include variations like apple wine vinegar or apple balsamic vinegar.
In most recipes, especially for salad dressings and marinades, apple cider vinegar and apple vinegar can often be used interchangeably since they both provide acidity and some apple flavor.
Nutrition: Apple vinegar vs apple cider vinegar
Both apple vinegar and apple cider vinegar offer some health benefits, thanks to their acetic acid content. These potential benefits include aiding digestion, managing blood sugar levels, and supporting weight loss efforts. However, apple cider vinegar, with its double fermentation process, may have a slight edge in terms of probiotics and enzymes that could contribute to gut health.
So, if you’re using either vinegar for its potential health benefits, it’s best to choose raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar that contains the mother.
How to store apple vinegar and apple cider vinegar
Store your vinegars in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This will help maintain their flavor and prevent them from deteriorating.
Ensure that the bottle or container is tightly sealed to prevent air from entering.
Over time, some sediment may settle at the bottom of the bottle. This is natural and harmless. Simply shake the bottle before use to redistribute the sediment.
While refrigeration isn’t necessary, some people prefer to keep their apple cider vinegar in the fridge.
Apple vinegar vs apple cider vinegar: The difference
Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple cider and often contains the “mother,” which includes beneficial bacteria and enzymes. “Apple vinegar” is a more generic term that can refer to various apple-based vinegars, and it may not necessarily contain the same components or undergo the same fermentation process as apple cider vinegar.
For the maximum potential health benefits and a natural apple flavor, opt for apple cider vinegar that says raw, unpasteurized, unfiltered, with “mother”.
FAQs
Apple vinegar is NOT the same as apple cider, and you should not swap them in recipes. The flavor will be very different and will yield completely different results.
Apple cider vinegar is milder and often preferred for its potential health benefits, while regular vinegar, such as white or red wine vinegar, is commonly used in cooking and salad dressings for its sharper, more acidic taste.
Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple juice, while regular vinegar, often referred to as white vinegar, is typically made from distilled grain alcohol. The source of fermentation and the double fermentation process give apple cider vinegar its unique flavor and potential health benefits.
Is apple cider vinegar good for your kidneys
There is some evidence that ACV has a protective role for your kidneys, but the studies are in animals, so we can’t say for certain whether the benefits are the same for humans!