When it comes to apple cider vinegar, there’s no shortage of options on the market. But for those who seek the very best, Bragg and Mother Earth Vinegar are two good options. Both claim to offer the purest, raw, organic, and unfiltered apple cider vinegar with “the mother.” But are they really all that similar, or is one truly superior to the other? Let’s dive in and discover the ultimate apple cider vinegar!
Comparing Bragg and Mother Earth apple cider vinegar
At first glance, Bragg and Mother Earth have several commonalities that make them worthy contenders for the title of the ultimate apple cider vinegar.
Both Bragg and Mother Earth apple cider vinegars are made from fermented apple juice and water, with no additives or flavors. They’re both organic, non-GMO, raw, unpasteurized, unfiltered, and contain “the mother” (the cloudy, stringy substance in the vinegar).
However, there are slight differences between the two, which I’ll cover next!
| Bragg | Mother Earth | |
| Ingredients | Organic apple cider vinegar, water | Organic apple cider vinegar, purified water |
| Organic? | Yes | Yes |
| Non-GMO? | Yes | Yes |
| Raw/unpasteurized? | Yes | Yes |
| Unfiltered (contains the mother)? | Yes | Yes |
| Acidity (% acetic acid by volume) | 5% | 5% |
| Color/appearance | Cloudy, medium amber, sediment | Semi-cloudy, reddish medium amber, sediment |
| Taste | Strong, tart, little apple flavor | Strong, tart, appley |
| Price (USD) | $4.39 | $11.99 |
| Serving size Servings per container | 1 tbsp 31 | 1 tbsp 127 |
| Packaging | Glass | HDPE #2 Food grade plastic |
Differences between Bragg and Mother Earth apple cider vinegar
Appearance
Bragg tends to have a warm, yellowish hue, while Mother Earth has more of a reddish tint. The difference in color can be due to the type of apples used to make the vinegar, the season, and the age of the vinegar.
Bragg also appears more cloudy than Mother Earth. This could simply be due to the difference in volume, as Mother Earth is in a much larger bottle.
Flavor profile
Both Bragg and Mother Earth apple cider vinegar are known for their robust, acidic taste (both are 5% acetic acid).
When comparing them side by side, I noticed subtle differences. Bragg, while strong and acidic, tends to have a more neutral profile. On the other hand, Mother Earth offers a hint of apple flavor in addition to its acidity. Again, this could be due to the apple variety used.
Packaging
Both brands offer their apple cider vinegar in two primary packaging options – large plastic jugs and smaller glass bottles.
The plastic jugs are great for portability and reducing weight, making them easier to handle. However, it’s worth noting that glass bottles are typically better for preserving the integrity of the vinegar over time. They don’t interact with the liquid and are an environmentally friendly option.
Price
For Bragg, a 437mL bottle cost me $4.37 USD, which is quite reasonable. I got the 9L jug of Mother Earth apple cider vinegar for around $11 to $12 USD. When you do the math, Mother Earth is more cost-effective when you buy a large container.
Mother Earth apple cider vinegar is typically available in Costco stores or can be purchased online through Amazon. You can find Bragg apple cider vinegar at most grocery stores or order it online.
Ways to use Bragg and Mother Earth apple cider vinegar
Because Bragg and Mother Earth apple cider vinegar are raw, unfiltered, and contain the mother, they are great for drinking with a glass of water, taking as shots, or using in salad dressings.
You can also use them in baking as a leavening agent or adding to milk to make buttermilk!
Even your hair and skin can benefit from apple cider vinegar. Use it as a hair rinse or mask to help clarify your hair and bring out its natural shine, or use it as a natural facial toner to help balance your skin’s pH and prevent acne.
Nutrition: Bragg vs Mother Earth apple cider vinegar
These vinegars are 5% acetic acid, which has been linked to several health benefits, including weight loss and improved digestion. They also contain the “mother”, a complex colony of beneficial bacteria and enzymes that is thought to contribute to improved digestion, gut health, and may contain trace amounts of additional nutrients.
Bragg apple cider vinegar contains trace amounts of potassium and sodium. In contrast, Mother Earth does not have any significant amounts of these minerals.
| Per 1 tbsp (15 mL) | Bragg | Mother Earth |
| Calories | 1 | 0 |
| Fat (g) | 0 | 0 |
| Carbs (g) | 0 | 0 |
| Protein (g) | 0 | 0 |
| Sodium (mg) | 1 | 0 |
| Potassium (mg) | 10 | 0 |
How to store Bragg and Mother Earth apple cider vinegar
Both Bragg and Mother Earth recommend storing their products in a relatively cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Seal the bottle tightly after each use to prevent oxidation and maintain the product’s integrity. Both have a shelf life of 5 years, but technically, ACV never expires.
Bragg vs Mother Earth apple cider vinegar: The ultimate verdict
So, which apple cider vinegar should you choose – Bragg or Mother Earth?
I would go with Bragg apple cider vinegar. It looks somewhat more appetizing, has trace amounts of potassium, and is widely available at most grocery stores or online. That said, Mother Earth is a quality product that’s a great budget-friendly option if you don’t mind buying a larger quantity and can find it at Costco. Whether you use it in your recipes, as a health aid, or a natural beauty secret, you honestly can’t go wrong with either of these options!
FAQs
There is no definitive evidence to suggest that Bragg apple cider vinegar is inherently better than other brands. The choice between brands largely depends on personal preference, as long as the vinegar is raw, unfiltered, and contains the “mother,” which is believed to offer potential health benefits.
Apple cider vinegar with “the mother” contains strands of proteins, enzymes, and beneficial bacteria that are not present in regular, filtered apple cider vinegar. The mother is a sign of an unprocessed, raw, and potentially more nutritious product.
The “best” apple cider vinegar with the mother varies from person to person. It depends on factors like flavor, price, and availability. Both Bragg and Mother Earth are popular choices with the mother, but other reputable brands also offer quality products.
Yes, Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar proudly contains “the mother.” This is one of its distinguishing features, indicating its raw and unprocessed nature.
