Are you looking to add apple cider vinegar (ACV) to your daily routine, but unsure which brand to choose? Well, you’re not alone!
The world of apple cider vinegar is vast, and among the many options, two stand out: Bragg and Nonna Pia’s. They’re both known for their high-quality apple cider vinegar, but they each have their own unique qualities that make them special.
In this article, I’m going to be comparing these two brands in terms of processing, appearance, flavor profile, packaging, affordability, and availability to find out which is better. Let’s get started!
Comparing Bragg and Nonna Pia’s apple cider vinegar
Bragg is one of the most loved apple cider vinegar brands – they are known for producing raw, high-quality ACV, and they’ve stuck to this reputation for over a century.
Nonna Pia’s might not have a history as long as Bragg, but they are still a quality product.
When you read their labels, it’s hard to see a difference. Both are organic, non-GMO, raw, unfiltered, and unpasteurized. But there are slight differences in their appearance and taste, which I’ll cover next.
| Bragg | Nonna Pia’s | |
| Ingredients | Organic apple cider vinegar, water | Certified raw organic apple cider vinegar, 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, amber, sediment | Cloudier, amber, sediment |
| Taste | Strong, tart, little apple flavor | Mild, tart, appley |
| Price (USD) | $4.39 | $4.38 |
| Serving size Servings per container | 1 tbsp 31 | 1 tbsp 33 |
| Packaging | Glass | Glass |
Differences between Bragg and Nonna Pia’s apple cider vinegar
Appearance
Bragg and Nonna Pia’s apple cider vinegar actually look pretty similar. They are both that distinctive amber color and the “mother” is clearly visible, swirling around the bottom of each bottle. After shaking the bottles to incorporate the mother, Nonna Pia’s appears murkier.
Flavor profile
Bragg’s apple cider vinegar has a robust, tangy flavor that strikes a balance between sweet and sour. The mother’s presence lends it a distinctive kick that’s ideal for those who enjoy a little zing in their recipes.
Nonna Pia’s offers a smoother, more mellow taste. It also has hints of apple, which I felt was missing in Bragg’s ACV.
Packaging
The packaging of apple cider vinegar might not seem like a big deal, but it can certainly affect the quality of the product.
I’m happy to report that both come in a glass bottle, around the same size. You get slightly more volume in Nonna Pia’s bottle – 500 mL vs 473 mL for Bragg.
Price
They are pretty darn close when looking at the cost per use. Bragg was $4.39 for 31 servings and Nonna Pia’s was $4.38 for 33 servings. I paid almost the same price, but Nonna Pia’s gives you slightly more vinegar for what you pay.
Bragg, being the more established brand, is widely available. You can find Bragg’s apple cider vinegar in many health food stores, supermarkets, and online.
Nonna Pia’s, although gaining recognition, might not have the same extensive availability as Bragg’s. Depending on your location, you might need to put in a bit more effort to track down a bottle of Nonna Pia’s. According to their website, you can find them at Costco, Safeway, or Whole Foods, among others.
Ways to use Bragg and Nonna Pia’s apple cider vinegar
Both Bragg and Nonna Pia’s apple cider vinegar are great for making tangy vinaigrette, marinades, and pickled veggies.
Given its milder taste and apple flavor, Nonna Pia’s is better when it comes to mixing apple cider vinegar drinks or drinking it straight with water. Nonna Pia even has a recipe for a fall mocktail on their social media. Shake up apple cider vinegar with chilled apple cider and maple syrup. Add ginger ale, then strain into a cinnamon sugar-rimmed glass and garnish with sliced apple.
Nutrition: Bragg vs Nonna Pia’s apple cider vinegar
Both kinds of vinegar contain potassium, antioxidants, and beneficial enzymes and bacteria from the mother, offering potential health benefits.
The nutritional differences between these two brands are minimal, as you can see from the table below.
You’ll notice that Bragg has 1 calorie and 1 mg of sodium, which may be trace amounts from the apples or processing. However, the sodium level is negligible.
| Per 1 tbsp (15 mL) | Bragg | Nonna Pia’s |
| Calories | 1 | 0 |
| Fat (g) | 0 | 0 |
| Carbs (g) | 0 | 0 |
| Protein (g) | 0 | 0 |
| Sodium (mg) | 1 | 0 |
| Potassium (mg) | 10 | 11 |
How to store Bragg and Nonna Pia’s apple cider vinegar
Keep the bottles tightly sealed and store them in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Refrigeration is not required.
Both brands are good for around 5 years from the date of manufacture, open or unopened. However, it’s best to use them within 2 to 3 years for the best quality.
Bragg vs Nonna Pia’s apple cider vinegar: Which is better
Nonna Pia’s apple cider vinegar is extremely comparable to Bragg – one of the most popular brands of ACV. Both are equally healthy, unprocessed, and roughly the same price, so it really comes down to taste. Personally, I prefer Nonna Pia’s taste over Bragg, which is a bit stronger with less apple flavor. For me, Nonna Pia’s is affordable and widely available in Canada, but if that’s not the case for you, I would go with whatever is easiest to get your hands on! Both will offer similar benefits.
FAQs
While it’s difficult to definitively say whether Bragg is better than all other apple cider vinegars, it certainly holds its own in the market. Bragg has a long history of organic production, a robust flavor profile, and a commitment to quality. However, there are other brands that are just as good.
The title of “best” apple cider vinegar is subjective and highly dependent on individual preferences. Bragg and Nonna Pia’s are both excellent comparable options. Choose a brand that is organic, raw, unfiltered, and contains the “mother” for potential health benefits.
The mother in apple cider vinegar is a cluster of beneficial bacteria and enzymes that occur naturally during the fermentation process. It’s a sign of a high-quality product.
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