Filsinger’s Apple Cider Vinegar vs Great Value: Which Is Better?

When it comes to apple cider vinegar, there are countless options lining the shelves of your local grocery store. Filsinger’s and Great Value are two popular brands, but which one is the superior choice?

Below, I’ll explore the nuances, differences, and similarities between these two apple cider vinegars to help you decide. Let’s go!

Comparing Filsinger’s and Great Value apple cider vinegar

Filsinger’s offers organic, unpasteurized, and unfiltered apple cider vinegar that still has the “mother.” What’s the mother, you ask? Well, it’s the cloudy strands of proteins, enzymes, and beneficial bacteria that form during the fermentation process. Having the mother intact is often considered a sign of high-quality apple cider vinegar.

On the other hand, Great Value’s apple cider vinegar is more of the no-frills, budget-friendly option. It’s not organic, and it’s pasteurized and filtered, meaning it doesn’t retain that cloudy mother substance. This might not be a deal-breaker for everyone, but it’s a significant difference when it comes to the health benefits and flavor profile.

	Filsinger’s	Great Value
Ingredients	Organic apples	Apple cider vinegar
Organic?	Yes	No
Non-GMO?	Yes	No
Raw/unpasteurized?	Yes	No
Unfiltered (contains the mother)?	Yes	No
Acidity (% acetic acid by volume)	5%	5%
Color/appearance	Cloudy, medium amber, no sediment	Clear, pale amber, no sediment
Taste	Strong, tart, dry, appley.	Mild, acidic, little flavor
Price (USD)	$4.37	$1.08
Serving size Servings per container	1 tbsp 63	1 tbsp 33
Packaging	Glass	Plastic

Differences between Filsinger’s and Great Value apple cider vinegar

Processing

Filsinger’s is made from organic apples, and it’s raw and unfiltered. This means it contains the mother, which is a source of various beneficial compounds. In contrast, Great Value’s version is more processed – it’s filtered and pasteurized, which kills off the mother and some of the potentially healthful elements.

Appearance

If you pour out Filsinger’s, you’ll notice it’s a cloudy, medium amber color. This is a visual indicator that the mother is still present, and it’s rich in those valuable proteins and enzymes. Great Value, on the other hand, is lighter and clear due to its filtering process, which makes it appear more like apple juice.

Flavor profile

When it comes to taste, Filsinger’s offers a strong, tart profile with a dry finish. You can actually taste the apples, too. Great Value apple cider vinegar doesn’t have much flavor, and I find you have to mix it with something to make it more palatable.

Packaging

Filsinger’s comes in a large glass bottle, which is what I like to see in a quality apple cider vinegar. In contrast, Great Value is packaged in a small plastic bottle.

Price

Great Value is the budget-friendly choice. In stores, it’s only around $1 for a 500 mL bottle. You can also find it online. Filsinger’s, being organic and less processed, tends to be pricier (around $4-5 for almost 1 L). But as they say, you get what you pay for.

Ways to use Filsinger’s and Great Value apple cider vinegar

Both Filsinger’s and Great Value can be used in various ways.

A classic use for apple cider vinegar is in salad dressings. Filsinger’s with its robust flavor can add a zesty kick to your salads, while Great Value can contribute acidity without overpowering the other flavors.

Whether you’re marinating meat or vegetables, apple cider vinegar can tenderize and add a tangy flavor. Again, Filsinger’s brings a more pronounced apple note to the party.

You can also incorporate apple cider vinegar into baking recipes, especially in combination with baking soda to create a leavening effect. Here, Great Value’s milder profile might be more suitable.

Many people swear by the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. It’s said to aid digestion, promote weight loss, and balance blood sugar. While both can offer some health benefits, Filsinger’s with its unfiltered nature might have an edge here due to the presence of the mother.

Nutrition: Filsinger’s vs Great Value apple cider vinegar

Due to its unprocessed nature, Filsinger’s has a bit more potassium per serving compared to Great Value. Plus, the mother in Filsinger’s contains proteins and enzymes that may offer additional health advantages. Great Value, being more processed, loses out on some of these nutrients.

Per 1 tbsp (15 mL)	Filsinger’s	Great Value
Calories	0	0
Fat (g)	0	0
Carbs (g)	0	0
Protein (g)	0	0
Sodium (mg)	0	0
Potassium (mg)	20	10

How to store Filsinger’s and Great Value apple cider vinegar

Both Filsinger’s and Great Value should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. It’s best to keep the bottle tightly sealed to prevent any evaporation or contamination. If stored correctly, apple cider vinegar can last for a very long time, so no need to rush through the bottle.

Filsinger’s vs Great Value apple cider vinegar: Which is better

So, which one should you choose? Filsinger’s or Great Value?

Filsinger’s is the better option, especially if you’re reaching for apple cider vinegar for its potential health benefits. I like that it’s organic, unfiltered, and unpasteurized. It also tastes a lot better than Great Value apple cider vinegar, which doesn’t offer much other than acidity.

However, if you’re on a tight budget and just need a basic apple cider vinegar for everyday cooking (or cleaning), Great Value will do the job.

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