Great Value Apple Cider Vinegar vs Ancestral: Which Is Better?

Apple cider vinegar has gained a lot of attention in recent years for its potential health benefits and versatility in the kitchen. Whether you’re using it for its alleged health-promoting properties or simply to add a tangy twist to your recipes, choosing the right brand can make all the difference.

Today, I’ll be comparing Great Value and Ancestral apple cider vinegar. So, let’s get started and see which one is right for you!

Comparing Great Value and Ancestral apple cider vinegar

Great Value and Ancestral are both Canadian-made apple cider vinegars, but they have some key differences between them, such as their processing methods, taste, and more.

	Great Value	Ancestral
Ingredients	Apple cider vinegar	Apple cider vinegar
Organic?	No	No
Non-GMO?	No	No
Raw/unpasteurized?	No	Yes
Unfiltered (contains the mother)?	No	Yes
Acidity (% acetic acid by volume)	5%	5%
Color/appearance	Clear, pale amber, no sediment	Semi-cloudy, light amber, little sediment
Taste	Mild, acidic, little flavor	Mild, musty, little apple flavor
Price (USD)	$1.08	$5.12
Serving size Servings per container	1 tbsp 33	1 tbsp 66
Packaging	Plastic	Dark plastic

Differences between Great Value and Ancestral apple cider vinegar

Processing

Let’s start with the most significant difference between these two brands: their processing. Great Value’s apple cider vinegar is more processed than Ancestral. It goes through filtration and pasteurization, which means it is heated to kill any potentially harmful bacteria. Unfortunately, this process also eliminates what is known as “the mother” – a cloudy, cobweb-like substance made up of acetic acid bacteria, proteins, and enzymes. The mother is believed to be responsible for many of the health benefits associated with apple cider vinegar.

On the other hand, Ancestral’s apple cider vinegar is raw and unfiltered. This means it retains the mother and all the potential benefits that come with it.

Appearance

Both Great Value and Ancestral apple cider vinegar share a light amber color. However, Ancestral tends to be slightly more cloudy compared to its counterpart. Although it might not have as much “mother” floating around as some other brands, the cloudiness suggests a less processed product.

Flavor profile

In my humble opinion, neither of these vinegars is that tasty, but they do have some differences. Great Value is sharp, sour, and, well, that’s about it. Ancestral, on the other hand, has a faint hint of apple flavor.

Packaging

Both Great Value and Ancestral apple cider vinegar come in plastic bottles. However, Ancestral takes an extra step by packaging its product in an opaque dark bottle. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a smart move to keep light out. Light can potentially degrade the quality of the vinegar over time.

Price

Ancestral tends to be more expensive than Great Value, which is the more cost-effective option per serving. You can find Ancestral apple cider vinegar in Walmart stores or online.

Ways to use Great Value and Ancestral apple cider vinegar

Both Great Value and Ancestral apple cider vinegar are acidic and tangy, which is great for salad dressings, marinades, and veggies.

Some people swear by a morning ritual of drinking a glass of water with a dash of apple cider vinegar for aiding weight loss and digestion. Ancestral, with its raw and unfiltered nature, might offer a slight edge here.

If the taste bothers you, try these delicious apple cider vinegar gummies or drinks!

Nutrition: Great Value vs Ancestral apple cider vinegar

As you can see from the table below, the nutritional profile of Ancestral apple cider vinegar is almost identical to Great Value. Both are essentially calorie-free and free from fat, sodium, carbohydrates, and protein.

However, Great Value offers 10 mg of potassium per serving and Ancestral contains the “mother”. The mother is thought to provide enzymes and probiotics that can support your digestive health and overall well-being.

Per 1 tbsp (15 mL)	Great Value	Ancestral
Calories	0	0
Fat (g)	0	0
Carbs (g)	0	0
Protein (g)	0	0
Sodium (mg)	0	0
Potassium (mg)	10	0

How to store Great Value and Ancestral apple cider vinegar

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and flavor of your apple cider vinegar, regardless of the brand you choose. Here’s what you need to know:

• Keep your apple cider vinegar tightly sealed to prevent air from entering and causing oxidation.
• Store it in a cool, dark place to avoid exposure to light and temperature fluctuations.
• Ensure that the cap or lid is clean before closing the bottle, as any residue can lead to spoilage.
• Remember that apple cider vinegar has a long shelf life, so it’s not a product that goes bad easily. However, the quality may deteriorate over time, so it’s best to use it within a reasonable period.

Great Value vs Ancestral apple cider vinegar: Which is better

So, we’ve covered the processing, appearance, taste, packaging, price, and nutritional aspects of both Great Value and Ancestral apple cider vinegar. But which one is better?

In my opinion, Ancestral takes the lead. The fact that it’s raw and unfiltered gives it an edge. It contains the “mother”, which is lacking in Great Value due to its processing. Plus, the opaque bottle that Ancestral uses is a nice touch to protect the product from light, which could degrade its quality over time.

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