The market is flooded with apple cider vinegar (ACV) options, and it can be a little overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. But today, I’m going to make your life easier by comparing two popular choices: Great Value and Mother Earth apple cider vinegar.
Let’s break down the differences, from their processing methods to flavor profiles, packaging, and more. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear winner in mind. So, let’s get started!
Comparing Great Value and Mother Earth apple cider vinegar
Great Value is a type of filtered apple cider vinegar. Mother Earth is a natural brand that hasn’t been filtered, so it retains the vinegar “mother”. It’s made from organic and non-GMO apples.
| Great Value | Mother Earth | |
| Ingredients | Apple cider vinegar | Organic apple cider vinegar, purified water |
| Organic? | No | Yes |
| Non-GMO? | No | Yes |
| 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, amber, sediment |
| Taste | Mild, acidic, little flavor | Strong, tart, appley |
| Price (USD) | $1.08 | $11.99 |
| Serving size Servings per container | 1 tbsp 33 | 1 tbsp 127 |
| Packaging | Plastic | HDPE #2 Food grade plastic |
Differences between Great Value and Mother Earth apple cider vinegar
Processing
The first thing that sets these two ACVs apart is their processing. Great Value’s apple cider vinegar is processed, meaning it undergoes filtration and pasteurization. This process gives it a clear, light yellow appearance and removes the “mother,” which I’ll discuss in a moment.
On the other hand, Mother Earth apple cider vinegar is all-natural. It’s unfiltered and unpasteurized, and it proudly retains the “mother.”
Appearance
At a glance, you can tell these two apart just by looking at them. Great Value’s apple cider vinegar resembles apple juice. It’s clear and has a light yellow color.
In contrast, Mother Earth’s ACV stands out with its unique reddish-brown color. It’s cloudy and filled with sediment – that’s the “mother” I mentioned earlier. Don’t let the unusual appearance deter you; this is a sign of its natural state and potentially superior quality.
Flavor profile
Great Value’s apple cider vinegar is undeniably acidic and packs a punch, but lacks the fruity, apple flavor that you might expect.
Mother Earth’s ACV has a more full-bodied flavor. It’s strong, tangy, and retains the fruity notes of apples.
Packaging
Both Great Value and Mother Earth apple cider vinegar come in plastic bottles. However, there is a noteworthy difference in the quality of the plastic used.
Great Value’s ACV comes in a standard plastic bottle, while Mother Earth’s is packaged in HDPE #2 food-grade plastic. This might not seem like a big deal, but it can make a difference in preserving the quality of the vinegar over time. So, in terms of packaging, Mother Earth takes the lead.
Price
Great Value, as the name suggests, is a more budget-friendly option. It won’t break the bank, and it’s available at Walmart stores or online.
Mother Earth, on the other hand, might come with a slightly higher price tag, but it also offers more bang for your buck. You get a large, almost 2-liter bottle, which means it’ll last you a lot longer than smaller bottles of other brands. So, if you’re thinking about long-term value, Mother Earth is the way to go. Find it at Costco for an even better deal or buy it online.
Ways to use Great Value and Mother Earth apple cider vinegar
Both Great Value and Mother Earth ACV can be used in cooking and baking. They add a tangy kick to salad dressings, marinades, and sauces. I find Great Value is better for cooking and baking, and Mother Earth is better raw in salad dressings or for drinking.
Some people swear by apple cider vinegar as a tool for weight management and detox. The “mother” in Mother Earth’s ACV may provide more health benefits in this regard due to its natural state.
Here are 30+ more ways to use apple cider vinegar!
Nutrition: Great Value vs Mother Earth apple cider vinegar
Both have zero calories, fat, and sugar. There is a slight difference between the two – Great Value offers 10 mg of potassium per tablespoon, and Mother Earth does not.
However, the “mother” in Mother Earth’s ACV may offer additional benefits, since it contains beneficial bacteria (probiotics) and enzymes that support healthy digestion.
| Per 1 tbsp (15 mL) | Great Value | Mother Earth |
| 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 Mother Earth apple cider vinegar
Both Great Value and Mother Earth should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Ensure that the lids are tightly closed to prevent any air from seeping in.
You don’t need to refrigerate apple cider vinegar, and it has a long shelf life. As time goes on, some sediment might settle at the bottom of the bottle, which is entirely normal, especially in the case of Mother Earth’s ACV. Just give it a good shake before using, and you’re good to go!
Great Value vs Mother Earth apple cider vinegar: Which is better
Ultimately, Mother Earth is my preferred apple cider vinegar. The presence of the “mother” and the full-bodied, fruitier taste make it stand out. Plus, it’s organic and packaged in food-grade plastic, so you’re not getting any harmful chemicals in your vinegar.
FAQs
The brand of apple cider vinegar you choose can matter in terms of quality and purity. Look for reputable brands that offer organic, unfiltered, and unpasteurized options to ensure you get the full potential health benefits of apple cider vinegar without added chemicals or processing.
The best brand of apple cider vinegar with the “mother” can be subjective and depends on your personal taste and priorities. Mother Earth is a popular choice for its unfiltered and unpasteurized nature, which retains the “mother” and offers a fruity flavor. Other reputable brands include Bragg and Dynamic Health, both of which also offer high-quality, raw, unfiltered ACV with the “mother.”
Apple cider vinegar with the mother contains the cloudy, unfiltered substance called the “mother,” which is rich in proteins, enzymes, and beneficial bacteria. This “mother” is believed to enhance the potential health benefits of ACV. Unfiltered, unpasteurized ACV with the “mother” is often preferred for its potential health advantages and fuller flavor compared to the processed, clear ACV.
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