Apple cider vinegar (ACV) – it’s the versatile elixir that’s been used for centuries in cooking, as a natural remedy, and for various household purposes.
Today, I’m comparing two quality brands: Mother Earth Vinegar and Nonna Pia’s.
I’ll do a side-by-side comparison, comparing their flavors, packaging, price, and more to choose an ultimate winner.

Comparing Mother Earth and Nonna Pia’s apple cider vinegar
Mother Earth and Nonna Pia’s are two high quality apple cider vinegar brands. They are both organic, raw, unfiltered, with “the mother” intact – the cloudy strands of proteins, enzymes, and beneficial bacteria that give apple cider vinegar its potential health benefits.
As you can see from the table below, they are quite similar, with some slight differences, which I’ll cover below.
Mother Earth | Nonna Pia’s | |
Ingredients | Organic apple cider vinegar, purified 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% |
Appearance | Semi-cloudy, medium amber, sediment | Cloudy, medium amber, sediment |
Taste | Strong, tart, appley | Mild, tart, appley |
Price (USD) | $11.99 | $4.38 |
Serving size Servings per container | 1 tbsp 127 | 1 tbsp 33 |
Packaging | HDPE #2 Food grade plastic | Glass |
Differences between Mother Earth and Nonna Pia’s apple cider vinegar
Appearance
Mother Earth’s apple cider vinegar has a semi-cloudy, amber hue. When you pour it into a glass, you can see the transparency and the natural sediment. Mine has turned brownish over time due to oxidation, as I’ve had it for longer (this is normal!). Fresh Mother Earth vinegar has a more orange tone.
Nonna Pia’s has a warm, amber color and more of a cloudy appearance compared to Mother Earth. You can see the mother in both, which looks like a cloudy, cob-web like substance that settles to the bottom.
Flavor profile
Mother Earth’s apple cider vinegar has a robust and well-balanced flavor. It delivers a crisp and tart taste with a little bit of apple flavor.
Nonna Pia’s apple cider vinegar offers a smoother, less acidic experience. I find it maintains the apple’s sweet undertones, making it more mild. If you find other apple cider vinegars too harsh, Nonna Pia’s might be the one for you!
Packaging
Mother Earth comes in a large plastic container. The company says they use HDPE #2 plastic, which is FDA-approved food grade plastic.
Nonna Pia’s is packaged in a much smaller but sturdy glass bottle, which I prefer.
Price
Mother Earth’s classic ACV is generally more affordable, making it a great option for those looking for high-quality ACV without breaking the bank. For a huge (almost 2 L) container you pay around $11.99 or less at Costco. You can also buy it online on Amazon.
Nonna Pia’s does come at a slightly higher price point. I paid $4.38 for a smaller 500 mL bottle. You can find it at Whole Foods, Safeway, Costco, or other grocery stores.
Ways to use Mother Earth and Nonna Pia’s apple cider vinegar
Both Mother Earth and Nonna Pia’s apple cider vinegars can be used in a wide variety of ways. Both are good for salad dressings, marinades, baking, and even making gummies!
In my experience, Nonna Pia’s milder taste is better for drinking. Use this one for apple cider vinegar drinks and shots to get your daily dose of ACV.
Since Mother Earth is stronger and comes in a large bottle, it’s good for when you need larger amounts of ACV for pickling veggies or making sauces.
Nutrition: Mother Earth vs Nonna Pia’s apple cider vinegar
Both of these vinegars are raw, unfiltered, and contain the “mother”, meaning they retain all the beneficial enzymes, bacteria, and antioxidants that give apple cider vinegar its potential health benefits.
Most vinegar, including apple cider vinegar, doesn’t have many nutrients. It’s mostly acetic acid. However, Nonna Pia’s does have 11 mg of potassium from the apples, whereas Mother Earth has no significant trace amounts of potassium.
Per 1 tbsp (15 mL) | Mother Earth | Nonna Pia’s |
Calories | 0 | 0 |
Fat (g) | 0 | 0 |
Carbs (g) | 0 | 0 |
Protein (g) | 0 | 0 |
Sodium (mg) | 0 | 0 |
Potassium (mg) | 0 | 11 |
How to store Mother Earth and Nonna Pia’s apple cider vinegar
Store both Mother Earth and Nonna Pia’s apple cider vinegar in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. They do not need to go in the refrigerator. Always ensure the lids are tightly sealed to prevent air from getting in and potentially affecting the quality.
Apple cider vinegar can last indefinitely if stored properly, but its quality may diminish over time, so I recommend using it within 2-3 years.
Mother Earth vs Nonna Pia’s apple cider vinegar: The ultimate verdict
You really can’t go wrong with either of these two options. However, if I had to pick one, it would be Nonna Pia’s. While it’s slightly more expensive, Nonna Pia’s looks and tastes slightly higher quality to me. It’s cloudier, retains some potassium, and comes in a glass bottle. Plus, it has a more mild apple flavor which I prefer over Mother Earth, especially for drinking.
FAQs
The best brand of apple cider vinegar with the “mother” can vary based on personal preference, but popular options include Bragg, Lucy’s, and Nonna Pia’s. See our list of the best apple cider vinegar brands you can buy!
Nonna Pia’s organic apple cider vinegar mother refers to the natural, unfiltered sediment that forms in their organic apple cider vinegar. This “mother” is a cluster of beneficial bacteria and enzymes that develop during the fermentation process and is a sign of the vinegar’s quality.
In my experience, the brand of apple cider vinegar you choose matters a LOT. It’s important to select a reputable brand that offers organic, unfiltered, and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar for the potential health benefits, as these qualities may be more beneficial than highly processed alternatives. However, the specific brand may not make a significant difference in most culinary applications.
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