Ponti Apple Cider Vinegar vs Ancestral: Which Is Better?

Both Ponti and Ancestral apple cider vinegar boast the coveted “raw and unfiltered” label. But are they really the same, or is better than the other? Let’s test them and find out.

Comparing Ponti and Ancestral apple cider vinegar

Ponti and Ancestral are among the lesser known apple cider vinegar brands. You may only find them at certain grocery stores.

Both brands claim to be raw and unfiltered, so they contain the “mother” – that gelatinous stuff that’s made up of good bacteria and enzymes. But they differ slightly in the quality of their ingredients, taste, price, and packaging, which I’ll cover in detail below.

	Ponti	Ancestral
Ingredients	Organic apple cider	Apple cider vinegar
Organic?	Yes	No
Non-GMO?	No	No
Raw/unpasteurized?	Yes	Yes
Unfiltered (contains the mother)?	Yes	Yes
Acidity (% acetic acid by volume)	5%	5%
Color/appearance	Cloudy, pale yellow, no sediment	Semi-cloudy, light amber, little sediment
Taste	Mild, full-bodied, appley	Mild, musty, little apple flavor
Price (USD)	$2.91	$5.12
Serving size Servings per container	1 tbsp 16	1 tbsp 66
Packaging	Glass	Dark, opaque plastic

Differences between Ponti and Ancestral apple cider vinegar

Ingredients

Ponti prides itself on using whole organic Italian apples, ensuring a premium quality base for its apple cider vinegar. On the other hand, Ancestral is not certified organic, so you may be getting traces of pesticides and other chemicals in your apple cider vinegar. Apples are one of those foods that are heavily sprayed with pesticides, so organic apple cider vinegar is best.

Appearance

It’s not just about looks, the appearance of an apple cider vinegar often indicates its quality. Ponti is a lighter, cloudier concoction, reflecting its raw and unfiltered nature. It’s hard to tell how much “mother” is inside of Ancestral due to its dark bottle, but when you pour it out, it does have a cloudy appearance Make sure you gentle shake the bottle before each use to incorporate the mother.

Flavor profile

I find that Ponti has a gentle, tangy profile that’s more delicate than other brands. Both are fragrant, but Ancestral is slightly less flavorful. I get a fermented taste but it’s not as crisp as Ponti, and I don’t detect much apple flavor either.

Packaging

Ponti comes in a smaller 250 mL glass bottle, emphasizing quality over quantity. Ancestral takes a different approach, offering a generous 1-liter supply in a dark, opaque plastic bottle. The dark packaging shields it from light, preserving its integrity. While the larger volume might seem appealing, the plastic composition raises some concerns. It’s a trade-off between quantity and packaging material preference.

Price

When it comes to cost, ancestral is the more budget-friendly option, especially considering its larger volume. However, availability could be a potential hiccup. Ponti, available both online and in stores, ensures a more convenient and accessible option, while Ancestral may only be available in some major Canadian retailers.

Ways to use Ponti and Ancestral apple cider vinegar

Both Ponti and Ancestral can be used in salad dressings, marinades, or even as a health-boosting tonic with water or other beverages. In my experience, both are good for cooking. It can add a sweet and sour flavor to Asian dishes. If you’re drinking apple cider vinegar for its potential health benefits, I recommend Ponti, as it tastes a bit better on its own (plus, it’s organic).

Apple cider vinegar ins’t just used in the kitchen. Here are 30+ ways to use apple cider vinegar!

Nutrition: Ponti vs Ancestral apple cider vinegar

As you can see from the nutrition facts in the table below, both Ponti and Ancestral have zero calories and a negligible amount of nutrients.

However, in general, raw apple cider vinegar typically contains acetic acid, which is believed to have various health benefits. It may also contain trace amounts of other acids, vitamins (such as vitamin C), digestive enzymes, minerals, and antioxidants. The exact nutrient content can vary depending on factors like the apples used and the fermentation process. Here are the best raw apple cider vinegar brands.

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

How to store Ponti and Ancestral apple cider vinegar

Preserving the magic of apple cider vinegar requires proper storage. Both Ponti and Ancestral should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Ensure the lids are tightly sealed to prevent any unwanted changes in flavor and potency. Following these storage guidelines will guarantee a long shelf life and optimal quality for your chosen apple cider vinegar.

Ponti vs Ancestral apple cider vinegar: Which is better

So, will it be the crisp taste of Ponti’s organic Italian apples or Ancestral’s affordability of a larger volume? Ponti is the apple of my eye. It’s organic, comes in a glass bottle, and has a gentle flavor profile that’s great for sipping or cooking. Plus, it may be more widely available than Ancestral, depending on where you live. However, if you prefer a larger bottle or budget-friendly option, Ancestral is still a good quality option that is unfiltered and unpasteurized, retaining apple cider vinegar’s natural properties.

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