Whether you’re using apple cider vinegar (ACV) for cooking, dressing salads, or as a part of your daily wellness routine, the type of apple cider vinegar you choose can make a significant difference.
In this article, I’m going to explore the differences between two popular brands: Unico and Great Value. Each has its own unique characteristics, and by the end of this comparison, you’ll have a better idea of which one suits your needs best.
Comparing Unico and Great Value apple cider vinegar
At first glance, you might think all apple cider vinegars are the same. But Unico and Great Value are two very different types of apple cider vinegar!
Unico is an organic, unpasteurized, unfiltered ACV. In contrast, Great Value is the opposite – it’s not organic, and it is pasteurized and filtered to remove impurities.
| Unico | Great Value | |
| Ingredients | Certified organic apple cider vinegar | 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 | Semi-cloudy, medium amber, sediment | Clear, pale amber, no sediment |
| Taste | Strong, tart, little apple flavor | Mild, acidic, little flavor |
| Price (USD) | $3.13 | $1.08 |
| Serving size Servings per container | 1 tbsp 33 | 1 tbsp 33 |
| Packaging | Glass | Plastic |
Differences between Unico and Great Value apple cider vinegar
Processing
Unico is less processed and a more natural option – closer to homemade. It’s unfiltered, unpasteurized, and organic. In contrast, Great Value is more refined. It undergoes a filtration and pasteurization process, which removes some of the beneficial compounds in apple cider vinegar.
Appearance
Take a peek inside the bottles, and you’ll notice a striking contrast. Unico is a medium amber color, darker than Great Value. Unico is also cloudy, owing to the sediment that’s left in it. In contrast, Great Value is completely clear.
Flavor profile
I find that Unico has a robust, intense flavor that is a bit stronger than Great Value. Both are acidic and tart, but Unico’s flavor is more complex and can add depth to your recipes. I couldn’t detect much apple flavor in either one.
Packaging
Unico comes in a sturdy glass bottle, which preserves the vinegar better. Great Value’s apple cider vinegar comes in a flimsy plastic bottle, which can potentially react with the vinegar, leading to the release of harmful chemicals or altering the flavor and quality of the vinegar.
Price
If you’re on a budget, Great Value is the more economical option. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the benefits of apple cider vinegar without breaking the bank.
You can find both Unico and Great Value at Walmart stores, and if you prefer online shopping, Great Value is also available on Amazon.
Ways to use Unico and Great Value apple cider vinegar
Unico’s stronger flavor can make it an excellent choice for marinades, sauces, and salad dressings. Great Value, with its milder taste, can also be used in cooking but might be more suited for recipes where you want the apple cider vinegar to take a back seat.
Apple cider vinegar has also been touted for its potential health benefits, from aiding digestion to supporting weight loss. Both Unico and Great Value can be incorporated into your daily wellness routine. A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in a glass of water can help you kickstart your day on a healthy note. Unico is the best choice here because it’s less processed.
Nutrition: Unico vs Great Value apple cider vinegar
Being unfiltered and unpasteurized, Unico retains more of the beneficial enzymes and probiotics found in what’s called the “mother” in raw apple cider vinegar. These components can support your digestive health and provide an array of other potential health benefits. Great Value, while offering a bit of potassium, has had the mother filtered out.
| Per 1 tbsp (15 mL) | Unico | Great Value |
| Calories | 0 | 0 |
| Fat (g) | 0 | 0 |
| Carbs (g) | 0 | 0 |
| Protein (g) | 0 | 0 |
| Sodium (mg) | 0 | 0 |
| Potassium (mg) | 0 | 10 |
How to store Unico and Great Value apple cider vinegar
Both Unico and Great Value should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. The bottles should be tightly sealed to prevent air from entering.
Unico may develop a cloudy appearance over time due to the presence of beneficial bacteria and yeast. This is completely natural and doesn’t indicate spoilage. In fact, it’s a sign that your apple cider vinegar is still full of healthy probiotics!
Unico vs Great Value apple cider vinegar: Which is better
As someone who values more natural products and potential health benefits, Unico is the clear winner. Its unfiltered, unpasteurized, and organic nature makes it a higher quality choice. While the flavor of apple cider vinegar might not be the most important factor in choosing a brand, Unico’s slightly more palatable taste can be a plus if you plan to incorporate it into your diet regularly.
On the other hand, if you’re on a budget and looking for an affordable option, Great Value is a solid choice. It’s still a functional apple cider vinegar and can be used for various purposes without breaking the bank.
FAQs
The best apple cider vinegar can vary depending on individual preferences, but some well-regarded options include Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar and Vermont Village Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.
The choice of apple cider vinegar brand can matter to some extent, as the quality and purity of the vinegar can vary between brands. It’s best to select a reputable brand that offers unfiltered, unpasteurized, and organic apple cider vinegar for the potential health benefits associated with it.
No, all brands of apple cider vinegar are not the same. They differ in terms of processing, flavor, nutritional content, and packaging. Some brands, like Unico, offer a less processed, more nutritionally rich option, while others, like Great Value, cater to budget-conscious consumers.
You can assess the quality of apple cider vinegar by checking for the presence of the “mother” (a cloudy, web-like substance indicating fermentation), and looking for a balanced, tangy flavor with a subtle apple undertone. Additionally, high-quality apple cider vinegar often contains no additives or preservatives and is made from organic apples.
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