In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsBenefitsThe Bottom LineChoosing an Apple Cider VinegarOur TestsWe Also ConsideredCommon QuestionsOur Trusted Expertise
In This ArticleView All
In This Article
View All
Our Top Picks
Reviews
Benefits
The Bottom Line
Choosing an Apple Cider Vinegar
Our Tests
We Also Considered
Common Questions
Our Trusted Expertise
Photo:EatingWell / Marisa Olsen
EatingWell / Marisa Olsen
Apple cider vinegar has been all the rage lately, sprouting up on TikTok videos and wellness articles and being touted as a natural health cure-all that can assist with weight loss, aid in digestion and boost your gut health. But is apple cider vinegar really that powerful? And what should consumers know when it comes to forms and types, especially that ever-baffling, blob-looking “mother?”
As a food writer and home cook, I frequently reach for apple cider vinegar to whip up a tangysalad dressingand have been known to create ahomemade ACV elixir or tonic, usually mixed with water, ginger, lemon, honey and turmeric, before enjoying a heavy meal. But is the hype over apple cider vinegar justified? And what are the actual health benefits of consuming this tart liquid?
Eager to discover more about the intriguing health benefits of apple cider vinegar, we enlisted the help of a registered dietitian to provide key insights into this trendy yet old-school supplement. I also set out to personally taste 10 bottles of popular apple cider vinegar as well as gummy and tablet forms to compare and contrast the differences.
So, if you’re ready to add apple cider vinegar to your pantry rotation or homemade health elixir, here are my favorites.
What are the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar may also help with youroverall gut health. Thanks to the probiotic components of unpasteurized apple cider vinegars that contain the “mother,” adding this natural probiotic to your diet may help boost the healthy bacteria in your gut microbiome,aid with digestion or may even help alleviate certain gastroenterological health conditions.
Newlin also notes that “apple cider vinegar demonstrates some antimicrobial properties, which could aid in immune defense and reducing harmful bacteria.” Meaning apple cider vinegar may be a healthful immune-boosting tonic as well as an excellent non-toxic household cleaning solution.
Our Top PicksBest Overall Apple Cider Vinegar:SALEBragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar at Amazon$12$8Jump to ReviewBest Organic Apple Cider Vinegar:Zoe Organic Apple Cider Vinegar at Amazon$20Jump to ReviewAlso Great:Kevala Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar at Amazon$6Jump to ReviewBest Apple Cider Vinegar for Cooking:Heinz All Natural Apple Cider Vinegar at Amazon$12Jump to ReviewBest Apple Cider Vinegar for Digestion:Wedderspoon Apple Cider Vinegar With Monofloral Manuka Honey at Amazon$13Jump to Review
Best Overall Apple Cider Vinegar:SALEBragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar at Amazon$12$8Jump to ReviewBest Organic Apple Cider Vinegar:Zoe Organic Apple Cider Vinegar at Amazon$20Jump to ReviewAlso Great:Kevala Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar at Amazon$6Jump to ReviewBest Apple Cider Vinegar for Cooking:Heinz All Natural Apple Cider Vinegar at Amazon$12Jump to ReviewBest Apple Cider Vinegar for Digestion:Wedderspoon Apple Cider Vinegar With Monofloral Manuka Honey at Amazon$13Jump to Review
Best Overall Apple Cider Vinegar:SALEBragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar at Amazon$12$8Jump to Review
Best Overall Apple Cider Vinegar:SALEBragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar at Amazon$12$8
Best Overall Apple Cider Vinegar:
SALE
Best Organic Apple Cider Vinegar:Zoe Organic Apple Cider Vinegar at Amazon$20Jump to Review
Best Organic Apple Cider Vinegar:Zoe Organic Apple Cider Vinegar at Amazon$20
Best Organic Apple Cider Vinegar:
Also Great:Kevala Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar at Amazon$6Jump to Review
Also Great:Kevala Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar at Amazon$6
Also Great:
Best Apple Cider Vinegar for Cooking:Heinz All Natural Apple Cider Vinegar at Amazon$12Jump to Review
Best Apple Cider Vinegar for Cooking:Heinz All Natural Apple Cider Vinegar at Amazon$12
Best Apple Cider Vinegar for Cooking:
Best Apple Cider Vinegar for Digestion:Wedderspoon Apple Cider Vinegar With Monofloral Manuka Honey at Amazon$13Jump to Review
Best Apple Cider Vinegar for Digestion:Wedderspoon Apple Cider Vinegar With Monofloral Manuka Honey at Amazon$13
Best Apple Cider Vinegar for Digestion:
Best Overall Apple Cider VinegarBragg Organic Apple Cider VinegarPHOTO: Amazon$12$8 at Amazon$8 at Target$8 at WalmartWhat we like:Organic and unfiltered with “the mother,” Bragg offers a balanced and tasty ACV at a reasonable price.What to know:This ACV has a bit of tang and funky taste upfront.Bragg apple cider vinegar has withstood the test of time. Paul Bragg began his wellness empire over 100 years ago when he started selling apple cider vinegar. I frequently reach for this ACV, so I was excited to consider it in the lineup. Among the many things I like about this product are that it’s USDA-organic, non-GMO, raw, contains the mother and can be found at most grocery stores.During my tasting, there was a slight effervescence that occurred when I opened the jar. I noted aromas of bloomy, earthy notes of hay alongside fragrant and sweet floral tones with a touch of apple cider at the end of the nose. The coloring of the ACV was muted brown and muddy with dark, straw-like hues that were pretty opaque.The first notes on the palate revealed high acid, very tart green apple and a tanginess upfront with intensity on the tip of the tongue that then mellowed. I observed a slight acidic tingle in the back of my throat—almost like a blooming quality that ended with a gentle sweetness. The texture was smooth in the mouth, while the acidity did linger near the front of my teeth. I ultimately found Bragg’s apple cider vinegar well balanced, with earthy and grassy characteristics that rounded out with a sweet finish.Bragg’s suggests mixing one tablespoon of ACV with 8 ounces of filtered or sparkling water. Bragg apple cider vinegar is available in 16, 32, 64 and 128 ounces. Bragg is a certified B Corporation and kosher.Raw/Unpasteurized:Yes |Unfiltered:Yes |Non-GMO:Yes |USDA Organic:Yes |Serving Size:1 tablespoon |Servings per Container:32PHOTO: EatingWell / Marisa OlsenPHOTO: EatingWell / Marisa OlsenPHOTO: EatingWell / Marisa OlsenPHOTO: EatingWell / Marisa Olsen
Best Overall Apple Cider VinegarBragg Organic Apple Cider VinegarPHOTO: Amazon$12$8 at Amazon$8 at Target$8 at Walmart
Best Overall Apple Cider VinegarBragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Best Overall Apple Cider Vinegar
Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
PHOTO: Amazon
$12$8 at Amazon$8 at Target$8 at Walmart
What we like:Organic and unfiltered with “the mother,” Bragg offers a balanced and tasty ACV at a reasonable price.
What to know:This ACV has a bit of tang and funky taste upfront.
Bragg apple cider vinegar has withstood the test of time. Paul Bragg began his wellness empire over 100 years ago when he started selling apple cider vinegar. I frequently reach for this ACV, so I was excited to consider it in the lineup. Among the many things I like about this product are that it’s USDA-organic, non-GMO, raw, contains the mother and can be found at most grocery stores.
During my tasting, there was a slight effervescence that occurred when I opened the jar. I noted aromas of bloomy, earthy notes of hay alongside fragrant and sweet floral tones with a touch of apple cider at the end of the nose. The coloring of the ACV was muted brown and muddy with dark, straw-like hues that were pretty opaque.
The first notes on the palate revealed high acid, very tart green apple and a tanginess upfront with intensity on the tip of the tongue that then mellowed. I observed a slight acidic tingle in the back of my throat—almost like a blooming quality that ended with a gentle sweetness. The texture was smooth in the mouth, while the acidity did linger near the front of my teeth. I ultimately found Bragg’s apple cider vinegar well balanced, with earthy and grassy characteristics that rounded out with a sweet finish.
Bragg’s suggests mixing one tablespoon of ACV with 8 ounces of filtered or sparkling water. Bragg apple cider vinegar is available in 16, 32, 64 and 128 ounces. Bragg is a certified B Corporation and kosher.
Raw/Unpasteurized:Yes |Unfiltered:Yes |Non-GMO:Yes |USDA Organic:Yes |Serving Size:1 tablespoon |Servings per Container:32
PHOTO: EatingWell / Marisa OlsenPHOTO: EatingWell / Marisa OlsenPHOTO: EatingWell / Marisa OlsenPHOTO: EatingWell / Marisa Olsen
Best Organic Apple Cider VinegarZoe Organic Apple Cider VinegarPHOTO: Amazon$20 at AmazonWhat we like:ZOE is an organic, raw vinegar crafted in Italy that showcases the subtle terroir of the region.What to know:It may not readily be available at most grocery stores.If I’m looking to mix it up from Bragg, I frequently reach for ZOE while shopping at my local gourmet grocery store. This Italian ACV is organic, raw and unfiltered and boasts a 5% acidity. Crushed apples are naturally fermented in wooden casks at high altitudes in the Trentino Alto Adige region, creating a unique flavor from the Italian terroir that’s different from many other ACVs on the market.Upon testing, I found ZOE to be mild in aroma, with a faint, sweet honey mixed with an amber ale and fragrant apples alongside a subtle earthiness. The texture and appearance of the ACV was thick, like sherry or an after-dinner liquor, yet still a bit transparent. The color was glossy and rich with honey and amber hues. I also detected quite a bit of sediment in the bottle, which is constructed of glass with an inner plastic spout that makes it easy to pour without spilling, which I thought was a nice touch.During my sampling, I observed a mild, sweet red McIntosh apple note that was bright and easy to sip without any overly distracting sharpness of upfront acid. There were also notes of sherry, caramel and vanilla. I found a slightly chalky mouthfeel with some lingering tannins and acid in the back of my throat, but it was manageable and not offensive. Overall, ZOE is a floral, mild and smooth ACV that is raw and unfiltered but without the funkiness that often comes with other raw apple cider vinegars.Raw/Unpasteurized:Yes |Unfiltered:Yes |Non-GMO:Yes |USDA Organic:Yes |Serving Size:1 tablespoon |Servings per Container:34PHOTO: EatingWell / Marisa OlsenPHOTO: EatingWell / Marisa OlsenPHOTO: EatingWell / Marisa Olsen
Best Organic Apple Cider VinegarZoe Organic Apple Cider VinegarPHOTO: Amazon$20 at Amazon
Best Organic Apple Cider VinegarZoe Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Best Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Zoe Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
$20 at Amazon
What we like:ZOE is an organic, raw vinegar crafted in Italy that showcases the subtle terroir of the region.
What to know:It may not readily be available at most grocery stores.
If I’m looking to mix it up from Bragg, I frequently reach for ZOE while shopping at my local gourmet grocery store. This Italian ACV is organic, raw and unfiltered and boasts a 5% acidity. Crushed apples are naturally fermented in wooden casks at high altitudes in the Trentino Alto Adige region, creating a unique flavor from the Italian terroir that’s different from many other ACVs on the market.
Upon testing, I found ZOE to be mild in aroma, with a faint, sweet honey mixed with an amber ale and fragrant apples alongside a subtle earthiness. The texture and appearance of the ACV was thick, like sherry or an after-dinner liquor, yet still a bit transparent. The color was glossy and rich with honey and amber hues. I also detected quite a bit of sediment in the bottle, which is constructed of glass with an inner plastic spout that makes it easy to pour without spilling, which I thought was a nice touch.
During my sampling, I observed a mild, sweet red McIntosh apple note that was bright and easy to sip without any overly distracting sharpness of upfront acid. There were also notes of sherry, caramel and vanilla. I found a slightly chalky mouthfeel with some lingering tannins and acid in the back of my throat, but it was manageable and not offensive. Overall, ZOE is a floral, mild and smooth ACV that is raw and unfiltered but without the funkiness that often comes with other raw apple cider vinegars.Raw/Unpasteurized:Yes |Unfiltered:Yes |Non-GMO:Yes |USDA Organic:Yes |Serving Size:1 tablespoon |Servings per Container:34
PHOTO: EatingWell / Marisa OlsenPHOTO: EatingWell / Marisa OlsenPHOTO: EatingWell / Marisa Olsen
Also GreatKevala Organic Raw Apple Cider VinegarPHOTO: Amazon$6 at AmazonView on Kevala.net
Also GreatKevala Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Also Great
Kevala Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
$6 at AmazonView on Kevala.net
What we like:This ACV ispackaged in a BPA-free plastic container and features freshly pressed USA-sourced organic apples.
What to know:It featuresa spout for easy pouring, but it’s difficult to remove the plastic seal.
In terms of aroma, I noted hints of earthy, umami tones with sweet grassy hay, barnyard funk and wet cardboard, but surprisingly, not off-putting. The coloring was a light, rusty orange hue with mild hints of rich amber maple syrup and farm-grown honey. The liquid was nearly opaque in the bottle, and I could see plenty of grainy sediment at the bottom of the glass jar.
During my taste test, I expected Kevala to be more funky, but surprisingly I found this ACV to have a bright flavor profile with more tart apple on the tongue, but also well-rounded with some grassy earthiness at the finish. The ACV showcased zippy acid upfront with light tannins on the teeth and back of the throat. I also noticed a bit of a cloudy mouthfeel, but it wasn’t unpleasant. I found the drinking experience interesting and pleasant, with a snappy but well-balanced finish.
Kevala recommends giving the bottle a shake before using, and it is available in various sizes, including 8, 12, 35, 64 and 128 ounces.
Raw/Unpasteurized:Yes |Unfiltered:Yes |Non-GMO:Yes |USDA Organic:Yes |Serving Size:1 tablespoon |Servings per Container:23
Best Apple Cider Vinegar for CookingHeinz All Natural Apple Cider VinegarPHOTO: Amazon$12 at AmazonView on Heinz.comWhat we like:Heinz’s version comes at a reasonable price and is easy to find at most local grocery stores.What to know:This particular ACV is not organic.If you want to incorporate ACV into your cooking game, Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar is another popular contender. The 5% acidity and various flavor profiles make this ACV an excellent addition to soups, salad dressings andeven marinades. However, heating raw ACV at high temperatures with pasteurization will kill the live healthy bacteria.This Heinz ACV is filtered and bright but mild enough to cook with. In terms of aroma, I discerned notes of honey and sherry with a slight wet cardboard scent and under notes of a grassy yet sweet sharpness. The coloring of the Heinz ACV was a deep yellow with tints of rusty amber and was quite translucent both in the bottle and in the tasting glass.Upon sampling, I noted hints of red Gala apple, dry sherry and bright tartness. The mouthfeel was smooth and thin with mild tannins that clung to my teeth and lingered in the back of my throat just slightly.I was curious how a national grocery store brand would stand up to more nuanced contenders. I found Heinz to be pleasantly mild and balanced, and it would make a nice addition to most kitchen pantries.Raw/Unpasteurized:No |Unfiltered:No |Non-GMO:N/A |USDA Organic:No |Serving Size:1 tablespoon |Servings per Container:32PHOTO: EatingWell / Marisa OlsenPHOTO: EatingWell / Marisa OlsenPHOTO: EatingWell / Marisa Olsen
Best Apple Cider Vinegar for CookingHeinz All Natural Apple Cider VinegarPHOTO: Amazon$12 at AmazonView on Heinz.com
Best Apple Cider Vinegar for CookingHeinz All Natural Apple Cider Vinegar
Best Apple Cider Vinegar for Cooking
Heinz All Natural Apple Cider Vinegar
$12 at AmazonView on Heinz.com
What we like:Heinz’s version comes at a reasonable price and is easy to find at most local grocery stores.
What to know:This particular ACV is not organic.
If you want to incorporate ACV into your cooking game, Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar is another popular contender. The 5% acidity and various flavor profiles make this ACV an excellent addition to soups, salad dressings andeven marinades. However, heating raw ACV at high temperatures with pasteurization will kill the live healthy bacteria.
This Heinz ACV is filtered and bright but mild enough to cook with. In terms of aroma, I discerned notes of honey and sherry with a slight wet cardboard scent and under notes of a grassy yet sweet sharpness. The coloring of the Heinz ACV was a deep yellow with tints of rusty amber and was quite translucent both in the bottle and in the tasting glass.
Upon sampling, I noted hints of red Gala apple, dry sherry and bright tartness. The mouthfeel was smooth and thin with mild tannins that clung to my teeth and lingered in the back of my throat just slightly.
I was curious how a national grocery store brand would stand up to more nuanced contenders. I found Heinz to be pleasantly mild and balanced, and it would make a nice addition to most kitchen pantries.
Raw/Unpasteurized:No |Unfiltered:No |Non-GMO:N/A |USDA Organic:No |Serving Size:1 tablespoon |Servings per Container:32
Best Apple Cider Vinegar for DigestionWedderspoon Apple Cider Vinegar With Monofloral Manuka HoneyPHOTO: Amazon$13$12 at Amazon$22 at WalmartView on Instacart.comWhat we like:Wedderspoon’s ACV is a delicious mix of manuka honey and vinegar that is easy to sip.What to know:It contains 2 grams of sugar(due to the honey) and is packaged in plastic.If you’re looking for a comforting ACV drink, I liked the Wedderspoon Apple Cider Vinegar with Manuka Honey. This ACV is made from New Zealand cold-pressed apple juice, which is unfiltered and double-fermented and mixed with raw mono flora mānuka and beechwood honey.Upon opening this bottle, I noticed aromas heavy in honey with undernotes of earth, grass, pollen and a cloying sweetness. The Wedderspoon ACV boasts a fresh apple cider hue tinged with rusty tones. The jar I sampled had a dark, tawny-toned mother floating at the top that almost looked like a brown lemon seed with extra “pulp” attached. I also observed lots of sediment floating around.During my tasting, I also picked up notes of sweet honey and caramel that lingered with a gentle acidity and very mild tannins. There were also forward notes of apple and honey and a hint of a barnyard funk underneath the layers. The texture in my mouth during tasting had a thicker mouthfeel, and I noticed an ever-so-slight acid clinging to my teeth and the back of my throat, but it was quite mild. Overall, I found this elixir mild, sweet and nice to sip on.Wedderspoon suggests shaking the bottle before using it and enjoying this blend at a ratio of one tablespoon of ACV to one cup of water.Raw/Unpasteurized:Yes |Unfiltered:Yes |Non-GMO:N/A |USDA Organic:No |Serving Size:1 tablespoon |Servings per Container:50PHOTO: EatingWell / Marisa OlsenPHOTO: EatingWell / Marisa OlsenPHOTO: EatingWell / Marisa OlsenPHOTO: EatingWell / Marisa Olsen
Best Apple Cider Vinegar for DigestionWedderspoon Apple Cider Vinegar With Monofloral Manuka HoneyPHOTO: Amazon$13$12 at Amazon$22 at WalmartView on Instacart.com
Best Apple Cider Vinegar for DigestionWedderspoon Apple Cider Vinegar With Monofloral Manuka Honey
Best Apple Cider Vinegar for Digestion
Wedderspoon Apple Cider Vinegar With Monofloral Manuka Honey
$13$12 at Amazon$22 at WalmartView on Instacart.com
What we like:Wedderspoon’s ACV is a delicious mix of manuka honey and vinegar that is easy to sip.
What to know:It contains 2 grams of sugar(due to the honey) and is packaged in plastic.
If you’re looking for a comforting ACV drink, I liked the Wedderspoon Apple Cider Vinegar with Manuka Honey. This ACV is made from New Zealand cold-pressed apple juice, which is unfiltered and double-fermented and mixed with raw mono flora mānuka and beechwood honey.
Upon opening this bottle, I noticed aromas heavy in honey with undernotes of earth, grass, pollen and a cloying sweetness. The Wedderspoon ACV boasts a fresh apple cider hue tinged with rusty tones. The jar I sampled had a dark, tawny-toned mother floating at the top that almost looked like a brown lemon seed with extra “pulp” attached. I also observed lots of sediment floating around.
During my tasting, I also picked up notes of sweet honey and caramel that lingered with a gentle acidity and very mild tannins. There were also forward notes of apple and honey and a hint of a barnyard funk underneath the layers. The texture in my mouth during tasting had a thicker mouthfeel, and I noticed an ever-so-slight acid clinging to my teeth and the back of my throat, but it was quite mild. Overall, I found this elixir mild, sweet and nice to sip on.
Wedderspoon suggests shaking the bottle before using it and enjoying this blend at a ratio of one tablespoon of ACV to one cup of water.
Raw/Unpasteurized:Yes |Unfiltered:Yes |Non-GMO:N/A |USDA Organic:No |Serving Size:1 tablespoon |Servings per Container:50
When it comes to apple cider vinegar, you can’t beatBragg Original Apple Cider Vinegar(view at Amazon). Not only has this ACV been on the market for a century, but I found the flavor profiles and composition balanced, making it easy to sip on and cook with. Bragg naturally ferments fresh and organic apples directly from farms, and each bottle contains the mother. For a more filtered version,Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar(view on Amazon) is a great option, too.
“With the Mother”
Liquid apple cider vinegar may be packaged in different forms, including raw and unfiltered with the mother and filtered.
The “mother” is the cloudy, web-like substance you might see floating in the bottle. “It forms naturally during fermentation and is made up of beneficial bacteria, enzymes and proteins,” says Newlin. She adds that this combination is thought to “play a role in many of the health benefits associated with apple cider vinegar, as it adds nutrients and probiotics to the vinegar.”
To help us understand the different types of apple cider vinegar you may find on the market, Newlin walked us through the various styles and their distinct qualities:
A note of caution when consuming unpasteurized foods: Pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with compromised immune systems should avoid or use extreme caution when consuming raw and unpasteurized foods, which may lead to medical complications orpossible listeriaexposure.
Acidity levels
The acidity level in ACV is mainly due to its acetic acid content, which Newlin says can play a key role in its health benefits and antimicrobial effects. The “higher acidity enhances its potential health advantages and strengthens its ability to potentially fight off harmful microorganisms,” says Newlin.
Liquid Forms vs. Pills or Gummies
Apple cider is most commonly consumed and taken in its natural liquid state. However, other dietary supplements are available in tablet, powder and gummy form. It’s also common to see both the liquid and supplemental forms mixed with other ingredients, such as honey, ginger or turmeric.
While chewing on an apple cider vinegar gummy may seem like a win-win,it may not be as beneficial as you think, primarily due to the added sugar in many gummy supplements.
For the biggest benefit, Newlin recommends selecting an unfiltered liquid apple cider vinegar with the mother, since pills and gummies may offermore limited benefits.
Our Apple Cider Vinegar Tests
Our team researched 10 popular apple cider vinegar brands commonly found on grocery shelves or online that ranged from pasteurized to raw and those containing the mother. We landed on 10 brands in addition to a gummy and tablet supplement that I then sampled and tasted at home.
To start, I looked at the color of the vinegar and the initial smell. I was looking for notes of sweet, fruity, and earthy and was keen on identifying any vinegars that smelled sharp, like nail polish, that could indicate undesirable fermentation.
For my taste tests, I diluted my sample with a 3:1 water-to-apple-cider-vinegar ratio, as I wanted to be cautious with apple cider vinegar’s high acidity levels. I took small sips and made sure to drink a sip of water in between, as well as small bites of mozzarella cheese to clear and balance my palate. I noted certain flavor profiles, such as fruity and woody notes, and observed the texture and mouthfeel of each vinegar.
After sipping each diluted sample, I compared and cross-referenced all the samples to form my list of best apple cider vinegars.
Dynamic Health Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar($28 at Amazon):I liked how this ACV was organic, raw and contained the mother. However, I found it to be a little dry and too sweet, and the zippy acid that lingered in the back of my throat was distracting.
Woeber’s Pure Apple Cider Vinegar($15 at Amazon): While this ACV is available in large quantities for an affordable price, I found the flavor profile to be off-putting and artificially sweet.
Lucy’s Organic Apple Cider($29 at Amazon):I found this ACV too funky and fermented. Upon tasting, Lucy’s was highly acidic, and the lasting tannic structure was too distracting and dry in the mouth.
Vermont Village Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar(2-pack for $24 at Amazon):This ACV was not as balanced as I liked, with an intense bitterness and tartness that made my throat feel dry with its overwhelming acidity.
Bragg Refresher Apple Cider Vinegar with Ginger Lemon Honey(2-pack for $15 at Amazon):I was interested in trying an effervescent probiotic drink but found this beverage a bit bland and muted.
Nature’s Bounty Apple Cider Vinegar Pills($10 at Amazon):I wanted to try different forms of apple cider vinegar, so I sampled these tablets with 480 milligrams of ACV. Upon opening the container, the tablets revealed a potent nail polish-like odor, which was off-putting.
Essential Elements Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies from The Mother($23 at Amazon):I was curious about the ACV gummy format, but I found the flavoring distracting, with a faux apple flavoring and a saccharine finish. Plus, I didn’t care for the 4 g of added sugar.
Is apple cider vinegar good for weight loss?
While some studies suggest that apple cider vinegar can act as a weight loss supplement, such studies are generally limited. However, there are a few that support this claim. In a recent study, participants with overweight or obesity who consumed three doses of apple cider vinegar each day over the course of 12 weeks lost weight and improved their blood sugar levels. Participants who took the highest daily dose of apple cider vinegar (15 mL) lost the most weight—on average, about 15 pounds total. That being said, even the lowest dosage (5 mL per day) led to weight loss.Other studies looked at lipids and glycemic parameters and found that apple cider vinegar lowered total cholesterol in participants and improved fasting plasma glucose.
So, yes, apple cider vinegar can be a helpful addition when working toward weight loss goals.
How should I take apple cider vinegar and should I drink it daily?
In many cases, apple cidercan be enjoyed safely and frequently. But before you go diving in and gulping down large amounts of apple cider vinegar, beware of its high levels of acidity, which can affect tooth enamel and irritate sensitive stomachs. Additionally, if you suffer from low levels of potassium (hypokalemia), overconsumption could lead to lower potassium levels.
For optimal benefits, Newlin recommends selecting raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the mother, with a standard dose of 1 to 2 tablespoons diluted in water before meals.
Apple cider vinegar may interact with certain medications, such as those for people with diabetes, and supplements, so it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before adding ACV to your daily diet.
Does apple cider vinegar help control blood sugar?
For those who suffer from blood sugar issues or diabetes, finding a natural supplement to ease blood sugar spikes and dips can be beneficial. While studies are limited, several have examined the effects of consuming ACV in people with type 2 diabetes. There is some evidence that consuming ACV regularly could help regulate fasting plasma glucose levels and improve hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), which is a measure of overall blood sugar control over a three month period.
Moreover, in a 2023 randomized clinical trial (which is the gold standard for study design), type 2 diabetes participants were given either a daily dose of 30 ml of ACV or a control substance over several weeks. At the end of the study, those who consumed the ACV had improved blood lipid profiles and better blood glucose control.
Can I use apple cider vinegar on my skin and hair?
If you’re not into sipping on ACV, you may still want to keep a bottle handy. Apple cider vinegar can be a natural skin product that can safely be added to your wellness routine.
As Newlin says, “Apple cider vinegar is popular for hair and skin care, though scientific backing varies.” For hair, Newlin shares that ACV is commonly used as a rinse to balance the scalp’s pH, reduce dandruff and help boost shine. “Many users dilute 1 to 2 tablespoons in a cup of water and apply it post-shampoo for these benefits.” ACV can also make an excellentDIY hair mask.
That being said, Newlin advises that clinical evidence is limited regarding the benefits of apple cider vinegar for hair and skin remedies.
Marisa Olsenhas more than 10 years of experience writing and reporting on food, lifestyle and product reviews, and she has written for multiple publications, including U.S. News & 360 Reviews, Chowhound,Southern Living, The Spruce Eats,Food & Wine, Byrdie and Liquor.com. Marisa frequently incorporates apple cider vinegar into salad dressings and beverage tonics.
For this article, Marisa interviewedBonnie Newlin, M.P.A., M.S., RD, CLTand founder of Crave Nourishment for her expertise on the health benefits of apple cider vinegar.
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SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, Clark CCT, Esmaillzadeh A.The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.BMC Complement Med Ther.2021;21(1):179. doi: 10.1186/s12906-021-03351-wBodke H, Jogdand S.Role of Probiotics in Human Health.Cureus.2022;14(11):e31313. doi: 10.7759/cureus.31313Ousaaid D, Laaroussi H, Bakour M, Ennaji H, Lyoussi B, El Arabi I.Antifungal and Antibacterial Activities of Apple Vinegar of Different Cultivars.Int J Microbiol.2021:6087671. doi: 10.1155/2021/6087671Yagnik D, Serafin V, J Shah A.Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression.Sci Rep.2018;8(1):1732. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-18618-xAbou-Khalil R, Andary J, El-Hayek E.Apple cider vinegar for weight management in Lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.BMJ Nutr Prev Health.2024;7(1):61-67. doi: 10.1136/bmjnph-2023-000823Apple cider vinegar.MedlinePlus.Afarirad S, Elahi MR, Mansoori A, Khanzadeh A, Haghighizadeh MH.The improvement effect of apple cider vinegar as a functional food on anthropometric indices, blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial.Front Clin Diabetes Healthc.2023;4:1288786. doi: 10.3389/fcdhc.2023.1288786
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EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, Clark CCT, Esmaillzadeh A.The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.BMC Complement Med Ther.2021;21(1):179. doi: 10.1186/s12906-021-03351-wBodke H, Jogdand S.Role of Probiotics in Human Health.Cureus.2022;14(11):e31313. doi: 10.7759/cureus.31313Ousaaid D, Laaroussi H, Bakour M, Ennaji H, Lyoussi B, El Arabi I.Antifungal and Antibacterial Activities of Apple Vinegar of Different Cultivars.Int J Microbiol.2021:6087671. doi: 10.1155/2021/6087671Yagnik D, Serafin V, J Shah A.Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression.Sci Rep.2018;8(1):1732. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-18618-xAbou-Khalil R, Andary J, El-Hayek E.Apple cider vinegar for weight management in Lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.BMJ Nutr Prev Health.2024;7(1):61-67. doi: 10.1136/bmjnph-2023-000823Apple cider vinegar.MedlinePlus.Afarirad S, Elahi MR, Mansoori A, Khanzadeh A, Haghighizadeh MH.The improvement effect of apple cider vinegar as a functional food on anthropometric indices, blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial.Front Clin Diabetes Healthc.2023;4:1288786. doi: 10.3389/fcdhc.2023.1288786
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, Clark CCT, Esmaillzadeh A.The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.BMC Complement Med Ther.2021;21(1):179. doi: 10.1186/s12906-021-03351-wBodke H, Jogdand S.Role of Probiotics in Human Health.Cureus.2022;14(11):e31313. doi: 10.7759/cureus.31313Ousaaid D, Laaroussi H, Bakour M, Ennaji H, Lyoussi B, El Arabi I.Antifungal and Antibacterial Activities of Apple Vinegar of Different Cultivars.Int J Microbiol.2021:6087671. doi: 10.1155/2021/6087671Yagnik D, Serafin V, J Shah A.Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression.Sci Rep.2018;8(1):1732. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-18618-xAbou-Khalil R, Andary J, El-Hayek E.Apple cider vinegar for weight management in Lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.BMJ Nutr Prev Health.2024;7(1):61-67. doi: 10.1136/bmjnph-2023-000823Apple cider vinegar.MedlinePlus.Afarirad S, Elahi MR, Mansoori A, Khanzadeh A, Haghighizadeh MH.The improvement effect of apple cider vinegar as a functional food on anthropometric indices, blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial.Front Clin Diabetes Healthc.2023;4:1288786. doi: 10.3389/fcdhc.2023.1288786
Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, Clark CCT, Esmaillzadeh A.The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.BMC Complement Med Ther.2021;21(1):179. doi: 10.1186/s12906-021-03351-w
Bodke H, Jogdand S.Role of Probiotics in Human Health.Cureus.2022;14(11):e31313. doi: 10.7759/cureus.31313
Ousaaid D, Laaroussi H, Bakour M, Ennaji H, Lyoussi B, El Arabi I.Antifungal and Antibacterial Activities of Apple Vinegar of Different Cultivars.Int J Microbiol.2021:6087671. doi: 10.1155/2021/6087671
Yagnik D, Serafin V, J Shah A.Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression.Sci Rep.2018;8(1):1732. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-18618-x
Abou-Khalil R, Andary J, El-Hayek E.Apple cider vinegar for weight management in Lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.BMJ Nutr Prev Health.2024;7(1):61-67. doi: 10.1136/bmjnph-2023-000823
Apple cider vinegar.MedlinePlus.
Afarirad S, Elahi MR, Mansoori A, Khanzadeh A, Haghighizadeh MH.The improvement effect of apple cider vinegar as a functional food on anthropometric indices, blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial.Front Clin Diabetes Healthc.2023;4:1288786. doi: 10.3389/fcdhc.2023.1288786
