The Ultimate List of Types of Vinegar (Uses & Benefits)

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Last Updated on September 25, 2023

There are many different types of vinegar that can be used in cooking to enhance dishes. Some vinegar types are good for cleaning, primarily white distilled vinegar. Let’s explore the world of vinegar and take a look at flavors, uses, and health benefits of each type.

What is Vinegar?

Vinegar, associated with numerous health benefits, is fundamentally a liquid product of fermentation. The word vinegar originated from the French words ‘vin’ and ‘aigre’, together meaning ‘sour wine’. This gives us a hint to the basic ingredient – alcohol.

How is Vinegar Made?

The production of vinegar primarily involves two key steps. First is the fermentation of natural sugars to alcohol. Next, is the second fermentation step where alcohol is converted into vinegar by acetic acid-forming bacteria (acetobacter).

The type of vinegar produced, be it apple cider, white, balsamic, or wine vinegar, depends on the original alcohol’s source. To illustrate, apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple juice, wine vinegar from grape wine, and so forth.

Regardless of its type, vinegar’s main component is acetic acid, which typically makes up about 5-20% of the total volume. Other constituents include water, trace amounts of other acids, vitamins, and additional flavor compounds. These elements contribute to vinegar’s tangy taste and potent aroma.

Types of Vinegar

Let’s take a look at all the various types of vinegar, including flavor profile, uses, what it’s made from, and health benefits of each.

Distilled White Vinegar

Made from fermented grains, distilled white vinegar is characterized by its clear color and sharp taste. Its a very acidic food, which makes it a versatile cleaning agent and preservative. While not typically used in gourmet cooking, it is a staple in pickling and baking. It is also reputed to have health benefits in weight management and blood sugar control.

Made from: grain alcohol or distilled alcohol
Uses: pickling, baking, marinades, natural cleaning
Taste: stronger acidic taste
Health benefits: possesses antimicrobial properties, helps with digestion

Apple Cider Vinegar

Derived from fermented apple juice, apple cider vinegar has a fruity, tangy taste. It’s popular in salad dressings, marinades, and detox drinks. Its health benefits include aiding digestion, improving skin health, and potentially reducing cholesterol levels.

Learn about the differences between apple cider vinegar with mother vs without. Also, check out our side-by-side comparison of apple cider vinegar vs white vinegar.

Made from: fermenting the sugars from apples
Uses: salad dressings, marinades, vinaigrettes, chutneys (check out my zucchini pasta salad that uses ACV!)
Taste: mild acidic taste with a hint of apple
Health benefits: may help lower blood sugar levels, aid in weight loss, improve heart health

Balsamic Vinegar

Originating from Italy, traditional balsamic vinegar is made from the concentrated juice of white Trebbiano grapes. Its rich, sweet, and complex flavor makes it a favorite in gourmet cooking. Balsamic vinegar is known to aid digestion and control blood sugar. It’s often mixed with olive oil for a delicious salad dressing.

Made from: grape must
Uses: glazes, dressings, grilling marinades
Taste: sweet, syrupy, and slightly acidic
Health benefits: contains antioxidants, improves skin health

Coconut Vinegar

Extracted from the sap of coconut trees, this vinegar is a staple in Southeast Asian and Indian cuisine. It has a cloudy, white appearance and a slightly yeasty, sour flavor with a hint of sweetness. Its health benefits are quite impressive as it is high in nutrients like potassium, B vitamins, and vitamin C.

Furthermore, coconut vinegar has a low glycemic index making it a suitable choice for people with diabetes.

Made from: fermented sap of the coconut blossom
Uses: cooking, as a salad dressing, marinade, or as a health tonic
Taste: subtly sweet and slightly tangy flavor, less bitter than apple cider vinegar and is often compared to a milder version of balsamic vinegar
Health benefits: rich in probiotics, promotes a healthy gut, regulates blood sugar levels, assist in weight loss

White Wine Vinegar

Produced from fermented white wine, this vinegar has a light, slightly fruity taste. It’s commonly used in sauces, marinades, and salad dressings. It is believed to offer health benefits such as boosting heart health and improving blood sugar levels.

Made from: fermentation of white wine
Uses: vinaigrettes, marinades, pickling, sauces
Taste: sweet, yet tangy taste, less sharp compared to apple cider vinegar and distilled white vinegar
Health benefits: improves digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, aids in weight loss, antimicrobial properties

Red Wine Vinegar

Made from fermented red wine, this vinegar carries a bold and robust flavor. It’s often used in meat marinades, stews, and salad dressings. As with white wine vinegar, it may also boost heart health and control blood sugar.

Made from: fermented red wine
Uses: vinaigrettes, slow cooker recipes, marinades
Taste: rich and robust, slightly acidic
Health benefits: aids digestion, manages blood sugar levels

Both wine vinegars are used in a variety of dishes, enhancing the flavors of sauces and marinades.

Raisin Vinegar

As the name indicates, this vinegar is derived from fermented raisins. It embodies a sweet flavor, giving a distinct richness to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. Besides its culinary uses, raisin vinegar is an excellent source of antioxidants, which is beneficial for heart health, and possesses anti-inflammatory properties.

Made from: fermented raisins
Uses: salad dressings, marinades, pickles, sauces, and sometimes desserts
Taste: sweet yet tart flavor profile with a distinct fruity note, not as sharp as traditional vinegar
Health benefits: high in antioxidants, aids digestion, improves gut health due, blood sugar regulation, heart health maintenance

Honey Vinegar

Honey vinegar, as the name suggests, is a type of vinegar made from honey. It combines the tartness typical of vinegar with the sweetness of honey, resulting in a balanced and complex taste. It is a versatile condiment that adds an intriguing sweet and sour element to various dishes, and it is revered both for its distinctive flavor profile and for its health benefits.

Made from: raw fermented honey
Uses: salad dressings, marinades, and glazes, sauces and pickled vegetables
Taste: tart with a hint of sweetness
Health benefits: rich in antioxidants, antimicrobial properties, aids in digestion, may help regulate blood sugar levels

More Types of Vinegar

There are even more types of vinegar to learn about! Did you know there are many different vinegars made by frementing fruit (besides the well-known apple cider vinegar)? Let’s explore various fruit vinegars next!

Peach Vinegar

Peach vinegar, as the name suggests, is derived from fresh, ripe peaches. The production process involves the fermentation of the selected peaches. The fruit undergoes a double fermentation process, starting with the conversion of the sugars in the peaches to alcohol by yeasts, which results in a fruit wine. This is followed by the conversion of the alcohol into acetic acid by bacteria, which results in vinegar.

The longer it ferments, the more robust and richer the flavor becomes.

Made from: fresh, ripe peaches
Uses: salad dressing, a marinade for meats, or as a tart addition to cocktails and mocktails
Taste: delicate balance of sweet and acidic with a rich, tangy punch
Health benefits: May improve digestion, enhance absorption of minerals, and provide blood sugar control

Mango Vinegar

Mango vinegar, a lesser-known but equally nutritious variant of the common vinegar, is derived from the tropical fruit mango. Producing mango vinegar involves a meticulous process that requires devoted time and effort.

Made from: ripe mangoes
Uses: salad dressings, marinade for meat and fish, sauces, and even some beverages
Taste: sweet and tangy flavor with fruity undertones
Health benefits: rich in vitamins A, C, and E, may boost immune system, aid digestion, assist in managing blood sugar levels, promote weight loss, enhance skin health, and support cardiovascular health

Apricot Vinegar

Made from the fermentation of apricot juice, this vinegar has a mild, fruity taste that makes it a perfect addition to salad dressings and sauces. It is rich in vitamins A and C, promoting good skin health and boosting the immune system, respectively.

Made from: ripe apricots
Uses: salad dressings, marinades, sauces
Taste: fruity note, combined with a tart, piquant edge
Health benefits: improves immune function and eye health, aids in digestion, provides protection against chronic diseases

Green Apple Vinegar

The production of green apple vinegar begins with the fermentation of crushed green apples, which are then left to mature in wooden barrels. This unique vinegar, rich in acetic acid and numerous vital nutrients, is a fascination in the health and wellness industry because of its myriad benefits.

Made from: fresh green apples
Uses: marinades, salad dressings, and pickles
Taste: tart, tangy flavor with a subtly sweet apple undertone
Health benefits: aids in digestion and weight loss, helps stabilize blood sugar levels, boosts heart health and strengthens the immune system

Pomegranate Vinegar

This unique vinegar is loaded with dynamic flavors derived from the fermentation of pomegranate juice, a fruit abundant in polyphenols and known for its antioxidant properties.

Made from: fermented pomegranite juice
Uses: marinades for meats, salad dressings, flavor enhancer in stews and sauces
Taste: sweet and acidic with a distinct fruity undertone
Health benefits: may help reduce inflammation, manage blood sugar levels, and aid in weight loss

Plum Vinegar

Plum vinegar, also known as Umeboshi vinegar, is a unique and versatile vinegar derived from Umeboshi plums, a traditional food in Japan known both for its distinctive flavor profile and extraordinary health attributes.

The production process for plum vinegar is as intriguing as its flavor. The Umeboshi plums are first pickled with sea salt before being combined with shiso leaves for a year-long fermentation process. This extended period allows the taste and health benefits to fully develop.

Made from: Umeboshi plum
Uses: salad dressings, marinades, dips, and stir-fries
Taste: blend of tart, salty with fruity undertones
Health benefits: boosts immune system, aids digestion, and promotes strong bones and teeth. Moreover, its alkaline nature helps balance the body’s pH levels.

Cranberry Vinegar

Cranberry vinegar is a type of vinegar made from cranberries. It’s a unique blend of tart and sweet flavors, with a distinctive red hue that adds a visual appeal to any dish.

The process of making cranberry vinegar involves fermenting crushed cranberries, similar to how wine is produced. Over time, the sugars in the cranberries ferment and turn into a type of alcohol, which then gets further fermented into vinegar.

Made from: fermented cranberries
Uses: salad dressings, marinades, glazes, and even some drinks
Taste: tartness of cranberry and the acidic tang of vinegar, with a subtle hint of sweetness
Health benefits: antibacterial properties, helps fight infections, UTI benefits, aids in weight management

You can find a variety of specialty fruit vinegars from Oliviers&Co.

Berry Vinegar

Berry vinegar is created through the fermentation of crushed berries. This process could take up to a few months, and the result is a tangy, fruity vinegar that embodies the natural flavors of the original berries used.

Vinegar made from berries comes in a variety of flavors depending on the type of berry used. Raspberries create a tart and sweet vinegar, while blueberries yield a milder, sweeter taste. Strawberries give a delicate, sweetly aromatic vinegar, whereas blackberries result in a robust, sharp vinegar.

Made from: various berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, etc.
Uses: dressing for salads, sauces and marinades, and even as a dessert topping. It also adds a refreshing, tangy flavor to drinks and mocktails.
Taste: ranges from delicate tart to sweet and robust, depending on the type of berry used
Health benefits: may support heart health by improving cholesterol levels, can assist in maintaining blood sugar levels

Fig Vinegar

Fig vinegar is derived from figs, a nutritionally dense fruit. It involves a meticulous fermentation process that transforms the sweet, natural sugars in the figs into a tart, flavorful vinegar. These figs undergo a purification process to eliminate any impurities.

They are then crushed and fermented to yield fig wine, which is subsequently aged and oxidized to produce vinegar.

Made from: fermented figs
Uses: salad dressings, marinades, reductions, sauces, and even desserts
Taste: sweet yet tangy taste that is less acidic than other types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
Health benefits: It’s rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, promotes heart health and prevention of certain types of cancer. It can also aid in digestion, contribute to weight loss, and help control blood sugar levels.

Different Vinegar Types

The following vinegars are likely some you have already know about, like malt vinegar, which is popular to use when eating fish and chips, or champagne vinegar that’s commonly found in salad dressings.

Let’s dive in!

Malt Vinegar

This vinegar is produced from malted barley and carries a strong, distinctive malty taste. It’s a popular addition to fish and chips. Malt vinegar aids digestion and may help manage weight.

Made from: malted barley
Uses: pickling, marinades, on fish and chips
Taste: robust and complex, slight malt flavor
Health benefits: aids in digestion, reduces inflammation, improves bone health

Champagne Vinegar

Made from the same grapes used in Champagne production, this vinegar has a light, delicate flavor. It’s commonly used in vinaigrettes and gourmet recipes. Though not specifically linked to particular health benefits, it should share the positive attributes of other vinegars.

Made from: fermented champagne
Uses: gourmet recipes, vinaigrettes, creamy dressings
Taste: light and delicate, slightly sweet
Health benefits: aids in digestion, promotes heart health, helps manage blood sugar levels

Sherry Vinegar

Originating from Spain, sherry vinegar is made from sherry wine and is known for its rich, nutty flavor. It’s often used in soups, stews, and marinades. It’s believed to have antioxidant properties and may aid in digestion.

Made from: fermented sherry wine
Uses: gourmet cooking, sauces, marinades
Taste: rich and nutty, slightly sweet
Health benefits: supports digestion, helps in weight management, boosts immune health

Black Vinegar

Made from glutinous rice, wheat, millet or sorghum, black vinegar, also known as kala vinegar, has a complex, smoky flavor. It’s a vital ingredient in Chinese cuisine. It is said to have antioxidant properties and could lower cholesterol levels.

Made from: glutinous rice and malt
Uses: marinades, braises, soups, dips, pickles, often used when making sushi rice
Taste: mild acidity coupled with a complex sweet, smoky, and umami flavor
Health benefits: aids digestion, promotes the absorption of nutrients, helps stabilize blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol levels, helps combat oxidative stress, boosts metabolism

Cane Vinegar

Cane vinegar is derived from sugarcane juice. It has a milder flavor than distilled vinegar, making it a popular choice in Southeast Asian cuisines. It’s believed to have several health benefits, including aiding digestion and managing blood sugar levels.

Made from: fermented sugarcane juice
Uses: natural preservative and flavor enhancer, meat tenderizer, pickling, marinades, sauces, salad dressings
Taste: mild, slightly sweet taste
Health benefits: low in calories, fat-free, stimulates production of gastric juices, blood sugar regulation, improves heart health

Beer Vinegar

As the name suggests, beer vinegar is made from beer, giving it a unique, malty flavor. It’s often used in marinades and salad dressings. The health benefits of beer vinegar may include aiding digestion and promoting heart health.

Made from: fermenting beer and then introducing acetic acid bacteria to convert the alcohol into acetic acid
Uses: salad dressings, marinades, pickles, and dips
Taste: tangy and a bit bitter flavor with a sharp taste
Health benefits: supports gut health, aids in digestion by increasing stomach acid, regulates blood sugar levels, promotes weight loss, and boosts heart health, natural preservative

Chili Vinegar

Chili vinegar, an aromatic blend of heat and tang, is essentially vinegar infused with chili peppers. As the name suggests, it combines the tanginess of vinegar and the spiciness of chili peppers, producing a unique, flavorful condiment.

Made from: vinegar inflused with chili peppers
Uses: enhance flavor profiles in sauces, marinades, and dressings, or it can be used as a seasoning for stir-fry dishes, barbecues, or even as a spicy addition to your favorite cocktail
Taste: a unique combination of spiciness and sharpness, although it can also exhibit subtle notes of sweetness or bitterness, depending on the type of chil peppers used
Health benefits: the capsaicin present in chili peppers is a powerful antioxidant, which is known to aid in digestion, improve metabolism, and reduce inflammation

Types of Rice Vinegar

Rice wine vinegar is made from white rice, red, rice, and black rice. Each type of vinegar has a distinct flavor profile and similar uses.

Rice Vinegar

Made from fermented rice, this Asian vinegar is milder and sweeter than other vinegars. It’s a staple in sushi rice, stir-fries, and dipping sauces. Rice vinegar is said to promote digestive health.

Made from: fermented rice wine
Uses: Asian cuisine, pickling, salad dressings, dips
Taste: mild and slightly sweet
Health benefits: promotes liver health, aids in digestion, regulates blood pressure

Red Rice Vinegar

Derived from red yeast rice, this vinegar has a unique, nutty taste. It’s commonly used in Chinese cuisine. Red rice vinegar is believed to offer liver protection and cholesterol-lowering benefits.

Made from: red yeast rice, naturally fermented with Monascus purpureus mold
Uses: marinades, dressings, pickling, or as a flavor enhancer for stir-fries and stews
Taste: sweet, tangy, and mildly tart taste – It’s less sharp than white vinegar and has a subtle smokiness which sets it apart.
Health benefits: aid digestion, improves liver function, helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels, supporty a healthy immune system

Black Rice Vinegar

Also known as Chinkiang vinegar or Chinese vinegar, black rice vinegar is made from fermented black glutinous rice. It features a deep, smoky taste, which complements stir-fries, dipping sauces, and soup broths well. From a health perspective, it is rich in amino acids and can help improve digestion.

Made from: fermented from black, glutinous rice
Uses: Asian cuisine, braised dishes, pickled vegetables, and dipping sauces
Taste: sweet, sour, and smoky with a malty, woody flavor
Health benefits: rich in antioxidants, aids digestions, helps regulate blood sugar, may lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels

Types of Vinegar Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have more questions about vinegar, including how it’s made, how to store it, or what in the workd the “mother” is? Look no further! Check out these FAQs about vinegar.

Where to Buy Vinegar

You can find a variety of vinegars at the grocery store, however for a specialty vinegar, try American Vinegar Works. They offer different kinds of vinegar, including vinegar samples.

What is Vinegar Made of?

Vinegar is an acidic liquid produced through the fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria. It can be made from a variety of base ingredients that contribute their own unique characteristics to the vinegar. The base ingredient often dictates the color, flavor, and aroma of the vinegar.

Some common base ingredients include grapes (producing wine vinegar), apples (producing apple cider vinegar), grains like barley or rice (producing malt or rice vinegar), and even sugar (producing distilled white vinegar).

How is Vinegar Made?

The production process of vinegar includes the fermentation of the base ingredient into a weak alcohol, followed by a secondary fermentation into vinegar. This process can take several weeks to several months depending on the type of vinegar being produced.

Does Vinegar Go Bad?

Thanks to its acidic nature, vinegar is self-preserving and does not need refrigeration and does not go bad. While the color, flavor, or clarity might change over time, it’s still safe to use. Nonetheless, for the best taste, it’s recommended to use it within two years of opening.

How to Store Vinegar

Storing vinegar correctly ensures it maintains its quality and longevity. Follow these straightforward steps for optimal storage:

Keep it Sealed: Always tightly seal the vinegar bottle after use to prevent oxygen exposure.
Store in a Cool and Dark Location: Exposure to heat and light can degrade vinegar’s quality. A pantry or a cabinet away from direct sunlight and heat sources is ideal.
Maintain Consistent Temperature: Avoid significant temperature fluctuations to maintain the vinegar’s taste and potency.
Use Original Storage: The original glass bottle or ceramic container is often the best choice for storage. Avoid plastics as vinegar can leach substances from such materials.

What is the Mother of Vinegar?

The mother of vinegar is responsible for turning alcoholic liquids into vinegar in a process known as fermentation. This cloudy, cobweb-like formation is loaded with probiotics and beneficial enzymes, making it a vital ingredient in unfiltered, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar products. Its purported health benefits include aiding digestion, boosting immune function, and promoting heart health.

Apple Cider Vinegar With Mother Vs Without

Apple cider vinegar with mother refers to the unfiltered and unpasteurized version of the vinegar, which contains beneficial bacteria, proteins and enzymes, much like a probiotic. These floating strands, visible in the vinegar, are known as mother, and are responsible for most of the health benefits associated with apple cider vinegar.

In contrast, apple cider vinegar without mother signifies the filtered and pasteurized form. Through the processes of filtration and pasteurization, the mother is removed, resulting in a clear, amber vinegar. While it still contains acetic acid, known for its health benefits, it lacks the probiotic qualities that are found in the mother.

The choice between the two often depends on individual health goals. For general cooking needs, the filtered version may suffice. But for those seeking the added health benefits, there are many differences between apple cider vinegar with mother vs without.

Apple Cider Vinegar Vs White Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar and white vinegar are two types of vinegar that are often used for cooking and health purposes. However, their properties and benefits significantly differ.

Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple juice, resulting in a product rich in probiotics and other healthy compounds. It is celebrated for its numerous potential health benefits, including improved digestion, reduced cholesterol levels, and better blood sugar control. Its flavor is distinctly fruity, making it a tasteful addition to salad dressings, marinades, and health drinks.

On the other hand, white vinegar, often referred to as distilled or spirit vinegar, is made from a mixture of water and 5-10% acetic acid. Its primary use is for cleaning and disinfection purposes due to its strong acidic nature. However, it is also commonly used in cooking for pickling, baking, and as a flavor enhancer. It’s worth noting that white vinegar lacks the beneficial probiotics found in apple cider vinegar.

White Vinegar Vs White Wine Vinegar

The key difference between white vinegar vs white wine vinegar lies in their flavor profiles and usage – white vinegar for its strong acidity and cleaning properties, and white wine vinegar for its culinary enhancements.

Sources

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/vinegar
https://www.webmd.com/diet/apple-cider-vinegar-and-your-health
https://supplements.selfdecode.com/blog/vinegar-health-benefits/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27979138/
https://www.consumerreports.org/healthy-eating/is-vinegar-good-for-you/
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/exploring-the-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar/
https://chatelaine.com/health/health-benefits-of-vinegar/