Apple Cider Vinegar Review – Bottled Liquids and Supplements

Find the Best Apple Cider Vinegar. See Which Apple Cider Vinegar Liquids and Supplements Passed Our Tests of Quality.

Medically reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Initially Posted: 10/17/2020

Table of Contents

Summary

· Does apple cider vinegar work? Apple cider vinegar (as a liquid) may reduce or slow the increase in blood sugar after eating (although it may not help people with diabetes) and may modestly aid with weight loss. The effects of apple cider vinegar may be due to its acetic acid content, which tends to be about 5% in vinegars (equaling about 800 to 900 mg of acetic acid per tablespoon). There is no good clinical research supporting the use of pills containing apple cider vinegar in powder form — these generally provide a much smaller amount of acetic acid per serving but can be dangerous if the acetic acid is too highly concentrated. (See What It Is and What It Does).

· What did CL's tests of apple cider vinegar show? One bottled apple cider vinegar could not be approved because we were not able to authenticate its contents as true apple cider vinegar, and two supplements were deemed Not Approved because they did not have the acidity claimed on their labels. Products were found to vary in their acidity and acetic acid content (which ranged from as little as 14 mg to 816 mg per serving). The cost to get 750 mg of acetic acid from products ranged from just 6 cents to more than $20. (See What CL Found and use the Results table to compare the amounts of acetic acid in products).

· Best apple cider vinegar products: Two bottled apple cider vinegars (one with "Mother" and one without) were chosen as Top Picks, providing real apple cider vinegar with appropriate acetic acid content at a good value and without heavy metal contamination. CL also selected a Top Pick among tablets, capsules and gummies (although there is no good evidence that these provide a health benefit).

· How much apple cider vinegar to take? Typically one teaspoon to one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar is diluted in 1.5 to 8 ounces of warm water and taken before meals. (See ConsumerTips™.)

· Apple cider vinegar safety and side effects: Chronic use of apple cider vinegar may erode tooth enamel, so don't let it linger in the mouth, and rinse afterward. As it may affect blood sugar levels, it should be used with caution in people with diabetes. It should also be used with caution in people with gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), as it may further slow the movement of food in the stomach. For more details, see Concerns and Cautions.

What It Is:

Apple cider vinegar is produced by crushing apples and adding bacteria and yeast, causing fermentation. The sugars in the apples are first converted into ethanol, and the ethanol is further converted into acetic acid.

All varieties of vinegar, including apple cider vinegar, contain acetic acid. Apple cider vinegar is normally diluted before being bottled to contain between 4% and 6% acetic acid (the FDA defines apple cider vinegar as containing no less than 4% acetic acid) as well as other acids (malic, lactic, and citric acid). This is considered mildly acidic (similar to balsamic vinegar, which is 4.5% acetic acid [Gullo, Int J Food Micro 2008]), as compared to some other types of vinegar that can be as much as 7% or 8% acetic acid.

During the fermentation process, yeast, acetic acid bacteria, and pectin and cellulose from the apples form a stringy mass called "mother of vinegar" or "the mother." The mother contains small amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron, as well as phenolic acids such as gallic, chlorogenic and caffeic acid (Akyn, J Am Coll Nutr 2015). Some apple cider vinegars are filtered to remove "the mother" and other residue to create a clear liquid while unfiltered apple cider vinegar typically does contain "the mother," which is visible as a cloudy or dark mass within the liquid. Products containing "the mother" will typically note this on the label. In this Review, products which contain "the mother" are noted in the second column of the Results table below.)

Apple cider vinegar may also be pasteurized to kill bacteria and create a more clear, uniform appearance. Apple cider vinegar sold as "raw" has probably not been pasteurized, and is often unfiltered. Organic apple cider vinegar is available in pasteurized and unpasteurized varieties.

What It Does:

Some laboratory and animal studies have found acetic acid (as found in all types of vinegars) to inhibit an enzyme (disaccharidase) that breaks down certain types of sugar into simple sugars, thereby helping to shuttle more sugar into muscle tissue. This effect could potentially help to keep down increases in blood sugar levels after consuming carbohydrates (Ogawa, J Nutr 2000; Fushimi, J Nutr 2001) and such an effect has been shown in clinical studies with apple cider vinegar (as discussed below) -- it also has been shown with white vinegar (6% acetic acid) in a study that found an increasing effect as the dose increased from about 1 tablespoon to 2 tablespoons (Ostman, EJCN 2005). In addition, there is some evidence that apple cider vinegar may increase the amount of time food remains in the stomach, which could also slow or lower increases in blood sugar after eating, as well as increase the sense of fullness, or satiety, after eating (Hlebowicz, BMC Gastroenterol 2007; Liljeberg, Eur J Clin Nutr 1998).

Blood sugar control
Apple cider vinegar as a liquid, but not as a pill, may reduce the rise in blood sugar that occurs after eating, although the evidence is mixed as to whether it improves insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes.

Several small studies have shown that in healthy people without diabetes, consuming apple cider vinegar with a meal can reduce the rise in blood sugar levels after eating (Johnston, MedGenMed 2006). For example, one study among eleven healthy adults found that consuming about a half a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (added to 1 ½ ounces of water sweetened with 1 teaspoon of saccharine) during a high-glycemic meal (a bagel with butter and 7 ounces of orange juice) reduced the increase in blood sugar an hour after eating by 54% compared to when the same meal was consumed with the water and saccharine mixture but without apple cider vinegar (Johnston, J Am Diet Assoc 2005).

A study of 12 healthy adults who consumed approximately 1 ¾ tablespoons of liquid apple cider vinegar (about 5% acetic acid, providing 1,250 mg of acetic acid) with a small meal found that average blood sugar levels 30 minutes after the meal (a buttered bagel and juice) were 12% lower with the vinegar than when the vinegar was not taken or when vinegar tablets (vinegar type not specified) were taken with the meal. The lack of efficacy of the tablets (4 tablets taken whole or crushed and dissolved in water) may be attributable to the lower amount of acetic acid they provided (700 mg total), although it might be dangerous to use tablets with higher concentrations of acetic acid, as discussed below. A separate two-month trial by the same researchers among 23 healthy adults found that insulin resistance decreased by 12% among those who took 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar twice daily with meals (providing at total of 3,600 mg of acetic acid per day) while insulin resistance increased by 7% in those who took 2 vinegar tablets (providing a total of 45 mg of acetic acid) daily with meals. The researchers concluded that "... in healthy adults, commercial vinegar pills with acetic acid content ranging from 45 - 700 mg acetic acid per serving are not effective for improving glycemic control" (Johnston, FASB J 2018).

In a study among 11 adults with insulin resistance and 10 adults with type 2 diabetes, consuming about a half a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (added to 1 ½ ounces of water sweetened with 1 teaspoon of saccharine) before a meal (containing 87 mg of carbohydrates) reduced the increase in blood sugar levels among those who were insulin resistant by 64% and improved insulin sensitivity by 34%, compared to placebo. In those with type 2 diabetes, there was a slight improvement in insulin sensitivity, but no significant improvement in blood sugar levels, compared to placebo (Johnston, Diabetes Care 2004). A study among eleven men and women with type 2 diabetes who consumed a snack at bedtime (1 oz. of cheese) with either two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or two tablespoons of water found those who consumed the snack with apple cider vinegar had a greater average decrease (- 0.26 mmol/l) in fasting blood sugar in the morning compared to those who consumed the snack with water (-0.15 mmol/l) (White, Diabetes Care 2007). A larger study in Pakistan among 110 men and women with type 2 diabetes who were taking a common anti-diabetes drug (metformin + sitagliptin) and instructed on American Diabetes Association dietary guidelines found that those who consumed apple cider vinegar once daily for three months had statistically significant average decreases in fasting blood sugar (- 7.5%), HbA1C (- 7.2%), total cholesterol (- 6%) and triglyceride levels (- 6.2%), while those who consumed a placebo (water artificially flavored to taste like vinegar) did not. The daily dose taken was one tablespoon of organic apple cider (American Garden) containing 5% acetic acid added to approximately 7 oz. of water and consumed with dinner (Kausar, Int J Med Res Health Sci 2019). Another study, among men and women with type 2 diabetes in Iran, found that consuming a little more than ½ tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (added to a glass of water) before lunch and dinner for two months significantly reduced fasting blood sugar levels (average decrease 10 mg/dL, compared to an increase of 16 mg/dL in a control group that was not given apple cider vinegar). Both groups experienced improvements in insulin sensitivity over the period of the study but these improvements were not significantly greater in those given apple cider vinegar (Gheflati, Clin Nutr ESPEN 2019).

Weight loss
A study among 155 obese men and women in Japan suggests that drinking apple cider vinegar can modestly help with weight loss. In the study, the men and women drank an 8-ounce beverage containing either a low dose (½ tablespoon) or high dose (1 tablespoon) of apple cider vinegar, or a placebo beverage twice daily (after breakfast and dinner). After three months of daily use, those who drank the low-dose apple cider vinegar lost an average of 2.6 lbs., while those who drank the high-dose vinegar lost significantly more -- 4.2 lbs., and both of these groups' weight loss was significant compared to those who drank the placebo beverage (and did not lose any weight). Compared to placebo, those who drank either the low or high dose apple cider vinegar beverage also had modest decreases in visceral fat, waist circumference, and triglyceride levels, and those who drank the high-dose apple cider vinegar also had a slight decrease (about 4 mmHg) in systolic blood pressure. Interestingly, although fasting glucose, insulin sensitivity and HbA1C (average blood sugar levels over several months) were tested every four weeks throughout the study, there were no significant changes in any of these measures (Kondo, Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2009). Another study, among 39 overweight/obese men and women in Iran, found that consuming 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with lunch and dinner (a total of two tablespoons daily) for one month while on a calorie-restricted diet modestly decreased bodyweight and hip circumference compared to the same diet without apple cider vinegar. Among those who consumed apple cider vinegar, bodyweight and hip circumference decreased by an average of 8.8 lbs and 2.3 inches, respectively, while in those who consumed the same diet without apple cider vinegar, bodyweight and hip circumference decreased, respectively, by an of average of 5 lbs. and 1.3 inches. Those who consumed apple cider vinegar also reported a significant decrease in appetite compared to those who did not. Compared to diet alone, apple cider vinegar also significantly decreased triglyceride levels and increased "good" HDL cholesterol, but there were no significant changes in "bad" LDL or total cholesterol levels (Khezri, J Funct Foods 2018).

Digestion
Some products and websites promote the idea that drinking diluted apple cider vinegar before a meal can improve digestion or decrease gas or bloating after a meal; however there do not appear to be any studies demonstrating this effect. Consuming apple cider vinegar as an ingredient in a meal or taken with water after meal was not found to reduce heartburn among adults with self-reported heartburn and GERD-like symptoms. In that study 20 mL (about 1 ½ tablespoons) of apple cider vinegar (Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, unfiltered and with "the mother" — tested in this review) was added to a meal of chili or diluted with 40 mL (about 7 ounces) of water consumed 15 minutes after the meal (Yeh, Arizona State University 2015). The researchers noted that in individuals who felt that the vinegar reduced their heartburn, the effect lasted for only about one hour, and then the heartburn intensity increased again. Some individuals reported that apple cider vinegar worsened their heartburn. The researchers proposed apple cider vinegar may irritate already-existing damage to the lining in the esophagus (which can occur due to chronic acid reflux).

Balancing pH
Apple cider vinegar is sometimes promoted to help "balance pH," or acidity, in the body. However, as ConsumerLab.com explained in an answer to a question about another product promoted to reduce acidity and balance pH, blood levels of acidity are closely regulated in the body and tend remain within a normal, narrow range. Although various foods may temporarily change the pH of urine, there is no evidence that this affects blood pH, or that such changes would be beneficial (Bonjour, Br J Nutr 2013).

Ear Infection
One small, preliminary study found that in people with chronic ear infection (otitis media) ear irrigation with 2% acetic acid solution three times per week for up to three 3 weeks, without antibiotic therapy, seemed to resolve the condition for a little more than half of the participants. However, the study was not blinded or placebo-controlled, making it impossible to draw conclusions (Aminifarshidmehr, Am J Otol 1996). In another small study, diluted vinegar (10 ml vinegar -- not specified as apple cider vinegar but containing 2.25% acetic acid -- mixed with 30 mL water) used to irrigate the ear one to two times daily resolved ear discharge due to ear inflammation (granular myringitis) significantly faster than antibiotic ear drops. Ear canal irritation and pain and dizziness associated with the use of vinegar were reported (Jung, J Laryngol Otol 2002). The ear irrigation procedure involved immediately draining the ear after the vinegar was instilled with a syringe, and then drying the ear with a hair dryer for one minute. The authors of this study warned that any diluted vinegar which remains in the ear can irritate the ear canal and cause severe erosion. Acetic acid can also damage the delicate hair cells of the inner ear (sensory cells which play a role in hearing and balance) (Dohar, Pediatr Infect Dis J 2003).

Colds, Flu, Sore Throats, COVID-19
Due to its acetic acid content, apple cider vinegar has some anti-bacterial properties. (Acetic acid, for example, has been shown inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Drinking or gargling with apple cider vinegar is sometimes recommended as a home remedy for colds or flu, sore throats, or for thinning mucus due to colds or allergies. This has also been promoted on some websites as a way to "get rid" of the virus that causes COVID-19. However, there is no clinical evidence to support any of these uses.

Kidney Stones
Apple cider vinegar is sometimes promoted to reduce the risk of kidney stones due to its acetic acid content, and there is some preliminary evidence that consuming vinegar may alter urinary citrate and calcium excretion (which could help prevent urinary calcium oxalate crystal formation). However, there are no clinical studies to supporting such a benefit, and some researchers have noted that that it would be difficult to consume enough apple cider vinegar to make it a better option than other supplements and beverages (Joshi, Urology 2021). In addition, keep in mind that consuming too much vinegar can also have can have adverse effects, as noted in Concerns and Cautions.

TOPICAL USES

Warts
There are two reports of topical treatment with highly concentrated acetic acid (up to 99%) or acetic acid combined with other acids successfully removing warts -- one such regimen also involved use of local anesthesia, excision, and rapid neutralization at the site of application (to avoid chemical burn) (Johnston, MedGenMed 2006). There do not appear to be studies using regular, diluted apple cider vinegar to treat warts. Given the lack of evidence and the risk of chemical burn, as noted above, this use of apple cider vinegar is not recommended.

Eczema
Soaking the skin in apple cider vinegar has been proposed as natural treatment for atopic dermatitis (eczema) on the basis that eczema lesions tend to be more alkaline (have a higher pH) than healthy skin, which can disrupt natural skin flora and impair skin barrier function. However, a small, two-week study among 22 adolescents and young adults with mild, moderate or severe eczema found that soaking affected skin for 10 minutes daily with diluted apple cider vinegar (White House Apple Cider Vinegar [5% acetic acid] in a 10:1 water dilution resulting in 0.5% acetic acid) was not helpful. Although the apple cider vinegar soak caused a temporary and slight decrease in skin pH, there was no improvement in the skin barrier integrity (i.e., ability to prevent water loss, which is part of the pathology of eczema) compared to soaking with water. In addition, the majority (73%) of participants reported mild itching and burning after soaking with apple cider vinegar with one participant discontinuing treatment after experiencing skin erosion (Luu, Pediatr Dermatol 2019).

There do not appear to be any studies in people on the effects of apple cider vinegar on acne or nail fungus.

Apple cider vinegar pills
In addition to its common liquid form, apple cider vinegar is sold as a supplement as capsules or tablets. As discussed above, one study using vinegar tablets found they were not effective in lowering blood sugar after a meal compared to liquid apple cider vinegar, although the type of vinegar in the tablets was not specified. There does not appear to be any other published clinical studies on the effects of vinegar pills on blood sugar or weight loss in people.

Quality Concerns and Tests Performed:

Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set basic standards for commercially produced apple cider vinegar, no U.S. government agency is responsible for routinely testing apple cider vinegar. In addition, neither the FDA nor any other federal or state agency routinely tests apple cider vinegar pills for quality prior to sale.

However, an analysis of apple cider vinegar pills was initiated in the early 2000's at the University of Arkansas after a woman experienced severe pain and difficulty swallowing after an apple cider vinegar tablet became lodged in her throat for approximately 30 minutes. Although an endoscopy exam two weeks later appeared normal, the women reported continued pain and difficulty swallowing even six months after the incident.

The ensuing analysis of eight apple cider vinegar pills sold in the U.S. and online found the acetic acid content in the products was often incorrect and varied widely from 1.04% to 10.57%. For example, one product claimed to contain 4% acetic acid but only contained 2%, while two products claiming to contain 35% acetic acid contained just 3% and 2% acetic acid (Hill, J Am Diet Assoc 2005). The researchers pointed out that if a product actually had an acetic acid concentration of 20% or more, it would be considered a poison by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and must be designated with the word "poison" (CFR-2017-Title 16-Vol.2-Section 1500.129, pp. 593 and 594). [Note: Dietary supplements are actually exempt from this labeling requirement but are apparently still required to reveal facts that alert the user to a substantial risk of injury (CFR-2017-title16-vol2-sec1500-81). In addition, because the products were also found to lack some of the other acids normally found in apple cider vinegar, such as malic and lactic acid, the researchers questioned "whether any of the products tested indeed contained apple cider vinegar as an ingredient."

ConsumerLab's tests of apple cider vinegar products in 2018 revealed that the acetic acid in supplements ranged from 2 mg to 182.8 mg per pill despite each listing a similar amount of apple cider vinegar powder (500 mg to 625 mg per pill). This is particularly troubling as most pill products do not indicate their acetic acid content, making it nearly impossible for a consumer to know what he or she is getting. Furthermore, one product exceeded the 20% acetic acid limit noted above and did not have any disclosure on the label to warn consumers about the potential risk of injury from the high acid content. In response to our findings, the distributor of the product, indicated that it would add a warning and additional directions on how to use the supplement.

In order to help consumers identify products of better quality, ConsumerLab.com tested a sampling of apple cider vinegars and apple cider vinegar pill products sold in the U.S. For all products, the amount of acetic acid was determined and compared to label claims. In addition, a chemical "fingerprint" of each product was produced, in duplicate, by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and compared to that of either authenticated apple cider vinegar liquid or powder to determine product authenticity. All unfiltered products (including those containing the mother) and those containing whole herbs and/or more than 250 mg of minerals per daily serving were also tested for contamination with lead, cadmium and arsenic. Any supplements sold as a tablet were tested to see how long the tablets required to break apart in a heated liquid, with complete disintegration required within 30 minutes. See How Products Were Evaluated for more details.

What CL Found:

Among the products tested, bottled apple cider and two supplements could not be Approved for reasons explained below. All the other products were Approved, although there were differences among products in their acidity and, more notably, in the amounts of acetic acid provided in a serving of each, as shown in the graph below. Most striking was 30 to 50-fold difference in acetic acid per serving from the liquids as compared to the supplements (i.e., tablets, capsules, and gummies).

The cost to get 750 mg of acetic acid (the amount expected from a 1-tablespoon serving of apple cider vinegar with 5% acidity), ranged from as little as 6 cents (from Market Pantry Apple Cider Vinegar, a liquid) to $20.32 from Wellpath Pure Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, a gummy in which we found very little acetic acid. Interestingly, among the bottled liquids, we found that prices moderately increased over the two years since our last review in 2018 by a few cents per tablespoon for most of the bottled vinegars.

Among products that were Approved, CL identified its Top Picks, also described below. More details are found in the Results table further below.

Top Picks:

Apple Cider Vinegar — As Bottled Liquid
All but one of the bottled apple cider vinegar products passed testing and were Approved for quality, meaning that they contained components (as shown on chromatograms) indicating they were made from real apple cider, provided the expected level of acidity, and were not contaminated with heavy metals.

Only Vermont Village Turmeric & Honey Apple Cider Vinegar was Not Approved, as we could not authenticate it as true apple cider vinegar due to test interference from its other ingredients. It also had less than half the acidity of the other liquid vinegars, likely due to the addition of water, which was listed as an ingredient. Water was also added to 365 Organic, Lucy's, and Market Pantry but the reason was to dilute the acidity to 5% and not down to 2.2% as in Vermont Village. Diluting a product labeled as apple cider vinegar down to below 4% acidity appears to violate FDA guidelines. Vermont Village was also extremely expensive, with each 2 tablespoon serving costing $4.55, while a serving of the other liquids ranged from just 6 to 19 cents. That's a lot of extra money for a little honey and turmeric.

Top Picks: Despite somewhat different appearances (those with the mother appearing cloudy and those without it appearing clear), the apple cider vinegars all tasted mildly acidic (sour) when 1 tablespoon was diluted in an 8 oz cup of warm water. However, the acidity was less sharp with Bragg and Vitacost. Bragg also had slightly more of an apple cider flavor than others. Vermont Village also had a more subdued acidity and, due to its additional ingredients, a turmeric flavor; this flavor was stronger when taken straight as a "shot" (as suggested on its label) which also made it very sour and mildly sweet (honey is an ingredient).

The cost per tablespoon among the bottled vinegars ranged for most products from only 6 cents (Market Pantry [Target] Apple Cider Vinegar) to 19 cents for Lucy's Organic. Vermont Village was the outlier at $4.55 per 2 tablespoon serving.

If you are looking to save a money, our overall Top Pick is Market Pantry [Target] Apple Cider Vinegar (the only filtered and, therefore, clear vinegar) because it provides a similar amount of acetic acid as most others bottled vinegars but at lower cost (6 cents per tablespoon). If you prefer a vinegar that includes the mother, is organic, provides more apple cider flavor, and is a little less sour, our Top Pick is Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar With The "Mother" at 12 cents per tablespoon.

Apple Cider Vinegar — As Powder in Tablets, Capsules, and Gummies
Problems
Although all of the pills were determined to contain real apple cider vinegar (in powder form), they were discovered to vary in their acetic acid content from 14 mg (Spring Valley, 1 tablet serving) to to 62.1 mg (Nature's Craft, 2 capsule serving). This was, however, a closer range than we found in 2018 when the range was 2 mg to 182.8 mg and the product with the highest concentration of acetic acid posed a potential risk to the esophagus should it get stuck during passage to the stomach and leak its contents.

The only gummy supplements, Goli and Wellpath, were Not Approved because they each contained only about 80% of the acetic acid claimed. Both listed 500 mg apple cider vinegar (powder) with 5% acidity per serving and should, therefore, have provided 25 mg of acetic acid, but Goli provided only 20.2 mg and Wellpath provided only 19.5 mg. We also found that the Goli gummies were very wet and sticky, as was the inner side of the bottle. We suspect that a water-attracting ingredient in Goli, such as sodium citrate dihydrate, pulled water from the air that was in the bottle when it was packaged, causing this problem.

Top Pick: Among the six supplements that were Approved, NOW Apple Cider Vinegar capsules (10 cents per 2 capsule serving) is our Top Pick as it provides one of the highest doses of acetic acid (although well below a dangerous concentration) at a relatively low cost among supplements (although at much higher cost than from most bottle vinegars). Nature's Craft Apple Cider Vinegar Complex provides slightly more acetic acid per serving (and the highest dose of acetic acid among supplements), but at three times the cost. However, even if taken at the maximum suggested serving sizes of 2 capsules 3 times a day, both NOW and Nature's Craft only about one-quarter of the acetic acid in a tablespoon of any of the bottled vinegars and there are no clinical studies supporting the use of apple cider vinegar powder pills. It's really not worth buying any apple cider vinegar supplement.

Test Results by Product:

Listed below are results for 14 apple cider vinegar products grouped first by bottled vinegars and then supplements (tablets, capsules, or gummies). Products are shown alphabetically within each category. ConsumerLab.com selected 10 of these products. Four of the supplements (indicated with a CL flask) were tested at the request of their manufacturers or distributors through CL's voluntary Quality Certification Program, and are included for having passed testing.

Also shown below for each product is the claimed amount of liquid vinegar or vinegar powder per serving or unit, the serving size recommended on the label, the amount of acetic acid or acidity claimed and found, dietary designations if claimed on the label (i.e. Kosher, Non-GMO) and ingredient and cost comparisons. Products listed as "Approved" met their ingredient label claims and ConsumerLab.com's quality criteria (see Passing Score). The full list of ingredients for each product is listed in the final column.

Results of ConsumerLab.com Testing of APPLE CIDER VINEGAR PRODUCTS

(Click arrows or swipe left or right to see all columns)

Approval Status

Product Name
(Suggested Serving on Label)

Acidity (% or Amount of Acetic Acid) Foundⓘ

Apple Cider Vinegar Compound Profile

Heavy Metalsⓘ

Taste
(Dilutedⓘ)

Suggested Serving on Label

Pill Sizeⓘ

Cost for Suggested Serving

[Cost Per 750 mg Acetic Acid]

Price

Notable Features

Full List of Ingredients Per Serving

Apple Cider Vinegar (Liquids):

APPROVED

365 [Whole Foods] Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

Dist. by Whole Foods Market

1 tbsp [15 ml]

Claim: 5% acidity with "Mother"

Found: 5.3% acidity ✔
(816 mg acetic acid)

True ACVⓘ: ✔

Heavy Metals: Pass

Sour

No suggested usage

$0.09/tbsp

[$0.09]

$2.99/16 fl oz [473 ml] bottle (approx. 32 servings)

With "Mother"

Kosher. USDA Organic seal. Non GMO Project Verified seal. Unfiltered. Unpasteurized. Vegan. Fat Free. Sodium Free.

1 tbsp
Calories 0, Total Fat 0 g, Sodium 0 mg, Total Carbohydrate 0 g, Protein 0 g.

Ingredients: Organic Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar (Diluted With Water To 5% Acidity).

APPROVED

Top Pick

Best tasting

Bragg® Apple Cider Vinegar With The "Mother"

Dist. by Bragg Live Food Products, LLC

1 tbsp [15 ml]

Claim: 5% acidity with "Mother"

Found: 4.9% acidity ✔
(744 mg acetic acid)

True ACVⓘ: ✔

Heavy Metals: Pass

Sour, but less sharp than others and slightly more apple cider flavor

Taken three times daily: upon arising, mid-morning and mid-afternoon.

$0.12/tbsp

[$0.13]

$3.99/16 fl oz [473 ml] bottle (approx. 32 servings)

With "Mother"

Kosher. USDA Organic seal. Non GMO Project Verified seal. Unpasteurized.

1 tbsp
Calories 0, Total Fat 0 g, Sodium 0 mg, Total Carbohydrate 0 g, Protein 0 g.

Ingredients: Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.

APPROVED

Lucy's® Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

Dist. by Lucy's Enterprises Inc.

1 tbsp [15 ml]

Claim: 5% acidity with "Mother"

Found: 4.9% acidity ✔
(762 mg acetic acid)

True ACVⓘ: ✔

Heavy Metals: Pass

Sour with slight apple cider flavor

No suggested usage

$0.19/tbsp

[$0.19]

$11.99/32 fl oz [946 ml] bottle (approx. 63 servings)

With "Mother"

Kosher. USDA Organic seal. Non GMO Project Verified seal. Gluten Free. Raw & Unfiltered.

1 tbsp
Calories 0, Calories from Fat 0, Total Fat 0 g, Saturated Fat 0 g, Trans Fat 0 g, Sodium 0 mg, Potassium 11 mg, Total Carbohydrate 0 g, Protein 0 g.

Ingredients: Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, Purified Water. Diluted to 5% Acidity.

APPROVED

Top Pick

Lowest cost

Market Pantry [Target] Apple Cider Vinegar

Dist. by Target Corp.

1 tbsp [15 ml]

Claim: 5% acidity

Found: 5.1% acidity ✔
(775.5 mg acetic acid)

True ACVⓘ: ✔

Heavy Metals: NA

Slightly more sour than others

No suggested usage

$0.06/tbsp

[$0.06]

$2.00/16 fl oz [473 ml] bottle (approx. 32 servings)

Kosher.

1 tbsp
Calories 0, Total Fat 0 g, Sodium 0 mg, Total Carbohydrate 0 g, Protein 0 g.

Ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar, Diluted With Water To 5% Acidity.

NOT APPROVED

Acidity below FDA minimum.
Unable to authenticate ACV

Vermont Village Turmeric & Honey Apple Cider Vinegar Raw and Unfiltered with the Mother

Mfd. by Village Cannery Of Vermont

2 tbsp [30 ml]

Claim: Acidity not listed

Found: 2.2% acidity: Below FDA minimum of 4% acidity
(699 mg acetic acid)

True ACVⓘ: Undeterminedⓘ

Heavy Metals: Pass

Mildly sour with turmeric taste; as a "shot" it's very sour and slightly sweet

Two shots daily.

$4.24/2 tbsp

[$4.55]

$33.90/8 fl oz [236 ml] bottle (approx. 8 servings)

Non GMO Project Verified seal. USDA Organic seal. Gluten Free. Kosher.

2 tbsp
Calories 20, Total Fat 0 g, Sodium 0 g, Total Carbohydrate 6 g, Dietary Fiber 0 g, Total Sugars [Includes 5 g Added Sugars] 5 g, Protein 0 g, Percent of recommended daily intake: Vitamin A 0%, Vitamin C 0%, Calcium 0%, Iron 0%.

Ingredients: Raw, Organic & Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar (with the 'Mother'), Water, Organic Honey, Organic Turmeric.

APPROVED

Vitacost® Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

Dist. by Vitacost.com

1 tbsp [15 ml]

Claim: 5% acidity with "Mother"

Found: 4.6% acidity
(697.5 mg acetic acid)

True ACVⓘ: ✔

Heavy Metals: Pass

Sour, but less sharp than others

Take one tablespoon as needed or as directed by a healthcare professional.

$0.10/tbsp

[$0.11]

$3.21/16 fl oz [473 ml] bottle (approx. 32 servings)

With "Mother"

Halal. Kosher. Unpasteurized. USDA Organic seal. Free of: Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Crustacean Shellfish, Fish, Soy, Gluten, Titanium Dioxide. No Added Sugar, Artificial Flavors or Colors.

1 tbsp
Raw Certified Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (with mother) (full-strength 5% acidity) 15 ml.

Other Ingredients: None listed.

Apple Cider Vinegar (Powder) Supplements:

APPROVED

American Health® Apple Cider Vinegar Tablets

Mfd. by American Health, Inc.

2 tablets
providing 480 mg ACV (about 0.48 ml)

Claim: Acidity not listed

Found: 5.8% acidity of powder
(27.9 mg acetic acid per 2 tablets)

True ACVⓘ: ✔

Heavy Metals: NA

Tablets properly disintegrated

For adults, take 2 tablets one to three times daily, preferably with meals.

Medium circular tablet

$0.07

[$1.87]

$6.97/200 tablets

Vegetarian Formula. No Gluten, No Yeast, No Wheat, No Milk or Milk Derivatives, No Lactose, No Soy, No Egg, No Grapefruit, No Sugar, No Preservatives, No Artificial Color, No Artificial Flavor, No Sodium.

2 tablets
Apple Cider Vinegar 480 mg.

Other Ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Vegetable Cellulose, Vegetable Stearic Acid, Silica, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate.

NOT APPROVED

Lower acidity than claimed

Goli Nutrition Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies

Dist. by Goli Nutrition Inc.

1 gummy
providing 500 mg ACV (about 0.5 ml)

Claim: 5% acidity

Found: Only 4.0% acidity of ACV
(20.2 mg acetic acid)

True ACVⓘ: ✔

Heavy Metals: Pass

Slight chemical taste and gummies are very wet and sticky

1-2 gummies up to 3 times daily (up to 6 gummies a day).

Large gummy

$0.32

[$11.78]

$19.00/60 gummies

Certified Vegan Vegan.org seal. Kosher. Gluten-Free. Non-GMO. Organic. Unfiltered. Does Not Contain: yeast, wheat, milk, eggs, gluten, soy, gelatin, peanuts, shellfish, dairy, artificial sweetener, artificial colors, artificial flavors, agave, artificial preservatives and salicylates.

1 gummy
Calories 15, Total Carbohydrate 4 g, Total Sugars [Includes 1 g Added Sugars] 1 g, Folate (Folic Acid) 200 mcg DFE (120 mcg folic acid), Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) 1.2 mcg, Apple Cider Vinegar (5% Acetic Acid) 500 mg.

Other Ingredients: Organic Cane Sugar, more...

APPROVED

Nature's Bounty® Apple Cider Vinegar 480 mg

Mfd. by Nature's Bounty, Inc.

2 tablets
providing 480 mg ACV (about 0.48 ml)

Claim: Acidity not listed

Found: 5.6% acidity of ACV
(26.9 mg acetic acid per 2 tablets)

True ACVⓘ: ✔

Heavy Metals: NA

Tablets properly disintegrated

For adults, take 2 tablets one to three times daily, preferably with meals.

Medium circular tablet

$0.10

[$2.79]

$9.99/200 tablets

Non-GMO, No Artificial Color, No Artificial Sweetener, No Preservatives, No Sugar, No Milk, No Lactose, No Soy, No Gluten, No Wheat, No Yeast, No Fish.

2 tablets
Apple Cider Vinegar 480 mg.

Other Ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Vegetable Cellulose. Contains <2% of: Silica, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Vegetable Stearic Acid.

APPROVED

Nature's Craft Apple Cider Vinegar Complexⓘ

Dist. by Nature's Craft

2 capsules
providing 1,000 mg ACV powder (about 1 ml)

Claim: Acidity not listed

Found: 6.2% acidity of ACV
(62.1 mg acetic acid)

True ACVⓘ: ✔

Heavy Metals: ✔

2 capsules taken 1 to 3 times daily preferably with meals or as directed by a healthcare professional.

Large capsule

$0.33

[$4.02]

$9.99/60 capsules

2 capsules

Cayenne pepper powder 20 mg

Precaution: This product is manufactured and packaged in a facility which may also process milk, soy, wheat, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and crustacean shellfish.

2 capsules
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Powder 1,000 mg, Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum Annuum) Powder 20 mg.

Other Ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose (Capsule), Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate and Silicon Dioxide.

APPROVED

Top Pick

for supplements

NOW® Apple Cider Vinegar 450 mg

Mfd. by Now Foods

2 veg capsules
providing 900 mg ACV powder (about 0.9 ml)

Claim: Acidity not listed

Found: 5.8% acidity of ACV
(52.3 mg acetic acid per 2 capsules)

True ACVⓘ: ✔

Heavy Metals: NA

Take 1- 2 capsules up to 3 times daily with food.

Large veg capsule

$0.10

[$1.43]

$9.00/180 veg capsules

Non-GMO. Kosher. Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish or tree nuts.

2 veg capsules
Apple Cider Vinegar Powder 900 mg.

Other Ingredients: Maltodextrin, Hypromellose (cellulose capsule), Stearic Acid (vegetable source) and Silicon Dioxide.

APPROVED

Puritan's Pride® Apple Cider Vinegar 480 mg

Mfd. by Puritan's Pride, Inc.

2 tablets
providing 480 mg ACV (about 0.48 ml)

Claim: Acidity not listed

Found: 5.8% acidity of ACV
(27.8 mg acetic acid per 2 tablets)

True ACVⓘ: ✔

Heavy Metals: NA

Tablets properly disintegrated

For adults, take 2 tablets one to three times daily, preferably with meals.

Medium circular tablet

$0.26

[$7.01]

$25.98/200 tablets

No Artificial Color, Flavor or Sweetener, No Preservatives, No Sugar, No Milk, No Lactose, No Soy, No Gluten, No Wheat, No Yeast, No Fish, Sodium Free.

2 tablets
Apple Cider Vinegar 480 mg.

Other Ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Vegetable Cellulose. Contains <2% of: Silica, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Vegetable Stearic Acid.

APPROVED

Spring Valley™ [Walmart] Apple Cider Vinegar

Dist. by Walmart Inc.

1 capsule
providing 450 mg ACV (about 0.45 ml)

Claim: Acidity not listed

Found: 3.1% acidity of ACV
(14 mg acetic acid)

True ACVⓘ: ✔

Heavy Metals: NA

For adults, take 1 capsule one to three times daily, preferably with meals and plenty of water.

Large capsule

$0.06

[$2.95]

$5.50/100 capsules

No Yeast, Wheat, Milk or Milk Derivatives, Lactose, Sugar, Preservatives, Artificial Color or Artificial Flavor. Product of China and United States.

1 capsule
Apple Cider Vinegar 450 mg.

Other Ingredients: Gelatin Capsule, Rice Powder, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Silica.

NOT APPROVED

Lower acidity than claimed

Wellpath Pure Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies

Dist. by Wellness Creations, Inc.

2 gummies
providing 500 mg ACV (about 0.5 ml) with "Mother"

Claim: 5% acidity

Found: Only 3.9% acidity of ACV
(19.5 mg acetic acid)

True ACVⓘ: ✔

Heavy Metals: Pass

Pleasant apple cider flavor, slightly sweet

Take 2 gummies daily or as directed by your healthcare professional. Do not exceed more than 8 gummies within 24 hours.

Medium/large gumdrop shaped gummy

$0.53

[$20.29]

$15.85/60 gummies

2 gummies

Organic ginger root 2 mg

With "Mother"

USDA Organic seal. GMO Free.

2 gummies
Calories 20, Total Carbohydrates 5 g, Total Sugars [Includes 3 g Added Sugars] 3 g, Sodium 10 mg, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (Standardized to 5% Acetic Acid) 500 mg, Organic Ginger Root (Zinziber officinale Roscoe, rhizome) 2 mg.

Other Ingredients: Organic Tapioca Syrup, Organic Raw Cane Sugar, more...

Unless otherwise noted, information about the products listed above is based on the samples purchased by ConsumerLab.com (CL) for this Product Review. Manufacturers may change ingredients and label information at any time, so be sure to check labels carefully when evaluating the products you use or buy. If a product's ingredients differ from what is listed above, it may not necessarily be of the same quality as what was tested.

The information contained in this report is based on the compilation and review of information from product labeling and analytic testing. CL applies what it believes to be the most appropriate testing methods and standards. The information in this report does not reflect the opinion or recommendation of CL, its officers or employees. CL cannot assure the accuracy of information.

ConsumerTips:

Apple Cider Vinegar — As Bottled Liquid
All bottled apple cider vinegar labels should list the "% acidity" (the concentration of acetic acid) and should contain a minimum of 4% acidity (as required by the FDA) and up to 6%, although 5% is, by far, the most common concentration.

Unfiltered apple cider vinegar will most likely contain "the mother" — a dark or cloudy stringy mass made up of fermentation yeast and bacteria and apple cellulose which is visible in the liquid. "The mother" contains small amounts of minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron) as well as phenolic acids such as gallic, chlorogenic and caffeic acid and phenolic acids (gallic, chlorogenic and caffeic acid). The statement "with Mother" may appear on the label. It's unclear, however, if the mother is important to any therapeutic effect of apple cider vinegar.

Filtered apple cider vinegar does not typically contain "the mother" as large particles and residues from the fermentation process have been removed to create a clearer liquid.

Pasteurized apple cider vinegar has been treated with heat to kill bacteria, although this may not be noted on the label. Vinegar labeled as "raw" is most likely unpasteurized. Organic vinegar can be either pasteurized or unpasteurized.

Dose and how to take
In healthy individuals and those with insulin resistance, to lower increases in blood sugar that occur after a meal: ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar diluted with 1 ½ ounces of water with a meal.

For weight loss: ½ to 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in 8 ounces of water, taken after breakfast and dinner.

As the acetic acid can damage tooth enamel, do not let the liquid linger in your mouth and rinse your mouth after swallowing.

Safer grilling with vinegar
Vinegar, including apple cider vinegar, may help reduce the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), cancer causing compounds that are formed when certain foods are cooked at high temperatures or burned, such as the "charring" that occurs when grilling meat. A study in Brazil found that spraying pork loin with a small amount of vinegar (a little less than ½ teaspoon of vinegar per 40 grams of meat) immediately before grilling (for 10 minutes at about 392 °F) significantly reduced the formation of PAHs compared to grilling without vinegar. Use of elderberry vinegar resulted in the highest inhibition of PAHs (82%), followed by white wine vinegar (79%), red wine and apple cider vinegars (66%), and fruit vinegar with raspberry juice (55%) (Cordeiro, Meat Sci 2020).

Apple cider vinegar for cleaning or disinfecting?
Vinegar is a common ingredient in natural or homemade cleaning solutions. As noted above, there is some evidence that the acetic acid in vinegar can kill certain bacteria, and one study showed that a solution of hard water with 5% acetic acid was effective in killing the avian influenza virus on a non-porous surface (metal) when allowed to sit for 10 minutes, but was less effective on wood (Lombardi, Avian Dis 2008).

In a laboratory study using animal cells, a diluted vinegar solution (0.28% acetic acid) and separate solution that was 0.5% acetic acid were each shown to strongly inactivate SARS-CoV-2 (the coronavirus that causes COVID-19), respectively reducing viral load by 80% and 89% within 15 minutes at 98.6 F (37 C). The vinegar solution also caused a 90% inhibition of the viral load when applied directly to a nasopharyngeal swab sample in transfer medium from a COVID-19 patient at 113 F (45 C) for 15 minutes (Pagani, bioRxiv 2020). However, there does not appear to be research on the effectiveness of using vinegar to kill SARS-CoV-2 on household surfaces such as doorknobs or kitchen countertops and vinegar is not listed on the EPA's current list of products that meet the agency's criteria for disinfectants for the virus.

If you decide to try vinegar for cleaning, NSF International notes that the "set time" for vinegar (i.e., how long it must rest on a surface to work effectively) can be up to 30 minutes. It advises vinegar may damage certain surfaces and should not be used on use on natural stone, waxed wood, cast iron or aluminum. It also warns: "NEVER combine vinegar with bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Toxic vapors can result."

Storage
Bottled apple cider vinegar liquid does not need to be refrigerated. It should be stored in a cool dry place. Stored properly, apple cider vinegar has an expected shelf life of three to five years. If pasteurized, it can be safely store for even longer (Ohio State University 2009).

Apple Cider Vinegar — As Powder in Pills
Unfortunately, unlike apple cider vinegar liquids, most apple cider vinegar pills do not list their acetic acid content on the label. Even worse, our tests over the years have found the concentration of acetic acid may vary drastically from as little as 0.4% to over 30% acetic acid.

Avoid any product claiming to contain more than 20% acetic acid, as this would be considered a poison by the Consumer Safety Protection Agency and could be dangerous.

Dose
There are no clinical studies using apple cider vinegar pills and no established dosage. When taking an apple cider vinegar pill, be sure to take it with a good amount of water. As noted earlier, if a pill gets stuck in the esophagus, it may irritate the lining and cause pain.

Be aware that depending on the acetic acid content of a particular pill, a recommended daily serving as listed on the label may provide significantly less acetic acid than found in a tablespoon of a bottled apple cider vinegar.

Storage
Apple cider vinegar pills should be stored in a cool, dry place, and safely out of reach from children and pets.

Concerns and Cautions:

Consult with your physician before using apple cider vinegar if you have diabetes or take medications to lower blood sugar. As noted above, apple cider vinegar may increase the amount of time that food remains in the stomach; this may worsen gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying due to damage to the vagus nerve) and reduce glycemic control in people with type 1 diabetes (Hlebowicz, BMC Gastroenterol 2007).

There is some concern that consuming very large amounts of apple cider vinegar may increase the excretion of potassium from the body, causing low blood levels of potassium. A 28 year-old women was found to have low blood levels of potassium that was attributed to her daily consumption of 8 ounces (16 tablespoons) of apple cider vinegar for six years (Lhotta, Nephron 1998).

Regularly consuming large amounts of apple cider vinegar may also cause erosion of tooth enamel (Gambon, Ned Tijdschr Tandheelkd 2012).

As noted earlier, avoid any product claiming to contain more than 20% acetic acid, as this would be considered a poison by the Consumer Safety Protection Agency and could be dangerous. This is of particular concern with pills, as they can contain highly concentrated acetic acid. There is a report of a women who experienced severe pain and difficulty swallowing after an apple cider vinegar tablet became lodged in her throat for approximately 30 minutes, and she experienced continued pain and difficulty swallowing even six months after the incident (Hill, J Am Diet Assoc 2005).

Applying apple cider vinegar to the skin or to wounds such as bruises or abrasions is not recommended as it may cause chemical burns to the skin. Additionally, apple cider vinegar should not be used around the eyes, as it can cause irritation and redness, and potentially, corneal injury (National Capitol Poison Center).

Although not a safety concern, be aware that unpasteurized and/or unfiltered apple cider vinegar can contain "vinegar eels," nematodes (Turbatrix aceti) that naturally occur in fermented vinegar and feed on acetic acid bacteria. Vinegar eels are not considered to be harmful, however, the FDA does not permit the presence of these organisms in finished commercial vinegar products sold in the U.S.

Information on this site is provided for informational purposes only. It is not an endorsement of any product nor is it meant to substitute for the advice provided by physicians or other healthcare professionals. The information contained herein should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Consumers should inform their healthcare providers of the dietary supplements they take.

Latest Clinical Research Updates for Apple Cider Vinegar

Vinegar Makes Grilling Safer

2/11/2020

Grilling food can create cancer-causing compounds, but a study shows that vinegar can help. Find out how in the What to Consider When Using section of the Apple Cider Vinegar Review. Also see our Top Picks for apple cider vinegar.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Type 2 Diabetes?

9/10/2019

Studies have shown that taking apple cider vinegar with or before a meal can reduce the subsequent rise in blood sugar. But does apple cider vinegar improve insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes? Find out what a recent study showed in the Blood Sugar Control section of the Apple Cider Vinegar Review. Also see our Top Picks for apple cider vinegar.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Eczema?

7/23/2019

A study recently tested whether soaking skin in diluted apple cider vinegar would improve skin integrity in people with eczema (atopic dermatitis). See the results in the What It Does section of Apple Cider Vinegar Review. Also see our Top Picks among the products we've tested.

Apple Cider Vinegar & Diabetes

3/30/2019

Can apple cider vinegar help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes? See what a recent study found in the What It Does section of the Apple Cider Vinegar Review. Also see our Top Picks for apple cider vinegar.

Is Taking Vinegar Helpful?

1/08/2019

Two studies compared the effectiveness of vinegar pills to liquid vinegar in controlling blood sugar after a meal. See the results in the "Blood sugar control" section of the Apple Cider Vinegar Review. (Also see our Top Picks for apple cider vinegar.)