The 5 Best Apple Cider Vinegars of 2024

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 tangy salad dressing and have been known to create a homemade 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 is a fermented beverage made of apples, yeast and healthy bacteria. And while it’s been touted as a promising cure-all for all sorts of ailments—including weight loss and lowering blood sugar—does it really work? We spoke with Bonnie Newlin, M.P.A., M.S., RD, CLT and founder of Crave Nourishment, who walked us through some of the health benefits. She points out that there is a meta-analysis of clinical trials that highlight several health benefits associated with apple cider vinegar consumption. Among these, “apple cider vinegar positively impacts lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol levels, contributing to better heart health.”

Apple cider vinegar may also help with your overall 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.

PHOTO: Amazon

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.

PHOTO: 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.

PHOTO: Amazon

What we like: This ACV is packaged in a BPA-free plastic container and features freshly pressed USA-sourced organic apples.

What to know: It features a spout for easy pouring, but it’s difficult to remove the plastic seal.

For unfiltered and raw ACV, Kevala Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is an excellent choice. This ACV has a 5% acidity and is unpasteurized, raw, unfiltered with “the mother” and certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF).

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.

PHOTO: Amazon

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 and even 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.

Wedderspoon Apple Cider Vinegar with Manuka Honey

PHOTO: Amazon

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.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to apple cider vinegar, you can’t beat Bragg 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.

Choosing an Apple Cider Vinegar

“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:

Raw apple cider vinegar is unfiltered and unpasteurized, retaining the mother, which contains the beneficial bacteria and enzymes that may boost its antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.
Filtered apple cider vinegar has been processed to remove the mother and appears as a clear liquid. While this type has a longer shelf life, it lacks some of the bioactive components found in raw, unfiltered varieties.

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 or possible listeria exposure.

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.

The acidity level of apple cider vinegar ranges by brand, but most household ACVs have an acidity of 5%. However, when ingesting ACV, it’s important to always dilute it with some water, as high levels of acidity can lead to tooth erosion. Swishing or drinking with a straw can lessen the effects of acid on the teeth. Acidic drinks may also cause stomach or gastric distress, so it’s always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before consuming apple cider vinegar.

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.

Furthermore, apple cider dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA and many are not independently evaluated. Plus, acidity levels may not be disclosed. If you prefer the supplement path, it’s a good idea to check the labels for dosage, ingredients and acidity levels and look for brands that are independently verified.

For the biggest benefit, Newlin recommends selecting an unfiltered liquid apple cider vinegar with the mother, since pills and gummies may offer more 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.

We Also Considered

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.

Common Questions

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 cider can 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 excellent DIY hair mask.

That being said, Newlin advises that clinical evidence is limited regarding the benefits of apple cider vinegar for hair and skin remedies.

Our Trusted Expertise

Marisa Olsen has 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 interviewed Bonnie Newlin, M.P.A., M.S., RD, CLT and founder of Crave Nourishment for her expertise on the health benefits of apple cider vinegar.

This article was edited by Katie Tuttle, an editor at EatingWell who specializes in testing kitchen tools, meal kits and wellness products. It was reviewed by senior EatingWell editor Brierley Horton, M.S., RD, who has 15 years of experience reporting, writing and editing nutrition and health content.

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