Our recent study focused on evaluating various branded apple cider vinegars to determine the best product in terms of quality and taste. We conducted an expert taste test to assess the organoleptic properties of each product, including acidity, flavor, aroma, and texture. Our results provide valuable insights into the sensory attributes of different apple cider vinegars, enabling consumers to make informed purchasing decisions. Read on to discover the detailed findings of our study.
What is apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar that is made by fermenting apple juice. The juice is first turned into cider and then a vinegar mother (a gelatinous blob of beneficial bacteria) is added. This bacteria feeds on the alcohol and sugars present in the cider, resulting in the production of acetic acid. When apple cider vinegar is sold ‘with the mother’, it means that it is unfiltered and contains more enzymes and friendly bacteria that are good for your gut health.
How we tested
We tasted each vinegar on its own, looking for a pronounced apple flavour, smoothness, balance of sugar and acid, and its ‘length’ – how long the flavour stays on your tongue.
The results of the best apple cider vinegar taste test
Winner: Willy’s organic apple cider vinegar, £6.95 (500ml), Sainsbury’s
Score: 9/10
This has a kombucha-like, fermented smell on the nose, with a real roundness. A big punch of apple cider flavour, excellent balance of sweet and sour, and the best length of the bunch. A stand-out winner.
Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother 12x1lt
£44.83
Score: 9/10
Very vinegary with little pronounced apple or cider flavour. Not a huge amount of sweetness, either.
Osu apple cider vinegar, £7 (500ml), Waitrose
Score: 8/10
We juggled with whether to include this or not, as it’s apple cider vinegar mixed with juice. But its flavour swayed us: sweet, sour and syrupy like balsamic vinegar but with a deep apple flavour. Great with oil for dipping bread into.
Bragg organic apple cider vinegar, £6.99 (473ml), Holland & Barrett
Score: 7/10
A good vinegar. Strong cider aromas on the nose, with a deep, long flavour. A big initial hit of vinegar that then mellows, with a touch of sweetness.
Wedderspoon Apple Cider Vinegar & Manuka Honey 750ml
Score: 6/10
This has an aroma and initial flavour of Breton cider – oaky, with farmyard and fermented notes. Sadly, that fades to a very vinegary flavour – almost malt vinegar in its profile.
Mr Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with Cinnamon & Turmeric
Score: 6/10
This has little apple flavour – if we didn’t know otherwise, we wouldn’t have known it was made from the fruit. But it is a smooth, balanced vinegar.
