Apple Cider Vinegar vs White Vinegar: What's the Difference?

Apple cider vinegar is extremely popular these days, but is it really better than the good old white vinegar? What are the differences and how to substitute them?

To safe you some time, the table below provides a quick overview of the main differences between apple cider vinegar and white vinegar.

Characteristic	Apple Cider Vinegar	White Vinegar
Flavour	Fruity, relatively mild	Sharp, acidic
Color	Amber	Clear
Culinary Uses	Salad dressings, marinades, sauces	Pickling, preserving, leavening agents
Other Uses	Weight loss recipes	Cleaning
Health Benefits	Potential digestion aid, antioxidants, additional health benefits	Potential digestion aid, disinfectant properties
Cleaning Applications	Good all-purpose cleaner	Very effective for cleaning

Table of contents

• What is apple cider vinegar?

• What is white vinegar?

Comparing apple cider and white vinegar

• Differences between apple cider vinegar and white vinegar

• Taste and flavour

• Colour

• Acidity

• Culinary uses

• Other uses

• Which is healthier: apple cider vinegar or white vinegar?

Substituting apple cider and white vinegar

• Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?

• What can I use if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

Cleaning with vinegar

• Which vinegar is best for cleaning?

• What kind of vinegar kills mould?

• Can I leave vinegar on mould overnight?

• Can I use apple cider vinegar to clean?

• Can I use apple cider vinegar to clean mould?

What is apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple juice. It is a versatile ingredient for cooking, which many believe helps with weight loss. It has many potential health benefits, but the scientific evidence for them is not very strong. 

Many people even claim it helps them against acid reflux. Which is surprising, since ACV itself contains lots of acid.

Types of apple cider vinegar:

1. Raw apple cider vinegar

2. Filtered apple cider vinegar

The main difference between these two, is that raw ACV contains a sediment called the “mother”, whereas the filtered apple vinegar does not. Many believe that this sediment brings some health benefits, but there is not enough evidence for that.

What is white vinegar?

White vinegar is the most common kind of vinegar, available at almost any food store. It is made by fermenting alcohol. The sources of the alcohol can vary from grains, to fruits, to other ingredients. 

The vinegar is clear and colourless, it has a sharp acidic flavour. There are a few different types of white vinegar, depending on the raw ingredients used for making it.

Types of white vinegar:

1. Distilled white vinegar

2. White wine vinegar

3. Champagne vinegar

4. Spirit vinegar

5. Rice vinegar

6. Cleaning vinegar (not for consumption!)

Differences between apple cider vinegar and white vinegar

The main differences between apple cider vinegar and white vinegar include, their distinct flavours, culinary uses, other uses, and what they are made from.

Taste and Flavour

Both apple cider and white vinegar contain a high percentage of acetic acid. This gives them both a distinct strong acidic taste and smell. But whereas apple vinegar smells fruitier and is milder in taste, white vinegar is much sharper and more acidic.

Colour

Apple cider vinegar has an amber-like colour, kind of like diluted apple juice. White vinegar on the other hand, is usually transparent and colourless. 

Acidity

White vinegar is usually more acidic than apple vinegar. This makes it very useful for pickling, preserving, and even cleaning. There is even a special type of white vinegar, cleaning vinegar, which is specifically made for cleaning (but not safe to eat!).

Culinary uses

Because of its milder and fruitier taste, apple cider vinegar is often the preferred vinegar for cooking. Since some of the flavour can be lost while heating, ACV is more popular in foods that are not heated, such as salads and sauces.

White vinegar with its more neutral flavour and acidic taste is the often preferred choice for all kinds of pickling and preserving. In combination with baked soda, it is also used as a leavening agent in various baked goods.

Other uses

Besides cooking and baking, both types of vinegar can also be used for cleaning. Descaling water kettles, cleaning mould, removing odours - vinegar can help with all of that. It is relatively cheap and environmentally friendly.

White vinegar is often more effective for cleaning than apple vinegar.

Which is healthier: apple cider vinegar or white vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is generally considered healthier than white vinegar. It often is less processed, and made from higher quality raw materials.

White vinegar does have a similar acetic acid percentage and in theory it should have many of the health benefits of ACV. The problem is that it is less researched and there is not much proof for that.

Can I use apple cider viengar instead of white vinegar?

You can substitute apple cider vinegar 1:1 for white vinegar in most dishes, salads, marinades, and sauces.

When it comes to cleaning, you can't do that. ACV is not as effective for cleaning, as white vinegar.

What can I use if I don't have apple cider vinegar?

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar in the house, don’t panic. There are plenty of other options.

Here are my favourite ACV substitutes:

1. Lemon juice

2. Lime juice

3. Raspberry vinegar

4. Pomegranate vinegar

5. Champagne vinegar

6. Rice wine vinegar (not sushi vinegar!)

7. White wine vinegar

8. Red wine vinegar

Which vinegar is best for cleaning?

Cleaning vinegar and white vinegar are the best types of vinegar for cleaning. Cleaning vinegar has the highest concentration of acetic acid, and is specifically made for cleaning and not for consumption. Regular white vinegar is almost as effective for cleaning.

What kind of vinegar kills mould?

Cleaning vinegar, is the best type of vinegar for removing mould. Otherwise, white vinegar is a very good alternative and is almost as good.

Can I leave vinegar on mould overnight?

Yes, you can leave vinegar on mould overnight. The acid in the vinegar should help kill the mould and make the area easier to clean. However, take into account that vinegar can damage some surfaces. Also make sure the area is well-ventilated.

Can I use apple cider vinegar to clean?

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid and has anti-bacterial effects, making it a good choice for cleaning. However, white vinegar often gives better results and is cheaper.

Can I use apple cider vinegar to clean mould?

Apple cider vinegar is not very effective for mould removal. Even though it can help, using white distilled vinegar should be much more effective.