Different Types of Vinegar and Their Surprising Benefits

different types of vinegar with benefits

I always knew that vinegar played a significant role in house cleaning, but I didn’t know which type to use for cleaning. In fact, I thought vinegar was only used for pickling and cooking!

But now, I know! You might also feel confused when choosing the right vinegar for different purposes.

Here is an easy guide to help you pick the correct type based on your needs.

There is a wide world of vinegar. Not all types are commonly used, but each has unique flavors and purposes.

Today, we’ll explore 21 different types of vinegar, their common uses, benefits, and an interesting fact about each one.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Interesting Fact

Apple cider vinegar is thought to help remove calcium buildup from hard water, leaving hair shinier when used after shampooing.

Common Uses

Salad Dressings
Health Tonic
Cooking

Benefits

Aids Digestion
Lower Cholesterol
Helps with Weight Loss
Lowers Blood Sugar

Composition

Apple cider Contains acetic acid (5-6%), water, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals.

2. White Vinegar

Interesting Fact
White vinegar is a popular household cleaner due to its strong ability to break down dirt and grime.

Common Uses

Pickling
Cleaning
Cooking

Benefits of White Vinegar

Neutralizes Odors
Cleans Surfaces
Supports Balanced pH

Composition

Typically made from grain alcohol with around 5% acetic acid

3. Balsamic Vinegar

Interesting Fact
Authentic balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy, can age for over 12 years!

Common Uses

Drizzling over Salads
Glazing Meats
Desserts

Benefits of Balsamic Vinegar

Rich in Antioxidants
Supports Digestion
Improves Heart Health

Composition

It’s made using grape must and left to age in wooden barrels.

4. Red Wine Vinegar

Interesting Fact

Red wine vinegar gets better with age, with older batches having a deeper flavor.

Common Uses

Vinaigrettes
Marinades
Sauces

Benefits of Red Wine Vinegar

Lowers Blood Sugar
Rich in Antioxidants
Improves Circulation

Composition

Made from fermented red wine with 6-7% acetic acid.

5. White Wine Vinegar

Interesting Fact

White wine vinegar is often used in light, delicate dishes like poached eggs or fish.

Common Uses

Sauces
Vinaigrettes
Deglazing

Benefits of White Wine Vinegar

Lowers Cholesterol
Aids Digestion
Light Flavor Enhancer

Composition

Made from fermented white wine with a mild acidity level.

6. Rice Vinegar

Interesting Fact

Rice vinegar is milder than most kinds of vinegar, making it a staple in Asian cuisine.

Common Uses

Sushi
Stir-Fries
Marinades

Benefits of Rice Vinegar

Mild Flavor
Enhances Nutrient Absorption
Improves Digestion

Composition

Made from fermented rice and typically contains 4-5% acetic acid.

7. Malt Vinegar

Interesting Fact

Malt vinegar is a British favorite, often served with fish and chips.

Common Uses

Fish and Chips
Pickling
Condiment

Benefits of Malt Vinegar

Enhances Flavor
Aids Digestion
Rich in Nutrients

Composition

Made from malted barley, with a strong and tangy flavor.

8. Coconut Vinegar

Interesting Fact

Coconut vinegar is rich in probiotics and vitamins, making it popular in Southeast Asia.

Common Uses

Salad Dressings
Cooking
Marinades

Benefits of Coconut Vinegar

Boosts Immune System
Aids in Digestion
Rich in Potassium

Composition

Made from the sap of coconut blossoms, with a mild, tangy flavor.

9. Sherry Vinegar

Interesting Fact

Sherry vinegar must be aged for at least six months, with older varieties having deeper flavors.

Common Uses

Spanish Cuisine
Vinaigrettes
Marinades

Benefits of Sherry Vinegar

Rich in Antioxidants
Enhances Digestion
Improves Heart Health

Composition

Made from sherry wine, aged for a rich complexity.

10. Champagne Vinegar

Interesting Fact

Champagne vinegar has a light, delicate taste, perfect for fine dining.

Common Uses

Seafood
Light Sauces
Vinaigrettes

Benefits of Champagne Vinegar

Mild, Balanced Flavor
Lowers Blood Sugar
Rich in Antioxidants

Composition

Made from fermented champagne, with a light acidity.

11. Herb Vinegar

Interesting Fact

Herb vinegars are flavored with fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or tarragon.

Common Uses

Salad Dressings
Marinades
Cooking

Benefits of Herb Vinegar

Adds Flavor Depth
Antimicrobial Properties
Low-Calorie Seasoning

Composition

A base of white or wine vinegar infused with herbs.

12. Cane Vinegar

Interesting Fact

Cane vinegar is made from fermented sugar cane juice, giving it a mild sweetness.

Common Uses

Filipino Cuisine
Marinades
Condiments

Benefits of Cane Vinegar

Supports Digestion
Mild Sweetness
Rich in Antioxidants

Composition

Made from sugar cane juice with a low acidity level.

13. Beer Vinegar

Interesting Fact

Beer vinegar is popular in Germany and Belgium, with a malty flavor that complements hearty dishes.

Common Uses

Cooking
Sauces
Dressings

Benefits of Beer Vinegar

Enhances Flavors
Adds Maltiness
Rich in Nutrients

Composition

Made from fermented beer, with a lower acidity level than wine vinegars.

14. Fruit Vinegar

Interesting Fact

Fruit vinegar can be made from various fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or pears, offering unique flavors.

Common Uses

Salad Dressings
Desserts
Drinks

Benefits of Fruit Vinegar

Rich in Vitamins
Enhances Flavors
Low in Calories

Composition

Made from fruit juice, fermented with sugar and acetic acid bacteria.

15. Date Vinegar

Interesting Fact

Date vinegar is popular in Middle Eastern cuisine, often used in stews and marinades.

Common Uses

Stews
Marinades
Condiments

Benefits of Date Vinegar

Adds Sweetness
Rich in Nutrients
Lowers Blood Sugar

Composition

Made from fermented date juice, with a sweet and tangy taste.

16. Pomace Vinegar

Interesting Fact

Pomace vinegar is made from the leftover skins, seeds, and stems of grapes after wine production.

Common Uses

Cooking
Dressings
Marinades

Benefits of Pomace Vinegar

Reduces Waste
Mild Acidity
Enhances Flavors

Composition

Made from grape pomace, the by-product of wine production.

17. Honey Vinegar

Interesting Fact

Honey vinegar has been used in ancient medicine for its healing properties.

Common Uses

Salad Dressings
Marinades
Drinks

Benefits of Honey Vinegar

Rich in Antioxidants
Boosts Immunity
Mild Sweetness

Composition

Made from fermented honey and water, with a sweet and tangy flavor.

18. Palm Vinegar

Interesting Fact

Palm vinegar is widely used in Southeast Asia, especially in Filipino cuisine.

Common Uses

Cooking
Sauces
Dipping Sauces

Benefits of Palm Vinegar

Enhances Flavors
Improves Digestion
Rich in Nutrients

Composition

Made from the fermented sap of palm trees, with a mild, tangy taste.

19. Honeycrisp Apple Vinegar

Interesting Fact

Honeycrisp apple vinegar is made from the juice of Honeycrisp apples, known for their sweet flavor.

Common Uses

Salad Dressings
Cooking
Health Tonic

Benefits of Honeycrisp Apple Vinegar

Enhances Sweetness
Aids Digestion
Rich in Nutrients

Composition

Made from Honeycrisp apple juice, fermented with sugar and bacteria

20. Black Vinegar

Interesting Fact

Black vinegar is an essential ingredient in Chinese cuisine, known for its deep, complex flavor.

Common Uses

Stir-Fries
Dipping Sauces
Soups

Benefits of Black Vinegar

Rich in Nutrients
Adds Depth to Dishes
Improves Digestion

Composition

Made from glutinous rice and aged for a deep, rich flavor.

21. Tarragon Vinegar

Interesting Fact

Tarragon vinegar is a favorite in French cuisine, especially for making Béarnaise sauce.

Common Uses

Dressings
Marinades
Sauces

Benefits of Tarragon Vinegar

Adds Herbal Notes
Boosts Flavor
Low-Calorie Seasoning

Composition

White wine vinegar infused with fresh tarragon.

What type of vinegar kills bed bugs?

In my experience, white vinegar is a surprisingly effective bed bug killer. The acidity is potent enough to damage their nervous system and eliminate them quickly. However, I’ve found that it’s not as effective against bed bug eggs. To tackle the issue, consider combining it with other pest control methods.

What type of vinegar is used for cleaning?

Hands down, white vinegar is my go-to cleaning solution. With its 5% acidity, it makes quick work of dirt, grime, and grease on surfaces. Plus, it neutralizes odors and serves as a natural disinfectant.

What type of vinegar to use for laundry?

For softer, fresher laundry, I swear by white vinegar. Adding half a cup to your rinse cycle works wonders. It softens clothes, removes odors, and breaks down detergent residue.

What type of vinegar kills ants?

Ants driving you crazy? White vinegar’s the answer. Its strong scent disrupts their pheromone trails, while its acidity kills ants on contact. Spray directly on ants or areas they frequent.

What type of vinegar is used for pickling?

Pickling pros know that both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar are top-notch choices. White vinegar adds a clear, sharp flavor, while apple cider vinegar brings a slightly sweeter taste.

What type of vinegar kills weeds?

To kick weeds to the curb, opt for white vinegar with a 10-20% acetic acid concentration. This potent solution dehydrates and kills weeds on contact.

What type of vinegar kills mold?

Mold got you down? White vinegar is the solution. Its 5% acidity breaks down mold spores on nonporous surfaces. Spray, let it sit, and scrub away.