Vinegar is a dilute solution of acetic acid produced by fermentation of ethanol, used as a condiment, preservative, and cooking ingredient. It provides negligible calories, fat, protein, or carbohydrate, and no meaningful micronutrients (though apple cider vinegar contains trace amounts of potassium). Some research suggests acetic acid may modestly blunt post-meal blood glucose rises, but evidence in humans is limited. It is safe to use freely as a flavouring.
Add a splash of vinegar (particularly red wine or balsamic) at the end of cooking stews, sauces, and braised dishes to lift and brighten the flavour — it balances richness and enhances other flavours without adding calories. Apple cider vinegar diluted in water is used as a traditional digestive tonic.
Where Vinegar Stands Out
Macronutrients per 100g
Vitamins & Minerals
| Nutrient | Per 100g | % Daily Value* | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chloride | 47.0 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 34.0 mg | 2% | |
| Phosphorus | 10.0 mg | 1% | |
| Magnesium | 4.00 mg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 3.00 mg | 0% | |
| Selenium | 1.00 µg | 2% | |
| Zinc | 0.100 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.100 mg | 1% | |
| Manganese | 0.010 mg | 1% | |
| Copper | 0.010 mg | 1% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.000 µg | 0% | |
| Vitamin A (RAE) | 0.000 µg | 0% | |
| Folate | 0.000 µg | 0% | |
| Pantothenic Acid (B5) | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Vitamin E (alpha-TE) | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Vitamin C | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.000 µg | 0% | |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Niacin (B3) | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.000 mg | 0% | |
| Trans fat | 0.000 g | — | |
| Monounsaturated fat | 0.000 g | — | |
| Polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) | 0.000 g | — | |
| Glucose (dextrose) | 0.300 g | — | |
| Fructose | 0.300 g | — | |
| Sucrose | 0.000 g | — | |
| Cholesterol | 0.000 mg | — | |
| Beta-carotene | 0.000 µg | — | |
| Retinol (vitamin A) | 0.000 µg | 0% | |
| Biotin (Vitamin B7) | 0.000 µg | 0% |
Phytochemicals
Bioactive plant compounds — not classified as essential nutrients but associated with a range of health benefits.