10 Best Apple Cider Vinegars | UK Nutritionist Reviewed
This tangy superfood can be consumed, or applied topically, so it’s always good to know you’re putting the best quality apple cider vinegar onto your skin and into your body. Here we talk about the best uses of apple cider vinegar “with the mother,” and guide you through the top 10 products available from Amazon, eBay, Waitrose and other stores, including tablet-vitamins, gummies and blended drinks. Let’s get started!
Quick List - Top Apple Cider Vinegars
Tree of Life
Raw, Unfiltered and the Best Value for Everyday Use
Biona
Long-Lasting Goodness and Versatility from a Long-Standing Family Brand
New Leaf
Sweet, Vitamin-Enriched ACV Gummies With the Mother
Raw Vibrant Living
A Sumptuous Spiced Blend That Will Really Give You a Boost
Emily is a registered integrative, naturopathic nutritionist trained in the principles of functional medicine, biomedicine and human sciences, and she has a Master’s Degree in nutrition. She has extensive clinical experience in both private practice and the public health and wellbeing sector. Her work embraces the interplay between nutrition, bio-individuality and mindset, educating and empowering clients to make lasting changes wherever they are on their health journey.
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With Specialist Consultation From Nutritionist Emily Hyland
Emily is a registered integrative, naturopathic nutritionist and has a Master’s Degree in nutrition. Her work embraces the interplay between nutrition, bio-individuality and mindset, educating and empowering clients to make lasting changes wherever they are on their health journey. You can check out her work from her Instagram account and website.
How to Choose an Apple Cider Vinegar in the UK
- Go For Unprocessed - the Key Ingredients are Retained in Raw Apple Cider Vinegars
- For Peace of Mind About Pesticides, Choose ACVs Made With Organic Apples
- To Decide on it's Relevance to You, Inform Yourself About 'The Mother' in ACVs
- There are Other Types of ACV - Consider Gummies, Capsules or Juice Blends
Go For Raw Apple Cider Vinegars - They Are Not Processed or Filtered and Preserve the Most Important Ingredients
Some apple cider vinegars have been filtered multiple times to give them a smooth, fine consistency, but it is in fact the cloudy, completely raw products that will have the biggest health benefits. Apple cider vinegar naturally contains folic acid and several B vitamins, but any heating or processing will reduce the liquid’s natural concentration of nutrients. Stick with vinegars derived from raw pressed apple juice to give your health the most effective boost.
For more vitamin-boosting goodness, take a look at our selection of seaweed snacks.
Apple cider vinegar contains B vitamins, a small amount of potassium and polyphenols, which contain compounds that help fight damaging free radicals in the body. The B vitamins found in apple cider vinegar are B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin) and B6 (pyridoxine).
You might have heard of the B vitamins being referred to as the ‘energy-giving nutrients', although whilst they don’t directly provide us with energy, they do help to unlock the energy in our food, allowing us to utilise the nutrients effectively. So these essential B vitamins help the body break down and release energy from the food we eat.
Choose Vinegars Made From Organic Apples to Avoid Ingesting Pesticides Orally or Applying Them to Skin
The perceived downsides of ingesting GMOs range from allergic reactions to organ damage. When picking an apple cider vinegar, opt for one made from organically farmed fruit - cultivated without chemicals, pesticides or genetic engineering for the healthiest option.
Our pick of diet-enhancing and skin-nourishing coconut oils may be of interest to you too.
Evidence does suggest that consuming organic produce may reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. You might have heard of the ‘dirty dozen’, a list of the twelve fruit and vegetables containing the highest level of pesticides, and the apple is right up there on the list, so opting for organic apple cider vinegar, whenever possible, is best.
Also, as shown in numerous studies, organic produce may supply higher nutrients such as vitamin C, iron, magnesium and phosphorus. A 2007 study from Newcastle University found that organic produce had up to 40% higher nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc and iron.
Select Vinegars With 'The Mother' if You're Buying for Health Reasons, or Without for Affordability
If You Want Unpasteurised and Unfiltered ACV, Buy Those Labelled With 'The Mother' for the Best Health Benefits
If Purchasing in a Hurry, Grab Cloudy Rather Than Clear!
Shop for Regular ACV if You Just Want a Tasty Kitchen Staple
If you are looking to add more 'good bacteria' to your diet, have a look at our suggestions for kombucha starter kits.
A fascinating development in apple cider vinegar’s health benefits is with regards to blood sugar levels, a key component to health. We can very often find ourselves on a blood sugar rollercoaster. While rollercoasters might be fun, the blood sugar rollercoaster can drain our energy, mess with our moods, and result in intense sugar cravings.
Research has found that acetic acid, a compound in apple cider vinegar, has shown a lot of promise in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood sugar levels, potentially helping us to get off that exhausting rollercoaster ride.
Consider Other Types of ACV Such as Gummies, Capsules or Juice Blends for Easier Daily Consumption
Apple cider vinegar can also be consumed in a vinegar blend where the goodness of the apples is mixed with another fruit juice. Or like many newer-converts you could try capsules or gummies; a promising option if you don’t fancy sipping this slightly sour substance every morning and definitely a great option if you are hoping to get your children to drink it, or if you just don’t love the taste.
Whilst apple cider vinegar capsules can be useful for those who struggle with the acidic taste of the vinegar, please bear in mind that the studies looking into the health-supportive properties of apple cider vinegar have been undertaken on the liquid form.
If you want to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your diet but struggle with the taste, try mixing it into a salad dressing, adding it to a smoothie, or making it into a tea.
10 Best Apple Cider Vinegars in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tree of Life Organic Apple Cider Vinegar With The Mother｜3 x 1 litre | | Raw, Unfiltered and the Best Value for Everyday Use | |
2 | Biona Raw Pressed Cider Vinegar With The Mother｜5 litres | | Long-Lasting Goodness and Versatility from a Long-Standing Family Brand | |
3 | New Leaf Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies｜30 gummies (enough for 1 month) | | Sweet, Vitamin-Enriched ACV Gummies With the Mother | |
4 | Raw Vibrant Living Organic ACV Infusion Turmeric & Ginger｜4 x 500ml | | A Sumptuous Spiced Blend That Will Really Give You a Boost | |
5 | Nutrativa Apple Cider Vinegar 1000mg Capsules｜180 Capsules (enough for 3 months) | | Easily Add ACV to Your Diet Without the Sour Bite | |
6 | Willy's Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar｜1 litre | | Vegetarian and Vegan-Approved and Sourced From British Orchards | |
7 | Aspall Raw Organic Apple Cyder Vinegar｜6 x 500 ml | | A Trusted Bargain Cupboard Staple From Aspall | |
8 | Eat Wholesome Food Co. Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar With The Mother｜1 litre | | Raw ACV Combining Italian Apples and UK Craftsmanship | |
9 | Superfood UK Organic Apple Cider Vinegar With The Mother｜1 litre | | No Fuss, Just Pure, Great Value Apple Cider Goodness |
Tree of LifeOrganic Apple Cider Vinegar With The Mother ｜ 3 x 1 litre
Raw, Unfiltered and the Best Value for Everyday Use
The product has a full-bodied flavour, and 'the mother' is fully intact so you can enjoy the health-giving bacteria and enzymes. Bursting with taste and produced entirely GMO-free, this knocks other popular ACVs off the top spot thanks to countless positive customer reviews and excellent value for money.
BionaRaw Pressed Cider Vinegar With The Mother ｜ 5 litres
Long-Lasting Goodness and Versatility from a Long-Standing Family Brand
The light scent is a little less pungent than other cider vinegars so works brilliantly as a subtle addition to salads and snacks and would also fit into any beauty regime without being over-powering. The extra-large quantity means it should last you ages and it won’t break the bank.
New LeafApple Cider Vinegar Gummies ｜ 30 gummies (enough for 1 month)
Sweet, Vitamin-Enriched ACV Gummies With the Mother
Each New Leaf gummy contains the equivalent of 2 teaspoons of pure ACV (raw and unfiltered with 'the mother' intact). This winning formula is made from apples (obviously!) and fortified with Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) and Vitamin B12, as well as pomegranate and beetroot for sweetness - these gummies are packed with goodness!
The palatable sweet gummy taste and convenient take and go one-a-day dosage make these popular with reviewers. They are suitable for vegans. However, being in this gummy-format, they are less versatile than liquid ACV in terms of cosmetic and beauty options.
Raw Vibrant Living Organic ACV Infusion Turmeric & Ginger ｜ 4 x 500ml
A Sumptuous Spiced Blend That Will Really Give You a Boost
Naturally packed full of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, this product has a strong flavour and works well as a salad dressing, marinade, condiment, or revitalising health tonic. Nutrients and a mood-enhancing burst of taste in one product. It isn't suitable for skin application however, due to its fiery additions!
NutrativaApple Cider Vinegar 1000mg Capsules ｜ 180 Capsules (enough for 3 months)
Easily Add ACV to Your Diet Without the Sour Bite
Made from all natural ingredients, these capsules are free from wheat, gluten and dairy as well as being 100% veggie and vegan friendly too. The apples used are non-GMO crops and are pressed into a high-strength formula of which you’ll get 3 months’ supply in one purchase. The ACV in these is not raw and so does not contain 'the mother' goodness, but this is reflected in the very reasonable price.
Vegetarian and Vegan-Approved and Sourced From British Orchards
Steeped in 300 years of history, Willy's really know how to produce the best apples, free from pesticide and artificial fertilisers, right in the heart of Herefordshire. Versatile and light, this product is raw-pressed and unfiltered, as it is produced without having been pasteurised or heated.
The 'mother' culture you should be looking for when you’re picking out a quality apple cider vinegar is clearly visible in the bottle, so you know you’re getting the best of the enzymes and nutrients - which your body will thank you for. This ACV is packaged in a glass bottle so is ideal for those looking to reduce their single-use-plastic consumption.
Aspall Raw Organic Apple Cyder Vinegar ｜ 6 x 500 ml
A Trusted Bargain Cupboard Staple From Aspall
Carefully matured and fermented over a long period for the fullest apple flavour and with an intact 'Mother' culture, this bargain product won’t soften split ends but it will add a zesty zing to run-of-the-mill dinners. Available in a pack or sold individually to suit everyone's needs. It is packaged in a glass bottle, so will appeal to those avoiding 'throw-away' plastics.
Eat Wholesome Food Co.Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar With The Mother ｜ 1 litre
Raw ACV Combining Italian Apples and UK Craftsmanship
Cold-pressed, totally raw and free from the potentially destructive pasteurisation process, Eat Wholesome’s bottle is wonderfully priced per litre – and comes in a glass bottle which is ideal if you’re plastic-conscious.
Superfood UK Organic Apple Cider Vinegar With The Mother ｜ 1 litre
No Fuss, Just Pure, Great Value Apple Cider Goodness
Naturally gluten-free, this product is often described in customer reviews as having a light pleasant flavour and being great value compared to fancier brands. One potential downside is the plastic bottle (raising questionable recycling and leaching issues) which some reviewers weren't aware of before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Apple Cider Vinegar Should You Drink a Day?
Having 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar a day is enough to reap the benefits without having any undesired side effects. Always start with a small amount and work your way up. Should you choose to consume the vinegar directly, ensure that you dilute it in a glass of water.
What Are the Benefits of Consuming Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar can have some wonderful benefits, from aiding in weight loss to improving digestion. It can also help to lower blood pressure as well as boost skin and hair health. Just ensure to check with your doctor if you are taking existing medication as it can interfere with certain types.
When Is it Best to Drink Apple Cider Vinegar?
You can see great benefits from drinking apple cider vinegar at different points in the day. When drunk in the morning it can improve feelings of fatigue, aid in weight loss and keep hunger at bay. Consuming ACV 30 minutes before bed can also help reduce acid reflux and control blood sugar levels.
Written and researched by Annie Hopkins
Top 5 Apple Cider Vinegars
No. 1: Tree of Life｜Organic Apple Cider Vinegar With The Mother｜3 x 1 litre
No. 2: Biona｜Raw Pressed Cider Vinegar With The Mother｜5 litres
No. 3: New Leaf｜Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies｜30 gummies (enough for 1 month)
No. 4: Raw Vibrant Living ｜Organic ACV Infusion Turmeric & Ginger｜4 x 500ml
No. 5: Nutrativa｜Apple Cider Vinegar 1000mg Capsules｜180 Capsules (enough for 3 months)
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.