Should I Drink Apple Cider Vinegar in the Morning or at Night? The Optimal Timing Breakdown

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Scientific research has found that consuming apple cider vinegar (ACV) can offer potential health benefits, yet determining the best time to drink apple cider vinegar in the morning or at night remains a common point of confusion for many. The ideal schedule often depends on what you hope to achieve with your daily ACV regimen.

Quick Summary

The best time to drink apple cider vinegar depends on individual health goals, such as metabolism support in the morning or blood sugar control at night. While evidence suggests timing may impact specific benefits, consistent and diluted consumption is most important to gain advantages and avoid side effects.

Key Points

Timing Depends on Goals: For metabolism and digestion, morning ACV may be best; for blood sugar regulation and curbing evening cravings, night is often preferred.
No Universal 'Best Time': Scientific evidence does not overwhelmingly favor morning over night, but individual goals dictate the most strategic timing.
Always Dilute: Never drink concentrated ACV. Mix ACV with water to protect your teeth and esophagus.
Mindful Night Consumption: If drinking ACV at night, wait 2–3 hours before lying down to reduce the risk of acid reflux and indigestion.
Watch for Side Effects: Excessive ACV can cause tooth enamel erosion, nausea, and interact with some medications, so start with small amounts.
Consistency is Key: For any potential benefits, regular and safe consumption is more important than the exact time of day you take it.

For centuries, apple cider vinegar has been prized as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, and its recent surge in popularity has led many to incorporate it into their daily routines. However, a persistent question remains: what is the best time of day to consume it? The answer is not one-size-fits-all, as the optimal timing largely depends on your personal wellness objectives. For some, a morning shot provides the perfect kickstart, while for others, an evening dose better supports their goals.

Morning Consumption: Kickstarting Your Day

Drinking apple cider vinegar first thing in the morning, typically on an empty stomach, is a popular practice for those looking to boost their metabolism and aid digestion. The theory behind this timing is that consuming ACV before you eat can prepare your digestive system for the day ahead.

Potential Morning Benefits:

Digestive Kickstart: The acetic acid in ACV may help stimulate stomach acid production, which can aid in the efficient breakdown of food and absorption of nutrients throughout the day. Some people report reduced bloating and improved digestion.
Appetite Suppression: Some evidence suggests that ACV can increase feelings of fullness, potentially reducing overall calorie intake. Drinking it in the morning could help curb cravings that might lead to overeating later in the day.
Metabolic Support: While not a miracle fat-burner, ACV may support a healthy metabolism. Animal studies have shown a link between ACV and reduced fat accumulation, though human research is limited. Starting the day with ACV may help set a metabolic tone, especially when combined with exercise and a healthy diet.

Evening Consumption: Supporting Rest and Recovery

Taking apple cider vinegar at night, a few hours before bedtime, is a strategy favored by those with specific health concerns, particularly regarding blood sugar control and nighttime eating.

Potential Evening Benefits:

Overnight Blood Sugar Regulation: One of the most-researched benefits of ACV is its ability to help manage blood sugar levels. An older but frequently cited study found that consuming ACV before bed helped lower waking glucose concentrations in adults with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes. This can help prevent the blood sugar spikes and drops that may disrupt sleep.
Curbs Nighttime Cravings: For individuals prone to late-night snacking, ACV's potential appetite-suppressing effects may prove useful in the evening. Drinking a diluted dose can help you feel more satisfied, reducing the urge to consume unnecessary calories before bed.
Gut Health Support: Some research indicates that ACV's consumption, particularly after meals, can increase levels of beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the gut, which are important for digestive health.

Morning vs. Night: At a Glance


Feature	Morning Consumption	Nighttime Consumption
Primary Goal	Boosts metabolism, aids digestion for the day, curbs cravings.	Regulates overnight blood sugar, curbs late-night snacking.
Best For	Those seeking daily detox, better digestion, and appetite control.	Individuals managing blood sugar or late-night eating habits.
Benefit Focus	Kickstarting metabolism, promoting satiety from the start.	Stabilizing glucose levels during sleep, preventing late-night hunger.
Potential Downside	May cause nausea on an empty stomach for some people.	Can cause indigestion or acid reflux if taken too close to bedtime.
Actionable Tip	Wait 20-30 minutes before eating breakfast.	Drink 2-3 hours before lying down to prevent reflux.

How to Safely Drink Apple Cider Vinegar

Regardless of when you choose to drink apple cider vinegar, adhering to safety guidelines is essential to prevent adverse effects. The acidic nature of ACV can be harmful if consumed incorrectly.

Safe Consumption Practices:

Always Dilute: Mix ACV with water. Never drink it straight, as it can damage tooth enamel and irritate the throat and esophagus.
Protect Your Teeth: Drinking ACV through a straw can help minimize contact with tooth enamel. Always rinse your mouth thoroughly with water afterward.
Listen to Your Body: Start with a small amount and see how your body reacts before increasing the dose.
Alternative Consumption: If you dislike the taste or experience digestive issues, consider adding ACV to salad dressings or marinades. This is a gentler way to incorporate it into your diet.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While generally safe in moderation, excessive or improper consumption of ACV can lead to complications:

Tooth Enamel Erosion: Regular exposure to ACV's high acidity can weaken tooth enamel, leading to increased sensitivity and decay.
Digestive Issues: Some individuals may experience nausea, heartburn, or an upset stomach, particularly when consuming ACV on an empty stomach.
Medication Interactions: ACV may affect blood sugar and potassium levels, so it can interfere with certain medications, including diuretics, insulin, and heart medication. Always consult a healthcare provider if you take any of these.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Time for You

Ultimately, there is no single 'best' time to drink apple cider vinegar, and the scientific community notes that timing likely plays a lesser role than consistent, safe consumption. Choosing between morning and night depends entirely on your specific health goals—metabolic support and digestion in the morning, or blood sugar and craving management at night. For those seeking blood sugar stabilization, particularly for Type 2 diabetes, some evidence slightly favors nighttime consumption, a few hours before bed. However, the most critical factors are proper dilution to protect your teeth and throat, and consistency in your routine. Always start with a small dose and consult a doctor, especially if you have underlying health conditions. Your individual response should be your ultimate guide.

Explore more about ACV research from the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Drinking diluted apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach in the morning may help kickstart digestion and boost metabolism for some people. However, it can also cause nausea or discomfort, so it's best to start with a small amount and listen to your body.

While some studies suggest ACV may moderately aid weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness, there is no conclusive evidence that drinking it specifically at night accelerates fat loss. It may, however, help curb late-night snacking.

To minimize the risk of acid reflux, you should drink your diluted apple cider vinegar at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down for sleep.

Yes, it is generally safe to consume diluted ACV twice a day, but most experts recommend sticking to a total daily intake within recommended guidelines. Always start with a single dose to assess your body's reaction and never exceed the recommended daily amount.

The safest way is to dilute it in a full glass of water. To further protect your tooth enamel, consider drinking it through a straw and rinsing your mouth with plain water immediately after.

ACV itself is not a sleep aid. However, for those with Type 2 diabetes, its potential to regulate overnight blood sugar levels may help prevent sleep disruptions caused by blood glucose fluctuations.

Gummies may offer similar benefits, but they can be less reliable due to varying ingredient concentrations. Some may also contain added sugars that could counteract the benefits, especially regarding blood sugar control. Diluted liquid ACV is a more straightforward option.