Should You Take Apple Cider Vinegar in the Morning or at Night?

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

According to anecdotal reports, a growing number of people are incorporating apple cider vinegar (ACV) into their daily routines for its potential health benefits, but many wonder if they should take apple cider vinegar in the morning or at night. The optimal time to consume ACV largely depends on your specific wellness objectives and how your body responds to it.

Quick Summary

This guide explores the specific benefits and considerations of taking apple cider vinegar in the morning versus at night, detailing how each timing affects health goals like digestion, blood sugar control, and weight management. It offers practical advice to help you decide the best routine based on your body's needs and lifestyle.

Key Points

Timing Depends on Goals: The best time to take ACV depends on your specific health goals, such as weight management (morning) or blood sugar control (night).
Morning Benefits: Taking ACV in the morning can boost metabolism, curb appetite, and aid digestion for a fresh start to the day.
Night Benefits: Taking ACV before bed may help regulate overnight blood sugar levels and ease post-dinner bloating or indigestion.
Always Dilute: To protect tooth enamel and prevent irritation, always dilute ACV in water and consider using a straw.
Start Slowly: Begin with a small dose, like one teaspoon, to test your tolerance before increasing the amount.
Avoid Acid Reflux: If taking at night, consume ACV at least 30 minutes before lying down to avoid triggering acid reflux.
Consult a Doctor: Individuals with health conditions like diabetes or severe acid reflux should consult a healthcare provider before starting ACV.

Morning vs. Night: Choosing the Right Time for ACV

The decision of when to take apple cider vinegar isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, as the time of day can influence the specific benefits you receive. Both morning and evening consumption have their own unique advantages, catering to different wellness objectives. Understanding these differences can help you tailor your ACV intake for maximum effectiveness.

Benefits of taking ACV in the morning

Many people prefer to start their day with a diluted dose of ACV for a fresh start and a metabolic boost.

Kickstarts Digestion: Taking ACV on an empty stomach in the morning can help stimulate your digestive system, prepping your body to break down food more efficiently throughout the day.
Curbs Appetite: ACV has been shown to increase feelings of fullness, which can help reduce morning cravings and overall calorie intake throughout the day.
Metabolism Boost: The acetic acid in ACV may help support fat metabolism and more efficient energy use, providing a natural energy boost without caffeine.
Detoxifying Properties: Consuming ACV in the morning can support your body's natural detoxification processes and promote a sense of overall wellness.

Benefits of taking ACV at night

For those with specific health concerns that manifest later in the day, taking ACV before bed might be the better option.

Regulates Overnight Blood Sugar: Several studies, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes, suggest that taking ACV before bed can help moderate morning blood sugar levels. This can prevent sugar crashes and support more stable energy.
Eases Digestion and Bloating: If you experience indigestion or bloating after dinner, a diluted ACV drink can help ease discomfort and maintain stomach acidity overnight, leading to a more comfortable sleep.
Reduces Late-Night Snacking: The appetite-suppressing effects of ACV can help curb late-night food cravings, potentially reducing overall calorie consumption.
Improves Sleep Quality: By helping to regulate blood sugar and aid digestion, ACV can indirectly contribute to more restful and uninterrupted sleep for some individuals.

Comparison: Morning vs. Night ACV Intake


Feature	Morning ACV Intake	Night ACV Intake
Primary Goal	Metabolism, energy, appetite control	Blood sugar control, digestion, sleep
Main Benefit	Kickstarts metabolism, curbs morning cravings	Stabilizes overnight blood sugar, eases evening bloating
Effect on Appetite	Reduces appetite throughout the day, promotes fullness	Curbs late-night snacking and cravings
Effect on Digestion	Wakes up and stimulates the digestive system early	Aids in digestion and reduces bloating after heavy evening meals
Blood Sugar Impact	Can help reduce post-breakfast glucose spikes	Helps moderate fasting blood sugar levels overnight
Best for	Weight management, consistent energy levels	Diabetics (with doctor's approval), indigestion sufferers
Potential Downside	May cause nausea on an empty stomach for some	Risk of acid reflux if taken right before lying down

How to take ACV safely

No matter when you choose to take it, proper preparation is essential to avoid potential side effects like tooth enamel erosion and throat irritation.

Always dilute: Never drink ACV straight. Mix 1-2 tablespoons with at least 8 ounces of water.

Use a straw: To further protect your tooth enamel, drink the diluted mixture with a straw.

Rinse after: After drinking, rinse your mouth with plain water. Wait about 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.

Start slow: Begin with a smaller dosage (e.g., 1 teaspoon) to gauge your body's reaction before increasing to a full tablespoon.

Conclusion: Which is right for you?

The optimal time to consume apple cider vinegar is ultimately determined by your personal health objectives. For those focused on weight management, boosting metabolism, and controlling cravings during the day, a morning dose is ideal. If your primary concerns are regulating overnight blood sugar, easing evening indigestion, or improving sleep quality, a dose before dinner or bedtime (at least 30 minutes prior to lying down) may be more effective. It is also important to note that a healthy lifestyle is the most critical factor for wellness, and ACV should be viewed as a supplement to healthy habits, not a magic cure. Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions like diabetes or acid reflux.

When to consult a professional

While ACV is generally safe for most people when diluted and used in moderation, it is not without risks, especially if you have certain health conditions.

Diabetics: Individuals with diabetes should speak to a doctor before using ACV, as it can affect blood sugar levels.
Gastric issues: If you suffer from severe acid reflux, GERD, or an irritated esophagus, ACV may worsen your symptoms.
Medication interactions: ACV can interact with certain medications, including diuretics, laxatives, and insulin, so consultation is critical.

Ultimately, consistency is more important than timing for seeing results. Choose a time that best aligns with your goals and is easiest to maintain consistently within your daily routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many people take diluted apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach in the morning to maximize its metabolic and detoxifying benefits. However, starting with a small dose is advised, as it can cause nausea for some individuals.

Yes, it is possible to take diluted ACV both in the morning and at night. This approach can combine the benefits of boosting morning metabolism and regulating nighttime blood sugar. Start with a single dose to see how your body reacts before attempting a twice-daily routine.

While ACV is acidic and can worsen symptoms for people with severe acid reflux or GERD, some people with low stomach acidity find it can help balance pH levels and improve mild reflux. It is not recommended to take it right before lying down.

Results vary, but some people notice reduced appetite or bloating within a week. For benefits like weight loss and blood sugar control, it may take 4-12 weeks of consistent, proper use to see a noticeable difference.

A common and safe recommendation is to mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with at least 8 ounces of water. Dilution is crucial to protect your tooth enamel and esophagus from irritation.

Yes, you can improve the taste by adding a teaspoon of honey, a dash of cinnamon, or a splash of lemon juice to your diluted ACV drink. Some people also enjoy it mixed with sparkling water for a refreshing alternative.

While capsules offer a more convenient way to consume ACV, liquid ACV is more traditional and has been the focus of more studies. It is important to check the acetic acid content and quality of capsules, as they can sometimes contain added sugars or be less effective.