Which is the best brand of apple cider vinegar?

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

Over 80% of consumers reported they use dietary supplements in 2024, with apple cider vinegar (ACV) being a popular choice for its purported health benefits. But with so many options available, a common question arises: Which is the best brand of apple cider vinegar for you? The answer depends on your goals, whether you prioritize the potent, unfiltered liquid or the convenience of gummies.

Quick Summary

An in-depth review comparing top apple cider vinegar brands like Bragg, Dynamic Health, and Goli. This guide explores factors like the presence of the "mother," organic certification, flavor profiles, and ideal use cases to help consumers select the right product for their needs.

Key Points

Identify Your Goal: The best brand depends on your intended use, whether for health benefits, cooking, or convenience.
Look for the 'Mother': For maximum health benefits, choose raw, unfiltered ACV with the cloudy, sediment-like 'mother,' such as Bragg or Fairchild's.
Beware of Gummies: While convenient and tasty, gummies like Goli may contain less acetic acid than liquid ACV and some have added sugar.
Choose Filtered for Cooking: Use filtered, pasteurized ACV like Heinz for culinary purposes where a clean taste and appearance are preferred.
Consider Higher Acidity: Brands like Fairchild's offer a higher acetic acid content (6.3%) for those who want a bolder, more potent flavor.
Prioritize Consistency: Ultimately, the most effective ACV is the one you will use consistently. Choose a form—liquid, capsule, or gummy—that fits your routine.
Dilute Liquid ACV: Always dilute liquid ACV in water before consumption to protect your teeth and esophagus from its high acidity.

Understanding Your Apple Cider Vinegar Needs

Not all apple cider vinegar is created equal. Before diving into specific brands, it's essential to understand what makes a high-quality ACV. For maximum health benefits, the general consensus is to choose a raw, unfiltered product that contains "the mother". The mother is a cobweb-like substance composed of beneficial bacteria, proteins, and enzymes formed during the fermentation process. It is this living culture that is believed to provide most of ACV's therapeutic properties, including supporting gut health and aiding metabolism. Filtered or pasteurized versions have had the mother removed, making them better for cooking and marinades where a clear appearance is desired, but less suitable for wellness tonics.

For those who can't stand the strong taste, capsules and gummies offer a more palatable alternative. However, it's crucial to examine the acetic acid content, as some gummy brands contain significantly less acetic acid than a tablespoon of liquid ACV. Always check the label to ensure you're getting an effective dose.

Comparing Top Apple Cider Vinegar Brands

Here is a comparison of some of the most popular apple cider vinegar brands on the market, each with its own strengths and ideal uses.


Brand	Key Features	Best For	Flavor Profile
Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar	Certified organic, raw, unfiltered, with the mother. Considered the industry standard and "original ACV".	Daily wellness tonics, metabolic support, and gut health.	Strong, sharp, and intensely sour. Requires dilution.
Dynamic Health Organic Apple Cider Vinegar	Raw, unfiltered, with the mother. Often features added ingredients like honey, garlic, or ginger for enhanced flavor and benefits.	Those who want a slightly milder taste than Bragg or prefer pre-mixed tonics.	Milder than Bragg, with variations depending on added ingredients.
Fairchild's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar	Organic, with the mother. Known for its higher acidity (6.3%) compared to the standard 5%.	Users who prefer a bolder, more tart flavor and want maximum potency.	Bold, memorable, and extra tart due to higher acetic acid content.
Goli Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies	Vegan, gluten-free gummies with added B vitamins. Offers a delicious, taste-free way to consume ACV.	Individuals who dislike the taste of liquid ACV or need a convenient, on-the-go option.	Sweet and fruity, masking the strong vinegar taste.
Heinz All Natural Apple Cider Vinegar	Filtered and pasteurized, without the mother. A classic, widely available pantry staple.	Cooking, marinades, salad dressings, and baking, where flavor is the priority over live cultures.	Clean, well-balanced, and less intense than unfiltered versions.

The Importance of the "Mother"

The mother is a natural byproduct of the fermentation process and is considered the most beneficial part of raw ACV. It's rich in proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria, similar to kombucha or kefir, which are often cited for their probiotic qualities. These compounds are believed to be essential for potential health benefits such as digestive support, immune function, and weight management. When purchasing for health reasons, a cloudy sediment at the bottom of the bottle is not a sign of a spoiled product but rather a positive indicator that the mother is present. Gentle shaking before use distributes these beneficial components throughout the liquid.

Considerations for Different Uses

The best brand for you is highly dependent on your specific purpose. Here’s a breakdown:

For daily wellness shots: If you can handle the taste, opt for a potent, unfiltered, and raw liquid like Bragg or Fairchild's to get the maximum amount of beneficial compounds.
For culinary applications: A clear, filtered ACV like Heinz is often preferred for cooking, baking, and salad dressings where a less intense flavor and clearer liquid are desired.
For convenience: If you struggle with the taste, ACV gummies from brands like Goli are an excellent alternative. However, be mindful that the concentration of acetic acid may be lower than in liquid form.
For enhanced wellness tonics: Brands like Dynamic Health often come with added ingredients, making it easier to create a flavorful and beneficial drink.
For budget-conscious options: Some store brands offer raw, unfiltered ACV with the mother, but it’s crucial to check labels carefully to ensure quality.

ACV Supplements: Capsules vs. Gummies

For those who avoid the liquid's potent flavor, supplements are a common solution. Capsules, like those from Bragg, often provide a concentrated dose of acetic acid comparable to a tablespoon of liquid ACV. They are taste-free and mess-free, making them convenient for travel. Gummies, while delicious, can be less potent and sometimes contain added sugars. A comparison from Bragg noted that their capsules offer significantly more acetic acid per serving than many gummy options. The decision between capsules and gummies depends on your preference for taste and convenience versus potency.

How to Choose the Best ACV for You

Define your goal: Are you using it for health benefits, cooking, or convenience?
Check for "the mother": If seeking health benefits, ensure the label says "raw," "unfiltered," and "with the mother." The product should look cloudy.
Consider taste: If the strong flavor is a deal-breaker, explore capsules or gummies, but compare the acetic acid content.
Read reviews: Look for user experiences on flavor and consistency, especially for newer brands.
Look for certification: An organic certification ensures the apples were grown without pesticides.

In conclusion, while Bragg is often cited as the gold standard for its raw, unfiltered quality and presence of the mother, the best brand of apple cider vinegar is ultimately the one that best suits your personal needs and preferences. Whether you opt for a potent liquid, a convenient gummy, or a cooking-specific vinegar, understanding the product's properties is the key to making an informed choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bragg is widely considered the "gold standard" for apple cider vinegar due to its long-standing reputation, certified organic status, and consistent quality as a raw, unfiltered product containing the mother. However, the "best" brand ultimately depends on individual taste preference and intended use.

The 'mother' is a complex, cobweb-like formation of proteins, enzymes, and beneficial bacteria that develops during the ACV fermentation process. It is highly valued for its probiotic qualities and is believed to contain most of ACV's health benefits, particularly for gut health.

ACV gummies, like those from Goli, are a convenient and palatable alternative to liquid ACV. However, they may contain significantly less acetic acid per serving than a tablespoon of liquid ACV. It is important to check the label for potency and added sugar.

For health benefits, it is recommended to dilute 1–2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered ACV in 8 ounces of water. Some people add lemon, honey, or cinnamon to improve the taste. It's often taken before meals.

Filtered ACV has the 'mother' removed, resulting in a clear liquid and a milder taste. Unfiltered ACV retains the 'mother,' making it cloudy and more potent. Filtered is ideal for cooking, while unfiltered is preferred for wellness tonics.

Choosing organic ACV ensures that the apples used were grown without pesticides. While not strictly necessary for all uses, it is a good practice for those consuming ACV for its health benefits.

For potential weight loss benefits, it's generally recommended to use a raw, unfiltered ACV with the mother, as it contains beneficial compounds believed to aid metabolism and satiety. Filtered versions are not recommended for this purpose.