Balsamic vinegar is a slightly sweet, dark, and richly flavored vinegar that is used in a number of ways. From salads, sauces, and marinades, this vinegar is widely favorited around the world. Authentic balsamic vinegar is made from unfermented grape juice that is aged in barrels for months or even years. This process makes authentic balsamic vinegar quite expensive at times. There are brands of balsamic vinegar that cost more than $1,000 per 3 oz. bottle! But, is this savory additive vegan?
Yes, traditional balsamic vinegar is vegan. On the other hand, modern balsamic vinegar may not be vegan due to added ingredients such as coloring, caramel, and thickeners. The best vegan balsamic vinegar brands are Pompeian, Mia Bella, and Primal Kitchen. The best vegan alternatives to balsamic vinegar are Pompeian Red Wine Vinegar and Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar.
In this article we will discuss the difference between traditional and modern balsamic vinegar, its nutritional value, and other vegan alternatives. Let’s dig in!
Contents
- Traditional Balsamic Vinegar vs. Modern Balsamic Vinegar
- Ingredients To Watch Out For
- Is Balsamic Vinegar Healthy?
- What is the difference between Balsamic Vinegar and Balsamic Vinaigrette?
- Traditional Balsamic Vinegar Brands – 100% Vegan
- Modern Balsamic Vinegars – Not Vegan Certified
- Alternatives to Balsamic Vinegar
- Related Questions
Traditional Balsamic Vinegar vs. Modern Balsamic Vinegar
Traditional balsamic vinegar is naturally vegan because it is made from grapes being reduced and aged for several years. Alternatively, the modern version of balsamic vinegar usually contains other added ingredients, such as coloring, caramel, and thickeners. If you see any of those ingredients on the product label, then you know it is not traditional balsamic. Modern balsamic vinegar is cheaper and only takes a few months to make. If you want to be certain that your balsamic vinegar is vegan, then it would be best to buy a traditional one that has only one ingredient listed on its label – balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients To Watch Out For
In Modern Balsamic Vinegar, there are a few ingredients to keep an eye out for, as they may sometimes not be considered vegan. These ingredients make it tricky to determine if the product is actually vegan or not, because most brands don’t clearly say so. Let’s look into them a bit more.
Coloring
The color of this vinegar usually just comes from the grapes, but sometimes added coloring is involved. Some food colorings may not be vegan.
Caramel
Caramel is another item that may or may not be vegan. Caramel can surely be made with only vegan ingredients, however, it is sometimes made with milk or cream. Unfortunately, most labels just say “caramel” and don’t clarify further.
Caramel Color
“Caramel Color” is a bit different than the above, as it is typically always vegan. This is because caramel color is made from just simple sugars.
Thickeners
This is another tricky ingredient to distinguish. Most thickeners are plant-based, but there is the possibility of non-vegan thickeners being included, such as gelatin or butter.
Is Balsamic Vinegar Healthy?
Balsamic vinegar is so popular and widely used because it is a great-tasting additive that is low in calories and fat. It is included in the Mediterranean diet, as a “heart-healthy” option. The incorporation of traditional balsamic vinegar into your diet can result in various health benefits. Let’s briefly go over these benefits further.
Lower Cholesterol
Balsamic vinegar has been found to lower cholesterol levels, by decreasing the amount of LDL (unhealthy cholesterol) in the body. With reduced LDL levels, you are at a reduced risk for clogged arteries. This makes balsamic vinegar a great choice for those trying to lower their cholesterol levels.
Healthy Digestion
The active compound found in balsamic vinegar is called acetic acid. Acetic acid is a type of probiotic bacteria that improves gut health by enabling healthy digestion. A healthy gut microbiome leads to improved immunity and higher energy levels.
Safe For Diabetes
Balsamic vinegar is considered an anti-glycemic. This means that after consuming this vinegar, people with insulin resistance experience stable blood sugar levels for up to 5 hours! Using balsamic vinegar can help people with diabetes avoid blood sugar spikes and make meals more enjoyable.
Blood Circulation
Balsamic vinegar contains polyphenols, which may improve cardiovascular health. Polyphenols are plant-based compounds that are packed with antioxidants. These compounds have been shown to keep blood platelets from aggregating. This improved blood circulation reduces the risk of developing hypertension.
What is the difference between Balsamic Vinegar and Balsamic Vinaigrette?
Balsamic vinaigrette uses balsamic vinegar but also includes other ingredients, such as olive oil, sugar, mustard, and seasonings. A vinaigrette will have more calories and fat than just balsamic vinegar alone. When using vinaigrettes, it is important to stick to the proper serving sizes because calories from dressings can add up quickly.
Traditional Balsamic Vinegar Brands – 100% Vegan
Pompeian Balsamic Vinegar
Ingredients:
- Balsamic Vinegar
Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tablespoon):
- Calories: 5
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 0g
Mia Bella Traditional Balsamic Vinegar
Ingredients:
- Balsamic Vinegar
Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tablespoon):
- Calories: 45
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 0g
Primal Kitchen Organic Balsamic Vinegar
Ingredients:
- Organic Balsamic Vinegar
Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tablespoon):
- Calories: 30
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 0g
Bourbon Cask Balsamic Vinegar
Ingredients:
- Organic Balsamic Vinegar
- Organic Musto
Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tablespoon):
- Calories: 25
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 0g
Modern Balsamic Vinegars – Not Vegan Certified
Modern balsamic vinegar combines concentrated grape must with wine vinegar to speed up the acidification process. This vinegar is aged for a much shorter time and is less pricey than traditional balsamic vinegar.
Monari Federzoni Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
Ingredients:
- Wine Vinegar
- Cooked Grape Must
- Caramel Color
Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tablespoon):
- Calories: 15
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 0g
Trader Joe’s Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
Ingredients:
- Wine Vinegar
- Concentrated Grape Must
- Caramel Color
Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tablespoon):
- Calories: 15
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 0g
Bertolli Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
Ingredients:
- Wine Vinegar
- Concentrated Grape Must
- Caramel Color
Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tablespoon):
- Calories: 10
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 0g
Kirkland Signature Aged Balsamic
Ingredients:
- Cook and Concentrated Grape Must
- Red Wine Vinegar
Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tablespoon):
- Calories: 30
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 7g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 0g
Great Value Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
Ingredients:
- Wine Vinegar
- Concentrated Grape Must
- Cooked Grape Must
- Caramel
Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tablespoon):
- Calories: 15
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 0g
Greenwise Organic Balsamic Vinegar
Ingredients:
- Organic Red Wine Vinegar
- Organic Grape Musts
Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tablespoon):
- Calories: 15
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 0g
Alternatives to Balsamic Vinegar
If balsamic vinegar isn’t the choice for you, there are a few alternative options, including red wine vinegar and apple cider vinegar. Red wine vinegar is another additive highly prevalent in the Mediterranean diet. It has more of a tangy flavor than balsamic and is frequently used in dressings, marinades, and pickling.
Another option, which is widely spoken of in the health and wellness space, is apple cider vinegar. Cider vinegar is made from fermented apple juice and is also used in salad dressings, marinades, and chutneys. Apple cider vinegar has been shown to provide many health benefits, such as improving digestive health, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and possibly aiding in weight loss.
Pompeian Red Wine Vinegar
Ingredients:
- Red Wine Vinegar
Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tablespoon):
- Calories: 0
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar
Ingredients:
- Certified Organic, Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
- Purified Water
Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tablespoon):
- Calories: 0
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Related Questions
Is Balsamic Glaze Vegan?
Balsamic glaze is not usually vegan. Balsamic glaze is made from a blend of balsamic vinegar, sugars, and colorings. And – oftentimes, this added sugar is in the form of honey, making it not suitable for a vegan diet.
Is Balsamic Vinegar Gluten-Free?
Since traditional balsamic vinegar is made from one ingredient – grapes, it is considered gluten-free. Alternatively, modern balsamic vinegar may not be gluten-free, as the additives used can contain gluten. Make sure to always check the ingredient label to clarify.
Is Balsamic Vinegar Keto?
Most balsamic vinegar is considered keto-friendly. Balsamic vinegar is a great addition to the keto diet, as vinegar helps to improve blood sugar balance and may help curb carbohydrate cravings.