Vinegar, distilled
Whole food · Spices and Herbs
Photo: Wikipedia
Distilled white vinegar is a clear, sharp, and intensely acidic liquid made from fermented grain alcohol, prized for its clean, pungent tang that cuts through richness. With a negligible calorie count (18 kcal per 100g) and zero grams of protein, fat, or fiber, its primary nutritional contribution is acetic acid. This is a flavor and preservation powerhouse, not a source of macronutrients.
💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its unparalleled ability to brighten and balance dishes, from cutting the grease in fried foods to adding zing to dressings. Its neutral color and sharp flavor make it a versatile, indispensable workhorse in kitchens and pantries worldwide.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Its intense acidity can be harsh on the stomach or tooth enamel if consumed undiluted or in large quantities. Those with acid reflux or sensitive teeth should use it sparingly and always dilute it in dressings or marinades. A simple tip is to pair acidic foods with a source of fat or protein (like olive oil or yogurt) to mitigate the sharpness and slow absorption.
Key benefits
- Adds bright acidity to balance flavors without adding calories, sugar, or fat.
- Acts as a natural preservative and tenderizer in pickling and marinades.
- Can help lower the glycemic impact of a meal when consumed with carbohydrates.
- Effective for household cleaning and removing odors due to its acidity.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The 'mother' of vinegar, a cloudy, web-like colony of bacteria, is absent in distilled vinegar because it is purified after fermentation, resulting in its crystal-clear appearance.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 94.8 g |
| Energy | 18.0 kcal |
| Energy | 76.0 kj |
| Protein | 0.00 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.00 g |
| Ash | 0.02 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.04 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.04 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 6.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.03 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 1.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 4.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 2.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 2.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.01 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.01 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.06 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.50 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.00 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.00 mg |
| Niacin | 0.00 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.00 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.00 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
What is distilled white vinegar made from?
It is typically made from grain alcohol (like corn or wheat) that has been fermented into vinegar and then distilled to remove color and impurities, resulting in a clear, sharp product.
Is distilled vinegar the same as white vinegar?
In the U.S., the terms are often used interchangeably for the same clear, sharp vinegar. However, 'white vinegar' can sometimes refer to other clear vinegars, while 'distilled' specifically indicates the purification process.
Can I use it in salad dressings?
Yes, but its strong, sharp flavor is best balanced with a good quality oil (like olive oil) and often a touch of sweetness or Dijon mustard to create a vinaigrette that isn't overly harsh.