FoodScore
0/ 100
AvoidcondimentBRAGG· 2 Tbsp

Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

BRAGG Organic Apple Cider Vinegar receives a FoodScore of 18/100 (Avoid). The primary factor driving this low score is its **high added sugar content**.

  • This product has a FoodScore of 18/100, indicating it should be avoided.
  • It contains 23.3g of added sugar per 100g, contributing significantly to its low score.
  • As a NOVA class 2 food, it is a processed culinary ingredient.
  • Compared to plain apple cider vinegar, this BRAGG product introduces a substantial amount of added sugar.
  • Use sparingly due to the high sugar content, especially if monitoring sugar intake.
  • Scores -22 points above the condiment category average (40/100 across 103 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
0g
0% of Daily Value
Added sugar
23.3g
47% of Daily Value
Sodium
0mg
0% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Minimally processed (NOVA 2)+8
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (23.3g)-25
Empty calories-15

Why it scores 18

BRAGG Organic Apple Cider Vinegar scores 18 out of 100, primarily due to its significant added sugar content. Per 100g, this product contains 23.3g of added sugar, which incurs a substantial penalty in the FoodScore calculation. The ingredient list confirms the presence of organic honey, a source of added sugar, contributing to this amount. While the product is classified as NOVA class 2, indicating it is a processed culinary ingredient and receiving a bonus for being minimally processed, this positive aspect is heavily outweighed by the sugar penalty. The product provides no protein, fiber, or beneficial micronutrients like potassium, calcium, or iron, leading to a penalty for empty calories. In comparison to a generic unbranded apple cider vinegar, which typically contains no added sugar and would score much higher, this BRAGG formulation introduces a considerable amount of sugar, altering its nutritional profile significantly.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in bragg organic apple cider vinegar actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

A Flavorful Condiment Option

This BRAGG product can serve as a flavorful condiment to enhance the taste of various dishes. Its combination of apple cider vinegar, honey, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice concentrate offers a complex profile that can add zest to salads, marinades, or sauces. When used in small quantities, it can contribute to the palatability of meals, potentially encouraging the consumption of otherwise plain foods like vegetables or lean proteins. The unique blend of ingredients provides a distinct taste that differs from plain vinegar.

Source of Acetic Acid

Like all apple cider vinegars, this BRAGG product contains acetic acid, which is the primary active compound. Acetic acid is responsible for the characteristic sour taste of vinegar. While the product's added sugar content is a concern, the presence of acetic acid means it shares some fundamental properties with traditional apple cider vinegar. It can be used in culinary applications where the acidic component of vinegar is desired, such as in pickling or as a tenderizer for meats.

Versatility in Culinary Uses

Despite its nutritional drawbacks, this product offers culinary versatility as a dressing or marinade base. The blend of flavors, including organic cayenne pepper, can add a spicy kick to recipes. It can be incorporated into homemade salad dressings, used to marinate poultry or fish, or even mixed into glazes for roasted vegetables. Its distinct taste profile may appeal to those looking for a more complex flavor than plain apple cider vinegar in their cooking.

How to eat it

This product is typically used as a condiment or an ingredient in dressings and marinades. Consumers might also mix a small amount into water as a beverage. The standard serving size is 2 tablespoons, but due to the added sugar content, smaller portions may be more appropriate for regular consumption.

Use this product as a flavor enhancer in salad dressings, diluting it with olive oil and other seasonings to manage the added sugar.
Incorporate it into marinades for meats or vegetables, where the acetic acid can help tenderize and impart flavor.
Consider using a smaller portion than the recommended 2 tablespoons if you are monitoring your daily added sugar intake.
Pair with unsweetened foods to balance the sweetness, such as drizzling a small amount over steamed greens or roasted vegetables.
If consuming as a beverage, dilute heavily with water and be mindful of the sugar contribution to your daily total.
Things to keep in mind

The primary caution with BRAGG Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is its significant added sugar content, derived from organic honey. Individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes or pre-diabetes, should be particularly mindful of this. The 23.3g of added sugar per 100g can quickly contribute to a high daily sugar intake, even in smaller serving sizes. While the product contains organic cayenne pepper, which might be a concern for individuals sensitive to spicy foods, this is generally a minor issue. There are no common allergens declared on the label. Overall, the main concern is the nutritional impact of the added sugar rather than specific additives or allergens.

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Reader questions
Is BRAGG Organic Apple Cider Vinegar healthy?
This BRAGG product has a FoodScore of 18/100 (Avoid). While it contains apple cider vinegar, its high added sugar content (23.3g per 100g from organic honey) significantly lowers its nutritional score. It provides no protein, fiber, or significant micronutrients, leading to a classification of empty calories. For a healthier option, consider plain, unsweetened apple cider vinegar.
How does BRAGG Organic Apple Cider Vinegar compare to plain apple cider vinegar?
Compared to plain, unbranded apple cider vinegar, this BRAGG product contains significant added sugar (23.3g per 100g) and other ingredients like organic honey, organic cayenne pepper, and organic lemon juice concentrate. Plain apple cider vinegar typically has 0g of added sugar and 0 calories. Therefore, this BRAGG version has a much higher calorie and sugar count than its unflavored counterpart, making plain apple cider vinegar a nutritionally superior choice for most uses.
What is the role of organic honey in this product?
Organic honey is included in BRAGG Organic Apple Cider Vinegar primarily as a sweetener and flavor enhancer. It contributes directly to the 23.3g of added sugar per 100g in the product. While honey does offer some trace nutrients, its primary impact here is as a source of concentrated sugars, which significantly affects the product's overall nutritional profile and FoodScore.
What is a reasonable portion size for this product?
The declared serving size is 2 tablespoons. However, due to the high added sugar content, a smaller portion may be more appropriate for regular consumption, especially if you are monitoring your sugar intake. Using it sparingly as a flavoring agent in dressings or marinades, rather than as a primary beverage component, can help manage the sugar contribution.
Can I use this product for weight management?
Due to its high added sugar content (23.3g per 100g), this BRAGG product is not ideal for weight management. Consuming sugary condiments frequently can contribute to excess calorie intake without providing significant satiety or essential nutrients. For weight management, focusing on whole, unprocessed foods and minimizing added sugars is generally recommended.
Are there other similar products that are lower in sugar?
Yes, many brands offer plain, unsweetened apple cider vinegar, which contains no added sugar. For example, brands like Heinz or Spectrum Naturals offer unflavored apple cider vinegar options. These alternatives would be significantly lower in calories and sugar than this BRAGG product, making them a better choice for those looking to avoid added sugars.

Explore more

CategoryAll oils, sauces & condiments →BrandAll Bragg Live Food Products SKUs →Competitor · 82/100MaraNatha Crunchy Almond Butter →Competitor · 79/100MaraNatha Organic Creamy Peanut Butter →Head-to-headBragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar vs. Egg Whole Cooked Hard Boiled →Head-to-headBragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar vs. MaraNatha Crunchy Almond Butter →Head-to-headBragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar vs. MaraNatha Organic Creamy Peanut Butter →Head-to-headBragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar vs. Bragg Nutritional Yeast Seasoning →

Data & references

Sources: USDA FoodData Central (Branded, fdcId 2642329, modified 8/30/2023)Updated 2026-04-24