The old adage that you get what you pay for definitely applies to balsamic vinegar, whether it's an independent brand or a supermarket's own-label. The best are made in Modena, Italy, and carry at least IGP (protected geographical indication) status. Though not the strictest certification, it still assures the product has been made following certain guidelines.
None of the vinegars tested had PDO (protected designation of origin) status, a more coveted certification with strict guidelines and a 12-year ageing process, explaining why it can cost upwards of £1,200 a litre.
The vinegars were tested for viscosity, colour, smell, and taste. The products varied from more acidic, young vinegars with low sweetness to the most syrupy balsamics with sugar content as high as 80% – a stark contrast to the lowest at 19%. This was a hard test because the overall quality was so high.
The Best Balsamic Vinegar
Best Overall: Tesco Finest Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
£8 for 250ml at Tesco (£3.20/100ml) ★★★★☆ This invecchiato (aged) vinegar has medium viscosity and classic, dark cherry-red hues. Acidic and rich on the nose, with a caramelised, fruity flavour. Sweet (51.4% sugar) with a persistent, intense, and satisfyingly well-balanced flavour. Amazing value for aged balsamic.
Best Bargain: Co-op Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
£2 for 250ml at Co-op (80p/100ml) ★★★☆☆ A thin vinegar with deep mahogany colour. Vanilla notes on the nose and, considering it's so young, pretty well balanced. Noticeable sweetness (19% sugar) and complex flavour profile, with prune and caramel notes and a fizziness that lingers. Not viscous enough for drizzling, but incredible value.
And the Rest …
Belazu Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
£13 for 250ml at Waitrose (£5.20/100ml), £15.40 for 250ml at Sainsbury's (£6.16/100ml) ★★★★★ A high-density, syrupy vinegar with black-red colour. Complex flavour journey from lively, uplifting, acidic aroma to fizz and pop on the tongue and long, complex, prune and woody notes; 81% sugar (highest in test).
Bellei Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
£17.50 for 250ml at Ocado (£7/100ml) ★★★★★ Very dark, high-density, aged invecchiato balsamic with deep, red-brown hues. Lively and complex acidic aroma. Sweet (77% sugar) and fizzy on the palate, with long flavour profile and rich, mixed dried fruits.
M&S Collection Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
£8 for 250ml at Ocado (£3.20/100ml) ★★★★☆ Refined in barrique small oak barrels, thick, deep brown syrup with underlying bright red tinge. Lively, acidic aroma with notes of wood, apricot, and date syrup. Fizzily acidic and very sweet (73% sugar).
Odysea Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
£10.95 for 250ml at Sainsbury's (£4.38/100ml), £10.95 for 250ml at Amazon (£4.38/100ml) ★★★★☆ High-density vinegar with lovely, syrupy quality. Cherry-cola colour and funky, acidic aroma. Tart and rich dried fruit flavours, marvellously sweet (74% sugar).
Waitrose No 1 Aceto Balsamico di Modena
£13 for 250ml at Waitrose (£5.20/100ml) ★★★★☆ Medium-thick viscosity and deep, cola-caramel colour. This invecchiato has intoxicating, mildly acidic and sweet aroma. Sweet (71.8% sugar) and fizzy, with wonderful, rich depth of flavour kept alive by bright, tart background notes.
Asda Extra Special Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
£5.98 for 250ml at Asda (£2.39/100ml) ★★★☆☆ Very dense, thick, and syrupy, with very dark, ochre and blood red colour tones. Acidic on the nose, with notes of sultana. Very sweet on the tongue (51% sugar), a bit like date syrup with tart background. Most economical high-density product in test.
Morrisons the Best Balsamic Vinegar
£7.25 for 250ml at Morrisons (£2.90/100ml) ★★★☆☆ Dense, viscous balsamic with very rich, dark mahogany colour. Bright and acidic on the nose. Caramelised and syrupy with rounded, balanced flavour, though definitely on sweet side (62% sugar). Light spritz on tongue and deep grape must flavour.
The Deli Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
£1.79 for 500ml at Aldi (36p/100ml) ★★☆☆☆ A young, thin, cola-coloured vinegar. Acidic on the nose, with hint of raisin. Aggressive and sharp in mouth initially, especially on back of throat, but once harshness is overcome, there is enjoyable, underlying sweetness (20.7% sugar) and complexity. Too thin to use as a drizzle.
