Vinegar is a staple in many kitchens, but with so many varieties on supermarket shelves, it can be hard to know which to choose. White vinegar, distilled vinegar, and malt vinegar each have unique traits and uses. Knowing the differences can help with cooking and cleaning.
What is White Vinegar?
White vinegar is clear and colorless, with a sharp, acidic taste. It's made by fermenting alcohol from grains or other sources, then diluting to the desired acidity. Because of its neutral flavor, it's versatile for cooking, pickling, dressings, and cleaning. For cleaning, check the label—some products are sold for household use and may have different acidity than food-grade vinegar.
What is Distilled Vinegar?
Distilled vinegar is also clear and colorless, made from distilled alcohol. White and distilled vinegar are sometimes used interchangeably, especially for clear vinegar sold for cooking or cleaning. However, terminology varies by manufacturer and country. Always check the ingredients and acidity on the bottle.
What is Malt Vinegar?
Malt vinegar is different—it's made from malted barley, giving it a brown color and tangy flavor. In the UK, it's often paired with fish and chips. Its strong taste means it's not ideal when a milder flavor is needed. It works in sauces, marinades, and pickling, but suits savory dishes best.
Which Should You Use?
White vinegar is clear, sharp, and versatile for cooking, pickling, and cleaning. Distilled vinegar is essentially the same as white vinegar in many cases. Malt vinegar is dark and strong, popular in British cooking, especially on chips.
