Are you wondering what the differences are when comparing white wine vinegar vs. white vinegar? We’ve put together a comprehensive breakdown of each and what makes them unique. White wine vinegar and white vinegar may look the same, but they aren’t used in the same way.
What Is White Wine Vinegar?
White wine vinegar is a vinegar derived from white wine. The wine is fermented and oxidized into acid. The acetic acid formed by fermentation is then diluted with water to create pleasant-tasting acidity. It also contains fermented ethanol and other kinds of sugars that encourage a less acidic flavor.
The resultant vinegar has a light fruity flavor. White wine vinegar can be crafted from a blend of wines, usually referred to as a wine stock. This vinegar is used in various recipes, such as curries, stews, sauces, and marinades.
What Is White Vinegar?
White vinegar, also called spirit or distilled vinegar, is made by fermenting ethanol. When aged, it turns into acetic acid, which is then diluted by adding water. White vinegar is used for cooking, cleaning, and gardening.
This type of vinegar has a neutral taste and a transparent appearance. This makes white vinegar suitable for salad dressings and can be added to sauces and marinades. With a high acidity level, this purest version of distilled vinegar can also be used as a non-toxic cleaning agent.
White Wine Vinegar Vs. White Vinegar: What’s The Difference?
You can use both kinds of vinegar for cooking, but they differ in flavor profiles and use. Let’s take a closer look.
Ingredients
The significant difference between white wine vinegar and white vinegar is the ingredients they are made with. White wine vinegar is derived from the fermentation and oxidization of a blend of wines. On the other hand, fermenting grain alcohol produces white vinegar.
The fermenting process results in acetic acid regardless of the type of vinegar. You can dilute it to a palatable acidity by adding water.
Flavor
White wine vinegar and white vinegar strongly differ when it comes to their flavor profile. The former is slightly less acidic and has a fruity taste to it. On the other hand, white vinegar is a strong and clear type of vinegar with a comparatively neutral acidic taste.
Uses
Since there is a difference in the flavor profile, their uses in cooking also differ. White wine vinegar has a less intense flavor and is mainly added to savory dishes. However, white vinegar is typically used for pickling foods such as cucumbers or onions. It’s also used as a natural household cleaning product.
Conclusion
While you can cook with both, the resulting dish will vary in flavor as one is more intense than the other. Therefore, we advise taste each before including them in your next recipe. Hopefully, the above white wine vinegar vs. white vinegar comparison will shed some light and help you make the right choice.