Ingredient

Vinegars

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Vinegar is primarily used as a flavoring agent and preservative in foods. Its acidity …

What it is

Vinegar is a liquid made from the fermentation of ethanol (alcohol) by acetic acid bacteria. It typically contains 5-8% acetic acid, which gives it a sour taste and pungent smell. Vinegars can be made from a variety of sources, including wine, cider, malt, or grains.

Why it's used

Vinegar is primarily used as a flavoring agent and preservative in foods. Its acidity adds tanginess to dressings, sauces, and marinades, and it can help inhibit the growth of spoilage microorganisms. It is commonly found in condiments like ketchup and mustard, as well as salad dressings and pickles.

Health notes

Vinegar is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Acetic acid, the main component of vinegar, has been studied for potential effects on blood sugar and appetite, but evidence is mixed and more research is needed. JECFA has evaluated vinegar and did not specify an acceptable daily intake. It is not typically associated with significant health concerns when consumed in amounts found in food.

Allergen info

Vinegar is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten unless specifically derived from a gluten-containing grain like barley (malt vinegar).

Products containing Vinegars

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Beaverton Foods, Inc. Dijon Stone Ground Mustard, Red Wine & Herbs Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 200kcal 0Protein 10Fat 20Carbs Beaverton Foods, Inc. Grated Horseradish Roots, Deli Mustard Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce 200kcal 0Protein 10Fat 20Carbs T. Marzetti Company Marzetti, Low Fat Dressing, The Original Slaw, The Original Slaw Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 194kcal 0Protein 4.8Fat 38.7Carbs Hawk Of Wisconsin, Inc. Trader Giotto's, Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 267kcal 0Protein 20Fat 16.7Carbs Beaverton Foods, Inc. Inglehoffer, Mustard, Cranberry, Cranberry Other Cooking Sauces 250kcal 0Protein 0Fat 33.3Carbs Beaverton Foods, Inc. Inglehoffer, Classic Sweet Mustard, Honey Maple, Honey Maple Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce 300kcal 0Protein 0Fat 60Carbs Beaverton Foods, Inc. Original Stone Ground Mustard Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce 200kcal 0Protein 0Fat 20Carbs Pinnacle Foods Group LLC Wish-Bone, Asian With Sesame & Ginger Vinaigrette Dressing, Delicately Sweet & Tangy, Delicately Sweet & Tangy Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 233kcal 0Protein 16.7Fat 16.7Carbs Podnah's Barbecue Mustard Sauce Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce 125kcal 2.8Protein 1.4Fat 25Carbs Laurelwood Public House & Brewery Chipotle & Apricot Mustard, Workhorse Ipa Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 200kcal 0Protein 0Fat 40Carbs Laurelwood Public House & Brewery Free Range BBQ Sauce, Red Ale Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce 129kcal 2.9Protein 0Fat 31.4Carbs Avon Food Company LLC Coleslaw Dressing Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 345kcal 0Protein 31.0Fat 13.8Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.