Why You Should Add Apple Cider Vinegar To Your Coleslaw, According To Our Food Editor (2024)

Like potato salad and pasta salad, coleslaw is a relatively simple side dish, but there are endless ways to make it. People tend to be very attached to their favorite coleslaw recipe—which could have anything from caraway seeds to cranberries in it.

Mayonnaise is usually the most polarizing ingredient in coleslaw. The anti-mayo crowd tends to prefer an oil-based vinaigrette dressing. These bright, vinegary slaws are often served atop or on the side of a pulled pork or barbecue chicken sandwich. (Some of these slaws are heavy on the mustard.) Others prefer their shredded cabbage coated in a sweetish mayo-based dressing.

Photo: Jennifer Causey

No matter what you like to put in your slaw, any recipe can be improved with a key ingredient: apple cider vinegar. Whether your coleslaw is with or without mayonnaise, simple or chock-full of ingredients, a splash of this vinegar adds a welcome fruity and tangy note that's more balanced and not as sharp as other types of vinegar, like white or red wine vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar, which is made from fermented apples, has all sorts of purported health benefits, like regulating blood sugar. (We just don't suggest drinking it straight from the bottle.) It's a bit trendy now, and you'll find it in all sorts of products, including beverages, salad dressings, and even hair care products. (It's supposed to improve scalp health too.) But wellness aside, it's an essential ingredient when making coleslaw.

My go-to brand is Bragg's Apple Cider. It has a sweet-sour flavor that adds a little brightness to coleslaw dressings with and without mayo. Two more pieces of coleslaw wisdom: Don't forget the freshly ground black pepper, and don't make it more than one hour in advance.

Why You Should Add Apple Cider Vinegar To Your Coleslaw, According To Our Food Editor (2024)

FAQs

What does adding apple cider vinegar do to food? ›

An apple cider vinegar marinade will not only make the meat tender but will also kill all the bacteria on it.

Is apple cider vinegar or white vinegar better for coleslaw? ›

And it's impossible to choose a "best" slaw because, as with all things gustatory, taste is a matter of preference — not science. However, there is a best vinegar to use, and it's apple cider vinegar. The reason is threefold: taste, chemical makeup, and health benefits.

What does apple cider vinegar do for taste? ›

Cider vinegar enhances the flavor and texture of a dish and is found in a variety of recipes such as salad dressings, barbecue sauces, and healthy drinks.

What are the benefits and side effects of apple cider vinegar? ›

Apple cider vinegar has known health benefits, but you can have too much of a good thing. Watch your intake, and be aware of apple cider vinegar side effects, such as delayed stomach emptying, nausea, or erosion of tooth enamel. Apple cider vinegar is a natural tonic.

What are the benefits of apple cider vinegar before meals? ›

There is substantial evidence that consuming vinegar before a meal can help keep blood sugar under control. That's because the acid in vinegar, acetic acid, appears to inhibit the enzymes that help us digest starch, meaning less of it is broken down into sugars as we eat.

What happens if you drink apple cider vinegar with food? ›

But this is not healthy at all, in fact it can delay your digestion process. Drinking apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach maximises health benefits and boosts ability to process food. If you want to drink it after food, wait for at least 20 minutes.

What does apple cider vinegar do to food in your stomach? ›

ACV is naturally acidic, and so for people with low stomach acidity, using ACV may help raise stomach acid levels to aid digestion. In theory, this could prevent gas and bloating, which a slow digestion can cause. ACV is also an antimicrobial substance , meaning it may help kill bacteria in the stomach or intestines.

Can apple cider vinegar clean out your liver? ›

When it comes to home remedies, apple cider vinegar is a preferred choice since it has amazing detoxification properties. Apple Cider Vinegar works by helping the liver flush out the toxins that can interfere with the body's normal functioning.

What to use instead of vinegar in coleslaw? ›

Mayonnaise: For a creamy coleslaw, as opposed to vinegar-based, mayonnaise is essential. Use your favorite store brand or make your own!

Can vinegar loosen mucus? ›

Next time you're stuffed up, grab the apple cider vinegar. It contains potassium, which thins mucus; and the acetic acid in it prevents bacteria growth, which could contribute to nasal congestion. Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink to help sinus drainage.

How do you tone down the vinegar taste in coleslaw? ›

One effective way to balance out the acidity of vinegar is by incorporating sweet ingredients. The natural sweetness can counteract the sour taste and create a more well-rounded flavor. There are various sweeteners you can experiment with, such as sugar, honey, maple syrup, or even fruit juices.

How to use apple cider vinegar to lose belly fat? ›

About 100 grams of apple cider vinegar has about 22 calories, which means it makes for a low-calorie drink that can help boost weight loss. Adding a tablespoon of ACV into a glassful of water and drinking first thing in the morning may help burn belly fat.

Is apple cider vinegar good for your kidneys and liver? ›

This helps prevent new stones from forming and improves digestion. ACV may even help reduce pain and inflammation from kidney stones. It helps rid the body of toxins and excess minerals that can lead to kidney stones. According to some, ACV has a cleansing effect on the kidney and liver.

Does apple cider vinegar go bad? ›

If you're wondering, does apple cider vinegar go bad? The answer is no! Under normal storage conditions, it generally maintains its integrity. As mentioned earlier, ACV naturally preserves itself. This means it doesn't really go off.

What does a spoonful of apple cider vinegar do for your body? ›

Apple cider vinegar can help manage blood sugar, improve symptoms of PCOS, and promote weight loss. A typical dose is 1–2 tbsp. (15–30 mL) mixed with water and taken before or after meals. Research doesn't support claims that it can improve digestion and prevent heart disease, cancer, or infection.

Does apple cider vinegar burn belly fat? ›

Apple cider vinegar isn't likely to be effective for weight loss. Proponents of apple cider vinegar claim that it has numerous health benefits and that drinking a small amount or taking a supplement before meals helps curb appetite and burn fat. However, there's little scientific support for these claims.

How does apple cider vinegar detox your body? ›

There's a popular belief that apple-cider vinegar can “cleanse” or “detox” the liver, helping it to function more efficiently. Some proponents of this theory suggest that the acids in ACV can bind to toxins and help the body eliminate them more effectively.

Is it better to drink apple cider vinegar at night or morning? ›

While apple cider vinegar may offer some health benefits, there is a lack of research on consuming it before bedtime versus at other times like the morning. That said, to avoid side effects like indigestion or acid reflux at night, consume it at least 2-3 hours before bed.

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