Last Update: January 31, 2024
Got apple cider vinegar? This multipurpose kitchen staple has a myriad of uses, from aiding in digestion to adding flavor to your favorite homemade salad dressing.
What makes apple cider vinegar different from, say, balsamic vinegar or white vinegar? Does apple cider vinegar really contain as many health benefits as people say? Read on to get to know what makes this golden-hued vinegar so special, and learn how the founders of Poppi channel the powers of apple cider vinegar in their sparkling prebiotic beverages.
While many vinegars are used to flavor marinades and dressings, people often use apple cider vinegar as a part of a wellness routine. To harness its health benefits, some people swear by taking a shot of apple cider vinegar diluted in water (or even sipping a functional beverage that’s already infused with ACV).
While many of the health benefits of apple cider vinegar still need more research to determine their validity, anecdotally, many swear by it for its probiotic properties. Because apple cider vinegar contains beneficial bacteria (particularly Lactococcus and Acetobacter bacteria) thanks to the fermentation process, it may help to improve your gut health by diversifying the bacteria in your gut microbiome.
Additionally, the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar is anti-inflammatory, which may help to reduce inflammation in the body that may otherwise lead to long-term health issues and diseases. When used topically, apple cider vinegar may also help to address skin issues.
Some studies also suggest that when you eat a carbohydrate-heavy meal, taking 2-6 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar may help to improve your blood glucose (or blood sugar) levels, which would typically spike from carbohydrate intake.
(Note: Consuming excessive amounts of vinegar can cause serious health problems, so please consult a doctor before adding ACV to your wellness routine.)
Here are just a few uses for apple cider vinegar that show why it’s become such a pantry staple in the kitchens of health-minded cooks everywhere.
Use it in salad dressing. The sparkly-sour taste of ACV adds brightness to any dish, including a plate of greens. For the only dressing you’ll ever need, whisk together ¾ cup organic extra-virgin olive oil, ½ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 to 3 tablespoons stone-ground mustard, and the juice from ½ of a fresh, organic lemon.
Give savory dishes a flavor boost. Try a show-stopping recipe of sautéed rainbow chard with bacon, complemented by a bright note from ACV.
Elevate your soups. Add a little apple cider vinegar to your favorite soup for an extra flavor punch.
Amp up a smoothie. Give your morning smoothie added nutrients and health benefits with a little splash of ACV.
Make healthier, homemade chips. ACV is the secret ingredient to these amazing homemade Brussels sprouts chips that just may replace your conventional potato chips.
Use it in your baking. In a pinch, a little ACV + baking soda can replace baking powder as a leavener. The mixture creates tiny bubbles, which allow muffins and cakes to rise. To account for 1 teaspoon baking powder, sub in ¼ teaspoon baking soda to the dry ingredients in the recipe and 1 teaspoon ACV to the wet ingredients.
Make vegan buttermilk. You can still enjoy thick, creamy buttermilk even if you don’t eat dairy. ACV thickens up milk alternatives and gives it that signature sour taste. Just add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to every one cup of almond milk (or any plant-based milk), and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
While many canned beverages are loaded with artificial flavors and sugar, Poppi sparkling prebiotic sodas tap into the health benefits of apple cider vinegar instead. We spoke to Allison Ellsworth, Poppi’s Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer, about how these bubbly beverages use ACV for a dose of gut support in each sip.
Why did you want to include apple cider vinegar in your beverages when you were creating Poppi?
“I used to take a shot of apple cider vinegar every day for my gut health after learning it’s been traditionally used for centuries in medicine. The taste was really harsh, so I softened it and rounded out the flavor by adding sparkling water and fruit juices. Now the ACV is in stealth mode, but I still think it gives our flavors a mouthwatering edge!”
How did you ensure that Poppi beverages taste good and don’t have an overwhelming ACV flavor?
“Just like life, it’s all about balance. I worked for a looong time in my home kitchen trying to figure out what fruit juices paired well with each other, what balance of sparkling water made the flavors pop without diminishing them, and how much ACV could be added without overpowering everything else.”
What are your favorite ways to drink Poppi beverages?
“Honestly, I don’t think there’s a wrong way to enjoy Poppi. Personally, I love it straight from a cold can, but if I’m feeling fancy, I love making Poppi mocktails and cocktails. My kids and I recently made cookies with our Doc Pop flavor, which was a brand new way for us to enjoy one of our favorite flavors!”
Try: Poppi Doc Pop Sparkling Prebiotic Soda, Poppi Raspberry Rose Sparkling Prebiotic Soda, Poppi Fruity Sampler
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before changing your diet or healthcare regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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