What is the Difference Between White Vinegar and Distilled Vinegar

There is no difference between white vinegar and distilled vinegar. White vinegar, distilled vinegar and white distilled vinegar are three names that refer to a type of vinegar made from a grain-alcohol mixture.

There are different types of vinegar available on the market. White vinegar and distilled vinegar are two names we use to refer to the same product – white distilled vinegar. In most households, white vinegar has the main use as  a cleaning agent, rather than an ingredient in cuisine. However, it has many uses – in cooking, cleaning, gardening as well as some medicinal uses.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is White Vinegar/Distilled Vinegar
     – Definition, Features, Uses
2. What are the Similarities Between White Vinegar and Distilled Vinegar
     – Outline of Common Features
3. What is the Difference Between White Vinegar and Distilled Vinegar
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

White vinegar, Distilled Vinegar, White Distilled Vinegar

What is White Vinegar/Distilled Vinegar

White vinegar, distilled vinegar, or white distilled vinegar is a form of vinegar that is made from distilled grain alcohol. This form of vinegar comprises of around 5-10% of acetic acid and 90-95% of water. This content gives it a clean, crisp and strong taste. Traditionally, foods such as molasses, sugar beets, and potatoes use white vinegar for the fermentation process. However, most modern white distilled vinegar is made from the fermentation of grain alcohol.

Moreover, white vinegar is available at every supermarket and is quite inexpensive. You can use it for a long time if you keep it sealed and dry. If it’s not available, in some recipes, you can also replace it with apple cider vinegar or white vine.

Uses of White Vinegar/Distilled Vinegar

White vinegar has many uses; you can use it for cooking, cleaning, gardening as well as for some medicinal applications. Some forms of white vinegar also contain up to 20% acetic acid, but these are suitable for cleaning or agricultural purposes, not for human consumption. You can use white vinegar to make pickles, salads, sauces and marinades, etc.

Salads – a small amount of white vinegar can brighten the taste of some traditional salads.

Pickles – makes a good base for making many types of quick pickles

Sauces and marinades – in marinades, the acid in the vinegar works as a tenderizing agent for meat, fish and vegetables, while in sauce, white vinegar gives an extra splash of flavor

Baking – used alongside baking soda as a leavening agent for baked goods

Cheesemaking – it’s possible to make some soft cheeses with white vinegar and milk

In addition to these culinary uses, white vinegar is very good at cleaning. In fact, this form of vinegar is very popular for its use in cleaning. You can use it to clean countertops, toilets, showers, floors, dishes, windows, etc. In gardening, it also helps to kill weeds and keep fresh cut flowers longer.

Similarities Between White Vinegar and Distilled Vinegar

• Both white vinegar and distilled vinegar are names we use to refer to the same product – white distilled vinegar.
• Both refer to a form of vinegar that is made from distilled grain alcohol and contains around 5-10% of acetic acid.
• Moreover, most people use this form of vinegar as a cleaning agent.

Difference Between White Vinegar and Distilled Vinegar

There is no difference between white vinegar and distilled vinegar. In fact, both are names for a form of vinegar made from a grain-alcohol mixture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, white vinegar, distilled vinegar and white distilled vinegar are three names that refer to a form of vinegar that comes from a grain-alcohol mixture and contains around 5-10% of acetic acid. Therefore, there is no difference between white vinegar and distilled vinegar.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Heinz White Vinegar” By Mike Mozart (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

Reference:

1. Hill, Ansley. “White Vinegar: Ingredients, Uses and Benefits.” Healthline, Healthline Media, Available here.
2. “Distilled Vinegar – Ingredient.” FineCooking, Available here.