10 Best Balsamic Vinegars of 2023

Photo: houseofcaviarandfinefoods.com

Balsamic vinegar provides one of the best ways to add high flavor to your recipes and also comes with a myriad of health benefits.

For instance, balsamic vinegar contains anti-gylcemic impact and acetic acid, which aids in managing blood sugar and promoting a healthy digestion respectively.

Better yet, pairing balsamic vinegar with your dishes also boost the overall skin health thanks to the antioxidant properties. And it pairs with most dishes including fresh fruits, salads, deserts, ice creams, and much more.

Like any other vinegar type, there are many balsamic vinegar options out there. To help you find the best quality and most flavorful one below we review 10 top-rated balsamic vinegar and also explain the key things to consider when shopping.

10 Best Balsamic Vinegar – Review

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES
	1. Giuseppe Giusti Balsamic Vinegar (Best Overall)	Barrel-aged to perfection An intense, rich, and Italian flavor Carefully-bottled to preserve flavor
	2. Acetum Blaze (Flavorful and in a Convenient Squeeze Bottle)	A nice syrupy tasteful flavor Does not require further heating  Squeezable bottle for easy dispensing
	3. Ellora Farms Balsamic Vinegar (All Natural Vinegar with a Sweet and Sour Flavor)	All-natural formulation Sweet and sour flavor No artificial coloring or preservatives Rich in minerals and antioxidants
	4. Colavita V33/6 (Silky Smooth and with a Nice Tart Flavor)	Silky smooth consistency Perfect for grilling Tart yet sweet flavor Gluten and trans fat free
	5. Due Vittorie 2308 (Full-Bodied Flavor)	A full depth of flavors All-natural with no artificial flavors or preservatives Perfect for meats and salads Free cork pourer
	6. Roland RO301 (Budget-Friendly All-Natural Balsamic Vinegar)	Relatively more affordable Natural balsamic flavor Works for a wide variety of foods Easily squeezable bottle for convenient pour
	7. QO Organic (Premium-Quality Traditional Style Vinegar)	High-quality and all-natural Full bodied and well-balanced  Traditional organic flavor Attractive and elegant glass bottle
	8. Calivirgin Balsamic Vinegar (Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Acidity)	Excellent balance of  sweetness and acidity  Barrel-aged in a traditional style for maximum flavor Creamy texture and a nice consistency
	9. Villa Ronzan/ The Balsamic Guy (Great-Tasting Vinegar Full of Antioxidants and Minerals)	Great-tasting and well-balanced Rich in antioxidants and minerals Perfect for a wide variety of foods
	10. Mantova Organic (Authentic Italian-Style Balsamic Vinegar)	Authentic Italian style vinegar All-natural ingredients  Sweet and tangy balsamic flavor Low calories and rich in minerals

1. Giuseppe Giusti Balsamic Vinegar – Best Overall

Photo: Giuseppe Giusti

• Type: Traditional
• Capacity: 8.45 fl. oz.

Due to the perfectly balanced sour and sweet plus wonderfully rich bouquet, this is a widely applicable balsamic vinegar. Giuseppe Giusti is, therefore, a sophisticated pick for the meat, fish, omelets, and veal among others. The balsamic vinegar has been aged in barrels for years and made from cooked grape must and wine vinegar.

This healthy product adds an Italian flavor to your table thanks to the intense, rich, and complex taste. You can, therefore, pair it with different foods like fresh fruits, ravioli, soft cheese, and much more.

Whether you need a single pack or more, the 8.45 fl. oz. also come in a pack of 2 and pack of 4. Crafted from quality old favorite Ricardo Guisti recipe, it perfectly fits your diet.

That said, Giuseppe Giusti is kind of too thick, and so if you prefer something lighter this might not be it, but it makes up for this with the amazing flavor.

Pros:

• Made from cooked grape and wine vinegar must
• Has a rich intense Italian flavor
• Offers a great pairing with fresh fruits and other dishes
• Carefully bottled for flavor preservation

Cons:

• The vinegar is too thick
• Relatively costly

2. Acetum Blaze Balsamic Vinegar – Flavorful and in a Convenient Squeeze Bottle

Photo: Acetum

• Type: Commercial-grade 
• Capacity: 12.9 fl. oz.

The velvety dark brown appearance of Acetum Blaze gives that nice look plus the prune, molasses, cherry, and chocolate brings out the complex sweetness. The product is made from different ingredients like premium balsamic vinegar of Modena, wine vinegar, sugar, and syrup.

The good news, you can use the balsamic vinegar for decorating and garnishing the most refined dishes. Made through traditional and special technology, it gives a syrupy tasteful flavor, which balances the sour elements.

Moreover, packed in quality squeezable bottles of capacities 12.9 fl. oz., you can use it for long. This makes it perfect for large families.

The Acetum Blaze is also relatively costly compared to others on our list, but it makes up for this with the nice flavors.

Pros:

• Brings out complex of sweetness
• Gives a syrupy and tasteful flavor
• Packed in larger size bottle
• Great for garnishing and decorating most dishes

Cons:

• Relatively pricey

3. Ellora Farms Balsamic Vinegar – All Natural Vinegar with a Sweet and Sour Flavor

Photo: Ellora Farms

• Type: Commercial-grade  
• Capacity: 3.38 fl. oz.  

 Made from prized vineyards gotten from the island of Crete and aged for the great aroma, Ellora Farms is a tasty and flavorful balsamic vinegar for different dishes. Its ingredients include red wine vinegar, and grape must.

What is more, its balanced sweet-sour flavor makes it a perfect unit for pairing with different dishes including feta cheese, mussels, and summer salads. The product is also perfect for managing weight and lowering cholesterols.

Packed in a bottle of 3.38 fl. oz. with an innovative pump, it gives a distinctive appearance in your kitchen. The product is purely natural as it doesn’t contain caramels, sulfites, and preservatives.

A refillable bottle would have been nice, but this is a small issue which should not be the dealbreaker.

Pros:

• Aged for great aromas
• Suitable for pairing with most dishes
• Have a sour-sweet flavor
• Perfect for lowering cholesterols and managing weight

Cons:

• Bottle is not refillable

4. Colavita V33/6 – Silky Smooth and with a Nice Tart Flavor

Photo: Colavita

• Type: Condiment-grade
• Capacity: 29.5 fl. oz.

Colavita V33/6 is an original balsamic glace that will virtually enhance any given flavor on your menu. Expect to find different ingredients including balsamic vinegar of Modena, wine vinegar, caramel color, and concentrated grape must.

Other than this, the unique reduction of the balsamic vinegar gives it a fill of tangy sweetness plus a hint of delightful acidity. This will, therefore, add depth of tart-sweet flavor to your dish.

From a single pack to a pack of four, you can choose what will serve you better. The capacity of 29.5 fl. oz. implies makes it great for long-term use. It is a highly versatile balsamic vinegar for grilling vegetables, chicken, fish, and brush onto meats.

Colavita V33/6 contains added sugar and caramel colors and, therefore, not purely natural.

Pros:

• Great for enhancing any given flavor  
• Have a tart yet sweet flavor
• Provides more serving
• A highly versatile unit

Cons:

• Contains sweeteners

5. Due Vittorie Balsamic Vinegar – Full-Bodied Flavor

Photo: Due Vittorie

• Type: Commercial-grade 
• Capacity: 8.45 and 16.9 fl. oz.

This is a dense, thick, unique, and real balsamic vinegar that has been made from cooked grape must then blend with wine vinegar. This brings out a good balance of sour and sweet. Due Vittorie is widely applicable as you can use it on dishes like vegetables, ice cream, grilled meats, and salads.

Because of the full-bodied sweetness flavor, it will harmoniously blend with the degree of acidity. Its aroma crown and thickness provide a fulfilling sensory perception in every dish. Featuring a perfect pourer, serving the balsamic vinegar is mess-free.

The good news is that when you need more or fewer servings, the balsamic vinegar offers you options to choose from. Packed in 8.45 fl. oz. and 16.9 fl. oz. bottles with one and two packs, you can choose on the perfect capacity.

Although this balsamic vinegar has a slight unusual aftertaste, this will only take some getting used to.

Pros:

• A dense, thick, unique, and real balsamic vinegar
• Provides good balance of sour and sweet  
• Comes in larger bottles
• Easier to serve with no mess

Cons:

• Has a slight unusual aftertaste

6. Roland RO301 – Budget-Friendly All-Natural Balsamic Vinegar

Photo: Roland

• Type: Commercial-grade 
• Capacity: 12.84 fl. oz. and 12.9 fl. oz.

As the cheapest unit on the list, this is a favorite balsamic vinegar that will suit most users. Roland RO301 is the finest balsamic vinegar made using a wide range of ingredients like concentrated grape must, wine vinegar, and glucose syrup.

When you love the natural balsamic flavor, this is a favorite product you can pair with most dishes. In addition to this, other flavors including pomegranate, ginger, and porcini are also available.

The two large quality bottles of 12.84 fl. oz. and 12.9 fl. oz., makes it a nice pick for long-term use. Also, it comes in packs with a single bottle, two, and six bottles.

A little more tartness would have been nice but this does not take anything away from the fact that this is still a highly flavorful vinegar.

Pros:

• Made from finest wine vinegar
• Most affordable unit
• Available in a wide range of flavors
• Packed in larger bottles

Cons:

• Not enough tartness 

7. QO Organic Balsamic Vinegar – Premium-Quality Traditional Style Vinegar

Photo: QO

• Type: Traditional 
• Capacity: 8.45 fl. oz.

Dense, silky, smooth, and elegance are what describes QO Organic. The balsamic vinegar has been aged in wooden barrels and obtained by reducing grape must concentrate. The natural product is free of artificial coloring, caramels, and sugar.

Second, to this, the unit perfectly pairs with most dishes including pork, beef, chicken, fresh fruits, and cheese among others. This is because of the traditional organic flavor, which makes it tasty.

The pure-tasting balsamic vinegar has been bottled in 8.45 fl. oz. With this, you don’t need to replace it very soon.

On the downside, the lid on the QO Organic bottle needs some improvement, but the good news is that it does not leak.

Pros:

• High-quality and traditional-style vinegar
• A dense, silky, and smooth balsamic vinegar
• Free of artificial coloring and preservatives
• Pairs with most dishes

Cons:

• Lid needs improvement

8. Calivirgin Balsamic Vinegar – Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Acidity

Photo: Calivirgin

• Type: Traditional
• Capacity: 8.45 fl. oz., 33.8 fl. oz., and 128 fl. oz.

Calivirgin is a rich and palatable aged balsamic vinegar from Modena. Its thick velvety textures plus a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity make it a tasty product.

The versatile balsamic product works as a dessert vinegar plus you can drizzle over roasted salads, vegetables, and meat. Traditionally processed and aged in barrels, it produces a classic balsamic flavor, which suits most dishes.

What is more, the product has been packed in bottles of different capacities including 8.45 fl. oz., 33.8 fl. oz., and 128 fl. oz. for longer use.

This balsamic vinegar seems a little too thicker than what some people might like, but it still works well enough for most foods.

Pros:

• Provides a better balance of sweetness and acidity
• Thick and velvety vinegar
• Perfect for pairing with most dishes
• Available in larger capacities

Cons:

• A little too thick

9. Villa Ronzan/The Balsamic Guy Balsamic Vinegar – Great-Tasting Vinegar Full of Antioxidants and Minerals

Photo: Villa Ronzan/The Balsamic Guy

• Type: Traditional 
• Capacity: 3.38 fl. oz. 

When Checking out for the ingredients, Villa Ronzan/The Balsamic Guy is a purely natural balsamic vinegar made from cooked grape must. This makes it a tasty natural balsamic to add to your menu.

Second, to this, it has the traditional Modena flavor, thus a perfect pair for myriad dishes including vegetables, desserts, salads, fish, and cheese among others. Aged in barrels for at least 25 years, it is very healthy with no added additives and preservatives.

The balsamic vinegar is low in calories and all-natural, making it suitable for the paleo diet and Atkins diet among others. It comes in a smaller pack of 3.38 fl. oz.

However, Villa Ronzan/The Balsamic Guy is the most expensive product, which makes it a pick for the few. More interestingly, it also comes in a smaller capacity with no other larger options.

Pros:

• Natural and healthy vinegar
• Perfect for most dishes
• No additives and preservatives
• Low in calories

Cons:

• More expensive
• Smaller bottle capacity

10. Mantova Organic Balsamic Vinegar – Authentic Italian-Style Balsamic Vinegar

Photo: Mantova

• Type: Condiment-grade
• Capacity: 8.45 fl. oz.

Perfectly made from organic Trebbiano grapes cooked and pressed down, Mantova is a rich and luxurious product you need to add your menu. The grape must concentrate is then aged through classic barrel-aging techniques.

Again, this Italian balsamic vinegar has a rich and dark color with a heady aroma. This will perfectly reflect its clean, sweet, and consistent taste with a unique flavor. Because of this, you can use it for everyday dressing sauces, fresh greens, and fresh fruits.

Other available flavors available include fig, pomegranate, pear, condiment, and raspberry. The balsamic vinegar features come in a pack of four, each having a volume of 8.45 fl. oz. all in different flavors.

However, Mantova doesn’t contain different ingredients, which limits its health benefits.

Pros:

• Aged through classic barrel-aging techniques
• Provides a heady aroma
• Available in a wide range of flavors
• Packed in large bottles

Cons:

• Have fewer ingredients

How to Buy the Best Balsamic Vinegar

Here are a few key factors to look out for when choosing a balsamic vinegar.

1. Types of Balsamic Vinegar 

Did you know that there are three main types of balsamic vinegar? When making the purchase, you can identify the type of vinegar by checking out for the wording on the bottle.

The three main types of vinegar available include traditional balsamic vinegar, condiment-grade, and commercial-grade.

Traditional Balsamic Vinegar

This is one of the most common type of balsamic vinegar. The vinegar can be labeled as Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena or Aceto Balsamico Tradizional di Reggio Emilia.

From the names, it implies that these types of vinegar have been produced from either Reggio Emilia or Modena regions, Italy.

Again, the processing of these vinegar takes several years and produces flavorful, thick, glossy vinegar. Because of this, they make the best organic balsamic vinegar.

The duration the grapes are aged in the barrels can take 12 to 18 years while some take up to 25 years.

Condiment-Grade Balsamic Vinegar

For a balsamic to fit into this type, it implies that it lacks the stringent to be called a traditional vinegar. Despite this, they need more care and time as compared to the commercial-grade balsamic vinegar.

In some instances, they are made the same way as traditional balsamic vinegar but since produced outside Reggio or Modena, they are called condiments.

Additionally, this type of balsamic always carries different labels like Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, Salsa Balsamica, Condiment Balsamico, or Salsa di Mosto Cotto.

They are characterized by the depth of flavor that is kind of similar to the traditional vinegar.

Commercial-Grade Balsamic Vinegar

Here is another type of balsamic vinegar. The balsamic vinegar doesn’t need to be aged for long like the traditional or condiment.

In most cases, they are made from wine vinegar and have caramel coloring plus added flavors.

These vinegar are always labeled Balsamic Vinegar of Modena when produced within the region. Besides this, for those made in the United States or any other place don’t carry the name, Modena.

Lastly, they are relatively flavorful and sweet balsamic vinegar with a sour flavor. Most suited for marinades and salad dressings. 

2. Your Needs

The second consideration to look out for before making the order should be your needs. Since the balsamic vinegar is in different types meant for different purposes, get the best balsamic vinegar for your needs.

For instance, when you need the best aged balsamic vinegar, you need to check out for the traditional balsamic vinegar.

On the other hand, when you need balsamic vinegar for marinades, salad dressings, and sauces, you need to check out for the commercial-grade types of vinegar.

That said, you also need the condiment-grade balsamic vinegar when interested in finding the best vinegar that has a flavorful taste.

3. Quality 

The quality of vinegar will depend on the ingredients included. First, check for an all-natural balsamic vinegar that will suit you.

However, when you need the best tasting balsamic vinegar, you need to check for a unit that has been made from sweeteners and caramels.

Generally, get a balsamic vinegar that has been made from the highest quality natural ingredients like the Mantova Organic Balsamic Vinegar will be perfect.

4. Flavor 

Apart from the quality, you also need to check out for your favorite flavor. The balsamic vinegar has been made in different flavors including raspberry, pear, pomegranate, fig, and much more.

You, therefore, need to check for your favorite flavor that will suit your needs. The flavor you choose should be suitable for pairing with different dishes for a palatable taste.

5. Safety 

You need to get a very tasty and safe balsamic vinegar that will suit you best. For a safe vinegar, ensure that it is free from preservatives, additives, and artificial coloring.

Again, it also needs to be 100% natural made from safe ingredients. Such a unit will provide added health and offer myriad health benefits.

6. Versatile 

The balsamic vinegar you buy should be highly versatile and appropriate for most dishes. The unit should be perfect for different dishes like pizza, salads, soups, and desserts among others.

Besides this, you also need to check for vinegar that contains antioxidants and minerals for better additional health benefits. The Villa Ronzan/The Balsamic Guy Balsamic Vinegar is an example of a versatile vinegar that will suit almost any kind of food.

Conclusion 

With our top 10 balsamic vinegar review, you now have an idea of what to buy. And from these reviews, the Giuseppe Giusti Balsamic Vinegar is our best overall option as it delivers a nice balance of flavors and is made from natural ingredients

But if you prefer something with an authentic sweet and sour flavor and also made from all natural ingredients, the Ellora Farms Balsamic Vinegar is our recommendation.

Sources

1. Grades of Balsamic Vinegar – The Spruce Eats
2. Everything You Need to Know about Balsamic Vinegar – Serious Eats
3. What are the Health Benefits of Balsamic Vinegar? – Medical News Today
4. 7 Balsamic Vinegar Health Benefits – Healthline