How Different Are Water Kefir and Apple Cider Vinegar & Why Does It Matter?

Water kefir vs apple cider vinegar- wondering how they are different from each other? As a nutritionist, I am going to discuss all about this. 

Apple cider vinegar, also known as ACV and water kefir are two fermented drinks with many differences with few similarities. Knowing them well, will help you to pick the right one for your needs. 

Water Kefir vs Apple Cider Vinegar: A Better Fermented Drink?

Let’s take a  look at water kefir vs raw apple cider vinegar based on different metrics: 

*Source: USDA; Quantity defined is 1 cup

Water Kefir vs Apple Cider Vinegar: What Do You Need to Prepare Them?

To prepare water kefir you need sweetened water and water kefir grains. Water kefir grains are the mixture of beneficial bacteria and yeast. Use clean water and natural sugar. You can also add honey but it will slow down the fermentation process. 

For ACV apples, water and sugar are key requirements. Since apples are used with peels, organic apples are preferred. Don’t use any carbonated water, just clean water will work.

Besides that glass jar, cheesecloth and wooden spoon are the common tools you will need to make both water kefir and apple cider vinegar. 

Which Is Better in Taste: Apple Cider Vinegar or Water Kefir?

Many people feel that water kefir and apple cider vinegar’s texture and taste are similar. Although they are not completely wrong or right. They both have the same kind of watery texture. 

You can find a bit of similarities in the flavor too. However, water kefir is less acidic compared to apple cider vinegar. It is also sweeter than ACV. Apple cider vinegar also has a strong vinegary smell. 

Water Kefir vs Apple Cider Vinegar: How Long to Ferment?

Water kefir gets ready in 1 or 2 days. If you are in a cold place it can take a little longer than the warm places. On the contrary, ACV takes a long time to be fermented. It is because there are two stages to ferment apples. 

For the first 3-4 weeks you leave chopped apples, sugar and water in the covered jar. After that strain the apples and leave the mix for another 3-4 weeks. If you are making it directly with an ACV starter then 3-4 weeks are enough to make apple cider vinegar. 

Comparing the Daily Intake of Water Kefir to Apple Cider Vinegar

There is a huge difference between the recommended daily intake of water kefir and apple cider vinegar. You can consume 1-3 cups of water kefir per day. 

On the other side 1-2 tablespoons or 15-30 ml of apple cider vinegar is sufficient for daily consumption. It is not suggested to have ACV directly due to its high acidic nature. Dilute this with water before drinking. 

Water Kefir vs Apple Cider Vinegar: Lower Calorie Option

If you compare one cup of water kefir to apple cider vinegar then water kefir is a better option to get less calories.

Although, as I mentioned above, ACV can be consumed only after diluting with water. Diluted ACV’s calories are significantly lower than water kefir. 

Water kefir calories also vary. It depends on the amount of sugar you add in it while preparing. 

Nutritional Diversity: Which Is Better ACV or Water Kefir?

ACV and water kefir are both fermented drinks and contain many nutrients including good bacteria or probiotics.  Both have antioxidants which help to improve your immune system to fight many diseases. 

Apple cider vinegar has been consumed for thousands of years to cure colds and cough. When ACV contains “mother” culture, then it is called raw apple cider vinegar. This form may contain some probiotics. 

Water kefir is an excellent source of probiotics when compared to Apple Cider Vinger. Also, ACV  has a lower pH level compared to water kefir which can disturb the alkaline nature of the human body. 

Stomach Friendly: Water Kefir or Apple Cider Vinegar

As mentioned above, water kefir is an  excellent sources of probiotics. Probiotics promote your gut health. This makes water kefir excellent for stomach health. It is also easier to digest when compared to milk kefir. 

ACV may contain some probiotics, but that may vary greatly with the method of preparation. However, ACV can help with certain digestive issues like bloating. 

Which One Is Better for Teeth: Water Kefir or Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is a highly acidic fermented drink. Be aware about its straight or frequent consumption. ACV can cause the erosion of tooth enamel. This might lead to tooth cavity, decay and swelling inside the decay. 

Since water kefir is slightly acidic, it is a better choice for your teeth. 

When Can You Drink Water Kefir or Apple Cider Vinegar?

You can have water kefir and ACV either in the morning or in the afternoon. Try to have these drinks before meals to get optimal benefits. 

I will recommend not to have these acidic drinks at night. Also, choose a time which is easy for you to follow regularly.

Try to stick to a fixed routine once decided. It will improve your consistency which is important to get optimal benefits of these probiotics. 

Water Kefir vs Apple Cider Vinegar Shelf Life

Compared to apple cider vinegar, water kefir has a shorter life. Once fermented, you can enjoy water kefir for 1-2 weeks. You must keep it in the refrigerator to stop further fermentation. 

On the other hand ACV’s shelf life is up to 1 year. You don’t have to store it in the refrigerator but keep it in a dark place to avoid sunlight exposure.

How Differently Can You Use Water Kefir and Apple Cider Vinegar?

Water kefir is basically used for drinking. You can also use it as a base for cocktails or mocktails. On the contrary, apple cider vinegar has various uses. You can use it as a base for your alcoholic or non alcoholic drinks. 

ACV based salad dressings are my favorite way to consume it. It is widely used for many non veg dishes such as pork, bacon and chicken to enhance their flavor. 

People also use apple cider vinegar to make various stew and soup. It is always handy to keep ACV bottle in your pantry.

Water Kefir vs Apple Cider Vinegar: Which One Is Less Allergic?

Since water kefir and apple cider vinegar are dairy free, gluten free products, they are good for the people who are allergic to lactose, milk or gluten. However, too much consumption of ACV can lead to throat pain due to its acidic nature.

Both these drinks can be consumed by vegan people because no animal based product is used while making them. Some companies use honey to make ACV or water kefir, which you must check on the label. 

I would also like to mention here that in case you are on blood sugar medication then it is better to consult your doctor before adding these drinks in your regular diet.

In conclusion, your preferences and needs are the most important aspects while choosing between water kefir vs apple cider vinegar.