This Punchy, Flavor-Packed Vinegar Is My New Favorite Pantry Item

Just like books and covers, you shouldn’t always judge an ingredient by its label. Normally, any food or beverage with the word “cleanse” on it would get a hard pass from me. But when Senior Food Editor Josh Miller raved about Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar Honey Cayenne Wellness Cleanse, I reserved my skepticism. Josh—also not a fan of cleanses—was able to look beyond the label and imagine different uses for this kicked-up vinegar. So I tried it in a few recipes, and to my surprise, it is one of my favorite new pantry products—no cleansing is required. (Unless you’re into that kind of thing!) 

What Is In Bragg Wellness Cleanse?

You’ve probably seen or used Bragg apple cider vinegar—it’s the bottle with the label that reads “with the MOTHER” (another word for the good bacteria used during the fermenting process). The business, which has been around since 1912, calls itself “America’s original health food company”. 

Unlike their regular apple cider vinegar, this organic product contains a few extra ingredients: honey, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice concentrate. In addition to using it in recipes, people often consume apple cider vinegar for its purported health benefits. Many people start their day with a shot of it plain or mixed with water—which is how the Apple Cider Vinegar Honey Cayenne Wellness Cleanse is marketed. 

Our Food Editor's 3-Ingredient Vinaigrette

Josh, being the clever guy he is, realized that this kicked-up vinegar has almost everything in it you need to make a great vinaigrette. So he whisked the Wellness Cleanse together with some olive oil and a pinch of salt for an effortless and delicious salad dressing. 

Favorite Ways To Use It

Salad Dressing

This is the easiest way to start using this product. At least once a week, I dress salad greens with a mixture of one part olive oil and one part vinegar along with a pinch of salt. This would also make a great dressing for cole slaw, pasta salad, or warm potato salad.

Roasted Vegetables

When coating vegetables with oil before roasting them in the oven, add a dash of two of the vinegar to oil for a salt-free seasoning.

Meat Marinade

This easy marinade is made with cider vinegar and pepper jelly.

Quick Pickles

Place thinly sliced onions, carrots, and/or cucumbers in a bowl and add enough vinegar to cover. Let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes before draining the vinegar.

Collard Greens

Use this vinegar in place of your usual pepper vinegar to give your greens a kick.

Cabbage

Use it to add brightness to cabbage dishes.