Is Apple Cider Vinegar Keto-Friendly? (2024)

FAQs

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Keto-Friendly? ›

You can drink the vinegar, says Mancinelli (once it's turned into an acid, it's no longer a carbohydrate), but there's still some residual sugar in it, so drinking a lot of it isn't keto-friendly.

The bottom line

ACV is a flavorful vinegar for salad dressings and marinades. At just 1 gram of carbs per tablespoon (15 mL), it's perfectly keto-friendly. Still, white vinegar and rice vinegar work just as well in the kitchen and are carb-free. Thus, you may want to consider other vinegars instead.

Don't consume more than 4 tablespoons per day (larger doses haven't really been studied), and make sure it's either used in cooking or diluted in at least 8 ounces of water per tablespoon of vinegar to reduce its corrosive effects. To be extra kind to your teeth, you can also sip your ACV concoction through a straw.

Apple cider vinegar isn't likely to be effective for weight loss. Proponents of apple cider vinegar claim that it has numerous health benefits and that drinking a small amount or taking a supplement before meals helps curb appetite and burn fat. However, there's little scientific support for these claims.

Research has shown that consuming acetic acid—the active ingredient in ACV—affects the way starches are broken down during digestion. The delayed absorption of sugar from carbohydrates improves the insulin response to blood sugar and thus promotes better blood sugar control.

Aside from potentially lowering fasting blood sugar, drinking apple cider vinegar right before bed doesn't appear to make much of a difference in terms of its health benefits. To prevent adverse effects, it's best to enjoy it diluted or in a dressing and at least 2-3 hours before lying down.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the ACV diet is that healthy habits are not encouraged. There are no guidelines on calorie intake, portion size, or healthy foods to eat. For example, an apple cider vinegar diet that is also high in processed foods could lead to weight gain and other health issues.

Drinking apple cider vinegar straight could damage your teeth and your throat. So, it's always best to dilute your apple cider vinegar with water or mix it into a drink or food dressing.

Some people believe that the “apple cider vinegar diet” can help with weight loss, particularly by reducing belly fat. There aren't any set recommendations for how much apple cider vinegar to take, but many people take 1 or 2 tablespoons before or with meals. Often, people mix their apple cider vinegar with water.

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What is the evidence for the apple cider vinegar diet? A March 2024 study, which trialled daily apple cider vinegar doses on 120 overweight or obese people, found that taking three daily doses over a period of between four and 12 weeks resulted in 'significant' weight loss.

There's no guarantee these products won't kick you out of ketosis, as they often contain added sugar and calories. Stick to 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) of apple cider vinegar per day. You can also take apple cider vinegar capsules instead, but gummies and drinks should be avoided while fasting.

The bottom line

Some benefits of apple cider vinegar could include a balanced gut microbiome, improved digestion, and decreased bloating and gas. But consuming too much could lead to negative side effects.

If you have low potassium levels (hypokalemia), too much apple cider vinegar could make the condition worse. That's because large amounts can reduce potassium levels. Avoid overusing ACV if you have kidney disease, since your kidneys might not be able to handle high levels of acid.

"Start with adding carbs in at one meal per day. Try this for a few weeks and see how your body responds. If things are going well, add carbs into another meal or snack." Continue adding carbs one meal or snack at a time until you're comfortable eating them throughout the day.

No, apple cider vinegar does not break a fast. It contains minimal calories and is not a significant source of carbohydrates, meaning it won't trigger an insulin response that could interrupt your fast.

Are Apples Keto-Friendly? Apples are generally not considered keto-friendly as they are relatively high in carbs. One medium-sized apple contains about 20 grams of net carbs, which can quickly add up and may not fit within the daily carb limit for those following a ketogenic diet.

Limited research suggests apple cider vinegar may help lower blood sugar. If you want to try it, mix 1 teaspoon of the vinegar with a glass of water. It's a good idea to consult with your doctor first.