The best balsamic vinegar is probably enshrined in some carved wooden box, sequestered in some ancient stone building in Modena, Italy. But you can’t have that balsamic vinegar. And the next best balsamic vinegar probably costs an actual arm and a leg. But you can’t afford that balsamic vinegar. That’s why you’re here. Because you want to know about the best supermarket balsamic vinegar. And I can help you with that. I tasted 11 bottles of balsamic vinegar, in search of the best grocery store balsamic vinegar for dipping and drizzling, as well as the best balsamic vinegar for salad dressing and glazing.
I only sourced balsamic vinegars under $25, because I didn’t just want to find the best grocery store balsamic vinegar. I wanted to find the best affordable balsamic vinegar. I tasted each one right off a spoon, evaluating them on their balance of flavor (balsamic should be tart and tangy but also sweet) and texture (it should be syrupy). I also took packaging into consideration (these things should be easy if not down right pleasurable to pour). Here’s the best rated balsamic vinegar from our taste test.
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- Sprouts Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
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This Sprouts brand balsamic has that classic wine-y flavor. It’s rich and raisin-y. And, while it’s thicker than most of the other grocery store brand balsamic vinegars, it’s not crazy viscous, which makes it the best balsamic vinegar for salad dressings. It emulsifies into a dressing without making it too heavy or thick. I particularly loved the tang on this balsamic. It’ll give any salad a bright and zippy flavor, whether it’s basic tossed greens or a fancy mix of bitter radicchio and endive or even room temp roasted root veg.
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- Roland Diamond Label Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
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Are you the sophisticated type of person who drizzles their artisanal vanilla ice cream with balsamic vinegar? Then this is the best balsamic vinegar at the grocery store for you. It’s extremely thick and creamy and just a touch tangy. Some of the vinegars I tried really blew my hair back with their tanginess. This one is gentle. But it’s still uber rich with a sweet and sour balance. Not into balsamic vinegar sundaes? This is also the best supermarket balsamic vinegar to drizzle on pizza. (Try it on one of our favorite frozen white pizzas.)
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- Due Vittorie Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP
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Did I say that the previous balsamic was thick? Well, Due Vittorie puts Roland to shame. It’s so extremely thick. It drizzles out like molasses. It’s decadent and fruity—almost like port wine—and it’s the best aged balsamic vinegar (that’s actually affordable) for finishing off a dish. It’s easy to drizzle, too, thanks to the little pour spout that comes with it. Use it to turn a ball of fresh mozzarella into a restaurant-worthy appetizer. Get all cheffy with it and turn a plate of good blue cheese into dessert. This is our best rated balsamic vinegar for a special occasion that’s still affordable.
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- Kirkland Signature Organic Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
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I hope you really like balsamic vinegar, because the best balsamic vinegar brand of all the bottles we tasted is Costco’s Kirkland Signature Organic Balsamic Vinegar. And it comes in a really, really big bottle. Don’t worry about pouring; there’s a built-in, pop-up pour spout to help you drizzle. And drizzle you will, because this stuff’s great. It’s thick and sweet, but it has a serious kick, as well. Then it finishes creamy. It’s a roller coaster of a flavor. This is some of the best balsamic vinegar for salad, but it’d also be great drizzled onto some ripe peach wedges. It’s so good and you get a lot of it. Forget about bang for your buck, this balsamic gives you tang for your buck. (I assume you’re giving me a standing ovation for that.)
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Best Balsamic for Salad
Best Sweet Balsamic
Best Balsamic for Drizzling
Best of the Best
Other balsamic vinegars we tried: Accetaia Malpighi Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Gold U.S. Edition, Kroger Balsamic Vinegar, Good & Gather Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, Signature Select Balsamic VInegar of Modena, 365 Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, O Organics Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, Great Value Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
