So there are reasons why the inexpensive Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP is referred to as a typical supermarket vinegar and the Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP is revered as the king of (balsamic) vinegars. In terms of taste and quality, there are worlds between the two. So is the price: while you’re in between for a good cheaper “supermarket vinegar”. five and six euros for 100ml have to shell out, such a traditional can definitely do more than 100 euros per 100ml costs.
But can cheap balsamic vinegar also taste good? The testers from ÖKO-TEST have in the Edition 07/2021 put it to the test. They examined ten representatives of the variety Aceto Balsamico di Modena and its counterpart, the Condimento Bianco, not only for ingredients and quality, but also for their taste. The test field included both very cheap products (0.99 euros per 500ml) from discounters such as Penny, Lidl and Aldi as well as more expensive products with up to 31.98 euros per 500ml.
The following balsamic vinegars were among the test winners in terms of taste and quality:
- Giuseppe Cremonini Aceto Balsamico di Modena matured IGP (31.98 euros per 500ml)
- Campo Verde Condimento Bianco (12.78 euros per 500ml)