Vinegar, red wine
FDC 172240tbsp (15 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 56 · -37 vs Spices & herbs medianRed wine vinegar scores 56 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Fair rating, though that ranks it low at 50 of 60 within Spices & herbs, well under the category's median of 93. It carries no standout vitamins or minerals in meaningful amounts, which tracks with its role as a low-calorie flavoring rather than a nutrient source.
Vinegar is used by the tablespoon to dress salads, deglaze pans, and balance rich dishes with acidity, not eaten as a food in its own right. At just 19 calories per 100 grams and near-zero protein, fat, and sugar, its value here is culinary rather than nutritional, and among spices and herbs a higher-scoring pick like garlic powder brings far more to the table.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around vinegar, red wine, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 19 kcal | 1% |
| Total fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | - | |
| Sodium | 8 mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate | 0.27 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 0.04 g | 0% |
| Potassium | 39 mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 6 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.45 mg | 3% |
| Magnesium | 4 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0.5 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | - |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 3 kcal | 0% |
| Total fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | - | |
| Sodium | 1.2 mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate | 0.04 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 0.01 g | 0% |
| Potassium | 5.9 mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 0.9 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.07 mg | 0% |
| Magnesium | 0.6 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.08 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | - |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 172240Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the spices & herbs median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Spices, mace, groundDensity 69 vs 56Spices, garlic powderDensity 69 vs 56Horseradish, preparedDensity 75 vs 56Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Red wine vinegar has a sharp, fruity acidity with a faint tannic edge carried over from the wine it's fermented from, making it a staple for whisking into vinaigrettes with olive oil, mustard, and a pinch of salt. It's also used to deglaze pans after searing meat, brighten braises and bean dishes, and quick-pickle onions or vegetables where its color adds a rosy tint. A splash added near the end of cooking, rather than at the start, tends to preserve more of its bright acidity.
An unopened bottle keeps almost indefinitely in a cool, dark cupboard, and once opened it still lasts many months at room temperature since its acidity is naturally preserving; a cloudy sediment called mother of vinegar is harmless and can simply be strained out. At just 19 calories and 8 mg of sodium per 100 g, it's a low-calorie way to add sharp flavor to a dish without leaning on salt or oil, which is why it shows up so often in lighter dressings and marinades.
Frequently asked questions about vinegar, red wine
How many calories are in red wine vinegar?
Red wine vinegar has about 19 calories per 100 g, making it a low-calorie way to add flavor.
How should red wine vinegar be stored?
It keeps well in a cool, dark cupboard both before and after opening, since its acidity is naturally preserving.
What is red wine vinegar used for?
It's commonly whisked into vinaigrettes, used to deglaze pans, and added to braises, beans, or quick pickles.