Best Rice Vinegar of 2026

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 28, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Rice vinegar is a staple ingredient in Asian cuisine, known for its tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Made from fermented rice, this versatile vinegar can be used in a variety of dishes, from salad dressings to marinades to pickling. It has a milder taste than other vinegars and is often used to balance out the flavors of a dish. Rice vinegar is also a popular ingredient in sushi rice, giving it a distinctive flavor and helping to preserve the rice. It is a low-calorie and low-fat alternative to other dressings and sauces, making it a great addition to any healthy meal.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Soeos Chinkiang Vinegar Cover #TOP 1
Soeos Chinkiang Vinegar
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Marukan Organic Unseasoned Rice Vinegar 12oz Cover #TOP 2
Marukan Organic Unseasoned Rice Vinegar 12oz
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Kikkoman Rice Vinegar Cover #TOP 3
Kikkoman Rice Vinegar
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Rice Vinegar

#TOP 1

Soeos Chinkiang Vinegar

Soeos Chinkiang Vinegar Cover
Soeos Chinkiang Vinegar 16.9 fl oz (500ml), 3 Years Aged, Naturally Fermented, Mature Aged Black Vinegar, Chinese Black Vinegar, Zhenjiang Vinegar, Black Rice Vinegar, Black Vinegar Chinese.

Soeos Chinkiang Vinegar is a type of Chinese black vinegar made from fermented grains such as black sticky rice or regular glutinous rice. It has a rich, pungent, and tart flavor with a hint of sweetness. This vinegar is distinct from light colored and fruity rice vinegar due to its fermented malty taste and woody character. It is versatile and can be used as a cooking sauce for braised dishes, a dipping sauce for dumplings and seafood, and even to enhance the flavor of noodle broths. Soeos Chinkiang Vinegar is aged and fermented until it turns dark brown or inky black, and it is free of any colorants. With Soeos, your satisfaction is their top priority, so feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

What We Like
Rich, complex flavor profile
Versatile culinary uses
Premium aged quality
Enhances sauces and marinades
Great value for price
What We Don't Like
Strong aroma for some
#TOP 2

Marukan Organic Unseasoned Rice Vinegar 12oz

dinirao
Marukan Organic Unseasoned Rice Vinegar 12oz Cover
Marukan Organic Unseasoned Rice Vinegar, 12 Ounce Glass Bottle (Pack of 1)

The Marukan Organic Rice Vinegar is made from certified organic rice grown in California, giving your dishes a fresh and natural flavor boost with its mild acidity. This vinegar is perfect for those who want a clean and healthy cooking ingredient since it’s kosher, vegan, gluten-free, and verified non-GMO. It’s crafted using select rice and special acetic acid bacteria from Japan, ensuring a quality fermentation process that results in a rich and balanced taste. Plus, it’s naturally brewed using traditional methods developed over centuries, providing a delicate aroma and smooth flavor that enhances a variety of meals.

What We Like
Great taste and flavor
Versatile for many dishes
Multiple size options
Organic and made in USA
Fast shipping
What We Don't Like
Occasional leaking during shipping
Shorter expiration date on some bottles
#TOP 3

Kikkoman Rice Vinegar

KKN 30
Kikkoman Rice Vinegar Cover
Kikkoman Rice Vinegar, 10 Fluid Ounce

Kikkoman Rice Vinegar is a milder, sweeter vinegar made to the highest standards of quality. It has a well-balanced acidity that is perfect for all kinds of dishes, from Asian to beyond. Certified Kosher, this 10 fluid ounce bottle is great for salads and Asian dishes alike.

What We Like
High quality flavor
Versatile for many recipes
No added sugar or salt
Good value for price
Works well for sushi rice
What We Don't Like
Plastic bottle packaging
#TOP 4

Marukan Seasoned Gourmet Rice Vinegar 12oz

70641000097
Marukan Seasoned Gourmet Rice Vinegar 12oz Cover
Marukan Seasoned Gourmet Rice Vinegar, 12 fl oz

The Marukan Gourmet Rice Vinegar comes in a compact bottle measuring about 9.5 inches in length, making it easy to store in your kitchen or pantry without taking up too much space. With a width and height of 2.5 inches each, the bottle is designed for convenient handling and pouring, helping you add just the right amount to your dishes. Weighing 1.8 pounds, this vinegar offers a substantial amount for regular use, ensuring you won’t run out quickly. Overall, this size and design provide you with ease of use and practical storage, perfect for everyday cooking needs.

What We Like
mild, balanced flavor
excellent for pickling
enhances salads and dressings
great for stir fries
good quality
What We Don't Like
small bottle size
price can be high online
#TOP 5

Marukan Genuine Brewed Rice Vinegar, 1 Gallon

070641041106
Marukan Genuine Brewed Rice Vinegar, 1 Gallon Cover
Marukan Genuine Brewed Rice Vinegar for Enhancing Flavor & Cooking, Unseasoned (1 Gallon)

Marukan Genuine Brewed Rice Vinegar is a versatile and excellent addition to any recipe. It is certified Kosher, Vegan, Gluten Free and Non GMO Project Verified, and is made from select California grown rice and acetic acid bacteria from Japan. This vinegar has a delicate aroma, rich flavor and mild taste, making it great for use in salads, seafood, pasta, marinades, stir fry, instant pots, pickling and much more.

What We Like
Great value for quantity
Mild, clean flavor
Low calorie option
Well-packaged, no leaks
Versatile for recipes
What We Don't Like
Hard to find in stores
#TOP 6

52USA 3-Year Aged Chinese Black Rice Vinegar

1 Count (Pack of 1)
52USA 3-Year Aged Chinese Black Rice Vinegar Cover
52USA Chinese Black Vinegar, 3 Years Mature Aged Black Rice Vinegar, Chinkiang Vinegar, Zhenjiang Vinegar, 16.9 fl. Non-GMO Project Verified Vinegar

The 52USA Black Rice Vinegar is made from simple, natural ingredients like water, glutinous rice, wheat, sugar, and salt, making it a wholesome choice for your kitchen. This vinegar is carefully aged until it develops a rich, dark color, signaling its deep, complex flavor. You’ll enjoy its bold, tangy taste with a hint of sweetness, perfect for adding depth to your dishes. Known as Chinkiang or Zhenjiang vinegar, this traditional Chinese black vinegar offers a unique fermented maltiness and a subtle woody flavor, enhancing your meals with authentic taste.

What We Like
Rich, complex flavor
Not overly salty or sweet
Enhances Asian dishes
Secure, attractive packaging
Hard to find elsewhere
What We Don't Like
Pours quickly from bottle
Slightly higher price
#TOP 7

Gold Plum Chinkiang Black Rice Vinegar 18.6oz

1BXB-8ESW-SCDK
Gold Plum Chinkiang Black Rice Vinegar 18.6oz Cover
Gold Plum Chinkiang Vinegar, 18.6 FL Oz The Original Zhenjiang Black Vinegar, Chinese Black Rice Vinegar, Authentic Zhenjiang Xiang Cu for Potsticker, Dumpling, Eggroll, Salad, and Soup, Foam Box,1-Pack

The Gold Plum Chinkiang Vinegar is your go-to for adding authentic Chinese flavor to meals at home. It helps you recreate the taste of traditional Chinese dishes with its unique and rich flavor that other vinegars can't match. This vinegar is versatile, perfect for enhancing dishes like ramen, dumplings, and stir-fries, making your cooking more exciting and flavorful. Plus, it’s low in calories, so you can enjoy its delicious taste without worrying about your diet. With this vinegar, you get an easy way to boost your meals while keeping health in mind.

What We Like
Bold, smoky flavor
Versatile for many dishes
High quality packaging
Unique umami taste
Enhances flavors
What We Don't Like
Somewhat expensive
#TOP 8

Marukan Seasoned Rice Vinegar 24oz

Marukan Seasoned Rice Vinegar 24oz Cover
Marukan Seasoned Gourmet Rice Vinegar for Sushi & Cooking, Seasoned Rice Vinegar (24 fl oz)

Marukan Seasoned Vinegar is a versatile ingredient perfect for home cooking. This rice vinegar is specially blended, making it ideal for creating sushi rice or adding flavor to marinades without any fat. You can enjoy its rich taste while knowing it's certified Kosher, Vegan, Gluten Free, and Non-GMO. Made from high-quality California rice and traditional brewing methods, it offers a delicate aroma and rich flavor. Whether you're dressing salads, pickling, or stir-frying, this vinegar enhances your dishes effortlessly.

What We Like
Slight sweetness enhances salads
Delicious flavor without oil
Superior to other brands
Perfect balance for sushi
#TOP 9

Natural Plus Green Chinkiang Vinegar

NPG
Natural Plus Green Chinkiang Vinegar Cover
NPG Chinkiang Vinegar 19.61 Fl Oz (580ml), 3 Years Aged Zhenjiang Black Rice Vinegar, Naturally Brewed Chinese Black Vinegar For Dumplings, Xiao Long Bao, Sushi, Salad, Marinade, Stir Fry

Natural Plus Green Chinkiang Vinegar is a naturally brewed Chinese black vinegar made from fermented black glutinous rice. It has a distinct umami earthiness flavor, lightly acidic, and dark in color. It pairs well with soup dumplings, used in dips, dressings, marinades, stewed, braised, and stir fried dishes. Customers have praised its full flavor, robustness, and similarity to the brand they get from their local Asian grocery store.

What We Like
Careful packaging
Fresh taste
Delicious flavor
High quality
Great with soup dumplings
What We Don't Like
Price is on the high side compared to getting it in person
Robust flavors may cover the more subtle flavors of your dish
#TOP 10

YUHO Organic Black Vinegar 300ml

black
YUHO Organic Black Vinegar 300ml Cover
YUHO Organic Black Vinegar Less Salt, Kosher Great for Dumpling, Stir-fried Vegetables, Pork Belly in Black Vinegar 10.14 fl oz(300ml)

The YUHO Organic Black Vinegar is made from a blend of organic sorghum, wheat, and rice, naturally fermented with pure mineral water. This means you get a high-quality, natural product that enhances your dishes without artificial ingredients. Since it contains no additives or colorants, you can trust it to be pure and healthy. Certified USDA Organic, Ecocert SA, and Kosher, this vinegar meets strict quality standards, giving you confidence in its safety and authenticity. You can use this versatile vinegar for a variety of cooking styles, from soups and grilled shrimp to salads and desserts, adding rich flavor to your meals.

What We Like
Unique nutty flavor
Excellent umami boost
Authentic black vinegar taste
Enhances Asian dishes
Kosher and organic option
What We Don't Like
Slow bottle pour
Short best-before date
Buying Guide Image

All You Need to Know About Buying Rice Vinegar

Rice vinegar is a type of vinegar made from fermented rice, which has been a popular condiment in Asia for centuries. In recent years, it has gained popularity in the Western world for its mild and slightly sweet flavor, which makes it a great choice for a variety of dishes, including salads, marinades, and pickling.

The Different Types of Rice Vinegar

When it comes to choosing rice vinegar, one of the first things to consider is the type of rice vinegar you want to use. There are three main types of rice vinegar: white, black, and red.

White rice vinegar, also known as sushi vinegar, is the most common type of rice vinegar. It is clear and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is often used in salads, marinades, and pickling, and is also a common ingredient in sushi rice.

Black rice vinegar, also known as Chinkiang vinegar, is made from fermented glutinous rice and is dark brown in color. It has a rich, complex flavor with notes of molasses and tamarind. It is often used in braises and sauces, and is a popular condiment in China.

Red rice vinegar, also known as Zhenjiang vinegar, is made from fermented red yeast rice. It has a deep red color and a slightly sweet and sour flavor. It is commonly used in Chinese cuisine, and is often added to braises, sauces, and marinades.

The Strength and Acidity of Rice Vinegar

Another factor to consider when choosing rice vinegar is the strength and acidity of the vinegar. Rice vinegar is typically less acidic than other types of vinegar, with an acidity level of between 4% and 7%. However, the strength and acidity of rice vinegar can vary depending on the type of rice vinegar and the brand you choose.

When choosing a rice vinegar, look for one with a strength and acidity level that is appropriate for the recipe you are using. For example, if you are making a salad dressing, you may want to choose a milder and sweeter rice vinegar, whereas if you are pickling vegetables, you may want to choose a stronger and more acidic rice vinegar.

The Price and Quality of Rice Vinegar

The price and quality of rice vinegar can also vary depending on the brand and type of rice vinegar you choose. In general, higher-quality rice vinegar is more expensive, but it will also have a better flavor and aroma.

When choosing a rice vinegar, it is important to read the label and look for one that is made from high-quality ingredients. Avoid rice vinegar that is made from artificial flavors or preservatives, and look for one that is made from natural ingredients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing a rice vinegar, consider the type of rice vinegar you want to use, the strength and acidity of the vinegar, and the price and quality of the vinegar. By taking these factors into account, you can choose the best rice vinegar for your needs and enjoy the delicious flavor and versatility of this popular condiment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What can I substitute for rice vinegar?

If you don't have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, champagne vinegar, sherry vinegar, lemon or lime juice, or mirin as substitutes. These options provide a similar sweet-to-sour ratio and can be used in various recipes that call for rice vinegar.

2. What does rice vinegar taste like?

Rice vinegar has a delicate, mild, and slightly sweet flavor. It is less acidic compared to white distilled vinegar. This flavor profile makes it a popular choice for marinades, salad dressings, pickling vegetables, and other dishes where a subtle acidity is desired.

3. What is closest to rice wine vinegar?

If you're looking for a substitute for rice wine vinegar, you can use champagne vinegar, white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sherry vinegar, red wine vinegar, or lemon/lime juice. These options can provide a similar flavor and acidity to rice wine vinegar in various recipes.

4. What do you use rice vinegar for?

Rice vinegar has various uses in cooking. It can be used to add acidity to sauces, stir-fries, dressings, and dipping sauces. It is commonly used in dishes like sushi, marinades, and salad dressings. Rice vinegar adds a tangy and flavorful element to these recipes.

5. Is it better to cook with rice wine or rice wine vinegar?

Rice wine is ideal for cooking and drinking, while rice vinegar is better suited for lighter dishes such as sushi, marinades, sauces, and salad dressings. Although they share similar names, they are not interchangeable, so it's important to use the correct one based on the recipe.

6. Why do people use rice vinegar?

Rice vinegar is commonly used as a condiment in salads and cooking meat-based dishes. It adds a subtle flavor to the dishes while offering several health benefits. There are two main types of rice vinegar - unseasoned and seasoned, each with its own uses. Overall, rice vinegar enhances the taste of dishes and provides a unique flavor profile.

Editor's Notes

During our rice vinegar research, we found 24 rice vinegar products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 72,947 customer reviews through our big data system to write the rice vinegar list. We found that most customers choose rice vinegar with an average price of $11.42.

The rice vinegar are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of rice vinegar, including Soeos, Marukan, Kikkoman, 52USA, Gold Plum. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!

Rice Vinegar Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Soeos Marukan Kikkoman Marukan Marukan 52USA Gold Plum Marukan NPG YUHO
Item Form Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid
Flavor Superior Mature Chinkiang Vinegar Organic Unseasoned Rice Vinegar Rice Vinegar Rice Vinegar Genuine Brewed Chinkiang Vinegar Plum Seasoned Gourmet black vinegar Black Vinegar
Liquid Volume 16.9 Fluid Ounces 12 Fluid Ounces 296 Milliliters 12 Fluid Ounces 128 Fluid Ounces 16.9 Fluid Ounces 18.6 24 Fluid Ounces 19.61 Fluid Ounces 10.14 Fluid Ounces
Units 16.9 Fluid Ounces 12.00 Fluid Ounces 10 Fluid Ounces 12 Fluid Ounces 128.00 Fluid Ounces 1.00 Count 18.6 Fluid Ounces - 19.61 Fluid Ounces 10.14 Fluid Ounces
Recommended Uses For Product Cooking - Flavor enhancer in various cuisines, salad dressings, pickling Sushi rice, pickling, adding flavor to Asian dishes - Asian cuisine, dumplings, sushi, stir frys, soups, marinades Dipping sauce, Salad dressings, Soups, Stews, Marinades, Asian dishes (dumplings, ramen, stir-fries), Glazes, Braises, Balsamic vinegar substitute Sushi Rice, Salads, Marinades, Pickles, Odor Removal, Flavor Enhancer cooking, food preparation -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
Where to Buy