The old saying 'you get what you pay for' holds especially true for balsamic vinegar, whether it's a supermarket own-label or an independent brand. The finest examples come from Modena, Italy, and boast at least IGP (protected geographical indication) status. While not the strictest certification, it still guarantees adherence to specific production guidelines.
None of the vinegars tested had PDO (protected designation of origin) status, a more coveted certification requiring a 12-year ageing process, which explains why such bottles can cost upwards of £1,200 per litre.
Each vinegar was assessed for viscosity, colour, and aroma before tasting. The range spanned from young, acidic vinegars with low sweetness—harsher but still delicious—to syrupy balsamics with sugar content as high as 80%, a stark contrast to the lowest at 19%. This was a challenging test due to the uniformly high quality.
The Best Balsamic Vinegar
Best Overall: Tesco Finest Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
£8 for 250ml at Tesco (£3.20/100ml) ★★★★☆
This invecchiato (aged) vinegar has medium viscosity and classic dark cherry-red hues. It offers an acidic, rich aroma with caramelised, fruity flavours. Sweet (51.4% sugar) with a persistent, intense, and well-balanced flavour. Exceptional value for an aged balsamic.
Best Bargain: Co-op Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
£2 for 250ml at Co-op (80p/100ml) ★★★☆☆
A thin vinegar with deep mahogany colour. Vanilla notes on the nose and, despite its youth, pleasantly balanced. Noticeable sweetness (19% sugar) with a complex profile of prune and caramel, plus a lingering fizziness. Not viscous enough for drizzling, but incredible value.
And the Rest ...
Belazu Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
£13 for 250ml at Waitrose (£5.20/100ml) | £15.40 for 250ml at Sainsbury's (£6.16/100ml) ★★★★★
High-density, syrupy vinegar with black-red colour. A complex flavour journey from lively, acidic aroma to fizzy pop on the tongue, with long, complex prune and woody notes from mixed barrels. 81% sugar (highest in the test).
Bellei Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
£17.50 for 250ml at Ocado (£7/100ml) ★★★★★
Very dark, high-density aged invecchiato with deep red-brown hues. Lively, complex acidic aroma. Sweet (77% sugar) and fizzy on the palate, with a long flavour profile and rich mixed dried fruits.
M&S Collection Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
£8 for 250ml at Ocado (£3.20/100ml) ★★★★☆
Refined in small oak barrels, this thick, deep brown syrup has an underlying bright red tinge. A lively, acidic aroma with notes of wood, apricot, and date syrup. Fizzily acidic and very sweet (73% sugar).
Odysea Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
£10.95 for 250ml at Sainsbury's (£4.38/100ml) | £10.95 for 250ml at Amazon (£4.38/100ml) ★★★★☆
A high-density vinegar with a lovely syrupy quality. Cherry-cola colour and funky, acidic aroma. Tart and rich dried fruit flavours, marvellously sweet (74% sugar).
Waitrose No 1 Aceto Balsamico di Modena
£13 for 250ml at Waitrose (£5.20/100ml) ★★★★☆
Medium-thick viscosity and deep cola-caramel colour. This invecchiato has an intoxicating, mildly acidic and sweet aroma. Sweet (71.8% sugar) and fizzy, with a wonderful, rich depth of flavour kept alive by bright acidity.