Zero Carb Balsamic Vinegar Alternative

This zero carb balsamic vinegar is a fantastic sugar-free and keto-friendly alternative to the popular Italian condiment!

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In my first ever zero carb foods post, I listed that all vinegars are zero carb APART from balsamic. It's certainly true – a tablespoon of an average balsamic vinegar contains 2.7g net carbs – 2.4g of those are sugar. And while that might not sound like a lot, it can add up fast!

To create a good alternative, I researched a little about this Italian specialty:

Balsamic vinegar is a very dark, concentrated, and intensely flavored vinegar originating in Italy, made wholly or partially from grape must: freshly crushed grape juice with all the skins, seeds and stems.” Source: Wikipedia

As for the flavor it is very sharp, but with an underlying sweetness. I decided that red wine vinegar should be the base of my imitation version. In testing I tried low carb maple syrup, low carb honey, and granular brown sweetener. Although the brown sweetener needed to be cooked with the vinegar, it added color and a molasses-like flavor that made the result VERY like the regular version. Perhaps not as thick as a well-aged balsamic vinegar, but great for sauces, dressings, vinaigrettes, and more!

How to Make a Zero Carb Balsamic Vinegar Alternative

As mentioned above, this recipe just needs two ingredients: red wine vinegar and a brown-style low carb sweetener – I absolutely love Golden Lakanto! Get 20% off anything in the Lakanto store if you use coupon code SAFTC – they have so many fantastic products!

Combine both ingredients in a small saucepan and place over a low-medium heat. Cook until the sweetener has completely dissolved – it will only take a few minutes.

Let cool, then transfer to a small bottle and store at room temperature.

Uses for Zero Carb Balsamic Vinegar

• Mix with a good quality EVOO and dip low carb breadsticks into it (shown below)
  
• Whipped Mascarpone Cream with Balsamic
• Make a Balsamic Dressing for lamb chops
• Baked Balsamic Chicken Thighs
• Create a simple vinaigrette (three parts olive oil to one part vinegar) 
• Marinated Strawberries

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Zero Carb Balsamic Vinegar Alternative

Yield: Makes approx. 1 cup

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

This zero carb balsamic vinegar is a fantastic sugar-free and keto-friendly alternative to the popular Italian condiment!

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Ingredients

• 1 cup red wine vinegar
• ⅓ cup golden Lakanto sweetener

Instructions

1. Combine both ingredients in a small saucepan and place over a low-medium heat. Cook until the sweetener has completely dissolved - it will only take a few minutes.
2. Let cool, then transfer to a bottle and store at room temperature.

Notes

Zero carb recipe if zero-carb sweetener is used.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Spectrum Culinary Organic Red Wine Vinegar, 16.9 fl. oz.
• 
  5.5oz Glass Dispensers for Oil and Vinegar with  Caps - 2 Pc
• 
  Anolon White Marble/Teak Wood Serving Board, 10-Inch Round

Nutrition Information

Yield 16 Serving Size 1 tablespoon
Amount Per Serving Calories 2.8Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gSodium 1mgCarbohydrates 0gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 0g