People are only just realising what fish and chip shop vinegar really is and their minds are blown
IT'S a Great British delicacy that even attracts visitors from the US, who travel all the way to the UK just to try it out.
A portion of hot fish and chips from your local chippy, or enjoyed by the seaside, is an absolute must for a weekend treat or while on a staycation.
And for most people, the experience wouldn't be complete without jazzing up their chips with a sprinkle of salt and a splash of vinegar.
However, people are only just discovering that the vinegar used at fish and chip shops isn't actually vinegar, and the revelation has left many minds blown.
Instead, these shops use a cheaper alternative that legally cannot be called vinegar.
This substitute is known as a 'non-brewed condiment' and is made from acetic acid, water, and colouring.
And before you start thinking fish and chip shops are ripping you off, it's worth knowing that there are some practical benefits to using this alternative.
The non-brewed condiment is halal, as it doesn't contain any alcohol since there's no malt involved in its production.
It's also gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Additionally, it can often be purchased in concentrate form, which makes it easier to store and transport, reducing costs for shops.
There are also strict rules in place to ensure customers aren't misled.
Legally, the non-brewed condiment cannot be labelled as vinegar, nor can it be poured into bottles labelled as vinegar to avoid any deception.
This debate was ignited after LadBible shared an Instagram post explaining the difference.
They wrote: 'What you're usually getting is something called non-brewed condiment, which is a cheaper, vinegar-flavoured alternative made from acetic acid, water, and colouring.
'It looks and tastes like the real deal, but it's not legally allowed to be called vinegar because it isn't brewed from alcohol.'
The post quickly sparked a lively discussion, with many people rushing to the comments section to share their thoughts on the revelation.
Chippy vinegar
One person wrote: 'I suppose saying 'do you want salt & acetic acid on your fish and chips?' isn't as appealing as saying 'do you want salt and vinegar on your chips?''
Another added: 'Sorry but chippy 'vinegar' is the best, even if my whole life has been a lie.'
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