Latest news with #nonbrewedcondiment
The Sun
27-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
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.'
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
People are only just realising fish and chip shop vinegar isn't actually vinegar
As one of the quintessential British dishes, nearly 400 million portions of fish and chips are consumed annually. And a portion of hot chips isn't complete without a good shaking of salt, and lots of delicious vinegar sprinkled on top. But many fast food lovers have been shocked to discover that the vinegar served at chippies is not, in fact, vinegar. The majority of chip shops don't use real vinegar, and instead use a cheaper alternative. This cheaper version of the condiment, called a 'non-brewed condiment', is made from acetic acid, water and colouring. While it may have the delicious flavour of its authentic counterpart, legally it cannot be called vinegar as it isn't brewed from alcohol. Not only is non-brewed condiment cheaper to make than real vinegar, it is also much quicker to make - and it has a longer shelf life. And those who totally cut out alcohol from their diet can enjoy the alternative made from acetic acid, water and colouring - for example, those following a halal diet. In addition it is usually gluten-free, unlike malt vinegar, which coeliacs and those with an intolerance have to avoid. Chippies are able to buy a concentrated form of the condiment, which can then be diluted with water, before it is liberally splashed on delicious, hot piles of fried potatoes. When LadBible shared an Instagram post revealing this vinegar news, people took to the comments section to share their thoughts. Many were unconcerned about the provenance of the condiment, with one writing: 'Sorry but chippy "vinegar" is the best, even if my whole life has been a lie.' Another agreed, adding: 'Still tastes better than any other vinegar I've had.' However, it appears some are not fans of the punchy condiment, and prefer to use their own authentic option. One Instagram user wrote: 'That's why you never ask for salt and vinegar and put the proper stuff on at home!' People had mixed reactions to the news, with some saying they love non-brewed condiment, and others preferring the real thing In a similar vein, another added: 'I prefer to do it at home with Sarsons Malt vinegar and my own rock salt.' And a further social media user said: 'Yes it's not malted and should be illegal.' While the news is a revelation to many, it first came to light in 2016, when YouTuber Tom Scott made a video about it, titled The Fake Vinegar In British Fish and Chip Shops. In the video, which has been viewed more than five million times, he said: 'Most people don't know that this isn't vinegar. Legally, it can't be described as vinegar. 'Trading standards are really clear on that. It cannot be put in the little bottles that people traditionally associate with vinegar.'
