Best Balsamic Vinegars Under $20
Our tests of 10 popular vinegars found that it's possible to get a high-quality product without spending a lot
A bottle of balsamic vinegar can cost anywhere from $5 to $100 or more. But what’s the difference?
In Italy, balsamic is regulated and labeled “DOP,” for Denominazione d’Origine Protetta (Protected Designation of Origin). It must be made in Modena or Emilia-Romagna only from local grapes that are crushed, cooked down, and aged in wooden barrels for at least 12 years. That process produces a rich, complex flavor—but you’ll pay a premium.
Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious balsamics that are more wallet-friendly. We tasted 10 supermarket brands under $20 to find the best ones to recommend.
Most of the bottles were labeled “PGI,” for Protected Geographical Indication. They’re made in the same region of Italy as DOPs, but the grapes can come from elsewhere, and the vinegar is aged for at least 60 days. They can contain a small amount of caramel color, but no other additives.
PGI isn’t a guarantee of great taste, though. In our tests, we found that the vinegars varied considerably, and not all of them had the complex, balanced fruit, spice, and tangy flavors that balsamic is known for. Nor does balsamic need to come from Italy to be tasty; the two California vinegars we tested got a thumbs-up from our tasters. Here, check out the ones we liked best—and some to skip. Plus, we explain the difference between balsamic vinegar and balsamic glaze.
$14 for 33.8 oz. (41¢ per oz.)
If you’re going to stock just one balsamic, this is it. It’s well priced and thick enough to drizzle. It’s sweet, tangy, and fruity, with a bit of spice.
- Calories 45 per tbsp.
- Total sugars 9 grams per tbsp.
Shop: Costco
$18 for 8.4 oz. ($2.13 per oz.)
This coat-the-spoon-thick vinegar has a rich, caramelized flavor and a balance of sweetness and acidity. Our tasters say it’s best used as a finishing touch on foods.
- Calories 35 per tbsp.
- Total sugars 8 grams per tbsp.
$11 for 12.7 oz. (87¢ per oz.)
This was the thickest vinegar we tried. It’s sweet and fruity with oaky notes and mild tanginess—and it’s less than half the price per ounce of the Fini.
- Calories 35 per tbsp.
- Total sugars 8 grams per tbsp.
Shop: Amazon
$5 for 8.5 oz. (59¢ per oz.)
The big grape and raisin flavors in this balsamic have a nice balance of sweetness and zing, and complement olive oil well in a dressing.
- Calories 40 per tbsp.
- Total sugars 9 grams per tbsp.
Shop: Trader Joe's
$7.50 for 16.9 oz. (44¢ per oz.)
Light-bodied with a nice vinegary tang and some sweetness, this bottle is a good choice if you typically use balsamic for salad—and the price is right.
- Calories 15 per tbsp.
- Total sugars 3 grams per tbsp.
Shop: Walmart
$10 for 10.1 oz. (99¢ per oz.)
This California vinegar is pleasantly oaky and spicy with just a touch of fruitiness. It’s more acidic than sweet, so if you like a bolder flavor in your salad dressing, this is a good option.
- Calories 20 per tbsp.
- Total sugars 3 grams per tbsp.
Shop: Amazon, Ooliveoil.com
$13 for 8.5 oz. ($1.53 per oz.)
The flavor of this vinegar has some depth with prune, raisin, woody, and spicy notes. It’s a touch thicker than regular vinegar.
- Calories 30 per tbsp.
- Total sugars 6 grams per tbsp.
Shop: Amazon
$10 for 17 oz. (59¢ per oz.)
This vinegar tasted very acidic and lacked the smooth sweetness you’d expect of balsamic vinegar. The tasters detected a bitter note. It might be okay in salad dressing.
- Calories 25 per tbsp.
- Total sugars 3 grams per tbsp.
Shop: Amazon
$5 for 16 oz. (31¢ per oz.)
The acidic flavor of this vinegar overpowered the typical balsamic flavors. It might be okay in salad dressing.
- Calories 15 per tbsp.
- Total sugars 2 grams per tbsp.
Shop: Amazon
What's Balsamic Glaze?
When balsamic vinegar is reduced and concentrated, it becomes a thick, syrupy glaze that’s perfect to drizzle over roasted veggies, meats, and more. Ready-made glazes may contain added sugar and thickeners, such as guar gum or modified corn starch. To make a healthier version yourself, bring a cup of good-quality balsamic to a boil on the stovetop, then simmer, stirring often, until it thickens slightly. It will thicken more as it cools.
Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the January/February 2026 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.