{"id":134275,"date":"2025-05-26T21:49:20","date_gmt":"2025-05-26T21:49:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/134275\/"},"modified":"2025-05-26T21:49:20","modified_gmt":"2025-05-26T21:49:20","slug":"people-are-only-just-realising-fish-and-chip-shop-vinegar-isnt-actually-vinegar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/134275\/","title":{"rendered":"People are only just realising fish and chip shop vinegar isn’t actually vinegar"},"content":{"rendered":"

By MARIA CHIORANDO FOR MAILONLINE<\/a> <\/p>\n

Published: 10:57 EDT, 26 May 2025 | Updated: 10:58 EDT, 26 May 2025 <\/p>\n

As one of the quintessential British dishes, nearly 400 million portions of fish and chips are consumed annually.<\/p>\n

And a portion of hot chips isn’t complete without a good shaking of salt, and lots of delicious vinegar sprinkled on top.<\/p>\n

But many fast food lovers have been shocked to discover that the vinegar served at chippies is not, in fact, vinegar.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The majority of chip shops don’t use real vinegar, and instead use a cheaper alternative.<\/p>\n

This cheaper version of the condiment, called a ‘non-brewed condiment’, is made from acetic acid, water and colouring.\u2060<\/p>\n

While it may have the delicious flavour of its authentic counterpart, legally it cannot be called vinegar as it isn’t brewed from alcohol<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Many <\/p>\n

Many chip fans are only just learning that chip shop vinegar is often not actual vinegar – and instead is an alternative called\u00a0‘non-brewed condiment’ (stock image)<\/p>\n

In addition it is usually gluten-free, unlike malt vinegar, which coeliacs and those with an intolerance have to avoid.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

When LadBible shared an Instagram post<\/a> revealing this vinegar news, people took to the comments section to share their thoughts.<\/p>\n

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.’<\/p>\n

Another agreed, adding: ‘Still tastes better than any other vinegar I\u2019ve had.’<\/p>\n

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!’<\/p>\n

\"\" \"\" \"\" \"\" \"People <\/p>\n

People had mixed reactions to the news, with some saying they love non-brewed condiment, and others preferring the real thing<\/p>\n

In a similar vein, another added: ‘I prefer to do it at home with Sarsons Malt vinegar and my own rock salt.’<\/p>\n

And a further social media user said: ‘Yes it\u2019s not malted and should be illegal.’<\/p>\n

While the news is a revelation to many, it first came to light in 2016, when YouTuber Tom Scott made a video about it<\/a>, titled\u00a0The Fake Vinegar In British Fish and Chip Shops.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In the video, which has been viewed more than five million times, he said: ‘Most people don\u2019t know that this isn\u2019t vinegar. Legally, it can\u2019t be described as vinegar.<\/p>\n

‘Trading standards are really clear on that. It cannot be put in the little bottles that people traditionally associate with vinegar.’<\/p>\n

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\n People are only just realising fish and chip shop vinegar isn’t actually vinegar<\/p>\n