[kpw]

From the Daily Dish - thought I'd share:

Q: Balsamic vinegar contains sugar. Can I still have it on salads, veggies, etc?
—Helen V.

A: Vinegar does indeed contain some sugar. It's made through a double fermentation process that usually begins with a fruit (like apples, grapes, peaches, or berries) or another sugar-containing ingredient. First, the sugar is fermented to create alcohol, and then the alcohol is fermented to create vinegar. There are many types of vinegar: apple cider vinegar, for example, is made from apple cider. Red wine vinegar is made from red wine, and rice wine vinegar from rice wine. Traditional balsamic vinegar, which has a sweet and sour flavor, is made from white grapes.

Even though vinegar contains some sugar, we recommend it because acidic foods like vinegar slow the speed with which your stomach empties, helping to keep blood sugar levels steady. In addition, the amount of vinegar you would consume in a day—and, therefore, the amount of sugar you'd take in from balsamic vinegar—is negligible. Feel free to enjoy balsamic and other vinegars on salads, veggies, and in marinades.