White vinegar is a simple vinegar made with pure acetic acid and water. It is typically made from neutral grain alcohol, and has very little flavor profile other than the acidic sourness provided by the acetic acid. White vinegar typically has the most acid of all vinegar types, and is therefore a good match for brining and pickling applications; more care is needed if it is used in salad dressings and sauces.
It should not be confused with white wine vinegar, which typically has a more pronounced fruit flavor and milder acid.
It is nearly identical to the product called spirit vinegar in the UK, though slight differences in the raw materials and production methods may exist.