Don’t Fall For TikTok’s Apple Cider Vinegar Diet Trend

Hey guys!

Has anyone else noticed that it’s wayyyyy too easy to waste HOURS scrolling through TikTok? It’s so hard to stop!

In the middle of all the dances, pancake cereal recipes, makeup transformations and adorable #levelupchallenge pet videos, there are also some diet trends gaining popularity …and it’s SCARY.

One I’ve seen A LOT lately is the #applecidervinegar challenge.

Some of the posts are just reactions of people taking a shot of ACV because it tastes GROSS and the reactions can be kinda funny.

HOWEVER.

The challenge has reached a whooooole different level for other people. I’ve seen claims all over the place about ACV burning fat, helping with weight loss, detox, etc. So basically, this “challenge” has become a super scary diet trend. Here’s what these videos are recommending:

Drink ACV mixed with lemon juice, cayenne pepper (or cinnamon) and honey. Every day. With nothing else (or a very low-calorie diet). The promise? You’ll shed tons of pounds in just a couple of weeks!

You guys, this is an eating disorder waiting to happen.

@tifffanyynicole##duet with @kaykay_paige so I’m gonna try this for a week and see how my progress is every day! ##weightloss ##applecidervinegar ##viral♬ Opaul – Freddie Dredd

This is pretty much a copycat diet of the Military Diet, which Beyoncé made suuuuper popular a few years ago. It was dangerous then, and it’s dangerous now.

What scares me now though, is how YOUNG the girls seeing this diet are. TikTok has over 500 million active users worldwide and the vast majority of those users are between 16 and 24 years old.

That means MILLIONS of young women are exposed to this dangerous diet trend… and probably tons of others that are just as scary. The stats don’t even mention girls on the app who are even younger.

Seeing the popular TikTok “stars” in their crop tops combined with tempting before and afters videos claiming to result from trends like the apple cider vinegar challenge is a SCARY combination.

@blogilatesThere aren’t shortcuts to being healthy. Put in the work. Get the results. ##pilates ##weightloss ##acv ##applecidervinegar ##fitness ##keepingactive♬ original sound – bingbongshowtime

So should you try TikTok’s apple cider vinegar challenge? NOPE.

Does apple cider vinegar have some health benefits? Maybe.

Should you drink it every day in place of food to melt fat and lose weight? NO.

You know what I’m about to say. There’s no magic pill (or shot in this case), and no crash diet is worth making yourself and your body miserable. Fill up on those whole foods, limit the processed stuff, and don’t forget to move your body!

39 thoughts on “Don’t Fall For TikTok’s Apple Cider Vinegar Diet Trend”

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  1. coherentlab says:

    This is a very useful post. i have learned some new things. thank you so much

    1. Erin Woodbury says:

      You’re welcome!

  2. This is true. Vinegar and lemon juice are very acid consuming in large quantity will quickly erode the enamel on your teeth. Don’t ruin your smile for a fad diet.

  3. virat shah says:

    Rightly Said, when it comes to health one should never go without testing into developing any of the new habits. The ACV might suit well with certain people and might not for some but to blindly follow it up looking at online apps or videos is a risk that one should definitely avoid.

  4. This is true. My Friend also uses then after the result …awsome

  5. Grace says:

    This is true these combinations are very dangerous for the human body as a medical student most of these concoctions lead to gastric and acidity and constant use may lead to gastric ulcers.

  6. Suvi says:

    Oh wow! Of course people would take it too far and substitute meals with the ACV! When I first heard about it, it was just used as a supplement in the morning to curb your appetite and boost metabolism. So I did it the “healthy” way and just took my little shot in the morning before breakfast and one in the evening before dinner. Of course, I diluted it and drank it through a straw because the acidity can wear down your teeth and esophagus. I loved the results and only did this for a month! I combined this with healthy eating and exercise! It’s great to kick-start weight loss, but do in moderation, dilute, EAT properly, and exercise!! ^_^

  7. Noellerose says:

    I’ve been known to have a shot of that kind of ACV mixture in the morning to kickstart my digestion, but as a replacement for meals????? that’s an eating disorder waiting to happen 🙁 I’ve noticed things like this trending, and I feel so bad for all the teens that could be influenced by this, especially because I used to be :/

  8. Noellerose says:

    I’ve been known to have a shot of that kind of ACV mixture in the morning to kickstart my digestion, but as a replacement for meals????? that’s an eating disorder waiting to happen 🙁 I’ve noticed things like this trending, and I feel so bad for all the teens that could be influenced by this, especially because I used to be

  9. Bel says:

    Vinegar, lemon juice and honey… All these girls will lose is their teeth!

  10. Allyson says:

    Hmmm I wont advise any try to survive on apple cider vinegar and honey (and what whatever other mix ins) alone but also wont deny the benefits its had for me. I personally use apple cider vinegar and honey and a tea to help control my snacking and grazing. Would drink a cup in the morning with a light breakfast and i wont feel hungry until much later in the day like 2 or 3pm then ill eat a normal lunch then ill at night around 6~8pm ill feel hungry again and ill have another glass (or plain old peppermint tea) and crackers granola or something light. When i dont have that initial cup of acv an honey i snack a whole lot more.

    But that just me. I enjoy the tea amd control it gives me over my snacking. That coupled with daily excercises gives great result

    1. Allyson says:

      The quantity i use is 3 tablespoon of avc and 2 and 1/2 tablespoons of honey in a standard coffe mug then i fill it up with hot water.

      1. H says:

        Shouldn’t have any over 2 tbsps. 3 is too much

  11. Marilyn says:

    Umm should i just have it every morning? Cuz i know a lot of people drink it and say it actually works. Im not planning to restrict any eating, just wondering if it might help with my terrible bloating. Again, im not replacing any meals!!

  12. Emily says:

    That is crazy. Apple cider vinegar can boost your health and immune system but only in SMALL doses. Mix a few table spoons with lemon tea and ginger. I actually use it to treat poision ivy and stubborn pimples! I don’t like these crazy fads that young kids are seeing. Nothing is good in extremes and if people actually did that they will damage their esophagus permanently.

  13. sharontototo says:

    I hate to say that I fell for this a loong time ago while I was going through the thick of my eating disorder. It was not healthy and there were no noticeable results that I could attribute to the ACV anyway :/ Not that seeing results would be a reason to advocate for this, but that’s what I was sadly hoping for 🙁 Thanks for calling this out while it’s still in it’s early trending stages so more people don’t hop on this train!!

  14. Lollie says:

    You do not use it in place of food. There are good health benefits that come from it but you still need to live a healthy lifestyle to lose weight, get fit, and stay that way for life. I have a friend who takes it for his heart after surviving a widowmaker heart attack. It has helped stop the heart issues that the meds did not. I am not saying it is a cure-all but I am saying it has its benefits when used correctly for the correct reasons. As a diet trend, it is silly and I wish people would stop looking for quick fixes and be willing to put in the hard work it takes instead. Thanks for posting this.

  15. Tiffany says:

    ACV does have some health benefits, but not only a few studies have been completed to really say for sure. It definitely should not be consumed as a replacement for meals!!

  16. Jackelyn says:

    Thank you for sharing this you saved me from trying this trend. Thank you!

  17. Angela says:

    I am SO glad you mentioned how dangerous my 17 year old daughter fell for this as well & when it wasn’t working got so discouraged thinking it was her.. so your message is helping!! Thank you!!

  18. Alex says:

    Oof. Not sure where these girls heard that they should also starve themselves, but when I started looking into ACV for my chronic congestion issues, just about every source I found said take 1-3 shots MAX a day with equal parts water or raw honey, or in smoothies—and nothing about restricting your diet. The weight loss part only happens if you need more acidic foods in your life (even then you can just incorporate more acidic fruits in your meals) and if you have a good amount of weight to lose to start with.

    ACV, like you said, isn’t a miracle drug. It helped me a lot with my congestion, but I only had to be on this diet for a couple weeks to a month. It might have helped clean out my gut when I first started taking it, but I didn’t lose ANY real weight as far as I know. Mom, who started ACV with me, had a significant amount of weight to lose and stayed on it for two months. Without changing her diet or exercising any more than normal, I think she only lost like 5-10 pounds in that time.

    ACV, like vitamin supplements, works if you need it and hurts if you don’t. I hope these girls wise up real soon before they do permanent damage to themselves.

  19. Cindy says:

    Drinking ACV with nothing else. Hmm yes one would lose weight, not because solely because of the ACV but because they are not eating anything else! Ughhhh I hate these stupid trends, it sends such a harmful message. I remember being in that age range and believing just about anything just so I could be skinny. To undo all that mental damage took forever and some of it is still sticking around! So Cassey, I want to say thank you for being a voice of reason and wonderful role model.

  20. Rachel Wales says:

    They also don’t tell you it can ruin the enamel on your teeth if not rinsed with water, after having the ACV. Especially if you go and brush straight away, after having it . You are amazing also✌👊 . Inspired me you have casey . Thanks R

  21. Inna says:

    Why would people drink acid?! Geez, aren’t they scared for their stomachs and teeth…

  22. Sara says:

    Wow honestly I feel like it’s weird being called young after being here for about 2 years

  23. C says:

    I used to drink ACV every day because I thought it would help me lose weight, while I was starving myself and over exercising. I got an ulcer from it. Don’t do it. It can also exacerbate any health problems you have, particularly GI issues. It can erode your esophagus lining. Don’t do it, seriously. It’s been almost 4 years and I still haven’t recovered from the ulcers I got.

  24. Rebelle says:

    Tbh apple cider vinegar is amazing for your stomach ,especially gall bladder issues- and if you have a hard time eith carbs . I can’t believe it’s getting such a bad rap – kids do these fad diets because of the media, its not apple cider vinegars fault, lol . That concoction is basically Master tonic and has amazing health benefits- just eat FOOD while using it . If you’re going to fast do it but do it safely and for goodness sake if you’re under w1 eat enough good .
    Health is what’s important not weight .

    1. Samantha says:

      Too much of a good thing is BAD. that’s the point. It’s not getting a bad rep, otherwise it wouldn’t be all over tiktok.

  25. Claudine says:

    Thank you

  26. magenmh922 says:

    LOL love your tiktok XD But seriously this is so scary. I drink ACV with lemon juice and water every day WITH MY NORMAL HEALTHY DIET and I think it’s a great complement, but NEVER a stand-alone option!

    1. Alexa says:

      Not to mention how damaging acv is for your teeth 😬 you shouldn’t have more than 2 tablespoons a day

  27. Stella says:

    I knew two people who had done serious damage to their stomachs by drinking vinegar. I don’t know why they did this, both didn’t seem mentally healthy.
    They couldn’t eat solid food for weeks or months and had to go on a drinking diet, and they couldn’t eat anything acidic like fruit either.

  28. Cassie says:

    This ACV absolutely should not be taken by itself! First, ACV is very acidic. Too much can damage your teeth enamel and cause inflammation. I’ve tried this recipe before and it burns on the way down, lol. And this is just with a tablespoon of ACV mixed with water. It can also throw your gut flora out of whack when consumed in excess. Really the main reason anyone should drink this concoction is to help support the immune system and it should not be taken more than once daily for a limited time frame. Don’t drink every day!

  29. Rafi says:

    People should be advertising this. If you want to get in shape, eating a balanced diet and working out is what you have to do. I personally love to work out with a friend, it makes it a lot more fun. I don’t love these ideas that can cause bad thoughts in young people’s minds.

    1. Rafi says:

      *shouldn’t, it was a typo, sorry!

  30. Liz says:

    Not to mention the pH of apple cider vinegar is 2-3 and anything below around 5.5 begins to put your teeth at risk of cavities because they demineralise. I think it’s also important to consider the long term affects not just on the scales but also your overall health.

  31. It helps with my digestion and detox, that’s why I take a little bit of it every day. Otherwise, there’s no substitute for a good diet and exercise regimen.

  32. Miranda says:

    Vinegar and lemon juice are very acid consuming in large quantity will quickly erode the enamel on your teeth. Don’t ruin your smile for a fad diet.

  33. Angelica says:

    Yikes … and that that last TikTok about losing 15lbs in just 10 days..? thats just INSANE.
    Social media is a great way to help millions of people across the globe, but it becomes so scary how a 15 second clip with almost no — if not any — scientific research, facts, or credibility to back anything up. It’s amazing how much influence a 15second clip can have. It gives such a grand illusion of ease and bliss, but during those ’10 days’ of losing ’15lbs’ a huge mental and physical toll is taken. And that’s just with the expected timeline of 10days Disappointment and obsession will push it to 20days, a month, a year.. and could very possibly make it into a whole lifestyle.