Vinegar is made up mostly of water, with a small quantity of acetic acid dissolved in the water. Vinegar's use as a seasoning or flavoring to food reflects the fact that it has very little nutritional value.
Calories
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nutrient Database, vinegar contains only 18 calories per 100 grams. As vinegar is typically consumed in far smaller quantities than 100 grams, the number of calories in a serving of malt vinegar are minimal.
Trace Minerals
Vinegar does not typically contain any vitamins, but small amounts of several trace minerals were found in the vinegar assessed by the USDA. Calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and sodium were present in small amounts, while traces of zinc, copper, selenium and iron were also detected.
Minimal Nutritional Value
The USDA's guidelines for school meals advise against foods of minimal nutritional value -- these are defined as foods which do not provide a certain percentage of the necessary daily requirements for protein and certain vitamins. Because it does not contain any vitamins or protein, malt vinegar qualifies as a food of minimal nutritional value.
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