At its base, apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apple cider (made from apple juice). The difference between raw apple cider vinegar and filtered is that the filtered one has been heat treated and strained. Raw apple cider vinegar contains the mother (the living bacteria that ferments the apple cider) and thus, the health benefits like regulating blood sugar and cholesterol. For the best flavor and to maximize and to reap the perks of apple cider vinegar, buy the raw version.