Are Angry Orchards Unhealthy? A Deep Dive into Your Favorite Hard Cider

December 23, 2025 •

4 min read

Angry Orchard is the number one hard cider in the United States, but it contains a significant amount of sugar and calories per serving. For those mindful of their diet, this raises important questions about its overall health impact compared to other alcoholic beverages.

Quick Summary

Angry Orchard's health profile depends on its high sugar content and alcohol level. While gluten-free and containing antioxidants from apples, it is not a health food and should be consumed in moderation.

Key Points

High in Sugar and Calories: A standard Angry Orchard contains around 18g of sugar and 180-190 calories per 12oz serving, which is high for a single beverage.
Not a Health Drink: Despite being made from apples, the high sugar and alcohol content mean it should not be considered a health food, and its potential antioxidant benefits are negligible.
Gluten-Free Alternative: Angry Orchard is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Lighter Options Exist: The brand offers a 'Crisp Light' version with fewer calories and less sugar, and many craft ciders are naturally drier with less sugar.
Moderation is Key: As with all alcoholic beverages, frequent and excessive consumption carries health risks, including weight gain and a host of chronic diseases, so responsible drinking is crucial.
Ingredients Matter: Check the label, as many commercial ciders like Angry Orchard add cane sugar and concentrates, whereas dry ciders achieve their flavor through longer fermentation.

Angry Orchard’s popularity has surged in recent years, offering a crisp, refreshing alternative to beer for many consumers. However, with its sweet flavor comes questions regarding its nutritional content and overall health implications. Understanding what goes into a can of Angry Orchard, and how that compares to other beverages, is key to making an informed choice for your health.

The Ingredients and Nutrition of Angry Orchard Crisp Apple

For many, the appeal of Angry Orchard is its simple, apple-forward taste. A look at the ingredients list, however, reveals a more complex profile. The classic Crisp Apple variety contains a mixture of hard cider, water, apple juice from concentrate, cane sugar, honey, malic acid, and natural flavors. This combination is what gives it that signature sweet taste, but also contributes significantly to its calorie and sugar count.

Calories: A single 12 fl. oz. bottle of Angry Orchard Crisp Apple contains approximately 180-190 calories. This is comparable to many standard beers but higher than lighter options.
Sugar: The sugar content is a primary concern for many health-conscious drinkers. With around 18 grams of sugar per serving, it's equivalent to some sodas. The source of this sweetness comes from both the apple juice concentrate and added cane sugar, which are rapidly absorbed by the body.
Alcohol: The 5% alcohol by volume (ABV) is standard for many ciders and beers. While moderate consumption of alcohol is debated for its effects, the World Health Organization states that there is no risk-free level of consumption and emphasizes the causal role of alcohol in many diseases.

The Health Impact of Added Sugar and Alcohol

The presence of significant amounts of added sugar is a major factor contributing to the perception of Angry Orchard being unhealthy. Here's why:

Excess Sugar and Weight Gain

Unlike the natural fructose found in whole apples, the added cane sugar and concentrates in Angry Orchard contribute to empty calories. When consumed frequently, these empty calories can lead to weight gain, increased body fat, and potential metabolic issues. The body processes these simple sugars quickly, which can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, leaving you feeling hungry again soon after. The high calorie count per serving also makes it easy to exceed daily caloric recommendations, especially with multiple drinks.

Alcohol's Broader Health Effects

Beyond the sugar, the alcohol itself is the most significant health factor. Excessive alcohol intake, regardless of the beverage, can lead to a host of long-term health problems. The CDC highlights risks including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and certain cancers. Alcohol also weakens the immune system and can negatively affect mental health. While cider contains antioxidants from the apples, this benefit is negligible compared to the adverse effects of the alcohol and high sugar levels.

Are All Ciders the Same? Comparing Your Options

Not all hard ciders are created equal. The world of cider includes a wide variety, from mainstream sweet versions to drier, less-processed craft options. Let's compare Angry Orchard with a few alternatives.


Feature	Angry Orchard Crisp Apple	Angry Orchard Crisp Light	Light Beer (e.g., Bud Light)
Calories (12oz)	~180-190	120	~110
Sugar (12oz)	~18g	6g	0-1g
ABV	5%	4.3%	~4.2%
Gluten-Free	Yes	Yes	No

Choosing Healthier Cider Alternatives

If you enjoy hard cider but want a healthier option, here's what to look for:

Opt for Dryer Ciders: As yeast ferments sugar, dry ciders that ferment longer will have less residual sugar and thus fewer calories. Look for brands labeled 'dry' or 'brut'.
Try Angry Orchard Crisp Light: This product was specifically designed to offer a lighter, lower-calorie version of their popular cider, with significantly less sugar.
Consider Craft Brands: Many smaller, local cideries prioritize using organic, higher-quality apples without added sugars, resulting in a more natural and less-sweet product.
Read the Label: The most important step is to check the nutritional information and ingredients list. Avoid ciders with high amounts of added sugar or concentrates.

Conclusion: A Treat, Not a Health Drink

So, are Angry Orchards unhealthy? The answer is nuanced. While it's naturally gluten-free and offers some antioxidants, its high sugar content and alcohol make it more of a dessert-like indulgence rather than a health-conscious choice. As with any alcoholic beverage, moderation is the most important factor for mitigating health risks. For those seeking a lower-calorie or lower-sugar option, the market now offers viable alternatives, including Angry Orchard's own Crisp Light and various craft ciders. Making an informed decision based on the facts allows you to enjoy your cider responsibly.

For more information on the health effects of alcohol, refer to the CDC's guide on Alcohol Use and Your Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

This depends on the specific beer. While cider is naturally gluten-free, standard Angry Orchard has more sugar and carbohydrates than most light beers. Both contain calories and alcohol, and excessive consumption of either is unhealthy.

Yes, a 12oz serving of the classic Crisp Apple variety contains approximately 18 grams of sugar from both apple juice concentrate and added cane sugar.

Yes, all Angry Orchard ciders are naturally gluten-free as they are made from apples, not from grains like wheat or barley.

Yes, Angry Orchard offers a 'Crisp Light' version. It has 120 calories and 6 grams of sugar per 12oz serving, making it a lighter alternative to the standard Crisp Apple.

Hard ciders, derived from apples, do contain some antioxidants like polyphenols. However, any potential health benefits are minimal and are largely negated by the alcohol and high sugar content.

The high sugar content in Angry Orchard comes from a combination of the natural sugars in apple juice from concentrate and added cane sugar. This is done to achieve its characteristically sweet flavor profile.

For lower sugar, consider dry craft ciders, or spirits mixed with zero-calorie mixers. For a gluten-free option with fewer carbs, some light wines or a low-sugar, light hard cider are also better choices.