Are Bloody Marys High in Sugar? Unpacking the Ingredients

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

While mimosas are notorious for their high sugar content, a classic Bloody Mary typically contains significantly less sugar, primarily from the natural sugars found in tomatoes. This makes it a potentially lower-sugar option for brunch enthusiasts, but the exact amount of sugar depends heavily on the recipe and ingredients used.

Quick Summary

The sugar content in Bloody Marys varies, depending mostly on the base mix. While cocktails made with unsweetened tomato juice are relatively low in sugar, pre-made mixes often contain added sugars and high sodium levels, significantly increasing the total sugar count. Smart choices with ingredients and mixing your own can keep sugar levels low.

Key Points

Homemade vs. Premade: A homemade Bloody Mary made with unsweetened tomato juice is generally low in sugar, while many commercial mixes contain significant added sugars.
Source of Sugar: The sugar in a classic Bloody Mary comes from the natural sugars in tomatoes, which are relatively low compared to other fruit juices.
Hidden Sugars: Be wary of premade Bloody Mary mixes and flavored tomato juices, as they often contain hidden added sugars and high sodium levels.
Control Your Ingredients: Making your own Bloody Mary from scratch allows you to control all ingredients, including avoiding unnecessary sweeteners.
Reading Labels: Always check the nutrition label on bottled mixes and tomato juice to ensure they don't contain added sugars or excessive sodium.

The Surprising Truth About Bloody Mary Sugar

When evaluating if Bloody Marys are high in sugar, the devil is truly in the details—specifically, the choice of ingredients. A homemade Bloody Mary crafted with fresh, unsweetened tomato juice is generally quite low in sugar, especially when compared to other popular brunch cocktails like mimosas. The natural sugars from the tomatoes are the main source, and they typically contain a moderate amount per serving. However, a major nutritional pitfall lies in many commercially available, pre-made Bloody Mary mixes. These convenience products can pack a significant amount of hidden added sugars to enhance flavor, dramatically altering the drink's nutritional profile.

The Sugar from the Tomato Base

Tomatoes, while botanically a fruit, are relatively low in sugar compared to other fruits. An 8-ounce serving of pure, unsweetened tomato juice contains approximately 6 grams of naturally occurring sugar. This is a far cry from the sugar load found in grape or orange juice, which can have over 20 grams per similar serving. When you make a Bloody Mary from scratch, using this as your base, the sugar content remains low and manageable. However, it's crucial to check labels, as some tomato juice brands add sweeteners to their products, particularly in flavored or cocktail-specific versions.

Use 100% unsweetened tomato juice for the base.
Look for low-sodium or no-sodium-added varieties to also control salt intake.
Consider using fresh, pureed tomatoes for the most control over ingredients.
Read ingredient lists to ensure no high-fructose corn syrup or other sweeteners have been added.

The Impact of Commercial Bloody Mary Mixes

Convenience often comes at a cost, and in the case of Bloody Mary mixes, that cost can be a high dose of added sugar and sodium. Many manufacturers add sugar to balance the savory and spicy flavors, making their mixes palatable to a wider audience. For example, some mixes can contain between 4 to 13 grams of sugar per serving, including added sugars. For someone watching their sugar intake, these pre-made mixes can be a significant setback. Opting for a low-carb or keto-friendly mix, or simply building the cocktail from scratch, is the best way to avoid these hidden sugars.

How to Create a Low-Sugar Bloody Mary

Crafting your own Bloody Mary from scratch gives you complete control over the sugar content. The recipe is simple and allows for customization to fit your dietary needs. By sticking to fresh, whole ingredients, you can keep the cocktail flavorful without the sugar spike.

Low-Sugar Bloody Mary Recipe

4 oz unsweetened, low-sodium tomato juice
1.5 oz vodka (or other spirit, which contains no carbs)
1-2 dashes sugar-free Worcestershire sauce
1-2 dashes hot sauce (check for no added sugar)
½ tsp grated horseradish (optional, for heat)
½ oz fresh lemon juice
Pinch of celery salt
Garnish with celery stalk, olives, or pickles

This recipe uses the natural flavors of the ingredients rather than relying on added sugars for balance. For those on a ketogenic diet, this approach allows for a delicious cocktail that fits within their carb count.

Nutritional Comparison: Homemade vs. Premade

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of the typical sugar and sodium content in a homemade Bloody Mary versus a popular premade mix.


Feature	Homemade Bloody Mary (Low-Sugar)	Premade Bloody Mary Mix (e.g., Mr. & Mrs. T Original)
Sugar (per serving)	~6g (from natural tomatoes)	~6g (including added sugar)
Added Sugar	0g	2g or more
Sodium (per serving)	~250-400mg (depending on celery salt and tomato juice)	~660mg
Ingredients	Fresh, whole ingredients, unsweetened juice	Processed mix with stabilizers and added sugars
Flavor Control	Fully customizable to taste	Fixed flavor profile

This comparison table shows that while the total sugar count can be similar, the source of the sugar is different, with premade mixes often containing unnecessary added sugar. More importantly, the sodium difference is stark, highlighting another health-related concern with many bottled mixes. For more information on making healthier cocktail choices, including how to find low-sugar ingredients, consider visiting the Healthline guide to healthier drinks.

Conclusion

So, are Bloody Marys high in sugar? The answer depends entirely on how they are made. A classic, homemade Bloody Mary using pure, unsweetened tomato juice and fresh ingredients is a relatively low-sugar cocktail choice. However, many commercial Bloody Mary mixes contain added sugars and high levels of sodium, significantly increasing the sugar and overall unhealthiness of the drink. To keep your Bloody Mary low in sugar, the best approach is to mix your own, using quality ingredients and checking labels carefully. This not only gives you control over the sugar but also the sodium content, resulting in a fresher, more balanced, and healthier cocktail experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pure, unsweetened tomato juice is not considered high in sugar. An 8-ounce glass typically contains about 6 grams of natural sugar. However, some brands may add extra sugar, so it's always best to check the label.

Yes, many pre-made Bloody Mary mixes are high in sugar. Manufacturers often add sweeteners to balance the flavors, so it's crucial to check nutrition labels. The sugar content can vary significantly between brands.

Yes, you can have a Bloody Mary on a keto diet, but you must make it from scratch with care. Use an unsweetened, low-carb tomato juice and sugar-free condiments like Worcestershire sauce to keep the net carbs low.

The primary source of sugar in a classic Bloody Mary is the natural sugar found in the tomato juice. In commercial mixes, however, the primary source can be added sugar and high-fructose corn syrup.

To reduce the sugar, make your Bloody Mary from scratch using 100% unsweetened tomato juice, sugar-free hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce, and fresh lemon juice. You can also control the amount of tomato juice used.

When made from scratch with low-sugar ingredients, a Bloody Mary can be a healthier cocktail choice due to its lower sugar and carbohydrate content compared to many other popular drinks. It even contains some vitamins and minerals from the tomato base.

Yes, the sugar content can vary by brand. For example, an unsweetened, low-sodium option will have less sugar than a flavored tomato juice or a juice cocktail with added sweeteners. Always read the label.