Are there less calories in alcohol-free? Exploring the facts

October 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the British Nutrition Foundation, alcohol contains seven calories per gram, making it a significant source of 'empty' calories. This is why many people wonder, are there less calories in alcohol-free drinks? The simple answer is that non-alcoholic drinks generally have fewer calories than their alcoholic counterparts, but they are not calorie-free.

Quick Summary

Non-alcoholic beverages are typically lower in calories than standard alcoholic drinks due to the absence of ethanol, which is calorie-dense. However, manufacturers sometimes add sugar to compensate for flavor, so calorie content varies. Always check nutritional labels to determine the precise calorie count.

Key Points

Less Alcohol, Fewer Calories: Due to the removal of high-calorie ethanol, alcohol-free drinks generally contain fewer calories than their alcoholic equivalents.
Hidden Sugars: Manufacturers sometimes add sugar to improve the flavor of non-alcoholic drinks, which can increase the calorie count.
Not Calorie-Free: Despite being lower in calories, non-alcoholic drinks are not calorie-free and can still contribute to your daily intake.
Label Reading is Key: The only way to know the true calorie content is by checking the nutritional label, as sugar levels vary significantly between brands and types of drinks.
Mixers Matter: For alcohol-free spirits, the mixer choice is crucial, as sugary additions can quickly increase the overall calorie load.
Weight Management Tool: Choosing alcohol-free alternatives can be an effective way to reduce 'empty' calories and support weight management goals.
Better Hydration: Unlike alcoholic drinks which can dehydrate, non-alcoholic options provide a hydration benefit.

The Calorie Difference: Why Alcohol-Free Often Wins

Alcohol, or ethanol, is a key driver of calorie content in traditional beverages. When alcohol is removed to create alcohol-free versions, a major calorie source is eliminated, leading to a significant reduction in overall energy content. For example, a standard 330ml Carlsberg beer contains 122 calories, while its '0.0%' alcohol-free version has only 73 calories. This makes opting for an alcohol-free alternative an effective strategy for those seeking to reduce their calorie intake. The benefit extends to various drink types, including wine and spirits.

The Surprising Role of Sugar

While the removal of alcohol reduces calories, it's not the full story. To maintain a palatable taste profile, particularly in beers and wines, manufacturers may add extra sugar. This added sugar can significantly impact the final calorie count. For instance, some alcohol-free beers can have more carbohydrates and sugars than their alcoholic equivalents, potentially doubling the carbohydrate content. This trade-off means that an alcohol-free drink isn't always the lowest-calorie option, especially if it's heavily sweetened. Therefore, checking the nutritional information is crucial for making an informed choice, especially for those managing sugar intake.

Alcohol-Free Options by Drink Type

Different types of alcohol-free drinks present different calorie and sugar profiles. Understanding these distinctions can help consumers navigate their options effectively.

Alcohol-Free Beers: Many alcohol-free beers successfully reduce their calorie count due to the removal of ethanol. However, some brands add sugar for flavor, so it's important to compare labels. Some newer options, like protein-enhanced recovery IPAs, cater to specific health-conscious consumers with low-calorie, added-benefit formulas.
Alcohol-Free Wines: Non-alcoholic wines, particularly sparkling varieties, are generally lower in calories than their traditional counterparts. A glass of zero-alcohol sparkling wine might have around 35 calories, compared to a glass of Prosecco at 75 calories. However, some brands might contain more sugar to mimic the sweetness of wine, requiring a label check.
Alcohol-Free Spirits and Mixers: The spirits themselves often contain very few or zero calories, as the calories primarily come from alcohol. The biggest calorie pitfall comes from what you mix them with. Using calorie-free mixers like diet tonic water or soda is key to keeping the total calorie count low. Adding sugary fruit juices can quickly negate any calorie savings.

Comparison Table: Alcohol vs. Alcohol-Free


Drink Type	Standard Alcoholic Version	Non-Alcoholic Version (Typical)	Key Calorie Sources
Beer (330ml)	~122 kcal	~73 kcal	Ethanol, Grains / Sugar
Sparkling Wine (1 glass)	~75 kcal	~35 kcal	Ethanol, Sugar
Red Wine (1 glass)	~90 kcal	~30 kcal	Ethanol, Sugar
Spirits (44ml shot)	~97 kcal	~0 kcal (for the spirit)	Ethanol (and mixers)

The Health Context of Calorie Reduction

Beyond the numbers, the health implications of reducing calorie intake from alcohol are significant. Alcohol calories are often considered 'empty' calories, meaning they provide energy with little to no nutritional value. Reducing these empty calories can be a valuable part of a weight management plan. For habitual drinkers, nearly 10% of daily calories can come from alcohol, a figure that is easy to overlook. Swapping to low- or no-alcohol options can help control total calorie consumption without a major lifestyle overhaul.

Furthermore, the dehydrating effects of alcohol are absent in non-alcoholic alternatives, providing a hydration benefit. For those with health conditions or on certain medications, non-alcoholic drinks offer a safe way to enjoy social drinking occasions. Ultimately, the decision to choose alcohol-free options should be based on personal health goals and a careful review of nutritional labels, considering both calories and sugar content. For further reading on managing alcohol intake, consult reputable sources like Drinkaware.

Conclusion: Making the Smart Choice

In conclusion, there are less calories in alcohol-free alternatives compared to their standard alcoholic versions, primarily because of the absence of ethanol. However, the presence of added sugars to improve flavor can sometimes raise the calorie content, meaning they are not guaranteed to be calorie-free. Consumers should always check the nutritional label to make a truly low-calorie choice. Making the switch can be an effective strategy for weight management and overall health, but due diligence on a per-product basis is necessary to avoid hidden sugars and calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all non-alcoholic drinks are low in calories. While they contain less alcohol, manufacturers may add sugar to compensate for taste, which increases the calorie count. Always check the nutrition label.

Alcohol-free beer typically has fewer calories than regular beer because it lacks the calorie-dense ethanol. For example, some alcohol-free beers can have almost half the calories of their alcoholic counterparts, though this can vary by brand due to added sugars.

Yes, it is crucial to check the sugar content. The absence of alcohol sometimes necessitates the addition of sugar to improve taste, which means some alcohol-free versions can be higher in sugar and carbohydrates than their alcoholic equivalents.

The alcohol-free spirit itself often contains very few or zero calories. However, the total calorie count depends heavily on the mixer used. Sugary mixers like juice or standard sodas will add significant calories.

Yes, switching to alcohol-free alternatives can help with weight management. It helps reduce 'empty' calories, as alcohol is a significant source of energy without nutritional value.

Generally, yes. For instance, a glass of non-alcoholic sparkling wine may contain around 35 calories, whereas a traditional glass might have 75 calories or more, depending on the variety.

In some places, like England, low-alcohol drinks with 1.2% ABV or less are legally required to display nutritional information. For higher-alcohol drinks, this is not always mandatory.