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Does Tito's Have Carbs? A Complete Nutrition Guide for Low-Carb Diets

4 min read

Millions of people are embracing low-carb lifestyles like the ketogenic diet, making it crucial to know the nutritional content of their food and drinks. When it comes to alcoholic beverages, a very common and important question is: Does tito's have carbs?.

Quick Summary

Pure, unflavored Tito's Handmade Vodka contains zero carbohydrates, zero sugars, and zero protein due to the distillation process. However, the total carb count can increase significantly based on the type of mixer used, which is a key factor for individuals following low-carb diets.

Key Points

  • Zero Carbs: Pure, unflavored Tito's Handmade Vodka is completely carb-free due to the distillation process.

  • Mixer Awareness is Key: The vast majority of carbs in vodka cocktails come from sugary mixers like juice, soda, and liqueurs.

  • Low-Carb Mixer Options: Opt for carb-free mixers such as club soda, diet sodas, flavored seltzers, and fresh citrus juice.

  • Naturally Gluten-Free: As Tito's is made from corn and distilled, it is a certified gluten-free spirit.

  • Calorie Source: The only calories in pure Tito's come from the alcohol itself, with a 1.5 oz serving containing 98 calories.

  • Alcohol Metabolism: Alcohol is metabolized by the body before fat, which can temporarily affect the state of ketosis.

In This Article

The Science Behind Distillation: Why Pure Vodka is Carb-Free

Vodka, including Tito's, is a distilled spirit. This manufacturing process is the key to its carb-free status. Vodka can be made from various fermentable products, such as potatoes, corn, wheat, or grapes. Tito's Handmade Vodka, for example, is distilled from corn.

The Fermentation and Distillation Process

  1. Fermentation: The raw ingredients (e.g., corn) are first mashed and fermented using yeast. The yeast consumes the sugars in the mash, converting them into alcohol and carbon dioxide. At this stage, the liquid contains carbohydrates from the original source.
  2. Distillation: The fermented mash is then heated in a still. Because alcohol boils at a lower temperature than water, it evaporates first. This alcohol vapor is captured, cooled, and recondensed into a liquid with a much higher alcohol concentration. Tito's is distilled six times in a pot still.
  3. Filtration and Dilution: After distillation, the spirit is filtered to remove impurities and then diluted with water to reach the desired alcohol by volume (ABV), typically 40% (80 proof).

This multi-step process effectively leaves the carbs and other nutrients behind, resulting in a clear spirit that consists only of ethanol and water.

Decoding Tito's Nutritional Profile

Tito's Handmade Vodka explicitly states that its unflavored vodka contains zero carbohydrates and zero sugars. The company's own analysis confirms the following per a 1.5-ounce serving:

  • Calories: 98
  • Carbohydrates: 0 grams
  • Protein: 0 grams
  • Fat: 0 grams
  • Sugar: 0 grams

Because Tito's is distilled from corn, it is also naturally gluten-free and certified by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG). The calories in Tito's come exclusively from the alcohol itself; a single gram of alcohol contains 7 calories. For low-carb and keto dieters, this makes pure Tito's a suitable option for responsible consumption. The higher the proof of any spirit, the more calories it will contain, but the carb count remains zero.

The Crucial Role of Mixers

The carb count of your drink changes drastically the moment you add a mixer. Many popular cocktails contain sugary ingredients that can quickly derail a low-carb diet. Below is a comparison to illustrate the impact of different mixers on a vodka drink's nutritional content.

Comparison of Vodka Drinks

Drink Ingredients Approx. Carb Count Approx. Calories Suitability for Low-Carb Diets
Tito's & Soda Tito's, Club Soda 0 g ~98 kcal Excellent
Tito's & Diet Soda Tito's, Diet Cola 0 g ~98 kcal Excellent
Vodka Cranberry Tito's, Cranberry Juice ~5-25 g ~150-250 kcal Poor
Screwdriver Tito's, Orange Juice ~15-30 g ~150-280 kcal Poor
Espresso Martini Tito's, Coffee Liqueur, etc. ~29 g ~250+ kcal Poor

Smart Mixing for Low-Carb Dieters

To enjoy Tito's or any pure vodka without the added carbs, it's essential to use carb-free mixers. Here are some excellent low-carb options:

  • Club Soda or Sparkling Water: Adds fizz without any calories or carbs. Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge for flavor.
  • Diet Sodas: Use sugar-free versions of your favorite soft drinks.
  • Flavored Seltzers: Many brands offer zero-calorie, zero-carb flavored sparkling waters that pair well with vodka.
  • Lemon or Lime Juice: A simple squeeze of fresh citrus adds flavor with minimal carbs. A vodka gimlet made with fresh lime juice and a sugar substitute is a low-carb treat.
  • Herbs and Botanicals: Muddle fresh mint, basil, or rosemary in your glass for a fresh, low-carb infusion.
  • Sugar-Free Syrups: There are many commercially available sugar-free syrups that can be used to make low-carb cocktails.

Conclusion

In summary, if you are following a low-carb or ketogenic diet and want to enjoy a drink, pure, unflavored vodka like Tito's is a safe choice. Its manufacturing process, which includes multiple distillations, removes all carbohydrates and sugars. The key to maintaining your low-carb goals is to be vigilant about your mixers. Avoiding sugary juices, sodas, and liqueurs in favor of carb-free options like club soda or diet drinks will ensure your cocktail stays in line with your dietary plan. For those with gluten sensitivities, Tito's is also a naturally gluten-free option, making it a versatile and considerate choice. A mindful approach to what you mix with your vodka is the best way to enjoy a guilt-free drink.

How to Drink Responsibly on a Low-Carb Diet

While pure vodka contains no carbs, alcohol does carry calories. Moreover, alcohol metabolism takes priority in the body, which can affect ketosis and overall fat-burning efficiency. Drinking responsibly is always important, but particularly on a low-carb diet where tolerance can be lower. Consider these tips:

  • Moderate Consumption: Stick to moderate amounts of alcohol to minimize the impact on your diet and overall health.
  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after consuming alcohol to stay hydrated.
  • Prioritize Sleep: Alcohol can disrupt sleep. Ensure you get enough rest to support your health goals.
  • Be Mindful of Cravings: Alcohol can lower inhibitions and increase cravings for high-carb foods. Be prepared with low-carb snack options if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pure, unflavored Tito's Handmade Vodka is a suitable choice for a ketogenic diet because it contains zero carbohydrates and zero sugar.

A standard 1.5-ounce serving of Tito's Handmade Vodka contains approximately 98 calories. These calories come solely from the alcohol content.

Many flavored vodkas contain added sugars and carbohydrates post-distillation. You should always check the nutritional label or stick to unflavored vodka and add your own low-carb infusions.

Excellent low-carb mixers for Tito's include club soda, diet sodas, and zero-calorie flavored sparkling waters. Adding a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon can also enhance flavor.

Yes, unflavored Tito's Handmade Vodka is completely sugar-free. Its zero-sugar content, like its zero-carb count, is a direct result of the distillation process.

During the distillation process, the fermented starches or sugars from the base ingredient are separated and removed. The final product is a pure spirit of ethanol and water, leaving the carbs behind.

No, Tito's is certified gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG). Even though it is made from corn, the distillation process removes gluten, making it safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.