Does white wine have any carbs? A guide to low-carb options

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

A 5-ounce glass of average dry white wine contains approximately 3.8 grams of carbohydrates, proving that while not carb-free, it can fit into a mindful diet. The amount of carbohydrates depends almost entirely on the sweetness, or residual sugar, of the particular bottle.

Quick Summary

Carbohydrates in white wine vary based on its sweetness, which is determined by residual sugar left after fermentation. Dry white wines have minimal carbs, whereas sweeter varieties can contain significantly more per serving.

Key Points

Carbs from Residual Sugar: Carbohydrates in white wine come from unfermented grape sugars, known as residual sugar.
Dry vs. Sweet: Dry white wines have minimal carbs (1-4g per glass) because the sugar is mostly fermented into alcohol, while sweet white wines can have significantly more (5-20+g).
Low-Carb Options: Look for dry varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Brut sparkling wines for the lowest carb counts.
Label Lingo: Terms like 'Dry', 'Brut', and 'Trocken' indicate lower carbs, while 'Late Harvest' or 'Dessert Wine' signal higher carb content.
Keto-Friendly White Wine: Dry white wine can be consumed on a ketogenic diet in moderation, but excessive intake can slow down ketosis.
Moderation is Key: Regardless of carb count, all alcohol consumption should be moderate, especially for those with dietary restrictions.

The Source of Carbs: Understanding Residual Sugar

The presence of carbohydrates in white wine is a direct result of the winemaking process, specifically the amount of residual sugar (RS) that remains after fermentation. All wine begins as grape juice, which is naturally rich in sugars like glucose and fructose. During fermentation, yeast is introduced to the juice and consumes these sugars, converting them into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

For a 'dry' wine, fermentation is allowed to continue until most or all of the sugar is converted. This results in a finished product with very little residual sugar and, consequently, a low carbohydrate count. Conversely, to produce a 'sweet' or 'dessert' wine, the fermentation process is intentionally stopped early, leaving a significant amount of unfermented grape sugar behind. This is why sweeter wines are much higher in carbs.

Factors Affecting White Wine Carbs

Several factors contribute to the final carbohydrate content:

Grape Type: Certain grape varieties, like Riesling, can be harvested at different ripeness levels, leading to a wide range of sweetness and carb levels depending on the winemaker's intent.
Winemaking Technique: The process can be manipulated. For low-carb options, look for wines that are fermented until dry.
Quality: Higher-quality, dryer wines are less likely to have added sugars compared to some cheaper, mass-produced bottles.

Dry vs. Sweet: A Carb Comparison

The difference in carbohydrate content between a dry and a sweet white wine is significant, largely based on residual sugar levels.

Low-Carb White Wine Options

For those on a low-carb diet, dry white wines are the best choice, typically containing less than 1-4 grams per 5-ounce serving. Popular options include:

Sauvignon Blanc: 2-3 grams per glass.
Pinot Grigio: Around 2.5-3 grams per serving.
Chardonnay (Unoaked): 3-3.2 grams per glass.
Sparkling Wines (Brut, Extra Brut, Brut Nature): 0-2 grams per glass.

High-Carb White Wine Options

Sweet and dessert white wines have much higher carbohydrate levels. Examples to limit or avoid include:

Moscato: 5 to 20+ grams per glass.
Sweet Riesling (Late Harvest): 6-14 grams or more per serving.
Dessert and Fortified Wines: Options like Sauternes, Sherry, and Port can have 20+ grams per glass.

Carb Content Comparison: Dry vs. Sweet White Wines


Varietal	Sweetness Level	Carbs (g) per 5 oz glass	Residual Sugar (g/L)
Sauvignon Blanc	Dry	3	< 2
Pinot Grigio	Dry	3.8	< 2
Chardonnay	Dry	3.2	< 2
Moscato	Sweet	5-20	40+
Sweet Riesling	Sweet	6-14	10+
Dessert Wine	Very Sweet	20+	70+

Reading Labels to Find Low-Carb White Wine

Wine labels typically don't provide nutritional information. However, certain terms indicate a dry style and lower carb content:

Dry, Sec, or Trocken: These terms suggest low residual sugar.
Brut, Extra Brut, or Brut Nature: For sparkling wines, these indicate decreasing levels of sweetness, with Brut Nature being the driest.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): Higher ABV (above 13.5%) can sometimes suggest less residual sugar, but this isn't always reliable.

Conversely, terms like 'Semi-Sweet', 'Demi-Sec', 'Late Harvest', or 'Dessert Wine' indicate higher carb levels. Some brands also market specifically as 'low-carb' or 'zero sugar'.

White Wine and Ketogenic Diets

For those on a ketogenic diet with strict carb limits (typically 20-50 grams daily), the carb content of white wine is important. Even a single glass of a sweeter wine can use up a significant portion of the daily carb allowance.

Consuming alcohol on a keto diet can temporarily pause fat-burning as the body prioritizes processing the alcohol. Moderate consumption of dry white wines and Brut sparkling wines is generally manageable, but excessive drinking can hinder weight loss. General moderation guidelines suggest one 5-ounce glass for women and two for men. For more information, refer to resources like Wine Folly on carbs in wine.

Conclusion: Making Mindful Choices

White wine does contain carbohydrates, but the amount varies significantly based on residual sugar. Dry white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and unoaked Chardonnay have minimal carbs and can be enjoyed in moderation on a low-carb diet. Sweeter varieties contain considerably more carbs. Understanding wine labels and styles allows you to make informed choices that fit your dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The driest sparkling wines, like Brut Nature or Extra Brut Champagne, generally have the lowest carbohydrate count, often with less than 2 grams per 5-ounce serving. Among still white wines, Sauvignon Blanc is one of the driest, with approximately 2-3 grams of carbs per glass.

Yes, you can drink white wine on a keto diet, but only in moderation and by choosing dry varieties. Dry wines have lower carb counts from residual sugar, but alcohol consumption will temporarily pause ketosis, so it's important to monitor your intake.

The amount of carbohydrates in a white wine is determined by its residual sugar. Winemakers can stop the fermentation process early to leave more unfermented grape sugar, resulting in a sweeter, higher-carb wine.

The difference is substantial. A standard 5-ounce serving of a dry white wine typically contains 1-4 grams of carbs, while a sweet white wine like Moscato can have anywhere from 5 to 20 grams of carbs or more.

Since nutritional labels aren't common on wine, look for descriptive terms like 'Dry,' 'Brut,' 'Extra Brut,' or 'Trocken' on the bottle, as these indicate a low-sugar, low-carb content. You should avoid wines labeled 'Demi-Sec,' 'Sweet,' or 'Late Harvest'.

No, not all sparkling white wines are low in carbs. Their carb content varies with their sweetness. Stick to those labeled 'Brut,' 'Extra Brut,' or 'Brut Nature' for the lowest carb options, and avoid 'Demi-Sec' or 'Doux'.

On average, dry white and dry red wines have a similar carbohydrate count, but there is some variation by varietal. However, the key differentiator is sweetness. A dry white will have fewer carbs than a sweet red, and vice versa. Sparkling wine is often the lowest carb option overall.