How Many Calories Are In 1 Glass of Cava? A Definitive Guide

December 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the D.O. Cava, when consumed in moderation, Cava can be a component of a healthy lifestyle. So, for those monitoring their intake, it's important to know exactly how many calories are in 1 glass of cava, a number that varies by style and sugar content.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a glass of Cava depends on its sweetness level, from dry Brut to sweeter styles. A standard 125ml glass of Brut Cava generally contains between 80 and 105 calories, while sweeter versions have more. Alcohol content and serving size are also key factors in the final count.

Key Points

Standard Pour Calories: A typical 125ml glass of Brut Cava contains approximately 80 to 105 calories.
Dryness Matters: The calorie count is directly related to the Cava's sweetness. Brut Nature and Extra Brut are the lowest in calories due to minimal residual sugar.
Compare to Other Bubbles: Cava Brut is comparable in calories to Prosecco Brut but is typically lower than standard Brut Champagne.
Alcohol Adds Up: Alcohol content is a major calorie contributor, so a Cava with a higher ABV will have more calories.
Serving Size is Key: A larger pour naturally means more calories, regardless of the Cava type.
Choose Brut Nature for Less: To minimize your calorie intake, select a Brut Nature or Extra Brut Cava, which are the driest styles available.

Cava Calorie Basics: What to Expect

While it’s a refreshing, celebratory drink, Cava's calorie content is a common question for many who are health-conscious. The answer is not a single number, but rather a range influenced primarily by its level of sweetness and alcohol content. A standard 125ml (or 4.2 fl oz) glass of Brut Cava, which is the most common style, typically falls in the 80 to 105 calorie range. Sweeter varieties like Semi-Seco or Dulce can have significantly more calories due to higher residual sugar. For instance, a sweeter Cava might approach 120-160 calories per glass.

Key Factors Influencing Cava's Calorie Count

Several elements contribute to the final calorie total in your glass of Cava. Understanding these can help you make more informed choices.

The Role of Residual Sugar

Residual sugar (RS) is the sugar left in the wine after the fermentation process is complete. Cava is classified based on this sweetness level, which directly impacts the calorie count. Brut Nature contains the least sugar, while sweeter styles have much more. This is a crucial distinction for anyone watching their carbohydrate and sugar intake.

The Impact of Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

Alcohol itself is a significant source of calories, providing 7 calories per gram. Therefore, the higher the ABV of the Cava, the higher its total calorie count will be, assuming the residual sugar content is the same. Most Cava has an ABV between 11% and 12.5%, which is relatively low compared to some red wines.

Serving Size Variations

The standard 125ml glass size is a common reference point, but many people don't pour with such precision. A larger pour will, of course, increase the total calories consumed. This is an important detail to remember for those tracking their intake.

Calorie Breakdown by Cava Type

To help you pinpoint the best option for your diet, here is a general breakdown of calories based on Cava's sweetness levels.

Brut Nature and Extra Brut: As the driest Cava styles, these contain the least amount of residual sugar and, consequently, the fewest calories. You can expect roughly 90-100 calories for a 5oz (150ml) pour.
Brut: The most common Cava, Brut, has a small amount of residual sugar, contributing to a slightly higher but still moderate calorie count. A 5oz pour typically has 100-110 calories.
Seco and Semi-Seco: These sweeter styles contain more sugar and therefore more calories. While less common, they are worth noting if you prefer a sweeter sparkling wine, with some estimations putting them in the 120+ calorie range per glass.

Cava vs. Other Sparkling Wines: A Calorie Comparison

To put Cava's calorie count into perspective, here is a comparison with other popular sparkling wines.


Sparkling Wine (Standard 150ml/5oz glass)	Estimated Calories	Key Factors
Cava Brut	100-110 kcal	Lower ABV and low sugar.
Prosecco Brut	110 kcal	Lighter in alcohol and typically a bit sweeter than Cava Brut.
Champagne Extra Brut	100-105 kcal	Very dry with low sugar, similar to Brut Nature Cava.
Champagne (Standard Brut)	~140 kcal	Often higher in alcohol and calories than Prosecco and some Cavas.
Dry White Wine	130-145 kcal	Still white wines often have a higher ABV and calorie count per serving.

How to Enjoy Cava with Fewer Calories

To enjoy your Cava while being mindful of your caloric intake, consider these tips:

Choose the driest style: Opt for Brut Nature or Extra Brut whenever possible to minimize sugar and calories.
Moderate your pour: Be mindful of serving sizes. A 125ml glass contains fewer calories than a more generous one.
Pair with light foods: Instead of high-calorie appetizers, pair your Cava with light seafood, vegetables, or cheeses to keep the overall meal's calorie count down.
Stay hydrated: Alternate between sparkling water and Cava to pace yourself and stay hydrated. This helps you drink less overall.
Check the label: Some brands, like Freixenet, provide nutritional information on their websites or labels, which can be a valuable resource for calorie counting.

Conclusion

While there is no single answer to how many calories are in 1 glass of cava, a standard 125ml serving of the popular Brut style contains an average of 80 to 105 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie alcoholic beverage compared to many wines and cocktails. The final calorie number depends primarily on the residual sugar content, with Brut Nature having the least and Semi-Seco having more. By opting for drier styles and being mindful of your serving size, you can enjoy this Spanish sparkling wine while staying within your dietary goals. For further information on Cava's properties, you can explore the official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, on average, Cava is typically lower in calories than a standard 175ml glass of still wine, especially drier Cava styles. A 125ml glass of sparkling wine like Cava contains an average of 80 calories, whereas a similarly sized red or white wine glass is often higher.

Brut Nature and Extra Brut Cavas have the fewest calories. These are the driest styles, meaning they have the lowest amount of residual sugar remaining after fermentation, which is the primary source of calories after alcohol.

According to the nutritional information provided by Freixenet, their Cordon Negro Brut Cava contains approximately 70 calories per 100ml. A standard 125ml glass would therefore be around 88 calories.

The calorie counts for Cava and Prosecco are quite similar, especially comparing Brut styles. A standard 125ml glass of Cava Brut has around 80-105 calories, while Prosecco Brut is about 110 calories per 150ml.

Yes, Cava contains a small amount of carbohydrates from residual sugars, typically around 1 to 4 grams per glass. The exact amount depends on the style, with Brut Nature having the least and sweeter Cavas having more.

Consumed in moderation, Cava is not particularly fattening and is often considered a lower-calorie alcoholic option compared to many other drinks. The key is monitoring portion sizes and choosing drier varieties to minimize calorie intake.

The two main sources of calories in Cava are the alcohol and the residual sugar. Alcohol provides about 7 calories per gram, while sugar provides 4. A higher ABV or a sweeter style will increase the calorie count.