How Many Calories Are in a Litre of Cider? Your Comprehensive Guide

January 6, 2026 •

4 min read

A pint of average 4.5% ABV cider contains approximately 210 calories, a figure that is roughly equivalent to a glazed doughnut. A full litre of cider, however, will contain considerably more, with the exact amount varying significantly based on the sugar and alcohol content.

Quick Summary

The calorie count in a litre of cider is influenced by its alcohol and sugar levels, ranging from around 600 kcal for drier styles to over 800 kcal for sweeter variants. The fermentation process is key, as more sugar is converted to alcohol in dry ciders, while sweet ciders retain more residual sugar, impacting overall caloric density.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A litre of cider typically contains between 400 and over 800 calories, depending on its alcohol and sugar content.
ABV and Sugar Influence Calories: Both the alcohol by volume (ABV) and residual sugar levels contribute significantly to a cider's total calorie count.
Dry vs. Sweet Cider: Drier ciders undergo longer fermentation, resulting in less sugar but often higher alcohol. Sweeter ciders stop fermentation early, retaining more sugar.
Cider vs. Other Drinks: Cider generally has more calories than an equivalent volume of standard beer due to its higher sugar content.
Lower-Calorie Choices Exist: Opting for 'light' or dry cider, or diluting with soda, can reduce caloric intake.
Check Labels: Nutritional information varies greatly between brands, so always read the label to know the exact calorie and sugar content.

Understanding Calories in Cider

To determine how many calories are in a litre of cider, you need to consider two primary factors: the alcohol by volume (ABV) and the sugar content. Alcohol itself contains about 7 calories per gram, which is a major contributor to the final calorie count. Additionally, the fermenting fruit, most often apples or pears, contains natural sugars. The fermentation process can be stopped early to create a sweeter cider, which retains more sugar but has a lower ABV, or allowed to continue to produce a drier cider with less sugar and a higher ABV. These variables are why the calorie count can differ dramatically between different brands and styles.

The Fermentation Process and Calorie Content

Cider is produced through the fermentation of fruit juice, typically from apples. Yeast consumes the fruit's natural sugars and converts them into alcohol. The type of cider is largely determined by when this process is stopped:

Dry Cider: For a dry cider, the yeast is left to consume most of the natural sugars. This results in a product with a lower residual sugar content and a higher alcohol content. While the sugar calories are low, the overall calorie count is still significant due to the alcohol.
Sweet Cider: To create a sweeter cider, the fermentation is halted earlier, leaving more residual fruit sugar. This generally results in a lower ABV but a much higher sugar content, and thus, a higher calorie count. Many flavoured ciders, for example, fall into this sweeter, higher-calorie category.
Lower-Calorie Options: Some modern ciders are specifically produced to have a lower calorie count by reducing both alcohol and sugar. These products cater to health-conscious consumers but may sacrifice some flavour complexity.

Average Calorie Content Per Litre

Based on data from various cider brands, we can estimate the calorie range for a litre (1000ml) of cider. Since a standard pint (568ml) of 4.5% ABV cider is around 210 calories, a litre of a similar style would be approximately 370 calories. However, this is just an average for a basic, medium-strength cider. Flavoured or sweeter ciders will be significantly higher.

Let's break down some examples, assuming a 500ml bottle or pint for a common brand:

Strongbow Original (5.0% ABV): 175 kcal per 500ml. A litre would be 350 kcal. This is a relatively moderate option.
Kopparberg Mixed Fruits (4.0% ABV): 275 kcal per 500ml. A litre would be 550 kcal. This is a much higher-calorie choice due to the added fruit sugars.
Henry Westons Oak Aged (8.2% ABV): 280 kcal per 500ml. A litre would be 560 kcal. Here, the higher calorie count is driven by the greater alcohol volume.

As you can see, the difference between a simpler, drier cider and a sweeter, more alcoholic one can add several hundred calories to your litre-long serving.

Comparison Table: Cider vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages

This table illustrates how the calories in a standard litre of cider compare to other popular drinks, based on average values for a 4.5-5% ABV version.


Beverage	Average Calorie Count (per 100ml)	Approximate Litre Calories	Primary Calorie Source	Notes
Cider (Average)	47 kcal	~470 kcal	Alcohol & Sugar	Highly variable by brand and sweetness.
Standard Beer (4.0% ABV)	40 kcal	~400 kcal	Alcohol & Carbs	Generally lower in sugar than cider.
Red Wine	60-70 kcal	~600-700 kcal	Alcohol & Sugar	Drier options have fewer calories.
Spirit (e.g., Gin)	70 kcal (per 25ml serving)	N/A	Alcohol	Calories rise significantly with mixers.

Practical Tips for Moderating Calorie Intake

If you are watching your calorie intake, there are several ways to be mindful of your cider consumption:

Choose Dry or Light Options: Always check the label for drier or 'light' versions. These are specifically made with less residual sugar.
Dilute with Water or Soda Water: For a longer drink, consider adding a splash of soda water or plain water to your cider to reduce the overall calorie density per glass.
Mind Your Pours: Be conscious of your serving size. While a litre is a large amount, enjoying a smaller, measured glass can make a big difference.
Prioritise Craft and Traditional Ciders: Many mass-produced ciders contain added sugars for a sweeter taste. Traditional, craft, or 'scrumpy' ciders are often drier and can be lower in sugar, though they may have a higher ABV.

Conclusion

The number of calories in a litre of cider is not a single, fixed number but a range that depends on its alcohol and sugar content. A standard medium cider will be around 400-500 calories per litre, but sweeter, flavoured, or stronger ciders can easily exceed this, with some options surpassing 600 or even 800 calories. By understanding the factors that influence the calorie count, from ABV to the fermentation process, consumers can make more informed choices about their consumption. Always check nutritional labels and consider opting for drier or lighter varieties if monitoring your caloric intake is a priority. For more information on responsible drinking and calorie content, consult the resources available at Drinkaware.

Frequently Asked Questions

To calculate the approximate calories in a litre of cider, multiply the calories per serving (e.g., per 100ml or pint) by the number of servings in a litre (1000ml). For instance, if a 500ml pint is 210 kcal, a litre is 420 kcal.

Dry cider typically has less residual sugar than sweet cider because more of the sugar has been converted to alcohol. While this means fewer calories from sugar, the higher ABV can still result in a significant calorie count.

On average, cider tends to have more calories than a comparable pint of beer due to its higher sugar content from the fruit used in fermentation. However, this can vary by brand and style.

The primary sources of calories in cider are the alcohol and the residual sugars from the fermented fruit. Both the alcohol and sugar content can vary significantly, which is why calorie counts differ between brands.

Yes, flavoured ciders are often higher in calories and sugar than standard apple ciders. The additional fruit purees or flavourings typically increase the overall sugar content, which drives up the calorie count.

Like any alcoholic beverage, excessive and regular consumption of cider can contribute to weight gain. Alcohol contains 'empty calories' with no nutritional value, and the high sugar content, especially in sweet ciders, adds to the caloric load.

Yes, some cider makers produce low-calorie or 'light' versions of their cider with reduced sugar. These are often a good alternative if you are monitoring your calorie intake.