How many calories are in zero alcohol cider?

November 24, 2025 •

4 min read

While standard alcoholic cider can pack around 210 calories per pint, the calorie count for its zero-alcohol counterpart is significantly lower. This makes knowing how many calories are in zero alcohol cider crucial for those managing their weight or simply making healthier beverage choices. The exact number, however, varies depending on the brand and sugar content.

Quick Summary

Zero alcohol cider generally contains fewer calories than traditional cider because it lacks alcohol, which is calorie-dense. However, sugar content greatly influences the final calorie count, as brands often add sugar to enhance flavor lost during dealcoholization.

Key Points

Significantly Lower Calories: Zero alcohol cider has considerably fewer calories than alcoholic cider, primarily because it lacks the calorie-dense alcohol component.
Sugar is the Main Factor: The calorie count in zero alcohol cider is heavily influenced by its sugar content, which brands often increase to enhance flavor.
Varies by Brand: Different brands of zero alcohol cider have varying calorie counts, ranging from approximately 25 to 46 calories per 100ml, depending on the ingredients and production method.
Read the Label: The most effective way to determine a specific product's calories is to check the nutritional information on the label, paying close attention to the sugar content.
Natural vs. Added Sugars: Whether the sweetness comes from natural fruit juice or added sugars impacts both the calorie count and nutritional profile of the cider.
Healthier Alternative: For those looking to reduce alcohol intake or manage weight, zero alcohol cider offers a healthier and often lower-calorie alternative to traditional cider and other sugary soft drinks.

The Core Difference: Alcohol vs. Sugar

Alcohol is a significant source of calories, containing seven calories per gram—almost as many as fat. This is the primary reason zero alcohol cider is a lower-calorie alternative to its alcoholic version. During production, the fermentation process that creates alcohol is either stopped or the alcohol is removed post-production. However, to compensate for the flavor and body lost in this process, manufacturers often add sweeteners and sugar, which then contribute to the final calorie total.

How Production Methods Affect Calories

Different production methods for zero-alcohol beverages have a direct impact on the final nutritional content. Some brewers use arrested fermentation, where they halt the process early, leaving a higher concentration of residual sugars. Others remove the alcohol after full fermentation, which can lead to a less flavorful product that then requires more added sugar. This variation in technique explains why the calorie counts can differ so much between different brands and styles of zero alcohol cider.

Factors Influencing the Calorie Count

Beyond the base production method, several other factors can influence the calories in your zero alcohol cider:

Added Sugars: The most significant factor. Brands like Galipette, with a high sugar content, can have a calorie count nearly double that of others.
Natural vs. Added Flavors: Some ciders use natural fruit juices, which contain natural sugars, while others use added flavorings and syrups that can increase the calorie count without adding nutritional value.
Type of Apples Used: The specific apple varieties used can affect the natural sweetness and, therefore, the final sugar and calorie levels of the juice base.
Sweeteners: The use of artificial or alternative sweeteners can result in a product with fewer calories, but these may have their own set of pros and cons for consumers.

Comparing Zero Alcohol Cider to Other Beverages

Zero alcohol cider is often viewed as a healthier alternative not just to alcoholic cider, but also to other sugary soft drinks. While still containing sugar, the calorie count is typically lower than many full-strength alcoholic beverages, making it a conscious choice for those watching their intake.

Calorie Comparison: Zero Alcohol vs. Standard Cider


Brand	Zero Alcohol Cider (per 500ml)	Standard Alcoholic Cider (per 500ml)	Calorie Difference	Primary Calorie Source	Notes
Thatchers	Approx. 125 kcal	Approx. 230 kcal (Thatchers Gold)	~105 kcal less	Sugars from fruit and some added sweeteners	Known for good nutritional transparency
Magners	Approx. 66 kcal (per bottle)	Approx. 210 kcal	~144 kcal less	Apple base with some added sugar	Significantly lower calorie count
Old Mout	Approx. 170 kcal	Approx. 275 kcal (Mixed Fruits)	~105 kcal less	Sugars from concentrated fruit juice	Higher sugar than some zero-alcohol brands
Galipette	Approx. 152 kcal (per 330ml bottle)	(Data unavailable)	N/A	High sugar content from 99.5% apple juice	Very high sugar compared to other brands

Making a Health-Conscious Choice

For those seeking the lowest-calorie zero alcohol cider, paying close attention to the nutritional label is key. Products that use natural fruit juices and minimal added sugars will have a lower overall calorie count. Some brands might explicitly state 'no added sugar', which can be a good indicator, though the calories from the fruit itself will still be present. It's also worth considering that very low-calorie options might use artificial sweeteners to retain a sweet taste.

How to Choose Your Zero Alcohol Cider

Read the label: Always check the 'per 100ml' calorie and sugar information. This is the most reliable way to compare brands directly.
Understand the sweetness: Brands that are described as 'dry' may have less sugar, but this isn't always a guarantee.
Consider the ingredients: Look for a short and transparent ingredient list. Ciders made with mostly apple juice and minimal additives will be a more natural option.
Balance your goals: If your main goal is reducing calories, a lower-sugar option is best. If flavor is paramount, you might opt for a slightly higher-calorie brand that achieves a richer taste without alcohol.

Conclusion: A Lower-Calorie Alternative, But Mind the Sugar

Zero alcohol cider is, without question, a lower-calorie alternative to traditional alcoholic cider, which is a major benefit for those monitoring their intake. However, the calorie content is not zero and is heavily dependent on the brand and its sugar levels. Consumers looking for the healthiest option should scrutinize nutritional labels and be aware of the sugar content, as some zero-alcohol products add significant amounts of sugar to replace the flavor provided by alcohol. With numerous brands on the market, from options with minimal added sugar to sweeter variants, there is a zero alcohol cider to suit every taste and dietary need. For weight management, always opting for the lowest sugar content is the most effective strategy.

For more detailed nutritional comparisons, resources like the Drinkaware website provide valuable information on alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Lists

Reasons to Choose Zero Alcohol Cider

Lower calorie count than alcoholic cider.
No alcohol, preventing intoxication and hangovers.
Allows participation in social events while abstaining from alcohol.
Can be a source of hydration.
Often more affordable than alcoholic counterparts.

What to Look for on the Nutritional Label

Energy (kcal) per serving size.
Carbohydrates, specifically 'of which sugars'.
List of ingredients to check for added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
Serving size to accurately calculate total calorie intake.

Factors that Increase Calories in Zero Alcohol Cider

High Sugar Content: Often added to compensate for a lack of alcohol.
Concentrated Juices: Some brands use concentrated apple juice, which has a higher sugar density.
Syrups and Flavorings: Artificial or natural syrups can contribute to a higher calorie total.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, zero alcohol cider does contain calories, primarily from its sugar content, even though it lacks the calories derived from alcohol.

Non-alcoholic cider has calories because it is made from apple juice, which contains natural sugars. Additionally, some manufacturers add extra sugars or sweeteners to improve flavor, contributing to the calorie count.

Zero alcohol cider generally has fewer calories than regular cider. For example, a glass of alcohol-free cider might contain 50-70 calories, while a pint of alcoholic cider can have around 210 calories.

No, the calorie content varies by brand. Factors like the amount of added sugar, fruit concentration, and production methods cause significant differences in calories between brands.

Yes, zero alcohol cider can be included in a weight-loss diet as a lower-calorie alternative to alcoholic beverages. It is important to monitor the sugar content and consume it in moderation.

Thatchers Zero contains 25 calories per 100ml. A standard 500ml bottle would therefore contain 125 calories.

Not necessarily, but it can. While the fermentation process in regular cider converts sugar to alcohol, non-alcoholic cider retains more of the base apple juice's sugar. Some brands also add extra sugar, so comparing labels is essential.