How many calories does makgeolli have? A detailed nutritional breakdown

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

On average, a 100ml serving of traditional, plain makgeolli contains approximately 42-54 calories, a count influenced by its production and fermentation. Understanding how many calories does makgeolli have is key for those mindful of their intake, as this can vary significantly depending on the brand and flavor additives.

Quick Summary

Makgeolli's calorie content ranges from roughly 40 to 55 calories per 100ml, depending on the brand and whether it's plain or flavored. The traditional Korean rice wine, known for its milky appearance, contains carbohydrates, proteins, and live cultures in its unfiltered form, all contributing to its total caloric value.

Key Points

Plain Makgeolli Calories: Unflavored, traditional makgeolli generally contains 42-54 calories per 100ml, which is moderate compared to other alcohols.
Flavored Varieties are Higher: Makgeolli with added fruit purees and sweeteners will have a higher calorie and sugar content than plain versions.
Unfiltered vs. Filtered: Unfiltered 'saeng' makgeolli has more sediment, which is higher in nutrients and calories. Shaking the bottle increases the caloric density of your pour.
Better than Soju, Similar to Beer: Per 100ml, makgeolli is typically lower in calories than soju, and comparable to or slightly less than many standard beers.
Health Benefits Beyond Calories: Unpasteurized makgeolli offers probiotic bacteria, fiber, and vitamins, which are beneficial for gut health and overall nutrition.
Serving Size Matters: A standard 750ml bottle of makgeolli can contain around 300 calories, so portion control is important for calorie management.

Makgeolli's Calorie Profile: What the Numbers Mean

The calorie content of makgeolli can vary. For example, a commercial bottle of standard, original makgeolli may list around 42 kcal per 100ml. However, flavored versions, which often contain added fruit purees or sweeteners, tend to have a slightly higher count. For instance, some Makku branded makgeolli varieties are cited with 170-190 calories per can (around 355ml), which is higher per 100ml than unflavored versions. The discrepancy is primarily due to added sugars and ingredients. For a typical 750ml bottle, an estimate of around 300 calories is often cited, but this is an average and can fluctuate.

Factors Influencing Makgeolli's Calorie Count

Several elements in makgeolli's production and presentation can affect its final nutritional makeup:

Flavorings: Fruit-flavored makgeolli varieties (e.g., peach, banana) include fruit purees and extra sweeteners, increasing their sugar and calorie content.
Pasteurization: Unpasteurized or 'saeng' makgeolli is unfiltered, retaining more nutrients, live yeast, and lactobacillus, which can slightly affect the overall density and calorie total.
Sediment: Traditional, unfiltered makgeolli has a milky sediment at the bottom. The sediment is packed with rice solids, probiotics, and other compounds. Shaking the bottle incorporates this sediment, increasing the drink's caloric density per sip. If you pour only the clearer top layer, you consume fewer calories.
Added Sugars: While traditional makgeolli has natural sugars from fermentation, some commercial brands add extra sweeteners like fructose to appeal to a wider audience, boosting the caloric value.

Calorie Comparison: Makgeolli vs. Other Common Alcoholic Drinks

Makgeolli holds its own when compared to other popular beverages. It is often lower in calories than soju but can be comparable to or slightly lower than beer per 100ml, depending on the specific product.


Beverage	Approximate Calories (per 100ml)	Notes
Makgeolli (Plain)	~42-54 kcal	Varies by brand and if it's shaken.
Beer	~46 kcal	Varies widely based on type (light vs. craft).
Soju	~64 kcal	Typically higher due to its distillation process.
Wine	~83 kcal	Red and white wines can vary slightly.
Whiskey	~250 kcal	Significantly higher due to high alcohol content.

The Fuller Picture: Makgeolli's Nutritional Value

While calories are an important consideration, makgeolli offers more than just energy. When consumed unfiltered and in moderation, it provides several beneficial components, primarily due to its fermentation process.

Probiotics: Unpasteurized ('saeng') makgeolli contains a high number of lactobacillus bacteria, beneficial for gut health and digestion, similar to yogurt.
Dietary Fiber: The fermentation process and unfiltered nature mean makgeolli contains dietary fiber, contributing to satiety and digestive health.
Amino Acids: It contains essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein and crucial for various bodily functions.
Vitamins: Makgeolli is a source of B vitamins, including B1, B2, and B6, along with other nutrients.
Antioxidants: The traditional Korean beverage contains antioxidants like polyphenols.

How to Manage Makgeolli's Calorie Intake

For those who enjoy makgeolli but are conscious of their caloric intake, a few strategies can help. First, opt for plain, traditional varieties over heavily sweetened, fruit-flavored versions. Second, when drinking unfiltered makgeolli, try pouring just the clear liquid at the top if you want to reduce the intake of rice solids and associated calories. Finally, like any alcoholic beverage, moderation is key. Be mindful of serving sizes, which are often small cups, and avoid overconsumption.

Conclusion: The Final Calorie Verdict

In summary, how many calories does makgeolli have is not a single, fixed number but rather a range influenced by its preparation. Traditional, unflavored makgeolli sits on the lower end of the calorie spectrum for alcoholic drinks, providing between 40 and 55 calories per 100ml. While a standard 750ml bottle may total around 300 calories, the overall health benefits, particularly the probiotic and fiber content in unfiltered versions, should also be considered. Makgeolli can be part of a balanced lifestyle when consumed mindfully. For a deeper understanding of its brewing process, consult resources like this overview of makgeolli's composition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Compared to many other spirits and wines, plain makgeolli is relatively low in calories. However, its caloric content is on par with some beers and can increase with added sweeteners and flavorings.

Yes, flavored makgeolli typically contains more calories than plain versions. The addition of fruit purees, juices, and extra sweeteners like fructose significantly increases the total sugar and calorie count.

A standard 750ml bottle of makgeolli is often estimated to contain around 300 calories, though this can vary by brand and ingredients. Check the specific product's nutritional information for the most accurate figure.

The sediment in unfiltered makgeolli is high in nutrients and rice solids, which contribute to its overall caloric density. Shaking the bottle will mix this sediment in, increasing the calorie count of each pour compared to just drinking the clearer top liquid.

From a purely caloric standpoint, plain makgeolli and some standard beers are comparable per 100ml, though beer figures vary. However, unpasteurized makgeolli offers additional health benefits, including probiotic bacteria and dietary fiber, which beer lacks.

The fermentation of rice by 'nuruk' creates the alcohol and sugars, which are the source of makgeolli's calories. While the process itself determines the initial energy density, further processing or additives can increase it.

No, calorie counts vary significantly between brands and types. Factors such as flavorings, sweeteners, alcohol content, and whether the product is pasteurized or unfiltered all influence the final caloric value.