How Many Carbs Are in a Bottle of Cava?

December 8, 2025 •

4 min read

The carbohydrate content in a bottle of Cava is not fixed, with the driest styles containing as little as 0–2.25 grams of total carbs per bottle, while sweeter versions can exceed 37.5 grams. Understanding the different sweetness classifications on the label is crucial to determining how many carbs are in a bottle of Cava.

Quick Summary

The carb content in a 750ml bottle of Cava is entirely dependent on its sweetness level, which ranges from very dry Brut Nature to sweet Dulce. Labels like Brut, Extra Brut, and Semi-Seco provide the key to calculating the total carbohydrates.

Key Points

Sweetness determines carbs: The amount of residual sugar in Cava, indicated by its sweetness level on the label, directly dictates its carbohydrate count.
Brut Nature is the lowest: A 750ml bottle of Brut Nature Cava, with 0-3g of sugar per liter, contains the fewest carbs (0–2.25g).
Standard Brut is a moderate choice: A standard Brut Cava, with up to 12g of sugar per liter, has up to 9g of carbs per 750ml bottle.
Check the label carefully: Terms like 'Extra Seco' and 'Seco' are sweeter than Brut, so always check the label for the specific classification to manage carb intake.
Cava can be keto-friendly: For those on low-carb or keto diets, choosing Brut Nature or Extra Brut Cava is a suitable option, as these have minimal sugar.
Calculation is simple: To find the approximate carbs per 750ml bottle, multiply the g/L sugar content by 0.75.

Understanding the Cava Sweetness Scale

The carbohydrate content of any Cava is determined by the amount of residual sugar left in the wine after fermentation and a process called dosage, where a small amount of sugar-wine mixture (expedition liqueur) is added just before the bottle is sealed. The amount of sugar added dictates its official sweetness classification, which in turn determines its total carb count. For a standard 750ml bottle of Cava, you can multiply the grams per liter (g/L) by 0.75 to get the total grams of carbs. It's important to remember that all carbs in wine come from sugar, as there are no starches or fiber.

Carb breakdown by Cava type

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the carb content per 750ml bottle based on the official Cava sweetness categories:

Brut Nature: Containing 0–3 grams of residual sugar per liter, a 750ml bottle of Brut Nature has approximately 0–2.25g of carbs. This is the driest option and the best choice for those following a very low-carb diet.
Extra Brut: This style contains up to 6 grams of sugar per liter. A 750ml bottle will therefore have up to 4.5g of carbs. It is still very dry but slightly less austere than Brut Nature.
Brut: The most popular style of Cava, Brut contains up to 12 grams of sugar per liter. This means a 750ml bottle will contain up to 9g of carbs. This still falls within the lower range of carb content for many diets.
Extra Seco: Despite its name, which translates to 'extra dry', this style is noticeably sweeter than Brut. It has between 12 and 17 grams of sugar per liter, giving a 750ml bottle between 9–12.75g of carbs.
Seco: Meaning 'dry', this Cava is sweeter still, containing between 17 and 32 grams of sugar per liter. This translates to 12.75–24g of carbs per 750ml bottle.
Semi-Seco: With 32 to 50 grams of sugar per liter, a bottle of Semi-Seco contains between 24–37.5g of carbs. This is a noticeably sweeter sparkling wine, often served with dessert.
Dulce: The sweetest style of Cava, Dulce contains more than 50 grams of sugar per liter, meaning a single bottle can have over 37.5g of carbs.

Decoding the Cava Label for Low-Carb Choices

For those seeking the lowest possible carbohydrate content, learning to read the Cava label is essential. The terms for sweetness will be clearly visible on the bottle. If the label specifies Brut Nature or Extra Brut, you can be confident that you are selecting a low-carb option. The general rule of thumb is: the drier the Cava, the lower the residual sugar and the lower the carbs.

Tips for selecting low-carb Cava:

Look for the key terms: Start by scanning the bottle for 'Brut Nature', 'Extra Brut', or 'Brut'.
Prioritize Brut Nature: If you are on a strict low-carb diet like keto, Brut Nature is the safest and most reliable choice.
Beware of sweeter names: Don't let the word 'dry' in 'Extra Seco' or 'Seco' fool you; these styles contain significantly more sugar than their 'Brut' counterparts.
Check for independent certification: Some brands may voluntarily provide more detailed nutritional information, but it is not a legal requirement.

Comparison of sparkling wine carbs (per 750ml bottle)


Sparkling Wine Type	Sugar (g/L)	Approx. Carbs per Bottle (750ml)
Cava Brut Nature	0-3g	0-2.25g
Cava Brut	Up to 12g	Up to 9g
Prosecco Brut	Up to 12g	Up to 9g
Champagne Extra Brut	Up to 6g	Up to 4.5g
Cava Semi-Seco	32-50g	24-37.5g
Moscato d'Asti	Typically >100g	>75g

Cava's place in a mindful diet

Cava, particularly in its Brut Nature and Extra Brut forms, can fit into a low-carb or keto-friendly lifestyle due to its very low sugar content. This stands in contrast to sweeter sparkling wines or cocktails, which can carry a heavy carb load. The key is mindful consumption and informed selection based on the label. Opting for a drier style means you can enjoy the traditional Spanish sparkling wine experience without the high sugar levels. While wine labels are not legally required to list detailed nutritional facts like carbs, the established sweetness scale for Cava provides a reliable guide. To explore more about the history and production standards of this Spanish delicacy, you can visit the official D.O. Cava website.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of carbs in a bottle of Cava is directly correlated with its sweetness classification. For a standard 750ml bottle, the carb count can range from virtually zero in a Brut Nature to over 37.5 grams in a Dulce. By understanding and identifying the sweetness term on the label, drinkers can easily make an informed choice that aligns with their dietary preferences. The driest options—Brut Nature, Extra Brut, and Brut—offer low-carb sparkling enjoyment, making Cava a versatile choice for many occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Cava's carb content varies depending on its sweetness level, from very low in Brut Nature to high in Dulce. You must check the label to determine the specific carb count.

A standard 125ml glass of Cava Brut contains up to 1.5 grams of carbs (derived from the up to 12g/L sugar content).

Dry styles of Cava (Brut, Extra Brut) can have a slightly lower or similar carb count to equivalent Prosecco. However, the carb content is primarily determined by the sweetness level, so a Brut Cava and Brut Prosecco will be comparable.

The sweetest type of Cava is called 'Dulce', which contains more than 50 grams of sugar per liter.

Nutritional information, including carbs, is not legally required on wine labels in many regions. However, the label will always state the sweetness level (e.g., Brut Nature), which provides a reliable indication of the carb content.

Dosage is the final step in Cava production where a small amount of sugar and wine mixture is added to the bottle before it is sealed. The sweetness of the dosage determines the final classification of the Cava.

For a ketogenic diet, you should choose a Cava labeled 'Brut Nature' or 'Extra Brut' as these contain the least amount of residual sugar and therefore the lowest carb count.