How Many Carbs Are in Cider? A Detailed Breakdown

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

The number of carbs in cider can vary dramatically, from as little as 3 grams to over 40 grams per serving, depending heavily on its sweetness. This wide variation makes understanding the carb profile of different ciders essential for anyone monitoring their intake.

Quick Summary

Cider's carb count depends on the level of residual sugar left after fermentation. Dry ciders are significantly lower in carbs than sweeter, flavored varieties, which can contain large amounts of added sugar.

Key Points

Significant Variation: The carb content in cider can range widely, from under 10 grams to over 40 grams per serving, depending on sweetness and brand.
Fermentation is Key: Carb levels are determined by residual sugar left after fermentation; longer fermentation leads to lower carbs, as seen in dry ciders.
Dry Ciders are Low-Carb: Dry and vintage ciders have the lowest carb counts, with some containing less than 3 grams per 100ml.
Sweet Ciders are High-Carb: Sweet and fruit-flavored ciders contain significantly more sugar and, therefore, higher carb counts, sometimes rivaling soft drinks.
Zero-Sugar Options Exist: Some brands offer zero-sugar or light versions that are the lowest-carb alcoholic cider options available.
Non-Alcoholic Doesn't Mean Low-Carb: Non-alcoholic apple cider (essentially juice) can have a high carb count from natural sugars, often 28 grams per cup.

The Core of Cider Carbs: Fermentation and Sugar

Cider is fermented apple juice, and its carbohydrate content is directly tied to this process. Apples, the primary ingredient, are naturally rich in sugar. During fermentation, yeast consumes these sugars and converts them into alcohol. The amount of residual sugar remaining after fermentation determines the final carb count and sweetness level of the cider.

Dry ciders are fermented for a longer period, allowing the yeast to consume more sugar. This results in a product with a lower sugar and carb content, and a less sweet, more tart taste.
Sweet ciders have their fermentation process stopped earlier, leaving a higher concentration of unfermented sugars. Many mass-produced sweet and fruit-flavored ciders also have additional sugars added after fermentation to enhance the sweetness.
Alcohol's Contribution: While pure spirits have no carbs, the alcohol in cider does contain calories (7 per gram), and the unfermented sugar accounts for the majority of the carb count.

Carb Count Comparison: Dry vs. Sweet Cider

The difference in carb content between dry and sweet ciders is significant. A single serving can contain a vast range of carbohydrates, which is a key factor for those managing blood sugar or following a low-carb diet.

Dry Cider Carb Profile

Dry ciders are the lowest-carb option within the cider family. They are often made from more tannic apples, and the full fermentation reduces their sugar levels dramatically. For example, some brands, like Thatchers Vintage, can contain as low as 2.94g of carbs per 100ml. Strongbow Dry Cider contains about 3.4g of carbs per 100ml. These ciders offer a crisp, less-sweet flavor profile.

Sweet and Fruit Cider Carb Profile

Sweet and fruit-flavored ciders are on the opposite end of the spectrum. Their high sugar content contributes to a much higher carb load. A pint of fruit cider can contain as much as 40 grams of sugar, nearly doubling the carb content of regular lagers. Popular examples include:

Somersby Apple Cider: Contains 8.2g of carbohydrates per 100ml.
Kopparberg Mixed Fruit Cider: A single pint can have a staggering 41g of sugar.
Rekorderlig Wild Berries: A pint contains 39g of sugar.

Light and Zero-Sugar Options

For those seeking the lowest possible carb intake, some brands offer 'light' or 'zero-sugar' versions. These are often sweetened with alternatives to sugar. SkinnyBrands offers a fruit cider with 0g of sugar, though the alcohol content remains. Inch's also offers a 0.0% ABV cider with 6.1g carbs per 100ml, primarily from sugars.

What About Non-Alcoholic Cider?

It's important to distinguish between hard cider and non-alcoholic apple cider. Non-alcoholic, cloudy apple cider is essentially unfiltered apple juice. It has no alcohol content, but it retains all the natural sugars from the apples. A standard 8-ounce serving can contain up to 28 grams of carbohydrates, mostly from sugar. This is not a low-carb option, despite its lack of alcohol.

Carbohydrate Content of Popular Ciders: A Comparison Table


Cider Brand (Example)	Type	Carbs per 100ml (approx.)	Sugar per 100ml (approx.)
Thatchers Vintage	Dry	2.94g	Low
Strongbow Dry	Dry	3.4g	Low
INCH'S Medium	Medium	4.4g	4.2g
Somersby Apple	Medium-Sweet	8.2g	8.1g
Kopparberg Mixed Fruit	Sweet/Fruit	~8.6g (extrapolated from pint)	~8.6g (extrapolated from pint)
Skinny Fruit Cider	Zero Sugar	Variable	0g
INCH'S 0.0 Apple	Non-alcoholic	6.1g	6.0g

How to Choose a Lower-Carb Cider

To make an informed, lower-carb choice, consider these key steps:

Read the Label: Check the nutritional information for carbohydrate and sugar content per serving. Some countries require this information on the label.
Choose 'Dry' or 'Vintage': These terms indicate a more complete fermentation process and generally lower sugar levels.
Be Wary of 'Fruit' Ciders: Fruit-flavored varieties are almost always loaded with extra sugar to achieve a very sweet taste.
Opt for Zero-Sugar Options: Specific brands have developed zero-sugar variants that eliminate the sugar-based carbs completely.
Check Online Databases: Websites like Nutritionix or brand websites often provide detailed nutritional facts.

Making a Healthier Cider Choice

While lower-carb options are available, moderation remains key. Alcohol, regardless of its carb content, contains calories and can impact your health in other ways. If you enjoy cider and are managing your carb intake, choosing a dry option can make a significant difference. It’s also wise to be aware of the effects alcohol can have on your body. For more information on calories and alcohol, visit https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/information-about-alcohol/alcoholic-drinks-and-units/units-and-calories-in-alcoholic-drinks/cider.

Conclusion

The number of carbs in cider is not a single, fixed figure but a spectrum heavily influenced by its sweetness. By understanding the fermentation process and checking nutritional labels, you can easily distinguish between low-carb, dry options and high-carb, sweet or fruit-flavored ciders. For those on a carb-conscious diet, opting for a dry or zero-sugar variety is the best approach to enjoying cider while minimizing sugar and carb intake. Always consider moderation, regardless of the drink's carb profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, dry ciders undergo a more complete fermentation process, which converts most of the apple's natural sugars into alcohol, resulting in a much lower carbohydrate count than sweet ciders.

Hard cider is alcoholic and can be dry or sweet, with varying carb content. Apple cider is typically non-alcoholic apple juice, which can be very high in natural sugars, sometimes containing around 28 grams of carbs per cup.

Yes, fruit-flavored ciders tend to have high levels of added sugars and, consequently, a much higher carb count. A pint can contain over 40 grams of sugar.

You can enjoy very dry ciders or zero-sugar varieties in moderation on a low-carb diet. However, many sweet ciders are too high in sugar and carbs to be suitable for a strict keto diet.

While pure distilled spirits are carb-free, cider (even dry cider) will almost always contain some residual carbohydrates. However, some brands offer zero-sugar options by using alternative sweeteners.

Cider carb content can vary more widely than beer. Regular beer typically has about 10-15g of carbs per pint, which is lower than a sweet cider but higher than a very dry one.

The carbohydrates in cider primarily come from the unfermented sugars of the apple juice. Any added sugars in sweeter varieties also contribute to the final carb total.