WKD, the well-known bottled alcoholic beverage, is often grouped with other alcopops due to its sweet, fruity taste. However, the question of exactly how much alcohol is in WKD has a nuanced answer. The alcohol content is not uniform across all WKD products and depends heavily on the specific variant and bottle size. While the core flavours typically contain a moderate ABV, certain specialty lines are considerably stronger, and some are even non-alcoholic. Understanding these differences is essential for responsible consumption.
The Core WKD Range: 3.4% or 4% ABV
The most familiar WKD products, including the classic Blue, Purple, Iron Brew, and Orange & Passionfruit flavours, have an ABV that has been subject to change over the years. Historically, the ABV for the original formula was higher, but market adjustments have seen it settle at a lower percentage.
- Current UK Standard: As of late 2025, many sources and the official website confirm that the main core range is a sparkling alcoholic mix with an ABV of 3.4%. This applies to both the 275ml and 700ml bottles.
- Market Variations: It's important to note that some older stock or products in different markets might still carry a 4% ABV. For instance, older product listings show 4% for certain bottles. This highlights the importance of checking the product label for the most accurate information. The official brand website confirms 3.4% for the core range.
Higher Strength Options: WKD X and WKD Vibe
For those seeking a stronger option, WKD offers specific product lines with a higher ABV. These products are clearly labelled to distinguish them from the core range.
- WKD X: A more potent, sparkling vodka-based beverage, the WKD X range features a higher ABV of 7%. This line also blends fruit flavours with added ingredients like caffeine and taurine.
- WKD Vibe: These products are a range of innovative liqueurs designed for shots and layering. They boast the highest ABV in the WKD family, at 15%.
- WKD Blue 0.0%: For those who prefer to abstain, there is also an alcohol-free version, WKD Blue 0.0%.
Units of Alcohol in WKD
Understanding alcohol units is crucial for monitoring your intake. In the UK, the formula for calculating units is (ABV x ml) ÷ 1000.
- Core WKD (3.4% ABV): A 275ml bottle contains approximately 0.94 units. A larger 700ml bottle holds around 2.38 units.
- Core WKD (4% ABV): A 275ml bottle contains 1.1 units. A 700ml bottle contains 2.8 units.
- WKD X (7% ABV): A 500ml can contains approximately 3.5 units.
- WKD Vibe (15% ABV): A 50cl (500ml) bottle would contain a significant 7.5 units.
The UK Chief Medical Officers' recommendation for adults is not to regularly exceed 14 units per week. It's clear that consuming even a few bottles of WKD, especially the higher-strength versions, can quickly contribute to this weekly limit.
Nutritional Information: Sugar and Calories
WKD's sweet, fruity taste comes at a cost, with a high sugar and calorie content. For example, a 700ml bottle of WKD Blue was found to contain up to 59g of sugar, which is nearly double the recommended maximum daily allowance for adults. A smaller 275ml bottle of 4% ABV WKD contains around 228 calories. This makes it a high-sugar and high-calorie option compared to some other drinks. For context, alcohol has almost as many calories per gram as fat.
Comparison of WKD Product Lines
| Feature | Core WKD (e.g., Blue, Purple) | WKD X (e.g., Blue Raspberry) | WKD Vibe (Liqueurs) | WKD Blue 0.0% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical ABV | 3.4% or 4% | 7% | 15% | 0% |
| Example Units (per 275ml / 500ml / 50cl) | ~1.1 units (275ml @ 4%) | 3.5 units (500ml can) | 7.5 units (50cl) | 0 units |
| Added Ingredients | Sometimes caffeine | Caffeine, Taurine, Guarana | None listed | None |
| Container Type | 275ml, 700ml bottles | 500ml cans | 50cl bottles | Cans |
Conclusion: Read the Label
It is clear that there is no single answer to the question, 'How much alcohol is in WKD?'. The alcohol content varies significantly from the core range to the specialty products like WKD X and Vibe. The core range typically sits at 3.4% or 4% ABV, but it is important to remember that these sweet beverages often have high sugar and calorie counts. Responsible drinkers should always check the label to determine the exact ABV and units, particularly since historical and regional variations exist. For more information, you can visit the official WKD website: wkd.co.uk.
