Henny's Dry Cider: A Low-Sugar Option
Based on nutritional data from retailers, Henny's Dry Cider contains approximately 2.4 grams of sugar per 100ml. For a standard 500ml bottle, this totals around 12 grams of sugar per serving. A different retail source lists the sugar at 27.0 grams per litre, which calculates to 2.7 grams per 100ml, though the lower figure is more frequently cited. Henny's achieves this low sugar content by using 100% fresh-pressed apple juice and allowing the fermentation process to convert most of the fruit's natural sugars into alcohol, without any artificial sweeteners added back in. The result is a crisp, clean taste with a dry finish, showcasing the natural apple notes rather than a syrupy sweetness.
How Fermentation Determines Cider Dryness
To understand why Henny's Dry Cider is low in sugar, it's helpful to know how cider is made. The process relies on yeast consuming the natural sugars present in the pressed apple juice.
- Yeast and Fermentation: Yeast is introduced to the apple juice, where it feeds on the sugars, converting them into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
- Complete Fermentation: For a dry cider, the fermentation process is typically allowed to continue until almost all the natural sugar has been consumed by the yeast. Some producers aim for 'bone dry,' meaning virtually zero residual sugar.
- Stopping Fermentation: In contrast, to make sweeter ciders, the cider maker may stop the fermentation process early, or they may add additional sugar or apple juice concentrate after fermentation is complete, a practice known as back-sweetening.
- No Added Sugar (But Maybe Concentrates): Consumers should be aware that the phrase 'no added sugar' on some labels can be misleading. It may mean no sucrose was added, but apple juice concentrate—which is essentially concentrated sugar—may still have been used for sweetening. Henny's uses no artificial sweeteners, relying on the quality of its fresh-pressed juice.
Comparing Sugar Content in Ciders
The amount of sugar in cider varies dramatically across different brands and styles, from very low in dry ciders to quite high in sweetened options. Here's a comparison to illustrate the range, using data from various sources:
| Brand | Style | Approx. Sugar (per 100ml) | Approx. Sugar (per 500ml Bottle) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Henny's Dry Cider | Dry | 2.4g | 12g |
| Stowford Press | Apple | 1g | 6g |
| Henry Westons Medium Sweet | Medium Sweet | 5g | 25g |
| Somersby Apple | Apple | 8.1g | 40.5g |
| Rekorderlig Wild Berries | Fruit | 8.5g | 43g |
| Bulmers Toffee Apple | Flavoured | 12.1g | 61g |
The Health Implications of Low-Sugar Cider
For those monitoring their sugar or calorie intake, Henny's Dry Cider presents a clear advantage over sweeter options. Sugar contributes significantly to the calorie count in many ciders, so a lower sugar content generally means fewer calories. A lower sugar intake is also associated with better dental health and can be beneficial for managing blood sugar levels. However, it is crucial to remember that alcohol itself is calorie-dense, providing around seven calories per gram, nearly as many as fat. Therefore, even a low-sugar cider is not calorie-free, and moderation is key. A dry cider like Henny's allows the drinker to appreciate the complex apple flavors and traditional craftsmanship without the masking sweetness of sugary additives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Henny's Dry Cider is a genuinely low-sugar option, containing around 2.4g of sugar per 100ml. This is achieved through a thorough fermentation process of 100% fresh-pressed apple juice, which leaves minimal residual sugar. As a result, it stands in stark contrast to the high sugar levels found in many commercial sweet and flavored ciders. For those seeking a crisp, less sweet alternative, understanding how much sugar is in Henny's dry cider reveals it to be an excellent choice that prioritizes authentic apple taste over added sweetness.
Learn more about the craft cider industry at the American Cider Association website.
