How Unhealthy Is Champagne? Separating Myth From Fact

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

A single flute of Brut champagne contains approximately 80 to 100 calories, making it one of the lower-calorie alcoholic beverages. But beyond the bubbles and calorie count, many wonder just how unhealthy is champagne, particularly when enjoyed frequently or in excess?

Quick Summary

Champagne's health impacts depend heavily on moderation, as excessive consumption poses risks common to all alcohol. However, lower-sugar varieties offer a relatively low-calorie option, and moderate intake may even provide some health benefits.

Key Points

Moderation is Paramount: The health effects of champagne, good or bad, depend almost entirely on how much you drink, with excessive intake carrying all the significant risks of other alcoholic beverages.
Lower in Calories: Drier types of champagne, such as Brut and Brut Nature, are relatively low in calories compared to most still wines, beer, and sweeter sparkling wines.
Potential Antioxidant Benefits: Moderate consumption (1-3 glasses/week) may offer some heart and brain health benefits due to polyphenols, similar to red wine.
Carbonation Speeds Absorption: The bubbles in champagne cause alcohol to enter the bloodstream more quickly, leading to faster intoxication and potentially worse dehydration and hangovers.
Weight Gain Risk: Champagne's calories, especially from sweeter varieties, can contribute to weight gain if not monitored, and alcohol can stimulate appetite.
Drier Means Healthier: Choosing Brut Nature or Extra Brut champagne minimizes sugar content, making it the healthiest option within the champagne category.

The Nutritional Breakdown: Understanding What's in Your Bubbly

Champagne is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes, primarily composed of alcohol and sugar. It provides minimal vitamins or minerals, with health effects largely stemming from its alcohol content and residual sugar, known as dosage. The sweetness level significantly impacts calories and overall health implications.

Alcohol and Caloric Density

Alcohol (ethanol) contains about 7 calories per gram. A standard 5-ounce glass of champagne, typically 11.5% to 12.5% ABV, contributes 80 to 100 calories, mainly from the alcohol. This makes it lower in calories than many still wines.

The Impact of Sugar Levels

Champagne's sweetness, determined by the dosage (sugar added after fermentation), directly affects its calorie count. Styles range from very dry to sweet:

Brut Nature/Zero Dosage: Up to 3 grams of sugar per liter, very low calorie.
Brut: Less than 12 grams of sugar per liter, the most common.
Demi-Sec: 32 to 50 grams of sugar per liter, higher in calories.
Doux: Over 50 grams of sugar per liter, the sweetest and most caloric.

Opting for drier varieties like Brut or Brut Nature helps reduce sugar and calorie intake.

Potential Benefits of Moderate Champagne Consumption

Moderate champagne consumption might offer some benefits due to polyphenols from grapes like pinot noir and pinot meunier.

Heart Health: Polyphenols may improve vascular function and lower blood pressure, potentially reducing heart disease and stroke risk.
Improved Cognitive Function: Research suggests that phenolic compounds could benefit cognitive function and potentially delay neurodegenerative disorders.

These potential benefits are only associated with moderate intake and are not an endorsement of heavy drinking.

The Risks of Overconsumption and Why Moderation is Crucial

Excessive champagne consumption, like any alcohol, carries health risks. Carbonation can lead to faster alcohol absorption and quicker intoxication.

Hangover and Dehydration

The bubbles accelerate alcohol into the bloodstream, potentially causing a more intense hangover. Alcohol's diuretic effect also contributes to dehydration. Congeners can also worsen symptoms.

Long-Term Health Consequences

Heavy, chronic drinking is linked to serious health issues.

Liver Disease: Excessive alcohol can cause fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
Increased Cancer Risk: Alcohol is a carcinogen linked to cancers of the head, neck, esophagus, liver, and breast.
Brain Damage: Chronic misuse can disrupt brain communication.
Weight Gain: Alcohol's calories and effects on metabolism can lead to weight gain.

Comparison: Champagne vs. Other Beverages

Here's how champagne compares to other drinks regarding calories and sugar:


Beverage (5 oz serving)	Typical Calories	Sugar Content	Primary Benefit/Risk	Notes
Brut Champagne	80-100	Low (<12g/L)	Lower calorie, may have antioxidant benefits	Faster intoxication due to carbonation
Still Red Wine	~125	Varies	Known for antioxidant benefits	Higher calories than Brut champagne
Still White Wine	~120	Varies	Often perceived as lighter	Can be higher in calories and sugar
Light Beer (12 oz)	~100	Low	Lower ABV, but larger serving size	Serving size is critical for calorie comparison
Spirits (1.5 oz shot)	~100	Zero	High alcohol concentration	Often mixed with sugary mixers, adding calories
Sweet Champagne (Demi-Sec)	120+	High (>32g/L)	Sweeter taste, festive	Highest calorie option among champagnes

Making Healthy Choices and Practicing Moderation

Enjoy champagne healthily by practicing moderation and making smart choices:

Opt for Drier Styles: Choose Brut Nature or Extra Brut to minimize sugar and calories.
Set Limits: Limit yourself to one or two flutes per occasion.
Stay Hydrated: Alternate with water to combat dehydration and slow consumption.
Eat Before Drinking: Food in your stomach slows alcohol absorption.
Consider Alternatives: Explore non-alcoholic sparkling options if concerned about alcohol.

Conclusion

Determining how unhealthy is champagne depends entirely on the amount consumed. In moderation, drier styles are relatively low-calorie with potential antioxidant benefits. However, excessive intake carries significant risks, including dehydration, hangovers, liver damage, and increased cancer risk. The carbonation also increases the risk of rapid intoxication. Like all alcohol, champagne is best enjoyed occasionally and responsibly to minimize negative health impacts. For more information on alcohol's effects, consult resources like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

For more detailed information on alcohol's effects on the body, including potential risks and recommendations for moderate consumption, please visit the NIAAA's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Champagne can be a 'better' choice in some ways. Drier types have fewer calories and less sugar than many still wines and sweeter sparkling wines. However, excessive consumption carries the same risks as any other alcoholic drink.

Yes, if consumed in excess. Like any alcohol, champagne contains calories that can contribute to weight gain. Its carbonation can also lead to overconsumption by making you feel full faster, though this can vary by individual.

The carbonation in champagne can speed up alcohol absorption, which may lead to quicker intoxication and, consequently, a more severe hangover due to increased dehydration. Drinking water between glasses is a good practice.

A standard 5-ounce (150-ml) glass of Brut champagne typically contains around 80 to 100 calories, mainly from its alcohol content.

When consumed in moderation, some studies suggest champagne may offer heart and brain health benefits due to its polyphenol content, which can improve vascular function and potentially boost memory.

Yes, sweeter champagnes (like Demi-Sec or Doux) have a higher sugar dosage, meaning more calories per glass. This makes them a less healthy choice than drier options like Brut or Brut Nature if you are watching your sugar and calorie intake.

While champagne is largely an empty-calorie drink, it does contain trace minerals and antioxidants from the grapes. However, it is not a significant source of vitamins or other essential nutrients.

Yes, champagne is acidic, and frequent consumption can erode tooth enamel. This is a common risk with many acidic beverages, so it is best to rinse your mouth with water after drinking.