How unhealthy is jager? Uncovering the facts about this popular herbal liqueur

December 26, 2025 •

2 min read

According to WebMD, a single 1.5-ounce (44 ml) shot of Jägermeister can contain 167 calories and up to 19 grams of sugar. This reveals that while marketed for its herbal blend, understanding how unhealthy is jager involves recognizing its surprisingly high energy and sugar load, especially with frequent consumption.

Quick Summary

Jägermeister's unhealthiness stems from its high alcohol content (35% ABV) combined with significant calories and sugar, presenting risks like obesity and liver damage with excessive consumption. Mixing it with energy drinks further intensifies potential dangers.

Key Points

High in calories and sugar: A 1.5-ounce shot of Jägermeister contains roughly 167 calories and 19 grams of sugar, contributing to obesity risks with heavy consumption.
35% Alcohol by Volume (ABV): Its high alcohol content places a significant strain on the liver, increasing the risk of liver damage and diseases like cirrhosis.
Dangerous with energy drinks: Mixing Jägermeister with energy drinks, as in a "Jägerbomb," masks intoxication and increases the risk of alcohol poisoning, risky behavior, and heart problems.
Long-term health risks: Excessive drinking can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease, cancer, and permanent neurological damage.
Herbal benefits are minimal: Any potential benefits from its herbal ingredients are outweighed by the negative effects of its high alcohol and sugar content, especially when not consumed in moderation.
Misleading perception as a harmless party shot: The drink's enjoyable taste and party image often lead to overconsumption, masking its potency and health risks.

Nutritional Profile of Jägermeister

While Jägermeister is known for its blend of 56 herbs, fruits, roots, and spices, its health implications are largely due to its high alcohol and sugar content. Unlike many pure spirits, Jägermeister contains added sugar and flavorings, contributing to a significant calorie count per serving. Alcohol provides 'empty' calories without nutritional value, and the added sugars increase the caloric density, potentially leading to weight gain and associated health issues with excessive consumption.

High Alcohol Content and Liver Health

With an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 35%, Jägermeister is a potent alcoholic beverage. The liver processes alcohol, and heavy consumption can overwork this organ, leading to various liver problems such as fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. The nature of drinking Jägermeister, often in shots, can encourage rapid and heavy consumption, increasing this risk.

The Deadly Combination: Jägerbombs

A particularly hazardous way to consume Jägermeister is as a "Jägerbomb," mixed with an energy drink. This combination of a depressant (alcohol) and stimulants (from the energy drink) is dangerous. The stimulants can mask the feeling of intoxication, leading to excessive drinking and a state known as "wide-awake drunk". This increases the risk of alcohol poisoning, impaired judgment, and serious heart issues like irregular heartbeats.

Comparison: Jägermeister vs. Other Popular Drinks


Drink (1.5 oz/44ml)	Alcohol Content (ABV)	Calories (approx.)	Sugar (approx.)	Key Health Consideration
Jägermeister	35%	167 kcal	19g	High sugar and calorie content contribute to obesity risks; mixing with energy drinks is very dangerous.
Vodka (plain)	40%	97 kcal	0g	High alcohol content with none of the added sugar of a liqueur. Primary health risks are related to excessive alcohol intake.
Red Wine	12-15%	37 kcal	1g	Contains potential antioxidants but still carries general health risks associated with alcohol.
Beer (lager)	4-5%	65 kcal	4g	Lower alcohol content, but can lead to significant calorie consumption when drunk in large volumes.

Long-Term Health Consequences of Excessive Alcohol

Heavy and prolonged consumption of any alcohol, including Jägermeister, can lead to severe health problems. These risks include liver diseases, cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure and heart damage, mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, neurological damage impacting memory and cognition, and an increased risk of various cancers.

Conclusion

Despite its herbal composition, Jägermeister's high alcohol and sugar content make it an unhealthy beverage for regular or excessive consumption. The potential benefits from its botanicals are minimal compared to the risks posed by the alcohol and sugar. Its common consumption as a chilled shot or in dangerous mixes like Jägerbombs can contribute to overconsumption. Moderation is crucial with any strong liquor, and the severe long-term health consequences of abuse, including liver damage, heart problems, and neurological issues, should be taken seriously. Being aware of its nutritional profile and avoiding risky combinations are key to making informed choices.

For more information on the dangers of alcohol misuse, consult the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Frequently Asked Questions

Jägermeister is considered unhealthy primarily due to its high concentration of alcohol (35% ABV) and significant sugar content. Excessive consumption contributes to serious health issues like liver damage, weight gain, and can increase the risk of certain cancers.

Mixing Jägermeister with energy drinks is particularly dangerous because the stimulants in the energy drink can mask the sedative effects of the alcohol, leading you to feel less intoxicated than you are. This can result in excessive drinking, alcohol poisoning, and heart palpitations.

According to WebMD, a single 1.5-ounce shot of Jägermeister contains approximately 167 calories and 19 grams of sugar. However, nutritional information can vary slightly depending on the serving size and specific product variation.

While Jägermeister contains a blend of 56 herbs, any potential health benefits from these botanicals are minimal and largely unproven, especially in comparison to the significant health risks associated with its high alcohol and sugar content. The herbs are highly refined, leaving little to no nutritional value.

Jägermeister’s primary differentiating factor from other spirits like vodka is its high sugar content. While the risks of alcohol apply to all spirits, the added sugar in Jägermeister contributes extra calories and can exacerbate health issues like diabetes.

Yes, Jägermeister can be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle, similar to other alcoholic beverages. The key is to avoid excessive drinking to mitigate the risks of liver disease, addiction, and other health problems.

Consistent heavy consumption of Jägermeister can lead to serious long-term effects, including liver disease (such as fatty liver or cirrhosis), cardiovascular problems (high blood pressure and heart damage), and neurological complications.