Is cider high in sugar? Understanding the sweet truth behind your favourite drink

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

With some popular fruit-flavoured ciders containing as much as 48g of sugar per pint, many people wonder: is cider high in sugar? The answer depends heavily on the type and brand, with some varieties packing a surprisingly high sugar load.

Quick Summary

The sugar content in cider varies drastically by type and brand, ranging from very low in dry ciders to exceptionally high in sweet, flavored varieties. The fermentation process is the key determinant. Health implications include increased calorie intake and potential weight gain.

Key Points

Significant Variation: The sugar content in cider ranges from very low in dry varieties to extremely high in sweet, flavoured types.
Fermentation is Key: The length of the fermentation process determines how much natural sugar is converted to alcohol, with shorter fermentation leaving more sugar.
Flavoured Ciders are High in Sugar: Fruit-flavoured ciders often contain a large amount of added sugar, sometimes more than popular fizzy drinks.
Health Impacts: High-sugar cider contributes to increased calorie intake, potential weight gain, and can negatively impact dental and overall health.
Choose Dry Ciders: For a low-sugar option, look for dry, vintage, or traditional ciders and always check the nutritional label.

The Fermentation Process: The Main Factor

The fundamental difference in sugar content among ciders stems from the fermentation process. Cider is made by fermenting apple juice, which is naturally high in sugar. The yeast consumes this sugar, converting it into alcohol. The longer the yeast is allowed to work, the less sugar remains, resulting in a drier cider with a higher alcohol content (ABV).

Conversely, to create a sweeter cider, the fermentation process is deliberately stopped early, leaving more residual sugar behind. Some commercial cider makers go even further, adding extra sugar or artificial sweeteners to achieve a sweeter flavour profile, which is particularly common in fruit-flavoured varieties. Understanding this process is key to deciphering the nutritional information on your chosen drink.

Dry vs. Sweet Cider: A Stark Contrast

There is a significant difference in sugar levels between dry and sweet ciders. A traditional, fully fermented dry cider can contain very little sugar, sometimes as low as a fraction of a gram per 100ml. Sweet and fruit-flavoured ciders, however, can be packed with sugar, often exceeding the sugar content of popular fizzy drinks. This makes reading the label crucial if you are concerned about your sugar intake. Many of the most popular, mass-produced ciders fall into the higher-sugar category, designed for a sweeter palate.

Sugar Content in Popular Cider Brands

To illustrate the wide variation, here is a comparison table of the sugar content in popular cider brands per pint, based on various nutritional data.


Cider Brand	Type	Approx. Sugar per Pint (g)
Stowford Press	Medium Dry	6g
Thatchers Gold	Medium Dry	23g
Strongbow	Medium	15.9g
Magners	Medium	21g
Rekorderlig Wild Berries	Fruit Cider	48g
Kopparberg Strawberry & Lime	Fruit Cider	44g

This table demonstrates that the term 'cider' covers a huge range of products, and not all are created equal regarding sugar. The fruit ciders, in particular, stand out for their very high sugar content, often containing over half the daily recommended sugar intake in a single pint.

The Health Implications of High-Sugar Cider

Consuming high-sugar cider regularly can have several health consequences. The most immediate impact is on your calorie intake. Alcohol itself is calorie-dense, with seven calories per gram. When combined with a large amount of added sugar, the calories can accumulate quickly, contributing to weight gain and potentially leading to a 'cider belly'.

Beyond weight, high sugar consumption from beverages can increase the risk of tooth decay, put a strain on your body's insulin response, and contribute to other health issues. The calories from alcohol are often considered 'empty calories' because they provide no nutritional value and are typically consumed in addition to a person's regular dietary intake.

How to Choose a Low-Sugar Cider

If you want to enjoy cider without the high sugar load, several strategies can help. The primary rule is to opt for dry over sweet ciders, as they have significantly less residual sugar. Look for keywords on the label like 'dry', 'vintage', or 'traditional', and avoid 'sweet', 'fruit-flavoured', or 'rosé' versions.

Here are some tips for making a low-sugar choice:

Prioritise Dry Ciders: These are your best bet for a minimal sugar content. Examples include many traditional, full-juice ciders.
Check the Nutritional Information: A growing number of brands, including specialist low-calorie and low-sugar options, now provide nutritional details on their packaging or website. Always verify the sugar and carbohydrate content.
Explore Craft Options: Some craft cider makers, who focus on traditional fermentation, produce very dry ciders with minimal or no added sugar after fermentation.
Consider Low-Calorie Alternatives: Some brands specifically market ciders with lower sugar and calorie counts, often using natural sweeteners or more efficient fermentation.

For more information on the health effects of alcohol and sugar, visit the Drinkaware website Drinkaware.

Conclusion

So, is cider high in sugar? It's not a simple yes or no. The sugar content varies wildly depending on the production method and whether it's a dry, traditional cider or a sweetened, commercial fruit variety. While some traditional dry ciders are relatively low in sugar, many popular brands and especially fruit-flavoured ciders can be exceptionally high, posing health risks related to excess calorie intake and sugar consumption. By being a more informed consumer and checking labels, you can easily choose options that align better with your dietary and health goals, proving that it's possible to enjoy cider in moderation without excessive sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cider is made from fruit juice, typically apples, which is naturally high in sugar. Beer is made from grains like barley, which contain much less sugar. During fermentation, if the process is stopped early to create a sweeter flavour, a higher sugar content remains in the final cider.

Sweet and fruit-flavoured ciders generally contain the most sugar, as fermentation is stopped early and extra sugars are often added to enhance the sweetness.

Not all ciders are high in calories, but many are, especially the high-sugar varieties. The calorie count depends on both the alcohol content and the amount of sugar. Dry ciders tend to be lower in calories than sweet ones.

Yes, many brands offer low-sugar or zero-sugar ciders. Look for products labelled 'dry,' 'vintage,' or 'low-sugar,' and check the nutritional information to be sure.

The sugar content varies dramatically, but a pint of many commercial ciders can contain between 15 and 45 grams of sugar or more, depending on the brand and flavour.

Regularly consuming high-sugar cider can lead to weight gain due to empty calories, increased risk of tooth decay, and other health issues associated with high sugar intake.

To reduce sugar intake, opt for dry ciders instead of sweet or flavoured ones, look for low-sugar labels, and consider alternative low-calorie drinks.