Is drinking cider every day bad for you? Understanding the health impacts

October 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Drinkaware, a pint of cider with 4.5% ABV can contain as many as five teaspoons of sugar, nearly the NHS daily recommended limit. This fact highlights the nutritional pitfalls that lead many to question: Is drinking cider every day bad for you? The health implications depend heavily on the type and quantity of cider you consume.

Quick Summary

Daily consumption of alcoholic cider carries significant health risks due to its high sugar and calorie content, affecting liver health, weight, and blood sugar. Non-alcoholic options present a lower-risk alternative, but moderation remains crucial for any cider to minimize harm.

Key Points

High Sugar Content: Many alcoholic ciders contain significant amounts of sugar, contributing to weight gain, metabolic issues, and tooth decay.
Daily Alcoholic Cider Harms Liver Health: Regular daily intake of alcoholic cider can overwhelm the liver, potentially leading to fatty liver disease and more severe, irreversible conditions like cirrhosis.
Empty Calories Promote Weight Gain: High in calories from both alcohol and sugar, daily hard cider consumption contributes to weight gain with minimal nutritional benefit.
Moderation is Crucial for All Types: Even non-alcoholic ciders can be high in sugar and calories, so all types should be consumed in moderation, not as a daily health tonic.
Non-Alcoholic is a Safer Alternative: While still high in sugar, non-alcoholic cider avoids the negative health consequences of alcohol and retains some beneficial polyphenols.
Be Cautious of Unpasteurized Varieties: To avoid foodborne illnesses, opt for pasteurized non-alcoholic ciders, as untreated ones may contain harmful bacteria.

What is Cider? The Alcoholic vs. Non-Alcoholic Distinction

When considering the health effects of daily cider consumption, it is essential to distinguish between alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties. Traditional, or non-alcoholic, apple cider is simply pressed and unfiltered apple juice, retaining some nutrients and antioxidants found in fresh apples. However, commercially available alcoholic ciders are fermented, turning the apple's natural sugars into alcohol, a process that significantly changes the drink's nutritional profile. Daily intake of these two types has vastly different consequences for your health.

The Hard Truth: The Risks of Daily Alcoholic Cider

Daily consumption of hard (alcoholic) cider is generally detrimental to health due to its high levels of sugar and alcohol. The combination of these two factors can lead to several serious issues over time.

Excessive Sugar Intake: Many commercial ciders, especially fruit-flavored or sweeter varieties, are high in added sugar. A regular pint can contain large amounts of sugar, which contributes to weight gain, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and tooth decay. The body metabolizes alcohol before other nutrients, which can lead to excess calories from food and sugar being stored as fat, particularly around the midsection.
Liver Damage: The liver is responsible for metabolizing alcohol, and regular, heavy intake can overwhelm it, leading to liver diseases. Consistent daily consumption can cause steatotic liver disease (fatty liver), which can progress to irreversible cirrhosis. The liver damage risk is significant, even with seemingly moderate daily drinking.
Weight Gain: As a source of "empty calories" with high sugar and alcohol content, hard cider contributes to weight gain without providing significant nutritional value. A single pint can pack over 200 calories, similar to a doughnut, and daily consumption quickly adds up.
Negative Gut Health: Alcohol can disrupt the delicate balance of gut bacteria, leading to inflammation and increased intestinal permeability, also known as "leaky gut". This can lead to digestive issues and may negate any potential benefits from the apple's natural compounds.
Increased Cancer Risk: Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it's a known cause of cancer. Regular consumption is linked to an increased risk of several cancer types, including those of the mouth, throat, liver, and breast.

The Better Option: Non-Alcoholic Cider

Non-alcoholic cider offers a much healthier alternative, providing some benefits without the inherent dangers of alcohol. Made from pressed apples, it retains beneficial compounds and is less calorific.

Rich in Polyphenols: Like apples, non-alcoholic cider contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants that help fight against free radicals and cell damage. These compounds can help reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers.
Vitamins and Minerals: Non-alcoholic cider is a source of vitamins like vitamin C and minerals such as potassium. However, the levels are not as high as in fresh apples.
Hydration: Primarily composed of water, non-alcoholic cider can contribute to daily hydration, unlike alcoholic versions which have a diuretic effect.
Considerations: While healthier, non-alcoholic cider can still be high in natural sugar, potentially causing blood sugar spikes. Diluting it with water can help reduce the sugar load. Be cautious of unpasteurized cider, as it may contain harmful bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella, posing a risk, particularly to vulnerable individuals.

Cider vs. Other Beverages: A Nutritional Comparison

To put the health impacts in context, here is a comparison of a typical alcoholic cider versus other popular beverages.


Feature	Alcoholic Cider (per pint)	Beer (per pint, avg.)	Dry Red Wine (per 175ml glass)	Non-Alcoholic Cider (per pint)
Calories	~210-300 kcal	~170-220 kcal	~159 kcal	~100-140 kcal
Sugar	High (~5+ teaspoons)	Low to Moderate	Moderate	High (natural sugar)
Carbohydrates	Varies, can be high	High	Very Low	Moderate (sugar-based)
Alcohol Content	Moderate to High (4-8% ABV)	Moderate to High (3-8% ABV)	Moderate (13% ABV)	0% ABV
Gluten-Free	Yes	Usually No	Yes	Yes

How to Enjoy Cider Responsibly

If you choose to drink alcoholic cider, the key is moderation. The occasional glass is unlikely to cause serious long-term harm for healthy individuals, but daily consumption is not recommended due to the cumulative effects of alcohol and sugar. Consider these strategies for responsible enjoyment:

Prioritize Dry Ciders: Opt for dry, brut, or unsweetened ciders, which typically contain less residual sugar than sweeter versions.
Check Labels: Always look at the nutrition information, especially for newer, flavored ciders, which can contain exceptionally high sugar content.
Hydrate with Water: Alternate alcoholic cider with glasses of water to stay hydrated and reduce overall alcohol intake.
Know Your Limits: Adhere to national guidelines for alcohol consumption, which typically advise no more than a certain number of units per week.
Consider Non-Alcoholic: Switch to non-alcoholic cider as a more health-conscious daily alternative. Always check the sugar content and opt for pasteurized versions to ensure safety.

Conclusion: Moderation is Key

So, is drinking cider every day bad for you? The answer is a clear yes for alcoholic varieties. The combination of high sugar and alcohol content, even in seemingly moderate quantities, can lead to serious health issues, including liver damage, weight gain, and an increased cancer risk. While non-alcoholic cider presents a safer alternative with some nutritional benefits, its potential high sugar content still warrants mindful consumption. Ultimately, cider should not be considered a health drink. For those who choose to indulge, the wisest approach is to consume it in moderation as an occasional treat, not a daily habit. For further guidance on alcohol consumption, consult resources like Drinkaware, a reliable source of information.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for specific concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, consistent daily consumption of hard (alcoholic) cider can cause significant liver damage over time. The liver processes alcohol, and heavy, regular intake can lead to conditions like fatty liver disease and potentially cirrhosis.

Many commercial ciders, especially sweeter varieties, have higher sugar content than other alcoholic beverages like dry wine or spirits. While beer can have a high carb count, cider often contains more sugar, leading to higher calorie counts for sweeter versions.

Non-alcoholic cider is a healthier alternative to hard cider because it lacks alcohol and contains some antioxidants. However, it can still be high in sugar and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation and not seen as a health drink.

The high sugar content in many ciders can contribute to weight gain, increased risk of type 2 diabetes due to insulin resistance, and dental problems like tooth decay.

To reduce negative health effects, consume cider in moderation as an occasional treat. Opt for dry, low-sugar ciders, and alternate alcoholic drinks with water to stay hydrated and reduce intake. A healthier approach is to choose non-alcoholic versions.

Yes, as cider is made from fermented apples, it is naturally gluten-free. This makes it a suitable alternative for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, unlike most traditional beers.

While less risky than alcoholic cider, daily non-alcoholic cider can still contribute to high sugar and calorie intake if not chosen carefully. Additionally, unpasteurized versions can pose a risk of foodborne illness.