Is Non-Alcoholic Cider High in Calories? A Detailed Guide

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

Most people assume non-alcoholic cider is a low-calorie option, but a single 8-ounce glass can contain as many calories as a regular soda. The crucial question, 'is non-alcoholic cider high in calories?' doesn't have a simple yes or no answer, as the calorie content is highly dependent on the brand, processing method, and added sugars.

Quick Summary

This guide examines the nutritional content of non-alcoholic cider, comparing its calorie and sugar levels to alcoholic cider and other beverages. It details the factors influencing calorie counts and provides tips for choosing healthier options to better manage dietary intake.

Key Points

Not Always Low-Calorie: Non-alcoholic cider is typically lower in calories than hard cider but is not calorie-free, with significant variation between brands due to sugar content.
Sugar is the Main Factor: Without alcohol to provide calories, the sugar from the fruit juice and any added sweeteners becomes the primary contributor to the total calorie count.
Read the Label: Always check the nutrition label for the serving size and sugar content, as these are the most accurate indicators of a product's caloric value.
Dry vs. Sweet: Just like regular cider, a drier non-alcoholic cider will contain less sugar and, therefore, fewer calories than a sweeter variety.
Compare to Apple Juice: Many non-alcoholic ciders, particularly sparkling varieties, have a similar nutritional profile to high-quality, unfermented apple juice, which can have over 100 calories per glass.
Look for 'No Added Sugar': For the lowest calorie option, seek brands that specify 'no added sugar' or 'zero sugar' to ensure the calorie count comes only from the natural fruit.

The Truth Behind Non-Alcoholic Cider Calories

Non-alcoholic (NA) cider is often perceived as a guilt-free beverage option, especially for those looking to reduce their alcohol intake. While it's true that removing the alcohol significantly cuts down on calories, it doesn't automatically make it a low-calorie or sugar-free drink. The final calorie count hinges heavily on the sugar content, which is used by producers to compensate for the flavor lost during alcohol removal. Consumers must read labels carefully to understand the true nutritional value of their chosen beverage.

How Non-Alcoholic Cider is Made and Why It Affects Calories

The process for making non-alcoholic cider varies, and these methods directly impact the final product's sugar and calorie profile. Traditional cider is made by fermenting apple juice. During fermentation, yeast consumes the natural sugars and converts them into alcohol and carbon dioxide. For non-alcoholic versions, this process is either stopped early or the alcohol is removed post-fermentation.

There are two main methods:

Pasteurization or Filtration: For non-alcoholic sparkling cider, manufacturers may simply pasteurize or filter the apple juice before full fermentation occurs. This retains most of the natural apple sugars, resulting in a product very similar in calories and sugar to regular apple juice. Some brands may add extra sugar for taste or consistency.
De-alcoholization: Some producers create a fully fermented alcoholic cider and then use processes like reverse osmosis or vacuum distillation to remove the alcohol. This method often results in a lower-sugar product because the yeast has already consumed much of the natural sugar. However, some manufacturers reintroduce sweeteners after de-alcoholization to improve the flavor profile.

Comparing Non-Alcoholic Cider to Other Beverages

To put the calories of NA cider into perspective, it's helpful to compare it to other common drinks. While a pint of alcoholic cider can contain around 210 calories, an alcohol-free alternative typically falls between 50 and 130 calories per 330ml serving. However, sparkling apple juice, which is functionally very similar to many NA ciders, often contains about 120 calories per 8 ounces.


Comparison Table: Calories per Serving (approximate)	Beverage Type	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Key Calorie Source
Non-Alcoholic Cider	8-12 oz (236-355ml)	50–150	Natural & added sugars
Hard Alcoholic Cider	1 pint (568ml)	~210	Alcohol & sugars
Regular Apple Juice	8 oz (236ml)	~120	Natural fruit sugars
Flavored Soda	8 oz (236ml)	~95	Added sugars
Light Hard Seltzer	12 oz (355ml)	~100	Alcohol

What to Look for When Choosing a Low-Calorie Non-Alcoholic Cider

For those who are calorie-conscious, reading the nutritional information is key. The number of calories is directly correlated with the sugar content. Brands that use high-quality, unfiltered apple juice tend to retain more natural sugars and may be higher in calories than those that add artificial sweeteners or flavors. Look for labels that explicitly state "no added sugar" or "zero sugar".

When evaluating a product, consider these points:

Check the serving size: A small serving size can be misleading. Always calculate the total calories for the amount you plan to drink.
Analyze sugar content: This is the most important factor. High sugar counts will drive up calories, even if there's no alcohol. For example, some brands add syrups that dramatically increase the sugar content.
Identify added sweeteners: Ingredients like glucose-fructose syrup or corn syrup will add to the calorie count. If the goal is to reduce sugar, these should be avoided.
Consider dryness: Just as with alcoholic cider, non-alcoholic varieties can range from sweet to dry. Drier options generally contain less sugar and, therefore, fewer calories. Brands that advertise themselves as "dry" or "tart" are usually a safer bet for lower sugar content.

Conclusion: A Calorie-Conscious Approach is Necessary

In conclusion, the belief that all non-alcoholic cider is inherently low in calories is a misconception. While it is certainly a lower-calorie alternative to its alcoholic counterpart, the final calorie and sugar count varies significantly between brands. To enjoy non-alcoholic cider without undermining dietary goals, it is essential to scrutinize the nutrition label. By comparing brands and focusing on those with lower sugar content, you can make an informed choice that is both delicious and mindful of your health. The key takeaway is to choose wisely and not simply assume that "non-alcoholic" means "low-calorie."

A great resource for understanding the nutritional benefits and drawbacks of non-alcoholic beverages is provided by the BBC, which emphasizes that non-alcoholic drinks still contain calories, especially if they are sugary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, non-alcoholic cider is almost always lower in calories than regular hard cider because it lacks the calories provided by alcohol, which contains about seven calories per gram.

Yes, non-alcoholic cider contains sugar, which is derived naturally from the apples it is made from. Many brands also add extra sugars to enhance the flavor, especially if they are removing alcohol post-fermentation.

The calorie count can vary, but a glass of non-alcoholic cider generally contains between 50 and 150 calories, depending on the brand and how much sugar has been added.

For many sparkling non-alcoholic ciders that are essentially filtered juice, the calorie and sugar counts can be very similar to regular apple juice. Unfiltered ciders may be slightly different but are still high in natural sugars.

Truly zero-calorie non-alcoholic ciders are rare, as they would have to contain no natural fruit sugars. However, some brands offer 'zero sugar' options that use alternative sweeteners and are very low in calories, but they are not technically calorie-free.

To find the lowest calorie option, check the nutrition label for the total sugar content. Look for brands that are explicitly marketed as 'zero sugar' or those with lower sugar counts. Drier varieties also tend to be lower in sugar.

Non-alcoholic cider often contains fewer additives and more natural ingredients than many sodas. While still sugary, some ciders retain beneficial polyphenols from apples, but moderation is still important due to the sugar content.