Is Soju Zero Sugar? A Complete Guide to Soju's Sweetness

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2024 Korea Consumer Agency report, a new 'sugar-free' soju, while containing no sugar, had a minimal difference in overall calorie count compared to regular versions. This fact brings to light a common misconception: is soju zero sugar? The answer is nuanced, depending heavily on the brand and variety you choose.

Quick Summary

Zero sugar soju varieties, like Chum Churum Saero and Jinro Is Back, exist on the market and contain no added fructose. However, traditional and flavored sojus often include sugar or artificial sweeteners for a sweeter flavor profile. Distillation quality, not just sugar removal, defines the smoothness of modern soju.

Key Points

Not all soju is sugar-free: Modern soju varieties are not inherently zero sugar, but specific zero-sugar versions are now widely available.
Distinguish between types: Flavored soju is high in sugar, regular soju has small amounts of additives, while zero-sugar soju has none.
Look for explicit labeling: The most reliable way to find a zero-sugar product is to check for 'Zero Sugar' or 'Sugar-Free' on the bottle, like with Chum Churum Saero or Jinro Is Back.
Zero sugar doesn't mean zero calories: While zero-sugar soju is lower in calories than regular or flavored types, it still contains calories from the alcohol itself.
Reading labels is key: Examine the nutritional information and ingredient list to confirm the presence of sugars or alternative sweeteners like stevia.
The taste difference comes from distillation: Zero-sugar brands rely on high-quality distillation and concentrated soju blends to create a smooth finish without needing to mask harshness with sweeteners.

The Soju Spectrum: From Traditional to Zero Sugar

Soju, the iconic Korean distilled beverage, has seen a significant evolution to cater to modern consumer preferences, especially those conscious of sugar intake. Historically, commercial soju was often a diluted ethanol spirit with artificial sweeteners to mask the harsh taste. This practice gave soju a reputation for being sweet and sometimes causing unpleasant aftereffects due to the additives.

Today, the market offers a diverse range of soju products. At one end are the premium, traditionally distilled sojus made with a higher rice content and fewer additives. In the middle are the common green-bottle sojus, which still use sweeteners. At the other end, specifically addressing the health-conscious market, are the dedicated zero-sugar versions.

The Rise of Zero Sugar Soju Brands

The introduction of soju explicitly labeled 'zero sugar' represents a pivotal shift in the industry. These new products leverage advanced distillation techniques to achieve a clean, smooth taste without needing added sugars or fructose. For instance, brands like Chum Churum Saero and Jinro Is Back Zero Sugar have gained popularity by marketing their zero-sugar, zero-fructose formulations. Saero, in particular, emphasizes its use of a special distilled concentrated soju to enhance flavor depth naturally.

What sweeteners are used in zero-sugar soju?

To replace the sweetness previously provided by sugar, manufacturers utilize non-caloric sweeteners. Options include sucralose, erythritol, and enzyme-treated stevia. Enzyme-treated stevia is a common choice because it offers sweetness without the calories and often has a better, less bitter aftertaste than untreated stevia. The exact blend and amount of these additives are proprietary secrets for each brand.

The Sweetness Hidden in Regular and Flavored Soju

While zero-sugar soju exists, it's crucial to understand that it's the exception, not the rule. Regular soju, especially the common green bottle varieties, often contains small amounts of added sweeteners. A 2024 Korean Consumer Agency report noted that these versions might contain around 0.12 grams of sugar per 100 milliliters, low enough to be labeled 'sugar-free' by some standards, but not zero.

Flavored soju, however, is a completely different story. These products contain significant amounts of added sugar to create their sweet profile. According to Wikipedia, flavored soju can contain as much as 32.4 grams of sugar per bottle. The additional sugar contributes significantly to the overall calorie count and is what gives these versions their sweet, fruity taste.

A Comparison of Soju Types

To illustrate the differences, consider this comparison table of a standard serving (approx. 100ml) across different soju types based on available nutritional data:


Feature	Regular Soju (e.g., Chamisul Fresh)	Zero Sugar Soju (e.g., Saero)	Flavored Soju (e.g., Jinro Plum)
Sugar per 100ml	~1.24g	0g	~10.1g
Calories per 100ml	~99 kcal	~90 kcal	~114 kcal
Key Additive	Fructose/Sweeteners	Non-caloric sweeteners	Sugar, syrup, flavorings
Flavor Profile	Slightly sweet, clean	Clean, crisp, neutral	Very sweet, fruity
Target Consumer	General market	Health-conscious, low-calorie	Cocktail mixers, sweet drink fans

How to Find Zero Sugar Soju

For those seeking a truly sugar-free soju experience, knowing what to look for is key. Here are some tips for identifying zero-sugar soju:

Look for 'Zero Sugar' on the Label: Brands like Chum Churum Saero and Jinro Is Back clearly state 'Zero Sugar' or 'Sugar-Free' on their packaging. This is the most reliable indicator.
Check the Ingredients List: Scan the ingredient list for fructose, sucrose, or other types of sugar. Zero-sugar versions will explicitly avoid these.
Read the Nutritional Information: If available, the nutrition label will list the sugar content per serving. For a truly zero-sugar product, this value will be 0g.
Consult Reputable Retailers: Some liquor stores and online retailers, like West Street Wine & Spirits, provide detailed product descriptions that confirm whether a soju is zero-sugar.

The Health-Conscious Choice: Beyond the Sugar

Choosing a zero-sugar soju can be part of a larger health-conscious approach, but it's important to remember a few key things. Firstly, while sugar is removed, alcohol still contains calories. Zero-sugar soju is often slightly lower in calories but is not calorie-free due to its alcohol content. Secondly, drinking in moderation is always recommended regardless of sugar content. The cleaner profile of zero-sugar soju may reduce the unpleasantness associated with some additives, but the effects of alcohol on the body remain constant.

Conclusion: Navigating the Soju Aisle

To summarize, no, soju is not inherently zero sugar, but zero-sugar options are readily available and increasingly popular. The key is to be an informed consumer. The common green-bottle soju has very low sugar, but the truly zero-sugar products are clearly labeled as such. Flavored sojus contain substantial amounts of sugar. For those prioritizing a sugar-free experience, seeking out brands like Chum Churum Saero or Jinro Is Back Zero Sugar is the most direct path. By understanding the distinctions, you can make the right choice for your palate and dietary preferences. For more information on Saero, you can check resources from retailers like West Street Wine & Spirits.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brands like Chum Churum Saero and Jinro Is Back Zero Sugar are explicitly marketed as having zero added sugar or fructose. Always check the label to confirm.

No, flavored soju is not zero sugar. It contains significant amounts of added sugar and syrup to create its sweet, fruity taste and has a higher calorie count than regular or zero-sugar soju.

Zero-sugar soju typically has a cleaner, crisper, and less sweet flavor profile than regular soju, which often contains added sweeteners. The taste relies more on the quality of the distillation process.

While lower in sugar and slightly lower in calories, zero-sugar soju still contains alcohol, which has its own caloric content and health effects. They are a better choice for those avoiding sugar but are not necessarily 'healthy'.

Many mass-produced soju brands add artificial sweeteners like fructose or aspartame to create a sweeter, smoother taste profile, even if they aren't sold as a 'flavored' product.

No. While often similar, different brands of standard green bottle soju can have varying amounts of added sweeteners. It is also important to note that specific zero-sugar varieties, like the new Jinro Is Back, also come in a green bottle but with a clear 'Zero Sugar' label.

The best way is to look for nutritional information on the bottle or the brand's website. Explicitly labeled 'Zero Sugar' versions will indicate 0g of sugar per serving.