Is sparkling wine good for your health? A balanced look at the bubbles

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

While often associated with celebrations, research suggests that moderate consumption of sparkling wine could offer certain health benefits due to its polyphenol content. Yet, like all alcoholic beverages, it also carries potential risks related to its alcohol, acidity, and sugar, prompting the question: Is sparkling wine good for your health?.

Quick Summary

An examination of the health implications of drinking sparkling wine, weighing the antioxidant benefits against the risks associated with its alcohol, acidity, and sugar content, and highlighting the importance of moderation.

Key Points

Polyphenols for Heart Health: Moderate sparkling wine consumption can improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure due to its antioxidant-rich polyphenols.
Cognitive Boost: The phenolic compounds may help improve short-term memory and cognitive function, especially when consumed in moderation.
High Acidity and Dental Risk: The acidity and sugar in sparkling wine can erode tooth enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay, a condition sometimes called 'Prosecco teeth'.
Moderation is Crucial: Any potential health benefits are only realized with moderate drinking; excessive intake leads to known alcohol-related risks such as liver damage and weight gain.
Carbonation Speeds Absorption: The bubbles in sparkling wine can cause alcohol to be absorbed into the bloodstream faster, leading to quicker intoxication.
Lower Calorie Alternative: Drier sparkling wines often have fewer calories than many still red or white wines, but total calorie intake depends on quantity and sugar levels.
Non-Alcoholic Benefits: Alcohol-free sparkling wine retains the beneficial polyphenols without the risks associated with alcohol consumption.

The Potential Perks of Pouring a Glass

Many of the potential health benefits of sparkling wine stem from its base ingredients: grapes. White and sparkling wines often contain beneficial compounds, similar to red wine, though typically in lower concentrations.

Cardiovascular Health

Moderate intake of sparkling wine has been associated with improved heart health, primarily attributed to the presence of polyphenols. These plant-based antioxidants, found in the grapes used to make sparkling wine, can have a beneficial effect on blood vessel function. Studies suggest that polyphenols can improve blood flow and help reduce blood pressure, potentially lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. A May 2025 study also linked moderate consumption of sparkling and white wines to a lower risk of sudden cardiac arrest. For sparkling wines made with red grapes, resveratrol offers additional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect blood vessels and reduce LDL ('bad') cholesterol.

Improved Cognitive Function

Research has suggested that phenolic compounds in sparkling wines might help boost cognitive functions like memory and spatial awareness. Studies indicate that these compounds could help regulate signals in the brain's cortex and hippocampus, which are vital for memory and learning.

Gut Health and Mood Enhancement

Polyphenols can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to a healthy gut microbiome. A healthy gut is important for digestion and overall well-being. The celebratory association and minerals like zinc, magnesium, and potassium may also stimulate dopamine release, potentially lifting spirits.

The Health Risks of Sparkling Wine

Despite potential benefits, sparkling wine is an alcoholic beverage, and all alcohol consumption carries risks. Sparkling wine has particular drawbacks.

Dental Erosion and Damage

Sparkling wines are highly acidic due to grapes and carbonation. This acidity softens tooth enamel, making it vulnerable to damage. Sugar content fuels bacteria that cause tooth decay and discoloration. Frequent sipping or drinking over time can worsen effects. Alcohol also reduces saliva, a natural defense against acid and bacteria.

Weight Gain and Metabolic Effects

Sparkling wines contain calories from alcohol and sugar. Excessive drinking can contribute to weight gain. The body metabolizes alcohol first, which can interfere with metabolism and weight management.

Alcohol-Related Risks

Carbonation in sparkling wine can lead to faster alcohol absorption and quicker intoxication. Excessive alcohol consumption risks include liver damage, increased cancer risk (breast, lung), and disrupted sleep. Alcohol can also worsen depression or related conditions.

Comparison: Sparkling vs. Still Wine

To better understand the nutritional profile, it's helpful to compare sparkling wine with its still counterparts.


Feature	Sparkling Wine (Dry/Brut)	Still White Wine	Still Red Wine
Calories (per 100ml)	~80–100 kcal	~100–120 kcal	~110–125 kcal
Polyphenol Content	Moderate (varies by grape)	Lower (than red/sparkling from red grapes)	Highest (higher than white/sparkling)
Acidity	High (from grapes and carbonation)	Moderate-High (varies by type)	Lower (than white wine)
Alcohol Absorption	Faster (due to carbonation)	Slower (than sparkling)	Slower (than sparkling)
Dental Risk	High (acidity + sugar + carbonation)	Moderate (acidity + sugar)	Moderate (sugar + chromogens)

Making Healthier Choices

If you choose to drink sparkling wine, there are ways to mitigate some negative effects. Moderation is key, with guidelines suggesting no more than one standard drink per day for women and two for men. Drier varieties like Brut Nature have very little added sugar. Pairing your drink with food can slow alcohol absorption and stimulate saliva production. Rinsing your mouth with water after drinking is effective against acid and sugar. Non-alcoholic sparkling wines offer polyphenol benefits without alcohol risks.

Conclusion: A Toast to Moderation

Is sparkling wine good for your health? The answer is complex. Its polyphenol content may offer heart and cognitive benefits with moderate consumption. However, alcohol, acidity, and sugar pose risks to dental health and overall well-being, especially when overconsumed. Any potential health benefits are seen only with responsible, moderate drinking. A glass can be enjoyable, but it's not a health drink. Understanding the pros and cons is essential for informed choices. For more nutritional guidance and research on alcohol and health, consult authoritative resources like the National Institutes of Health (NIH)(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7173517/).

Frequently Asked Questions

The amount of sugar in sparkling wine varies significantly based on its classification. Dry varieties like Brut Nature have minimal sugar, while sweeter types like Demi-Sec can contain considerably more. A standard glass of dry sparkling wine often has less sugar than many types of still wines.

Yes, sparkling wine can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess. It contains calories from both alcohol and sugar. The body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol, which can affect your overall metabolism and weight management efforts.

Sparkling wine can be particularly harmful to dental health due to its high acidity, caused by both the grapes and the carbonation. This can lead to enamel erosion over time. Its bubbly, sugary nature, combined with the way it's often sipped over a long period, can increase the risk compared to some still wines.

The carbonation in sparkling wine can cause alcohol to be absorbed more quickly into your bloodstream. This is because the gas can relax the pyloric sphincter, allowing fluids to pass from the stomach into the small intestine faster.

Some studies suggest that the phenolic compounds found in sparkling wine can help improve cognitive functions such as memory and spatial awareness. Research from the University of Reading highlighted that moderate intake could help counteract memory loss associated with aging.

To minimize dental damage, you can rinse your mouth with water after drinking, use a straw to reduce contact with teeth, and avoid brushing immediately after drinking to prevent spreading acid on weakened enamel. Chewing gum can also help increase saliva and neutralize acid.

Yes, alcohol-free sparkling wine retains the beneficial polyphenols from grapes without the negative effects of alcohol. This means you can still get some antioxidant and heart health benefits without the risks of intoxication, dehydration, and liver damage.