Is Tequila Better For You Than Most Alcohol?

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

While excessive alcohol consumption is linked to numerous health issues, a recent study from Stanford Medicine indicates that the idea of moderate drinking offering health benefits is misleading. However, some alcoholic beverages, including certain tequilas, may have fewer negative attributes than others when consumed responsibly.

Quick Summary

This article examines the nutritional differences and potential benefits of 100% agave tequila compared to other spirits, focusing on factors like calories, sugar, and compounds from the agave plant. It clarifies that while some properties seem advantageous, moderation and mixers are critical considerations.

Key Points

100% Agave is Key: Health considerations for tequila apply primarily to varieties made from 100% blue agave, which lack the added sugars and flavors of 'mixto' tequilas.
Low Carb and Calorie: Pure tequila is low in calories (about 97 per 1.5 oz shot) and contains zero carbohydrates or sugar, making it a better option than many other drinks for those monitoring intake.
Agave Benefits Don't Fully Transfer: Many potential health benefits of the agave plant, such as prebiotic effects from fructans, are often lost or diminished during the tequila distillation process.
Moderation and Mixers Matter Most: The health impact of tequila largely depends on how it's consumed; sugary mixers negate its low-calorie benefits, and excessive drinking increases health risks regardless of the spirit.
Not a 'Healthy' Drink: While it can be a 'less harmful' choice, modern medical consensus suggests no amount of alcohol is truly beneficial for health, and abstinence remains the safest option.
Gluten-Free Option: Tequila made from 100% agave is naturally gluten-free, providing a safer alcohol choice for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

What Distinguishes 100% Agave Tequila?

Many claims about tequila's health advantages stem from the compounds found in the blue agave plant, specifically 100% agave tequila, not "mixto" varieties that contain added sugars and other ingredients. During the distillation process, certain beneficial compounds may be lost, but pure agave tequila generally has a simpler, cleaner profile.

Low in Sugar and Carbs: A shot of 100% agave tequila contains zero grams of carbohydrates and sugar, unlike beer or sugary cocktails.
Lower Calorie Count: A standard 1.5-ounce shot of tequila has around 97 calories, comparable to other hard liquors but significantly less than many beers, wines, and mixed drinks.
Potential Probiotic and Prebiotic Effects: Agave contains fructans and inulin, which act as prebiotics to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Some claim these compounds survive the distillation process in small amounts, potentially aiding digestion.
Gluten-Free: Since it's made from the agave plant, 100% agave tequila is naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable choice for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Separating Agave's Benefits from Tequila's

It's crucial to differentiate between the health benefits associated with the raw agave plant and those of the final distilled product. Much of the research pointing to positive outcomes from agave, such as improved bone health and lower blood sugar, was conducted using raw agave or its fructans, not tequila. Some studies even suggest that the fermenting and distillation process can destroy these beneficial properties. Therefore, relying on tequila to deliver these health effects is unreliable.

The Impact of Mixers and Moderation

The biggest health factor is not the tequila itself, but what it's consumed with and in what quantity. Any potential benefits of 100% agave tequila are quickly negated by sugary mixers like syrups, sodas, and pre-made margarita mixes. A classic margarita can contain a substantial amount of calories and sugar, outweighing the relatively low impact of the pure spirit. Health experts stress that no amount of alcohol is truly "good" for your health, and the focus should always be on moderation to mitigate long-term health risks.

Comparison: Tequila vs. Other Popular Alcohols

This table provides a quick nutritional comparison of a standard serving of different alcoholic beverages. Note: Values are approximate and can vary by brand and specific product.


Beverage	Serving Size	Calories	Carbs	Sugar	Notes
100% Agave Tequila	1.5 oz shot	~97	0g	0g	Contains minimal impurities (congeners).
Vodka (80-proof)	1.5 oz shot	~97	0g	0g	Highly distilled and typically low in congeners.
Whiskey (86-proof)	1.5 oz shot	~105	Trace	Trace	Higher congener content than clear spirits.
Red Wine	5 oz glass	~125	3.8g	1g	Contains antioxidants but more carbs/sugar than pure spirits.
Regular Beer	12 oz can	~153	13g+	Varying	High in calories and carbohydrates compared to spirits.

The Verdict on Tequila's Superiority

While tequila, specifically 100% agave tequila, can be a better choice from a nutritional standpoint due to its low calorie, zero carb, and zero sugar profile, it is not a health tonic. The potential gut health benefits from the agave plant are mostly lost during distillation. Compared to other clear spirits like vodka, the health difference is minimal, and the ultimate impact on health depends heavily on serving size and the mixers used. The idea that alcohol can be truly "good" for you is challenged by modern medical consensus, which emphasizes that abstaining is always the healthiest choice.

Conclusion: Enjoy Responsibly, Don't Rely on Health Claims

In summary, 100% agave tequila is a relatively cleaner spirit choice compared to beers, wines, and mixed cocktails laden with sugar. It offers a naturally gluten-free, low-calorie, and low-carb option for those who choose to drink. However, consumers should be wary of exaggerated health claims related to agave. As with any alcohol, the key to minimizing negative health effects is responsible and moderate consumption. Choosing pure tequila and pairing it with healthy, non-sugary mixers is the best approach for those who want a less-harmful libation. At the end of the day, no alcohol should be considered a health food.

Authoritative Outbound Link

For comprehensive information on the risks and benefits of alcohol consumption, see the CDC's recommendations on moderate alcohol use.

Frequently Asked Questions

From a nutritional standpoint, 100% agave tequila can be considered a 'better' choice for some due to its zero-carb, zero-sugar, and low-calorie profile when consumed neat. However, the health impact is heavily influenced by moderation and mixers, and modern science stresses that no alcohol is genuinely 'healthy'.

The blue agave plant contains fructans and inulin, which act as prebiotics for beneficial gut bacteria. While some suggest these properties carry over, the distillation process significantly diminishes these compounds in the final tequila product.

Yes, 100% agave tequila is suitable for low-carb and keto diets because it contains zero carbohydrates and sugar. It is important to drink it neat or with low-carb mixers like soda water and lime to maintain the low-carb benefits.

Most 100% agave tequilas are naturally gluten-free. However, cheaper 'mixto' tequilas, which are only 51% agave, can contain added sugars and other ingredients derived from gluten-containing sources. Always check the label for '100% agave' to ensure it's gluten-free.

Clear spirits like 100% agave tequila have fewer congeners, which are fermentation byproducts that can worsen hangovers. However, the severity of a hangover is still dependent on the amount consumed and factors like hydration. Tequila is not a cure for a hangover.

The health benefits are minimal between pure tequila and vodka, both being low-calorie and zero-carb distilled spirits. Some claim agave's benefits in tequila, while vodka's simple composition means fewer impurities. The deciding factor is usually personal preference and mixers used.

The agave plant contains inulin, which promotes the growth of good gut bacteria. While some anecdotal claims suggest a shot of tequila can aid digestion, particularly after a meal, this effect is not scientifically proven for the distilled product.