Is Tequila Lower in Carbs than Vodka? A Nutrition Diet Deep Dive

October 25, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, pure distilled spirits like vodka and tequila contain zero carbohydrates per standard serving. This means that for individuals concerned with their nutrition diet and seeking a low-carb option, the question, 'Is tequila lower in carbs than vodka?,' has a surprisingly simple answer: they both have the same, or negligible, amount.

Quick Summary

Pure, unflavored tequila and vodka are both carb-free because of the distillation process. The actual carb count of a drink depends entirely on the mixers, with sugary additions significantly increasing the total.

Key Points

No Carb Difference: Pure, unflavored tequila and vodka both contain zero carbohydrates because the distillation process removes all sugars.
Mixers are the Culprit: The carb content of an alcoholic drink comes almost entirely from sugary mixers like juices, syrups, and regular sodas.
Same Calorie Count: For the same proof (alcohol content), tequila and vodka have a very similar number of calories, derived solely from the alcohol itself.
Choose Low-Carb Alternatives: Opt for mixers like club soda, diet soda, or a squeeze of fresh lime to keep your drink carb-free.
Moderation is Essential: Even without carbs, alcohol contains empty calories and can disrupt the body's fat-burning process, so responsible consumption is always advised.
Watch for Flavored Varieties: Flavored versions of vodka or tequila often have added sugars, so always check the label for potential hidden carbs.

Alcoholic beverages, particularly distilled spirits, can be a confusing area for those on a low-carb or keto nutrition diet. The good news is that when it comes to the most common distilled spirits, their nutritional profiles are more alike than different, especially regarding carbohydrates. Understanding this is key to making informed choices.

The Low-Carb Lockdown: How Distillation Works

The fundamental reason both vodka and tequila are carb-free in their pure form is the distillation process. Both spirits begin their lives from sugar-rich sources—vodka often from grains or potatoes, and tequila from the agave plant. During fermentation, yeast consumes the sugars to produce alcohol. The subsequent distillation strips away any remaining sugars and carbohydrates, leaving behind only alcohol and water. This process is what makes pure spirits like vodka, tequila, gin, and whiskey the go-to options for low-carb drinkers.

It is crucial to emphasize the 'pure' and 'unflavored' aspect. Any flavored versions of these spirits often have added sugars and flavorings after distillation, which can introduce carbohydrates. Always read the label of flavored liquors or stick to pure, 100% agave tequila and unflavored vodka to be safe.

Tequila vs. Vodka: A Nutritional Comparison

While the carb count is essentially zero for both, there are other minor nutritional points to consider. The main nutritional contribution of either spirit is the calories from the alcohol itself, which contains about 7 calories per gram. Therefore, a higher-proof spirit will naturally contain more calories per serving. The following table provides a clear comparison of unflavored, 80-proof (40% ABV) versions.


Feature	Tequila (1.5 oz shot)	Vodka (1.5 oz shot)
Carbohydrates	0 grams	0 grams
Calories	~97 calories	~97 calories
Fat	0 grams	0 grams
Protein	0 grams	0 grams
Based On	Blue Agave Plant	Grains, Potatoes, etc.
Potential Prebiotics	Some sources suggest agave fructans may have prebiotic properties, though limited evidence exists in the final product.	No notable benefits; contains no vitamins or minerals.

The Carb Trap: How Mixers Ruin Your Diet

For those watching their carb intake, the true dietary danger is not the spirit itself but what is added to it. Many popular cocktails are loaded with high-sugar mixers that can turn a zero-carb base into a sugary disaster.

High-Carb Mixers to Avoid:

Regular soda: A 12-ounce can of cola can contain nearly 40 grams of carbs.
Sugary juices: Orange, cranberry, and pineapple juices are heavy in natural sugars.
Sweetened syrups: Simple syrup and other cocktail syrups pack in extra carbs and calories.
Pre-made cocktail mixes: A pre-made margarita mix, for example, can be a major source of sugar and calories.

Low-Carb Mixer Alternatives:

Club soda or seltzer: Zero carbs and adds refreshing fizz.
Diet soda or diet tonic water: A carb-free way to get the flavor of a mixed drink.
A squeeze of fresh citrus: Lemon or lime juice adds flavor with negligible carbs.
Herbal infusions: Muddled mint or cucumber can add fresh flavor without sugar.

Making the Right Low-Carb Choice

Since pure vodka and pure tequila are both excellent zero-carb options, the choice largely comes down to personal preference for flavor and how you plan to consume it. The tequila's earthy, distinct flavor is prized for certain cocktails, while vodka's neutral taste makes it a versatile base.

Here are some low-carb drink ideas using either spirit:

Tequila & Soda: Tequila with club soda and a lime wedge.
Classic Vodka Soda: Vodka with club soda and a lemon or lime twist.
Skinny Paloma: Tequila, grapefruit-flavored seltzer, and fresh lime juice.
Keto Margarita: Tequila, fresh lime juice, and a small amount of a keto-friendly sweetener.
Vodka Martini: Vodka with dry vermouth (use sparingly) and an olive or lemon twist.

Remember that while the spirits themselves are carb-free, consuming alcohol can still impact your weight loss goals. The body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over fat, which can temporarily halt fat-burning. Therefore, even when consuming low-carb alcohol, moderation is key.

Conclusion: Which is the Low-Carb Winner?

When it comes to the question, is tequila lower in carbs than vodka, the answer is a resounding no, and that's a good thing. For those on a low-carb diet, it means that both pure, unflavored spirits are equally suitable options. The critical distinction for your nutrition diet is the mixers you use. By choosing carb-free mixers like club soda or diet alternatives, you can enjoy a drink without compromising your low-carb goals. Ultimately, the healthiest approach to alcohol consumption is moderation, regardless of your drink of choice. A resource like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism provides further guidance on responsible drinking habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pure, unflavored tequila and vodka are both excellent choices for a keto diet because they contain zero carbohydrates. The best choice for you depends on personal taste preference and the mixers you plan to use, which should also be keto-friendly.

To make a low-carb drink, pair pure spirits like vodka or tequila with carb-free mixers. Great options include club soda, seltzer, diet tonic water, diet soda, or fresh lemon or lime juice.

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof tequila contains about 97 calories, which is almost identical to a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka. Calorie counts may vary slightly with different proofs.

Yes, many flavored vodkas contain added sugars and flavorings, which introduce carbohydrates that are not present in the pure, unflavored version. Always read the label to check the nutritional information.

Some research on the agave plant suggests potential benefits from compounds called fructans, but there is limited evidence that these properties carry over to the final distilled tequila product. Both spirits are alcoholic beverages and should be consumed in moderation.

A traditional margarita, made with high-sugar mixes, can contain 20-30 grams of carbohydrates or more per serving. To make a low-carb version, use fresh lime juice and a keto-friendly sweetener instead of a pre-made mix.

Yes. When you consume alcohol, your body prioritizes metabolizing it for energy, which temporarily halts the body's fat-burning process. Additionally, the calories in alcohol contribute to your overall intake, so moderate consumption is best for weight management.