Is Tequila the Healthiest Alcoholic Beverage? A Scientific Look at Nutrition and Health Claims

November 2, 2025 •

4 min read

While no alcoholic beverage is considered 'healthy', a 1.5-ounce shot of 100% agave tequila contains only about 97 calories and zero carbohydrates, making it comparable to other clear spirits. This has sparked claims about its health benefits, leading many to ask: is tequila the healthiest alcoholic beverage, or is the reality far more nuanced?

Quick Summary

This article explores the nutritional differences that position 100% agave tequila as a comparatively better alcoholic choice. Key factors include its lower sugar and calorie content when consumed neat, its gluten-free status, and fewer congeners. However, these benefits are lost when using sugary mixers or consuming lower-quality 'mixto' tequilas, emphasizing that moderation is critical.

Key Points

Pure Agave is Key: Only 100% agave tequila is free of added sugars and fillers found in 'mixtos,' which are less healthy.
Low Calorie, Zero Carb: A neat shot of 100% agave tequila is a low-calorie option with no carbohydrates or sugar.
Gluten-Free by Nature: Tequila made from the agave plant is naturally gluten-free, safe for those with sensitivities.
Moderation is Essential: Despite some comparative advantages, excessive consumption of any alcohol, including tequila, has serious negative health consequences.
Mixers Matter: The health benefits of tequila are negated by sugary mixers in cocktails like margaritas, which add significant calories.
Empty Calories: Like all alcohol, the calories in tequila are 'empty,' providing energy without significant nutritional value.
Fewer Congeners: Clear, 100% agave tequilas contain fewer congeners than brown liquors, which may result in less severe hangovers.

The Nutritional Profile of 100% Agave Tequila

When evaluating any alcoholic beverage from a nutritional standpoint, it's essential to distinguish between the pure spirit and the mixers often added. For 100% blue agave tequila, its profile stands out for a few reasons.

Low in Calories: A standard 1.5-ounce shot of tequila contains approximately 97 calories, with all the energy derived from the alcohol itself. This is comparable to other clear spirits like vodka and gin.
Zero Carbs and Sugar: During the distillation process, the natural sugars from the agave plant are converted into ethanol. This results in the final product containing no carbohydrates or sugar, a major plus for those on low-carb diets.
Gluten-Free: Since tequila is made exclusively from the agave plant, it is naturally gluten-free. This makes it a safe option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, as long as it's a 100% agave product and not a mixto.
Fewer Congeners: Congeners are byproducts of fermentation that contribute to the flavor, aroma, and often, the severity of hangovers. Clear, 100% agave tequilas typically have fewer congeners than darker spirits like whiskey, which may lead to a less intense morning-after experience for some.

Mixtos vs. 100% Agave: The Crucial Distinction

Not all tequilas are created equal. The most important factor for any nutritional consideration is to ensure the bottle is explicitly labeled "100% agave". The distinction lies in the following:

100% Agave Tequila: Made solely from the sugars of the blue agave plant, with no other additives. This is the only tequila that carries the potential for the aforementioned comparative benefits.
Mixto Tequila: Contains at least 51% agave sugars, with the remaining 49% coming from cheaper, non-agave sources like cane or corn syrup. These additives and the lower agave content are often responsible for harsher hangovers and add unnecessary sugars and calories. Any potential benefits associated with the agave plant's fructans are unlikely to be present in significant quantities in these products.

How Tequila Stacks Up: A Comparison of Popular Alcohols

To put tequila's nutritional profile into context, here is a comparison with other common alcoholic beverages. This table shows the nutritional value of a standard serving, assuming the drinks are consumed neat (without sugary mixers).


Alcoholic Beverage	Standard Serving	Approximate Calories	Carbohydrates	Congeners
100% Agave Tequila	1.5 oz shot	~97	0g	Low
Vodka (80 proof)	1.5 oz shot	~97	0g	Very Low
Whiskey (86 proof)	1.5 oz shot	~105	0g	High
Red Wine	5 oz glass	~125	4g	Moderate
Regular Beer	12 oz can	~153	13g	Low to Moderate

The Importance of Consumption Method and Moderation

While the nutritional profile of 100% agave tequila appears favorable, the way it is consumed is paramount. A shot of neat tequila with a lime wedge is a world away from a sugar-laden margarita. Cocktails, especially those made with sweet and sour mix, fruit juices, or syrups, can significantly increase the total calorie and sugar count.

Furthermore, the concept of a "healthy" alcoholic beverage is misleading. The calories from alcohol are often referred to as "empty calories," as they provide energy without significant nutritional value. Regardless of the type, excessive alcohol consumption poses serious health risks, including liver damage, an increased risk of cancer, and impaired nutrient absorption.

For those who choose to drink, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend moderation: up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men, on days when alcohol is consumed.

The Bottom Line: Is Tequila a Healthy Choice?

So, is tequila the healthiest alcoholic beverage? The answer is a qualified no—it is not a health food and offers no nutritional benefits that outweigh the risks of alcohol consumption. However, for those who choose to drink, 100% agave tequila, when consumed neat and in moderation, can be a healthier choice than many other alcoholic options, particularly sugary cocktails or heavily processed spirits.

Its zero-carb, zero-sugar, and gluten-free status, combined with lower congener levels, gives it an edge for individuals monitoring their intake. The potential for agave fructans to act as prebiotics is intriguing, but the scientific evidence is limited, and most beneficial compounds are lost during distillation. Ultimately, a balanced, nutrition-focused diet and healthy lifestyle choices are far more impactful than the type of alcohol one chooses to consume.

For more information on the effects of alcohol on weight and overall health, you can consult resources like the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.

Conclusion

In the grand scheme of a healthy lifestyle, abstaining from alcohol is the healthiest choice. However, if you are going to indulge, making informed decisions is key. Opting for a 100% agave tequila and enjoying it neat or with low-calorie mixers ensures you avoid unnecessary sugars and additives. The perception of tequila as a "healthy" option is based on its comparison to other, less pure, alcoholic drinks. By prioritizing quality and practicing moderation, you can minimize potential downsides and make a more conscious choice within your overall nutrition diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

When referring to 100% agave tequila consumed neat, it contains zero grams of sugar because the distillation process converts all natural agave sugars into ethanol. This is a key advantage over many cocktails and some other alcohols that contain added sugars or higher carbohydrate content.

Yes, a shot of 100% agave tequila is zero-carb and fits well within a ketogenic diet when consumed in moderation. However, drinkers should avoid sugary mixers and be mindful of total alcohol consumption, as the body prioritizes processing alcohol over fat for energy.

There is no scientific evidence that drinking tequila directly promotes weight loss. While a neat shot is low in calories and carbs, alcohol contains 'empty calories' that can hinder weight loss goals. The best approach is to limit alcohol intake and choose low-calorie options if you do drink.

100% agave tequila is made entirely from the blue agave plant. In contrast, 'mixto' tequila, which is often cheaper, only contains a minimum of 51% agave sugars, with the rest coming from other sources like cane or corn syrup. These added sugars and fillers contribute to hangovers and negate potential health benefits.

Some animal studies have suggested that agave fructans, which are present in the raw plant, may offer prebiotic benefits and support gut health. However, most research indicates that these compounds are destroyed or removed during the distillation process, and there is limited human evidence to support this claim.

Yes, 100% agave tequila is naturally gluten-free because it is made from the agave plant and not from grains like wheat or barley. To ensure your tequila is gluten-free, always check for the '100% agave' label on the bottle.

Compared to many beers and some wines, a neat shot of 100% agave tequila is lower in calories and contains no carbs. However, red wine offers antioxidants not found in spirits. Ultimately, all alcohol should be consumed in moderation, but tequila offers a lower-carb, lower-calorie option when consumed without sugary mixers.