Is Tito's a Healthier Vodka? Separating Fact From Marketing

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

While no alcohol is truly 'healthy', many brands position themselves with a wellness-oriented message. For years, consumers have asked, "is Tito's a healthier vodka?" The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no, hinging on factors like distillation, ingredients, and, most importantly, overall consumption habits.

Quick Summary

An examination of Tito's vodka, analyzing its ingredients, distillation process, and marketing to determine its comparative health status. This article clarifies that while Tito's has specific attributes, like being gluten-free, it is still an alcoholic beverage whose health impact depends on responsible consumption and mixer choices, not inherent nutritional superiority.

Key Points

Corn vs. Health: Tito's corn base makes it naturally gluten-free, a key benefit for those with celiac disease, but it doesn't reduce calories compared to other unflavored vodkas.
Calories in Vodka: All unflavored, 80-proof vodkas contain around 96 calories per 1.5oz shot, including Tito's; calories come from the alcohol itself, not sugars or carbs.
Distillation and Impurities: Tito's multiple distillations and use of pot stills are said to create a cleaner, smoother spirit with fewer congeners, which are impurities that can worsen hangovers.
Marketing vs. Reality: The perception of Tito's as a 'healthier' option is primarily a marketing message, and the overall impact on health is most influenced by the quantity consumed.
Choose Your Mixer Wisely: For a healthier cocktail, pair Tito's with low-calorie mixers like soda water and a twist of citrus, rather than sugary juices or sodas.
No 'Healthy' Alcohol: Health experts state that no amount of alcohol is truly 'healthy', and any potential benefits are outweighed by the risks associated with excessive consumption.

What Makes Vodka 'Healthier'? The Role of Distillation and Ingredients

The perception of a 'healthier' spirit often stems from its raw ingredients and production process. Vodka can be made from a wide range of fermented materials, including grains like wheat or rye, potatoes, grapes, and, in Tito's case, corn.

The Impact of Raw Ingredients

Corn-Based Vodka (like Tito's): Made from 100% corn, Tito's naturally avoids gluten from the start. This appeals to those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Corn also imparts a slightly sweeter flavor and a smoother mouthfeel compared to some grain alternatives.
Grain-Based Vodkas (Wheat, Rye): These vodkas, while not naturally gluten-free, become so through the distillation process. High-quality distillations effectively remove gluten proteins, which are heavy and do not vaporize with the alcohol.
Potato or Grape-Based Vodkas: These are also naturally gluten-free and can offer a different flavor profile. For instance, potato vodka is known for a creamier texture.

The Distillation Process

One of the most frequently cited aspects of Tito's production is its use of old-fashioned pot stills and its multiple distillations (six times). Proponents argue that this artisanal method removes more impurities, or congeners, leading to a smoother, cleaner spirit. While this can result in a more palatable vodka, the scientific consensus is that the overall health impact of alcohol is determined by the amount consumed, regardless of the congener content.

Is Tito's a Healthier Vodka? A Breakdown

For those watching their caloric intake, the fact is that all unflavored vodkas, regardless of the brand, contain a similar number of calories. A standard 1.5-ounce serving of 80-proof vodka has approximately 96 calories, and Tito's is no exception. The true difference lies in what you mix with your spirit. A vodka soda with a squeeze of lime will always be a lower-calorie option than a sugary cocktail.

Comparing Tito's to Other Vodkas


Feature	Tito's Handmade Vodka	Standard Grain-Based Vodka	Organic/Specialty Vodka
Primary Ingredient	Corn	Wheat, Rye, or other grains	Organic corn, grapes, or other specialty sources
Gluten Status	Naturally gluten-free	Gluten is removed during distillation	Naturally gluten-free (if corn, grape, etc.)
Calorie Count (1.5oz shot)	~96 calories	~96 calories	Varies slightly but generally similar
Distillation	Pot stills, multiple distillations	Often continuous column stills	Varies greatly, can be pot or column distilled
Flavor Profile	Slightly sweet, smooth	Neutral or slightly bready	Varies depending on ingredients (e.g., creamy for potato)

The Truth About 'Healthy Alcohol'

Ultimately, no alcoholic beverage is a health drink. Experts agree that the only risk-free amount of alcohol is none. While moderate consumption has been linked to potential cardiovascular benefits, these are not specific to vodka and are better achieved through healthy eating and regular exercise. For those who choose to drink, the healthiest approach is always moderation.

What does moderation mean?

Stick to Clear Liquors: Spirits like vodka, gin, and tequila tend to have fewer congeners, which are impurities that can contribute to hangovers.
Avoid Sugary Mixers: The vast majority of calories in cocktails come from juices, sodas, and syrups. Opt for soda water, fresh citrus, or a low-calorie alternative to minimize calorie intake.
Stay Hydrated: Drink water between alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated and reduce overall alcohol consumption.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how alcohol affects you individually. Factors like gender, genetics, and overall health all play a role in how your body processes alcohol.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Tito's

While Tito's Handmade Vodka distinguishes itself with its corn-based, gluten-free recipe and small-batch pot still distillation, these factors do not make it inherently 'healthier' than other vodkas. It is a high-quality, smooth spirit, and its corn base provides a naturally gluten-free option for those with sensitivities. However, all vodkas contain approximately the same number of calories per serving, and the primary health consideration remains responsible consumption and the choice of mixers. Separating the savvy marketing from the scientific facts allows consumers to make an informed decision based on personal preference and moderation. For most people, the question isn't whether one vodka is healthier than another, but how mindfully they choose to drink it. For more information on responsible drinking, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Is Tito's a healthier vodka? No, but it's a good choice for some users.

Naturally Gluten-Free: Tito's is distilled from corn, making it a safe option for individuals with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Smooth Taste: The corn base and multiple distillations result in a smoother, slightly sweeter flavor profile that many prefer.
Calorie-Conscious Choice: Like all unflavored vodkas, it is a zero-carb, zero-sugar spirit. Calorie concerns are more about the mixers used.
Less Impurities (Congeners): The pot still distillation process may remove more impurities than some cheaper alternatives, potentially reducing the severity of a hangover.
Moderation is Key: Despite its positive attributes, Tito's remains alcohol, and the health impacts are directly tied to the amount consumed. The healthiest choice is always moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, all unflavored 80-proof vodkas, including Tito's, contain approximately 96 calories per 1.5-ounce serving, as the calories come from the alcohol itself.

Being corn-based makes Tito's naturally gluten-free, which is a key benefit for people with gluten sensitivities. However, it does not make the vodka inherently healthier in terms of calories or overall health impact.

Vodka distilled from gluten-containing grains (wheat, rye, barley) is considered gluten-free after distillation because the heavy gluten proteins are removed. A naturally gluten-free vodka, like Tito's, provides peace of mind for those with celiac disease, but this does not offer broader health benefits for the general population.

Tito's use of pot stills and multiple distillations can result in a smoother, purer taste by removing impurities (congeners). While this might lead to a milder hangover for some, the overall health effects of alcohol are determined by quantity, not the distillation method.

To make a healthier drink with Tito's, focus on your mixers. Pair it with low-calorie options like club soda and a fresh squeeze of citrus to avoid the sugars found in juices and sodas.

While some studies have linked moderate alcohol consumption to potential cardiovascular benefits, experts agree that safer, more effective methods like a healthy diet and exercise should be used for heart health. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause significant health problems.

Tito's is a low-carb, zero-sugar spirit, making it a good choice for those monitoring their calorie intake, provided they use low-calorie mixers. It is not nutritionally superior to other unflavored vodkas.