Is vodka or tequila healthier?: A nutritional diet comparison

October 5, 2025 •

5 min read

An average 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka or tequila contains approximately the same number of calories, around 97. So, to definitively answer the question, is vodka or tequila healthier?, it is essential to look beyond the basic calorie count and consider a variety of factors, including ingredients and mixers.

Quick Summary

Pure vodka and tequila have similar low-calorie and zero-carb profiles, but the healthier option depends on the spirit's quality, purity, and most importantly, the type of mixers used. Ultimately, moderation is key for both.

Key Points

Similar Calorie Counts: For standard 80-proof spirits, a 1.5-ounce shot of vodka and tequila has nearly identical calorie counts, roughly 97 calories.
Mixers are the Main Factor: The most significant nutritional difference comes from the mixers. Sugary additions like juice and soda dramatically increase calorie and sugar content for both spirits.
Choose 100% Agave Tequila: For tequila, opt for brands labeled "100% Agave" to avoid added sugars found in mixto tequilas, which are less pure and less healthy.
Vodka is Congener-Free: Vodka contains no congeners (impurities), which are byproducts of fermentation. This may contribute to less severe hangovers compared to darker liquors, though 100% agave tequila also has low congener levels.
Agave Benefits are Mostly a Myth: While the agave plant contains beneficial fructans, the distillation process means these properties do not carry over to the final tequila product, so it offers no direct health benefits.
Moderation is Essential: Both vodka and tequila provide empty calories. Responsible and moderate consumption is the most important factor for minimizing negative health impacts on any diet.

Navigating the world of alcohol while adhering to a specific diet plan can be challenging, and a common question that arises is the nutritional value of different spirits. Many people assume that one clear liquor is universally healthier than another, but the reality is more nuanced. While the initial nutritional data for pure vodka and tequila is remarkably similar, several key factors influence which one might be a better choice for your overall health and diet. This deep dive explores the production differences, potential benefits (or lack thereof), and most importantly, how your choice of mixers dramatically alters the nutritional landscape.

The Nutritional Breakdown: Vodka vs. Tequila

At the core, both vodka and tequila are distilled spirits containing primarily ethanol and water, which means they are both sources of "empty calories" with no significant vitamins or minerals. A standard 1.5-ounce serving of 80-proof (40%) spirit provides roughly 97 calories, with zero grams of carbohydrates, fat, or sugar. However, the devil is in the details, particularly concerning additives and the base ingredients.

What to Know About Vodka

Vodka can be made from various fermentable materials, such as grains (like rye and wheat) or potatoes. The distillation and filtration processes are designed to strip away most flavor and impurities, resulting in a clean, neutral spirit with no congeners. This neutrality means there are generally no nutritional variations between brands of pure, unflavored vodka of the same proof.

The case for vodka: Its neutral flavor makes it exceptionally versatile for mixing with low-calorie options like soda water, ensuring the final drink remains low in calories and sugar.
The case against vodka: While pure vodka is clear, flavored varieties often contain added sugar and other flavorings, which can significantly increase the calorie count.

What to Know About Tequila

Authentic tequila must be made from the fermented and distilled sugars of the blue agave plant. The label is crucial here: "100% Agave" indicates a spirit with no added sugars, flavors, or colorings. In contrast, "mixto" tequila can contain up to 49% other sugars, which negates the lower-calorie advantage of 100% agave and can lead to a more severe hangover. The distillation process, while different from vodka's, also results in a spirit with negligible carbs and sugars.

The case for tequila: Choosing a 100% agave option ensures no added sugars. Agave naturally contains fructans, which are linked to some potential health benefits in their unprocessed state, though most of these are lost during distillation.
The case against tequila: Mixto tequilas include added sugars and other ingredients, undoing any perceived nutritional advantages. Like any alcohol, excessive consumption is toxic and carries serious health risks.

The Impact of Mixers: The Calorie Killer

For both vodka and tequila, the real diet destroyer is almost always the mixer. A plain shot of either is relatively low in calories, but adding sugary ingredients can turn it into a high-calorie bomb.

The vodka-soda vs. vodka-cranberry: A vodka soda with a squeeze of lime is a low-calorie drink. A vodka-cranberry, however, uses juice with high sugar content, adding over 100 extra calories per glass.
The tequila-soda vs. margarita: A tequila soda with lime (often called a 'Ranch Water') is a light, low-calorie choice. A traditional margarita with a pre-made mix and sugar rim can pack several hundred calories and a lot of added sugar.

Tips for Healthier Drinking

To keep your alcohol consumption in check with your nutrition goals, follow these simple guidelines:

Read the label: For tequila, opt for brands explicitly stating "100% Agave." For flavored vodkas, check the nutritional information for added sugars.
Choose pure over mixed: A spirit consumed neat, on the rocks, or with a zero-calorie mixer is almost always the healthiest option.
Mix wisely: Stick to club soda, diet soda, or fresh fruit juice in very small quantities. Avoid pre-made, sugary mixes.
Practice moderation: The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines moderate drinking as up to two drinks a day for men and one for women. Any alcohol, regardless of type, provides empty calories and interferes with the body's fat-burning process.

Comparison Table


Feature	Pure Vodka (80-proof)	Pure 100% Agave Tequila (80-proof)
Base Ingredient	Grains, potatoes, etc.	Blue Agave plant
Calories (per 1.5 oz)	~97	~97
Carbohydrates	0g	0g
Sugar	0g	0g
Congeners	None	Very low
Additives	Pure, unflavored vodka has none	Allowed up to 1% even in 100% agave
Potential Benefits	None significant	Agave fructan studies not applicable to the finished spirit
Mixer Dependency	Neutral, pairs well with low-cal mixers	Distinct flavor, but pairs well with low-cal mixers

Conclusion: So, Which Is Healthier?

Based on pure nutritional data, there is no significant difference between vodka and tequila in terms of calories, carbohydrates, and sugar. The common perception that one is inherently healthier is largely a myth. The most critical factor for your diet is what you mix with your spirit and the amount you consume. Opting for a 100% agave tequila over a mixto ensures no added sugars, which is a small advantage. Similarly, choosing pure, unflavored vodka over a sugary flavored option is the better nutritional decision.

Ultimately, the healthiest way to consume either spirit is to do so in moderation and with low-calorie mixers. Neither can be considered a "health drink," and the potential downsides of excessive alcohol consumption far outweigh any minimal benefits that could be linked to the base ingredients. For more information on alcohol and your health, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism offers comprehensive resources.

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For more information on moderate drinking guidelines, you can consult the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Conclusion

In the debate of which is healthier, vodka or tequila, the answer is not black and white. For two pure, 80-proof spirits, the difference in calorie and macronutrient content is negligible. The true nutritional impact depends almost entirely on the mixers you use and your overall consumption. A 100% agave tequila avoids added sugars, providing a slight edge over lower-quality tequilas or flavored vodkas, but this is a small consideration compared to the caloric load of sugary mixers like juice or soda. As with any form of alcohol, the key to a healthy diet is moderation. When consumed responsibly, both can be part of a balanced lifestyle, but the addition of high-calorie, sugary mixers is the primary nutritional pitfall to avoid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pure distilled vodka, like other pure spirits, contains zero carbohydrates. The carbs from the original base ingredients (grains, potatoes) are removed during the fermentation and distillation process.

100% agave tequila is made exclusively from the blue agave plant. Mixto tequila, by contrast, only needs to be 51% agave, with the remaining percentage being made up of other sugars and additives, which are less healthy.

Clearer spirits tend to contain fewer congeners, impurities created during fermentation, which are linked to worse hangovers. Vodka contains no congeners, while 100% agave tequila has very few, giving both an edge over darker, aged spirits.

While the agave plant contains beneficial compounds like fructans, which have prebiotic properties, these are mostly eliminated during the distillation process. Any health benefits from the plant do not translate to the finished spirit.

To keep calories low, mix either spirit with a zero-calorie option like club soda, soda water, or a diet soda. You can add a squeeze of fresh lime, lemon, or orange for flavor without the added sugar.

From a calorie perspective, a straight shot of either is a better dietary choice than a mixed drink with sugary juices or sodas. Both pure spirits contain zero carbs and sugars.

Since both pure vodka and pure tequila contain no carbohydrates, they are generally acceptable in moderation on a ketogenic diet. The key is to avoid all sugary mixers and stick to low or zero-carb options.