Nutrition Diet: Which brand of tequila has the least sugar?

November 2, 2025 •

2 min read

Pure, distilled 100% agave tequila contains zero grams of sugar and zero carbohydrates after distillation. For those on a strict nutrition diet, the key question is which brand of tequila has the least sugar, and the answer lies in understanding the purity of the spirit.

Quick Summary

The lowest-sugar tequilas are made from 100% agave and contain no additives, artificial sweeteners, or flavorings. Choosing brands that avoid these shortcuts ensures a naturally sugar-free spirit. Distillation removes the sugars from the agave plant, leaving a pure product, but some commercial brands add them back in. Checking for brands verified as additive-free is the best approach for a low-sugar option.

Key Points

100% Agave is Key: To find a tequila with the least sugar, always choose a bottle labeled "100% Agave" to ensure it's not a mixto.
Additive-Free is Best: Opt for brands that are verified additive-free to avoid the up to 1% of permitted additives, which can include sweeteners.
Distillation Removes Sugar: The process of distillation converts sugars from the agave into alcohol, leaving a zero-sugar, zero-carb spirit.
Mixers Contain Sugar: The biggest source of sugar in tequila drinks comes from mixers like soda, syrups, and pre-made cocktail mixes.
Look for Reputable Brands: Brands like PATRÓN Silver, LALO, and Fortaleza are known for their additive-free commitment, providing a clean, low-sugar option.
Check Tequila Matchmaker: Utilize resources like Tequila Matchmaker to confirm if a brand uses additives or not.

The Truth About Tequila and Sugar

Not all spirits are the same when it comes to sugar content. While most distilled spirits are sugar and carb-free, tequila varies. The crucial difference is between mixto and 100% agave tequila.

100% Agave Tequila: Made solely from blue Weber agave sugars, which are converted to alcohol during fermentation and distillation, resulting in a sugar-free final product.
Mixto Tequila: Contains at least 51% agave sugars, with the remainder from other, often cheaper, sugars or syrups. This can increase sugar content and calories.

The Problem with Additives

Even 100% agave tequilas can contain up to 1% additives without disclosure. These can include sweeteners. To be certain a tequila is sugar-free, look for brands verified as additive-free.

How to Identify Truly Additive-Free Tequila

Finding additive-free tequila can be done by checking resources like the Tequila Matchmaker website, which verifies brands that voluntarily prove their purity. Other indicators include a prominent NOM number and traditional production methods.

Top Tequila Brands with No Added Sugar

These additive-free brands are known for their pure production and are naturally sugar-free:

PATRÓN Silver: Known for being 100% natural and additive-free.
LALO Blanco Tequila: Uses only agave, yeast, and water for its blanco expression.
Tequila Ocho: A single-estate tequila with no additives.
Fortaleza: Uses traditional methods for high-quality, additive-free tequila.
Codigo 1530: Made with a simple process, resulting in no added sugar.
Tres Agaves Blanco: An organic, additive-free 100% agave option.

100% Agave vs. Mixto Tequila Comparison


Feature	100% Agave Tequila	Mixto Tequila
Sugar Source	100% blue Weber agave sugars, converted to alcohol.	At least 51% agave sugars; up to 49% from other sources.
Additives	Up to 1% allowed; many premium brands are additive-free.	Additives are common.
Flavor	Pure agave taste.	Often sweeter with potential artificial notes.
Health Impact	Sugar-free and cleaner.	Added sugars can affect blood sugar and calorie intake.

How Mixers Impact Your Sugar Intake

The sugar in tequila drinks often comes from mixers. Sugary mixes can add a significant amount of carbs. Use low-sugar or sugar-free mixers for a healthier option.

Ranch Water: Tequila, sparkling water, and fresh lime.
Skinny Margarita: Tequila, fresh lime juice, a splash of orange juice, and a light sweetener.
Tequila Soda: Tequila, club soda, and citrus.

Conclusion

The tequila brand with the least sugar will always be a 100% blue Weber agave tequila with no additives. Distillation removes the natural sugars. To avoid hidden sugars, choose reputable, additive-free brands and be mindful of your mixers. This allows you to enjoy tequila while following a nutrition diet.

For verified additive-free tequilas, consult the Tequila Matchmaker database.(https://www.tequilamatchmaker.com/)

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all tequila has sugar. Pure, 100% agave tequila, after distillation, contains no sugar or carbohydrates. However, lower-quality mixto tequilas or those with additives may contain added sugars.

100% agave tequila is made purely from the blue Weber agave plant. Mixto tequila contains a minimum of 51% agave sugars and can include up to 49% from other sugar sources, which often leads to higher sugar content.

PATRÓN Silver is verified as 100% natural and additive-free, meaning it is sugar-free. As a 100% agave tequila, the sugars are converted during the distillation process.

Since brands are not required to disclose additives (up to 1%), the best way is to research brands that are transparent about their process. Websites like Tequila Matchmaker list verified additive-free tequilas.

To keep sugar low, opt for simple mixers. Options include a Ranch Water (tequila, lime juice, sparkling water) or a Skinny Margarita (tequila, fresh lime, a touch of agave nectar or sugar-free sweetener).

No, the aging process itself does not add sugar. However, some aged tequilas may use additives like caramel coloring or oak extract to mimic flavors. To ensure no added sugars, look for additive-free brands.

For a keto or low-carb diet, any 100% agave, additive-free tequila is a suitable choice, as pure distilled tequila contains zero carbs and sugars. Popular choices include LALO Blanco or Tequila Ocho.