What is the disadvantage of cider and how to minimize them?

December 19, 2025 •

4 min read

On average, a pint of 4.5% ABV cider can contain around 210 calories, a significant amount that is often overlooked by consumers. While a refreshing beverage, cider's disadvantages often stem from its high sugar content, acidity, and overall alcohol-related health risks.

Quick Summary

The drawbacks of cider include its high sugar content, which contributes to weight gain and blood sugar spikes, and its acidity, which can damage tooth enamel and upset the stomach. Like all alcohol, excessive intake carries general health risks, but conscious choices and moderation can reduce these negative effects.

Key Points

High Sugar and Calorie Content: Many ciders are high in sugar, especially sweet and fruit-flavored varieties, contributing to weight gain and blood sugar spikes.
Acidity and Dental Damage: Cider's natural acidity can erode tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities and sensitivity, especially when combined with high sugar.
Digestive Upset: The acidity and fermentable sugars (FODMAPs) in cider can cause digestive issues like indigestion, bloating, and diarrhea, especially for those with sensitive stomachs.
Exacerbated Hangovers: The combination of alcohol and high sugar can lead to more severe hangovers for some individuals compared to other alcoholic drinks.
Risk from Unpasteurized Cider: Raw, unpasteurized cider can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli, posing a risk of foodborne illness, particularly for vulnerable groups.
General Alcohol Health Risks: As an alcoholic beverage, excessive cider consumption carries the same long-term health risks as other alcohol, including organ damage and negative mental health impacts.

High Sugar Content and Caloric Impact

One of the most notable disadvantages of cider, particularly the sweeter varieties, is its high sugar content. This inherent sweetness is a result of the fruit base, typically apples, and the fermentation process. While dry ciders undergo more complete fermentation, converting more sugar into alcohol, sweet and fruit-flavored ciders often have residual sugar, and some brands even add extra sweeteners to appeal to consumer palates.

Weight Gain: Alcohol provides "empty calories," which have little to no nutritional value and can contribute to weight gain. With many ciders containing higher calories than comparable beers, regular, excessive consumption can easily impact your waistline. For example, some fruit-flavored ciders can have a staggering 48g of sugar per pint, exceeding the sugar content of many soft drinks.
Blood Sugar Spikes: The high sugar content can cause blood sugar levels to spike, a particular concern for individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their glucose intake.

Acidity and Its Effects

Cider is inherently acidic, a property that presents several health disadvantages over time. This acidity, derived from the apples, can be especially damaging when combined with high sugar levels.

Tooth Enamel Erosion: The high acid and sugar content create a perfect storm for dental issues. The acid softens tooth enamel, while the sugar feeds the bacteria that cause plaque and decay. Over time, this can lead to increased sensitivity, cavities, and a general decline in oral health.
Digestive Issues: For individuals with sensitive stomachs, the acidity in cider can lead to discomfort, including indigestion, upset stomach, or acid reflux. This is particularly true for those with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn's disease, as the fermentable sugars (FODMAPs) can trigger symptoms like bloating and diarrhea.

The Problem with Hangovers

Many people report that cider gives them a particularly unpleasant hangover. While all alcohol consumption can lead to a hangover, the combination of alcohol and high sugar in many ciders can exacerbate the effects.

Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, which increases urination and can lead to dehydration. A dehydrated state contributes significantly to hangover symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue.
Acetaldehyde Content: Some anecdotal evidence suggests that the presence of certain compounds like acetaldehyde, a metabolic byproduct of alcohol, contributes to more severe hangovers from cider compared to other alcoholic beverages.

Unpasteurized Cider and Risks

While most commercially sold cider is pasteurized to eliminate pathogens, unpasteurized or raw apple cider carries a risk of bacterial contamination.

Foodborne Illness: Unpasteurized cider may contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli. This risk is especially significant for vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. The FDA mandates warning labels on unpasteurized products.

General Health Risks of Alcohol

Beyond cider-specific issues, it's crucial to remember that cider is an alcoholic beverage. Excessive and regular consumption comes with a host of well-documented health risks common to all alcohol.

Organ Damage: Long-term, heavy drinking can lead to serious damage to vital organs, including the liver, brain, and heart. Liver disease, pancreatitis, and increased cancer risks (including oral cavity and throat cancer) are among the potential consequences.
Mental Health Impact: Heavy alcohol use is linked to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, and can lead to dependence.

Comparison Table: Cider vs. Beer


Feature	Cider	Beer
Sugar Content	Generally higher due to fruit base. Sweet ciders can be very high.	Generally lower, as yeast consumes most sugars. Some added for balance.
Calorie Count	Often slightly higher, especially in sweeter varieties.	Varies by brand and style, but often lower than cider.
Carbohydrates	Higher due to fruit-based sugars.	Lower carb content in most varieties compared to cider.
Acidity	More acidic due to apple content, which can harm teeth.	Typically less acidic than cider.
Dental Impact	Higher risk of enamel erosion and tooth decay due to acidity and sugar.	Lower risk of decay, but dark varieties can cause staining.
Hangover Potential	Some report worse hangovers due to high sugar and potential acetaldehyde.	Variable, depending on quantity, but less associated with sugar-related symptoms.
Gut Health	High sugar and alcohol content can disrupt the gut microbiome.	Can contain small amounts of beneficial nutrients and polyphenols.

Practical Tips to Minimize Disadvantages

Choose Dry Cider: Opt for a "dry" or "brut" cider, as these undergo longer fermentation and contain significantly less residual sugar and fewer calories.
Stay Hydrated: Drink water alongside your cider to combat the dehydrating effects of alcohol.
Use a Straw: To reduce the contact between acidic cider and your tooth enamel, use a straw. Drinking through a straw bypasses the front of your teeth, protecting them from acid erosion.
Practice Moderation: As with all alcoholic beverages, limiting your intake is the most effective way to mitigate all associated health risks.
Rinse Your Mouth: After finishing your cider, rinse your mouth with water to wash away residual sugars and acid.

Conclusion

While a delicious and refreshing option, the disadvantage of cider lies primarily in its high sugar content, notable acidity, and the inherent health risks associated with all alcohol consumption. For those with weight concerns, digestive sensitivity, or a focus on dental health, these factors warrant consideration. However, by selecting drier varieties, consuming in moderation, and employing protective measures like proper hydration and dental care, you can significantly minimize the potential downsides and enjoy cider responsibly. Ultimately, understanding the drawbacks empowers consumers to make informed choices that align with their personal health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily, but cider often contains more sugar and calories than many beers, which can be a disadvantage for those managing weight or blood sugar. However, some craft beers can also be high in carbs and calories, so it depends on the specific product.

Yes, some people may experience bloating from cider. The combination of its acidity, high sugar content, and fermentable sugars (FODMAPs) can disrupt the digestive system, leading to gas and bloating.

To reduce sugar intake, choose dry or brut ciders over sweet or fruit-flavored options. Dry ciders ferment longer, converting more sugar to alcohol. Some low-sugar ciders are also available on the market.

Yes, cider is highly acidic and often high in sugar, a combination that can significantly harm tooth enamel. The acid softens the enamel, while the sugar feeds bacteria that cause decay. Using a straw can help minimize contact with teeth.

Yes, like any alcoholic drink, cider can cause a hangover. Some people report worse hangovers from cider, potentially due to the higher sugar content and specific byproducts of fermentation.

Unpasteurized cider carries a risk of bacterial contamination from pathogens like E. coli. The FDA requires warning labels for these products, and vulnerable individuals are advised to avoid them unless boiled.

Long-term, heavy consumption of cider, like any alcohol, can lead to severe health issues such as liver damage, brain damage, increased cancer risk, and negative impacts on mental health.