What is the Nutritional Value of Cognac? An In-Depth Look at Its Health Facts

December 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard 1.5-ounce serving of pure, 80-proof cognac contains approximately 96-97 calories and virtually no carbohydrates, fats, or protein. This places its nutritional makeup almost entirely within the category of alcohol-derived calories, often referred to as 'empty calories'.

Quick Summary

Cognac is a distilled spirit with minimal nutritional content, primarily offering calories from alcohol with negligible carbohydrates, sugars, or fats. While it contains some antioxidants from its grape origins and can be compatible with a keto diet, it is crucial to consume it in moderation.

Key Points

Low Carbohydrates: Pure cognac contains virtually zero carbs and sugars, making it a viable option for low-carb and ketogenic diets.
Empty Calories: Almost all the calories in cognac come from the alcohol itself, with an 80-proof serving providing around 97 calories.
ABV and Calories: Higher alcohol by volume (ABV) translates to a higher calorie count per serving.
Potential Antioxidants: Sourced from grapes and oak barrel aging, cognac contains polyphenols and other antioxidants, but benefits are only linked to moderate consumption.
Moderation is Key: Excessive intake of cognac, like any alcohol, poses significant risks to your heart, liver, and overall health, overriding any minor benefits.
Not a Source of Nutrients: Cognac provides no significant vitamins, minerals, protein, or fat.

The Core Nutritional Profile of Pure Cognac

Pure cognac is a simple and minimalist spirit from a nutritional perspective. Since it is a double-distilled product, it sheds most of the sugars and carbohydrates found in its original fermented wine. The key takeaway is that almost all of the energy provided by cognac comes from the alcohol content itself, and it offers no significant vitamins or minerals.

Calories: The Main Component

For a standard 1.5-fluid-ounce (or 42 gram) serving of 80-proof (40% ABV) cognac, you can expect the calorie count to be around 96-97 calories. A single gram of alcohol provides approximately seven calories, and as the alcohol content (ABV) increases, so does the caloric value. This means that while a younger VS or VSOP cognac might have a consistent calorie range, an older, higher-proof expression will contain more calories per serving.

Carb and Sugar Content

One of the most appealing aspects of cognac for those on specific diets, such as the ketogenic diet, is its minimal carbohydrate and sugar content. Pure cognac contains essentially zero carbs and sugars, as the distillation process removes them. Some producers may add a tiny amount of sugar after aging to round out the flavor profile, but at approximately 1.5 grams per liter, this quantity is nutritionally insignificant per serving and is not a sweetening agent in the traditional sense.

Comparison Table: Cognac vs. Other Common Alcoholic Beverages


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Carbohydrates (g)	Sugars (g)
Cognac (80 proof)	1.5 oz shot	97	0	0
Whiskey (80 proof)	1.5 oz shot	105	0	0
Dry Red Wine	5 oz glass	125	4	1
Standard Beer	12 oz can	150	13	Varies

Potential Health Aspects and Antioxidant Properties

While it is primarily considered a source of empty calories, cognac does carry some potential health-related benefits when consumed in strict moderation. These are not reasons to start drinking, but they are noteworthy for existing consumers.

Antioxidants: As a brandy derived from grapes, cognac contains polyphenols, including ellagic and gallic acids. These antioxidants are known to help combat free radicals and may have anti-inflammatory properties. The aging process in oak barrels also contributes to the spirit's antioxidant content.
Cardiovascular Health: Some studies have linked moderate alcohol consumption to a lower risk of heart disease and improved cardiovascular endurance, which some enthusiasts attribute to cognac as well. However, these are associated with general moderate intake, and the specific benefits of cognac are not conclusive.
Digestive Aid: Cognac is often enjoyed as a digestif after a meal, a tradition stemming from its soothing qualities that some believe aid digestion.

The Importance of Moderation

It is essential to understand that any potential benefits of cognac are tied to moderate consumption only. Excessive drinking completely negates these effects and leads to severe health risks, including liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides extensive information on the risks of alcohol misuse.

Conclusion

From a nutritional standpoint, cognac is not a health food but a distilled spirit whose primary contribution is caloric energy from its alcohol content. With virtually zero carbohydrates, fats, and sugars, it can be a suitable choice for those on low-carb diets like keto, provided it is consumed pure or with keto-friendly mixers. While some suggest potential benefits from antioxidants, these claims must be weighed against the significant health risks associated with excessive alcohol intake. The most responsible approach to enjoying cognac is to do so in moderation, appreciating its complex flavors without relying on it as a source of nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pure cognac contains almost no sugar, as the distillation process removes it. Some producers might add a tiny amount (approx. 1.5g per liter) to refine the taste, but this is negligible in a standard serving and does not act as a sweetener.

Yes, pure cognac is suitable for a ketogenic diet because it contains zero carbohydrates and sugars. However, it is essential to avoid sugary mixers, which would add carbs and disrupt ketosis.

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof (40% ABV) cognac contains approximately 96-97 calories. The exact amount depends on the specific alcohol content of the bottle.

Some studies suggest that moderate consumption of cognac, like other grape-based spirits, may offer some antioxidant benefits due to polyphenols from the grapes and aging process. Any potential benefits are conditional on strict moderation and do not outweigh the risks of excessive alcohol use.

From a basic nutritional standpoint, pure cognac and most other pure brandies are similar, consisting mostly of calories from alcohol. The key nutritional differences lie in added sugars or flavorings, which are more common in non-regulated brandies compared to the strictly controlled production of cognac.

Drinking cognac in excess can lead to weight gain, as the calories from alcohol are quickly metabolized and can affect appetite and eating patterns. While pure cognac has no fat or carbs, the calories can still contribute to overall caloric intake.

Drinking too much cognac or any alcohol carries significant health risks, including liver damage, high blood pressure, increased risk of certain cancers, a weakened immune system, and damage to the brain. Moderation is critical to avoid these adverse effects.

Cognac is traditionally consumed as a digestif after a meal because its warming and aromatic qualities were believed to aid in digestion. While this is more of a historical and cultural practice than a proven medical fact, it is a common way the spirit is enjoyed.