What Tequila Has No Sugar in It? The Guide to Additive-Free Agave

October 29, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 700,000 liters of tequila were exported to the United States alone in 2022, but not all of it is created equal when it comes to sugar content. If you're wondering what tequila has no sugar in it, the answer lies in seeking out 100% blue agave varieties, as the fermentation and distillation process converts the agave's natural sugars into alcohol.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the key to finding sugar-free tequila by differentiating between 100% agave and mixto spirits. It provides details on how the distillation process naturally removes sugars and explains why some tequilas contain sweeteners. The article also offers tips for spotting pure tequila and lists additive-free brands for a cleaner drinking experience.

Key Points

Check for '100% Agave': The most important indicator of a tequila with no sugar is the '100% de Agave' label, meaning no extra sugars were added beyond the core ingredient.
Avoid Mixto Tequilas: Mixto tequilas use at least 49% non-agave sugars, like cane sugar or corn syrup, and may include other flavorings and colorings.
All Types of 100% Agave Are Sugar-Free: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo tequilas made from 100% agave are all inherently sugar-free, with aging only affecting flavor and color.
Additives Are Undisclosed Below 1%: Legally, 100% agave tequilas can contain up to 1% of additives, including sweeteners, without disclosure, making truly 'additive-free' brands the purest option.
Use Tequila Matchmaker: For the most transparent options, consult independent resources like Tequila Matchmaker for a list of certified additive-free brands.
Perform the Hand-Rub Test: A sticky residue after rubbing tequila between your hands suggests added sweeteners, while a pure, clean finish indicates a sugar-free spirit.
Choose Low-Calorie Mixers: For cocktails, pair your sugar-free tequila with zero-sugar mixers like club soda or lime juice to maintain a low-sugar drink.

The Truth Behind Sugar in Tequila

Many drinkers are surprised to learn that pure, 100% agave tequila contains no sugar or carbs. During the production process, the sugars from the cooked agave plant are fermented and converted into alcohol by yeast. The subsequent double distillation process ensures that any residual sugars are left behind, resulting in a finished spirit that is naturally sugar-free. The misconception that tequila is sugary often stems from its association with cocktails like margaritas, which are made with high-sugar mixers and syrups.

The Critical Difference: 100% Agave vs. Mixto

To determine if a tequila has added sugars, the most crucial factor to check is the label. The world of tequila is divided into two main categories: "100% agave" and "mixto".

100% Agave Tequila: A bottle labeled "100% de Agave" or "100% Puro Agave" signifies that the tequila was made exclusively from the fermented sugars of the blue Weber agave plant. These tequilas are prized for their authentic, complex flavors and, most importantly for conscious drinkers, their lack of added sweeteners.
Mixto Tequila: By law, mixtos must contain at least 51% agave sugars, with the remaining 49% coming from other sources, such as cane sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. This is done to increase volume and lower costs. These undisclosed added sugars and flavorings are what can lead to a harsher taste and a higher sugar count in the final product. Mixto tequilas are often sold as "gold" tequila, which is colored with caramel to mimic an aged spirit.

Navigating the Additives in 100% Agave Tequilas

Even within the 100% agave category, a tequila is legally permitted to contain up to 1% of certain additives without requiring disclosure on the label. While this amount is small, for those seeking the absolute purest spirit, it's still a point of consideration. The additives, known as abocantes, can include:

Glycerin: To add thickness and mouthfeel.
Oak Extract: To mimic aged flavors and aromas.
Caramel Coloring: To adjust the color for consistency.
Sugar-based Syrup (Jarabe): To add sweetness.

For drinkers who want to avoid even these trace amounts, the best approach is to look for brands verified as "additive-free." A prominent industry resource, Tequila Matchmaker, offers a voluntary certification program for brands that undergo independent lab testing and production reviews to confirm they use no additives.

Comparison of Tequila Types and Sugar Content

To help you make an informed choice, this table compares the different tequila types and their typical sugar content.


Tequila Type	Agave Percentage	Added Sugars	Common Characteristics
100% Agave Blanco	100%	No added sugars (unless under 1% additive)	Clear, unaged, pure agave flavor
100% Agave Reposado	100%	No added sugars (unless under 1% additive)	Aged 2-12 months, mellowed by wood barrel
100% Agave Añejo	100%	No added sugars (unless under 1% additive)	Aged 1-3 years, darker color, complex flavor
Mixto (often "Gold")	Minimum 51%	Up to 49% non-agave sugars (corn syrup, etc.)	Often harsher flavor, can contain caramel coloring

How to Verify for an Additive-Free Pour

Beyond checking the label, a quick and simple test can offer an indication of whether a tequila has additives. Pour a small amount into your hand and rub your palms together.

Pure Agave: Your hands should feel dry and smooth as the alcohol evaporates, leaving no sticky residue.
Additives Present: If the tequila contains added sweeteners, it may leave a sticky or syrupy residue on your hands.

Conclusion

For those seeking a tequila with no sugar, the clear choice is to select a product that is explicitly labeled "100% de Agave." This guarantees the spirit is made entirely from blue Weber agave, and the distillation process will have removed virtually all fermentable sugars. To ensure absolute purity and avoid even the 1% allowance of undisclosed additives, consider purchasing from brands independently verified as additive-free. These practices not only lead to a healthier choice for mindful drinkers, but also support the craftsmanship behind authentic, high-quality tequila production. You can use resources like the Tequila Matchmaker's official website to check brands verified for purity.

A Shortlist of Additive-Free Tequila Brands

Arette
Cazcanes
El Tesoro
Fortaleza
G4
LALO
Siete Leguas
Tapatio
Tequila Ocho

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Patron tequila has zero grams of sugar and zero carbs. This is because it is made from 100% blue Weber agave, and the fermentation process converts the sugars into alcohol.

100% agave tequila is the best choice for diabetics, particularly in its pure form, as it contains no sugar. However, consulting a healthcare provider is essential, and pure tequila should be consumed in moderation, especially with sugar-free mixers.

Yes, 100% agave tequila is keto-friendly because pure distilled spirits contain zero carbs and zero sugar. The sugars in the agave are entirely converted during fermentation.

The most reliable method is to check for the '100% Agave' label. For an added test, rub a small amount between your hands. If it feels sticky, it likely contains added sugars or other additives.

No, aged tequilas (Reposado and Añejo) that are 100% agave do not have sugar. The flavor and color come from aging in oak barrels, not from added sweeteners.

Tequila Matchmaker is an independent resource that maintains a list of certified additive-free tequila brands, offering transparency for consumers seeking the purest options.

In 2013, the Norma Oficial Mexicana banned the use of additives in blanco tequilas, so a 100% agave blanco should be additive-free. However, seeking out brands with independent verification is still the best practice.