The Calories in Cider: What You Need to Know
Cider, a fermented beverage made from fruit juice, can have a wide range of calorie counts. The primary drivers of calorie content in any alcoholic beverage are alcohol and sugar. In cider, both play a significant role. The Alcohol by Volume (ABV) is directly correlated with calories, as alcohol contains roughly 7 calories per gram. The sugar content, however, is where the biggest variations occur. Sweet ciders, particularly those with added fruit flavors, tend to be the most calorific due to high residual sugars. Dry ciders, which have had more of their sugar fermented into alcohol, naturally contain fewer calories and less sugar.
Understanding Dry vs. Sweet Cider
- Dry Ciders: These are fermented for longer, allowing most of the sugar to be converted into alcohol. The result is a less sweet, more complex flavor profile and, crucially, a lower sugar and calorie count. Craft ciders, in particular, often focus on this drier style.
- Sweet Ciders: These have a higher residual sugar content, either because the fermentation was stopped early or because extra sugars were added later. These are often the fruit-flavored ciders that taste like a sweet treat, but they come with a hefty calorie price tag.
Leading Low-Calorie Cider Brands
Several brands have recognized the growing demand for lower-calorie alcoholic beverages and have developed specific products to meet this need. Here are some of the standout options:
- Skinny Fruit Cider: This UK-based brand is a top contender, offering a Mixed Berries Fruit Cider with just 69 calories per 330ml bottle. It boasts zero sugar and is also vegan and gluten-free, with its calorie reduction coming from the absence of sugar rather than a lower ABV.
- Alska 28: For UK drinkers, Alska 28 offers another excellent choice, with just 28 calories per 100ml serving, which translates to a very low count per can. It comes in delicious fruity flavors like Passionfruit Peach & Mango and Blood Orange & Raspberry.
- Angry Orchard Crisp Light: A brand-new offering from a popular name, Crisp Light delivers the familiar apple flavor of Angry Orchard with fewer calories and less sugar than the original. This is a great option for those who enjoy a more widely available brand.
- Strongbow Lower Carb: Strongbow offers a Lower Carb Apple Cider that is explicitly designed to be lower in sugar and carbs than its standard counterpart. In the UK, their Ultra Dark Fruit offers a flavorful choice with only 95 calories per can.
- Blake's Lite Ciders: This line of ciders from Michigan is known for its low-calorie, low-sugar options, with some varieties boasting just 100 calories per serving. Their Lite Ciders come in a range of flavors, including Mimosa and Strawberry-Kiwi.
How to Choose a Low-Calorie Cider
When navigating the options, keep these key factors in mind:
- Read the Label: If the product doesn't explicitly state 'light,' 'low calorie,' or 'sugar-free,' check the nutritional information. Pay close attention to both the sugar and carbohydrate content.
- Choose Dry: As a general rule, opt for dry ciders over sweet varieties. The fermentation process for dry ciders naturally leaves less residual sugar, and therefore fewer calories.
- Watch the ABV: A higher ABV typically means a higher calorie count, as alcohol contains its own calories. For a lower-calorie drink, consider choosing ciders with a moderate alcohol percentage.
- Avoid Added Fruit Flavors: While delicious, many fruit-flavored ciders contain additional sugars and concentrates that significantly increase the calorie count. Stick to classic apple varieties or intentionally-crafted low-sugar fruit ciders.
Low-Calorie Cider Comparison Table
| Cider Brand (Example) | Serving Size | Calories (approx.) | Sugar | ABV (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skinny Fruit Cider | 330ml | 69 | 0g | 3.4% |
| Alska 28 | 250ml | 70 | Low | 4.0% |
| Angry Orchard Crisp Light | 355ml (12 oz) | 120 | Fewer than original | 4.5% |
| Strongbow Lower Carb | 375ml | Fewer than original | Low | Varies |
| Blake's Lite Cider | 355ml (12 oz) | 100 | 1g | 5.0% |
| Strongbow Ultra Dark Fruit (UK) | 330ml | 95 | Low | 4.0% |
Alternatives to High-Calorie Ciders
If you're looking for even more options, or want to explore beyond traditional ciders, several other beverages offer low-calorie alternatives:
- Hard Seltzer: Spiked seltzers are well-known for their low-calorie content, often hovering around 100 calories per 12-ounce serving. Brands like White Claw and Truly are widely available.
- Vodka Soda with Lime: This simple cocktail is a very low-calorie option, typically under 100 calories, and avoids the sugars found in many mixers.
- Dry White Wine: A glass of a dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, can be a more sophisticated alternative to a sweet cider, with around 125 calories per 5-ounce glass.
- Naturally Fermented Cider: Some craft cideries prioritize traditional, natural fermentation that results in lower sugar levels without relying on artificial sweeteners. These ciders are often dry and focused on the apple flavor, rather than a sweet profile.
For additional health-focused beverage ideas, check out this guide on Champlain Orchards.
Conclusion
Finding the lowest calorie cider doesn't mean sacrificing enjoyment. By understanding the factors that influence calories—namely sugar and ABV—and knowing which brands prioritize a low-calorie profile, you can make an informed choice. Options like Skinny Fruit Cider, Alska 28, and Angry Orchard Crisp Light prove that delicious, refreshing cider can also be diet-friendly. Always check the label and prioritize dry, less-sweet varieties to ensure you're getting the best option for your health goals. With so many choices available, there's no need to settle for a sugar-laden cider when healthier alternatives are just a sip away.
