Which is the healthiest tequila and how to find it?

December 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, some components of the agave plant may help lower blood sugar levels, though this benefit is largely lost during distillation. Still, for health-conscious drinkers, knowing which is the healthiest tequila depends on understanding its ingredients and production process.

Quick Summary

The healthiest tequila is a 100% agave, additive-free spirit, typically a blanco. Purity, responsible production, and avoiding artificial ingredients are key to a cleaner, lower-calorie drink.

Key Points

Always Choose 100% Agave: The most critical rule for finding the healthiest tequila is ensuring the bottle is labeled "100% Puro de Agave," avoiding mixtos with added sugars.
Prioritize Additive-Free Brands: Seek tequilas from brands that do not use the four permitted additives (caramel coloring, glycerin, oak extract, sugar syrup) for the purest spirit.
Blanco is the Purest Form: Unaged blanco tequila is the most direct and clean expression of the agave plant, making it the best choice for purity.
Be Mindful of Mixers: The healthiness of your drink depends on your mixers; opt for low-sugar options like soda water and fresh lime juice.
Use Tequila Matchmaker: This online resource is invaluable for researching brands and confirming their additive-free status.
Moderation is Key: Regardless of purity, alcohol should be consumed in moderation to avoid negative health consequences.
Gluten-Free by Nature: Tequila made from 100% agave is naturally gluten-free and safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

The Core Principle: 100% Agave is Everything

When seeking the healthiest tequila, the single most important factor is the label stating "100% Puro de Agave" or "100% Blue Agave". This certification guarantees that the spirit is made entirely from fermented and distilled blue Weber agave juice, with no added sugars or fillers. In contrast, "mixto" tequilas, which do not carry this label, can be made with as little as 51% agave sugar and up to 49% other sugars, such as corn syrup. These added sugars and flavorings are a primary source of unwanted calories and can contribute to more severe hangovers.

Why Additive-Free is Crucial

Beyond the 100% agave rule, the next step is to choose an additive-free tequila. While Mexican regulations allow for up to 1% of the total volume to be comprised of four specific additives—caramel coloring, glycerin, oak extract, and sugar-based syrup—many high-quality brands choose not to use any. These additives are used to standardize flavor and color, masking inconsistencies in the agave or production process. For the purest experience, an additive-free spirit ensures you are tasting the true character of the agave and nothing artificial. Several resources, such as the Tequila Matchmaker database, provide information on which brands are confirmed to be additive-free.

Blanco Tequila: The Purest Expression

Blanco (or silver) tequila is the purest and, arguably, healthiest form of tequila. Because it is bottled soon after distillation and typically unaged, it contains no additives and is the most direct representation of the agave plant's natural flavors. Aged tequilas like reposado, añejo, and extra añejo, while still high-quality if 100% agave, are more susceptible to containing additives to enhance or mimic flavors derived from barrel aging. For those prioritizing a truly clean spirit with fewer potential variables, a blanco is the best choice.

Comparing Different Tequilas for Health


Feature	100% Agave Tequila (Blanco)	Mixto Tequila	Reposado/Añejo (100% Agave)
Purity	100% blue Weber agave; often additive-free.	Minimum 51% agave; up to 49% other sugars and fillers.	100% agave; may contain additives to mask aging flaws.
Additives	Most reputable brands are additive-free.	Frequently contains artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.	Up to 1% permitted additives, often used.
Calories (per 1.5 oz)	Approx. 97-105 calories, 0 carbs.	Higher and variable calorie count due to added sugars.	Similar to blanco, but can be slightly higher depending on additives.
Hangovers	Generally less severe, especially if additive-free.	More likely to cause a rough hangover due to impurities and added sugars.	Generally less severe than mixtos, but can be more variable than a pure blanco.
Best For...	Clean sipping, low-calorie cocktails, and those on keto/low-carb diets.	Budget cocktails where flavor isn't the priority.	Sipping neat for a more complex, barrel-aged flavor profile.

Beyond the Bottle: Responsible Drinking

Even the healthiest tequila is still alcohol, and excessive consumption carries significant health risks, including increased cancer risk. When drinking, moderation is key. Pair your tequila with clean, low-sugar mixers like soda water and fresh lime for a classic “ranch water,” or fresh fruit juices to avoid loading up on unnecessary sugar. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking water throughout your session. Choosing a premium, 100% agave, additive-free tequila is a mindful step toward cleaner consumption, but it does not negate the importance of responsible drinking habits.

How to Choose Your Tequila

Read the Label: Always look for "100% Puro de Agave" or "100% Blue Agave". If it doesn't say this, it's a mixto.
Check for Additives: Utilize online resources like the Tequila Matchmaker app or community lists on sites like Reddit to research specific brands and their additive status.
Consider Organic: If organic farming is important to you, look for USDA-certified organic labels, though this doesn't automatically mean it's additive-free.
Start with Blanco: For the cleanest, most unadulterated agave flavor, a blanco is the best starting point.
Assess the Price: While not a perfect indicator, a higher price often correlates with higher quality due to the expensive and time-intensive process of growing and harvesting mature agave.
Taste Test for Sweeteners: Rub a drop of tequila between your palms and wait for it to dry. If your hands feel sticky, it likely contains sweeteners.
Look for Transparency: High-quality, traditional distilleries are often transparent about their production methods. If a brand is secretive or hard to research, it's a red flag.

Conclusion: The Path to Healthier Tequila

In summary, the healthiest tequila is a 100% agave, additive-free blanco. By prioritizing purity and transparency in the production process, consumers can enjoy a cleaner, lower-calorie spirit that respects the natural integrity of the agave plant. While no alcoholic beverage is truly "healthy," making informed choices about the quality of the spirits you consume is a fundamental step toward mindful and responsible drinking. The key is to read labels carefully, research additive-free brands, and always consume in moderation.

Expert Recommendations for Additive-Free Tequilas

Several brands are widely respected within the tequila community for their additive-free production. These are often made in small batches, focusing on traditional methods to preserve the authentic flavor of the agave.

Fortaleza: Known for their traditional production methods and robust agave flavor.
Tequila Ocho: Every bottle is made from agave harvested from a single field, offering unique, terroir-driven flavors.
G4 Tequila: Produced by a long-standing family of distillers committed to traditional methods.
LALO: A pure and simple blanco tequila, focused on the essence of agave.
Wild Common: Highly regarded, still-strength blanco made with sustainable and ethical practices.

Choosing a tequila from a brand dedicated to purity and transparency offers the cleanest and most authentic drinking experience, allowing you to enjoy the spirit for its true flavor rather than a manipulated profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, 100% agave tequila is considered healthier because it is made solely from the blue Weber agave plant, without the added sugars, caramel coloring, or flavorings found in lower-quality mixto tequilas.

A standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof, 100% agave tequila contains approximately 97 to 105 calories and is typically free of carbs and sugar.

No, not all tequila is gluten-free. While tequila made from 100% agave is naturally gluten-free, some mixto tequilas may contain grain-based sugars or flavorings, posing a risk for those with gluten sensitivities.

There is no legal requirement to disclose additives on the label. The best way to check is by using third-party resources like the Tequila Matchmaker website or app, which verifies brands' additive status through lab analysis and producer transparency.

For a healthier cocktail, opt for low-sugar mixers. Great choices include fresh lime juice, soda water, or a small amount of light agave nectar. A popular and simple choice is a "ranch water" with tequila, lime, and sparkling mineral water.

While excessive alcohol consumption is harmful, some studies suggest components in the agave plant have benefits, like potential probiotic and digestive support from fructans. However, these benefits are marginal and don't apply universally to distilled tequila, which is not a health supplement.

Aged tequilas like reposado and añejo are not necessarily less healthy if they are still 100% agave. However, they are more likely to contain the small percentage of permitted additives to achieve a consistent color or flavor profile that mimics barrel aging.