Which vodka has no added sugar? A Guide to Sugar-Free Spirits

December 24, 2025 •

4 min read

By law, plain distilled spirits like unflavored vodka contain no nutritional information, including sugar, after the distillation process. However, not all vodkas are created equal, and some brands, especially flavored varieties, add sugar post-distillation. This guide reveals which vodka has no added sugar so you can make an informed choice.

Quick Summary

This article explores the nuances of sugar content in vodka, clarifying that most unflavored brands contain no sugar after distillation. It lists specific brands, addresses the common misconception about flavored vodkas, and provides tips for choosing and enjoying a genuinely zero-sugar spirit.

Key Points

Unflavored vodka is typically sugar-free: The distillation process removes sugars and carbs from the base ingredients, making pure, unflavored vodka a zero-sugar spirit.
Flavored vodkas often contain added sugar: Many flavored varieties and cheaper brands add sweeteners post-distillation to enhance flavor, so always check for “zero sugar” labels or stick to unflavored options.
Trusted brands include Tito's and Ketel One Botanical: Specific brands like Tito's Handmade Vodka and the Ketel One Botanical line are explicitly marketed and confirmed as containing no added sugar.
Mixers are the main source of sugar: When making cocktails, the sugar content comes primarily from high-sugar mixers like juices and sodas, not the unflavored vodka itself.
Labeling can be misleading: Due to less stringent regulations for nutritional labeling on distilled spirits, manufacturers are not always required to list added sugar, making it crucial for consumers to research brands.
Quality distillation minimizes the need for additives: High-quality, premium vodkas that undergo thorough distillation and filtration often achieve a smooth taste naturally, without needing added sugar.

The Truth About Sugar in Plain Vodka

It is a common misconception that all vodka is sugar-free. While the fermentation process uses sugars or starches from ingredients like grains, potatoes, or grapes, the subsequent distillation removes all carbohydrates and nutritional content, including sugar. The final unflavored spirit is essentially just water and ethanol. However, some manufacturers add a small amount of sugar or other additives after distillation to smooth out the flavor profile, a practice that is not legally required to be disclosed on the bottle in the United States. For a truly pure and sugar-free spirit, it is essential to choose brands known for their additive-free processes.

Factors Affecting Vodka's Sugar Content

Flavoring: Flavored vodkas are the most likely culprits for hidden sugars. To balance the tartness of fruit essences or to create a sweeter profile, producers frequently add sugar, glycerine, or other sweeteners. If you want a flavored vodka without sugar, look for brands specifically labeled “zero sugar infusions,” or opt for unflavored vodka and add your own sugar-free flavorings.
Distillation Process: The number of times a vodka is distilled can also influence its final flavor and purity. Some brands that are less-refined or use less-expensive base ingredients may add sugar to mask harsh flavors that remain after distillation. High-quality vodkas rely on a clean, multi-step distillation process and premium ingredients to achieve a smooth finish without needing additives.
Regulations: Liquor labeling regulations are less strict regarding nutritional information compared to food products. This means brands are not required to list added sugar or other flavor enhancers, making research crucial for the health-conscious consumer.

Leading Brands of Zero-Sugar Vodka

Many brands are transparent about their additive-free production. Here is a list of some of the most popular unflavored and flavored vodkas with no added sugar:

Tito's Handmade Vodka: Made from corn, this unflavored spirit is naturally gluten-free and contains zero sugar.
Ketel One: This brand produces a variety of unflavored and flavored vodkas with no added sugar. The Ketel One Botanical line, for example, is distilled with real botanicals and natural fruit essences, and explicitly states it contains no sugar or artificial sweeteners. Their Citroen vodka also boasts no added sugar.
Grey Goose: Like Ketel One, Grey Goose offers both unflavored vodka and a selection of zero-sugar Essences that are infused with real fruit and botanicals.
American Liquor Company Vodka: This brand prides itself on using a 4-crop blend (wheat, rye, potato, and corn) with no additives like sugar or citric acid.
Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions: A line of flavored vodkas specifically marketed as having zero added sugar, utilizing natural flavors.
LOUERS Vodka: A premium, multi-award-winning vodka distilled from Dutch wheat, filtered, and naturally sugar-free.

Comparison Table of Popular Vodka Brands


Brand	Added Sugar in Unflavored?	Added Sugar in Flavored?	Base Ingredient(s)	Notes
Tito's Handmade Vodka	No	N/A (unflavored)	Corn	Naturally gluten-free, consistently zero-sugar.
Ketel One	No	No (Botanicals line)	Wheat	Renowned for smoothness, excellent choice for low-calorie cocktails.
Grey Goose	No	No (Essences line)	French Winter Wheat	Premium brand, known for its pristine ingredients.
Smirnoff	Unconfirmed (may vary)	No (Zero Sugar Infusions)	Corn	Infusion line is a reliable zero-sugar flavored option.
American Liquor Co.	No	N/A (unflavored)	Wheat, rye, potato, corn	Uses a 4-crop blend for a complex, natural flavor.
Absolut	No	Yes (most flavored)	Winter Wheat	Flavored varieties often contain added sugar; check the label.

How to Ensure Your Vodka is Sugar-Free

Choosing a sugar-free vodka requires paying attention to details beyond just the brand name. Here are some key tips for discerning consumers:

Select Unflavored: The safest bet is always to choose a classic, unflavored vodka. The distillation process, by its nature, removes sugar, so any pure, traditional vodka should be sugar-free.
Read the Label: While not all additives are listed, some brands that are proud of their zero-sugar flavored offerings will explicitly state it on the label, such as "zero sugar" or "no artificial sweeteners".
Use Natural Mixers: The biggest source of sugar in a vodka drink is typically the mixer. Stick to soda water, diet tonic, or a splash of fresh lemon or lime juice to keep your cocktail sugar-free.
Check the Brand's Website: Many high-end or health-conscious brands provide detailed nutritional information on their websites, confirming whether they add sugar or other sweeteners.

Sugar-Free Cocktail Recipes

Once you’ve found your zero-sugar vodka, you can craft delicious cocktails without the added sweetness.

The Classic Vodka Soda: A timeless, simple choice. Combine 1.5 oz of your chosen sugar-free vodka with 4 oz of soda water over ice. Garnish with a lime or lemon wedge.
The Botanical Spritz: For a flavorful twist, use a Ketel One Botanical variety. Mix 1.5 oz of Ketel One Botanical Cucumber & Mint with 4 oz of soda water. Add a fresh cucumber slice and a mint sprig for garnish.
Lemon and Herb Cooler: This refreshing cocktail combines 1.5 oz of a corn-based vodka like Tito's with the juice of half a fresh lemon. Add a few muddled basil leaves and top with soda water for a light and herbal drink.

Conclusion: Navigating the Market for a Sugar-Free Vodka

In summary, while all unflavored vodkas should technically be sugar-free due to the distillation process, some brands add small amounts of sweeteners for taste. The primary culprits for high sugar content are flavored vodkas and sugary mixers. To find a vodka with no added sugar, prioritize unflavored, high-quality brands like Tito's, Ketel One, or Grey Goose, or look for flavored lines explicitly labeled as “zero sugar.” By doing your research and choosing the right mixers, you can easily enjoy a delicious, sugar-free vodka cocktail without any hidden additives.

Visit the European Centre for Food, Health and Society to learn more about food and alcohol production

Frequently Asked Questions

Most plain, unflavored vodkas are sugar-free after the distillation process removes all carbohydrates. However, some manufacturers add a very small amount of sugar or citric acid to smooth the taste, and this may not be disclosed on the label.

Brands like Tito's Handmade Vodka and the Ketel One Botanical line explicitly state they contain no added sugar. Other premium unflavored vodkas such as Grey Goose and American Liquor Co. are also known for being additive-free.

Most flavored vodkas contain added sugar to enhance their taste. However, some brands like Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions and the Ketel One Botanical line are specifically designed to be zero-sugar and are clearly labeled as such.

Some brands, particularly those that use less expensive or less thorough distillation methods, add small amounts of sugar or other additives to mask harsh notes and achieve a smoother, more palatable flavor profile.

To make a sugar-free vodka cocktail, use an unflavored or zero-sugar flavored vodka with mixers that contain no sugar. Good options include soda water, diet tonic water, fresh lemon or lime juice, and herbal garnishes.

Yes, unflavored vodka is keto-friendly as it contains zero carbohydrates and no sugar. The calories come solely from the alcohol itself.

Unlike food products, distilled spirits like vodka are not required by law to list ingredients on the label in the US. This makes researching specific brands and reading their transparency statements important.