Lena Savoie
Alcoholic drinks are often consumed without considering their calorie content. However, alcoholic beverages can contribute significantly to one's overall calorie intake, and they provide empty calories with no nutritional benefits. This is especially true when drinking high-calorie mixers like cola or tonic water. According to Harvard Medical School, there are 7 calories in 1 gram of alcohol, which is almost as calorie-dense as fat. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of how many grams of alcohol are in a standard drink and to consume alcohol in moderation to maintain a balanced diet and avoid weight gain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories in one gram of pure alcohol | 7 calories |
| Calories in a standard alcoholic drink (14 grams of alcohol) | 98 calories |
| Calories in a 5-ounce glass of Pinot Noir | 121 calories |
| Calories in a 5-ounce glass of Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot | 122 calories |
| Calories in an 80-proof 1.5-ounce shot of gin, vodka, or whiskey | 97 calories |
| Recommended maximum alcohol consumption per week | 14 units |
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What You'll Learn
Alcoholic drinks: 14 grams in a standard drink
Alcoholic drinks are known to be high in calories, and a standard drink typically contains 14 grams of alcohol. According to Harvard Medical School, there are 7 calories in 1 gram of alcohol. This means that a standard drink contains approximately 98 calories solely from the alcohol content. This is in addition to any calories that may be present in mixers or other added ingredients.
To put this into perspective, a 12-ounce bottle of beer or a 5-ounce glass of wine also provides 14 grams of alcohol. A 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof distilled spirits, such as gin, vodka, or whiskey, falls into this category as well. However, it's important to note that beverage containers can sometimes hold more than a standard drink. For instance, a typical wine glass may hold more than 5 ounces, and drinking an 8-ounce portion can significantly increase your calorie intake.
The calories in alcoholic drinks can quickly add up, especially when mixed with soda, juice, cream, or ice cream. Cocktails and mixed drinks tend to have higher calorie counts due to these additional ingredients. For example, a pint of beer typically contains around 160-180 calories, depending on the type. This includes calories from both alcohol (around 130 calories in a pint of 5% beer) and carbohydrates (approximately 4 calories per gram).
It's worth noting that alcohol provides empty calories with no nutritional benefits. Regularly consuming more alcohol than recommended can impact your waistline and lead to health issues. Therefore, it's important to be mindful of your alcohol intake and practice moderation to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, drinking a glass of water after each alcoholic drink can help prevent dehydration and slow down your consumption pace.
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Wine: 120 calories in a 5-ounce glass
Alcoholic drinks can be a significant source of calories, and it's important to be aware of their calorie content, especially if you're watching your weight. Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, which is close to the 9 calories per gram provided by fat. These are considered ''empty calories' as alcohol provides no nutritional benefits.
Wine is a popular alcoholic beverage, and its calorie content can vary slightly depending on the type and serving size. On average, a 5-ounce glass of red or white table wine contains about 120 calories. This is based on the standard serving size, which is typically 5 ounces or 14 grams of alcohol. However, it's important to note that wine glasses often hold more than 5 ounces, and drinking an 8-ounce portion can add extra calories to your diet.
For example, a 5-ounce glass of Pinot Noir has approximately 121 calories, while a similar serving of Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot contains around 122 calories. These slight variations in calorie content can be attributed to factors such as the specific type of grape used, the production process, and the alcohol content of the wine.
When consuming wine, it's worth considering that alcohol can also increase your food intake. Research suggests that alcohol lowers inhibitions, making you more likely to order dessert or an extra drink. Additionally, drinking alcohol with a meal can lead to dehydration, so it's recommended to have a glass of water after each alcoholic drink. If you're concerned about your calorie intake, opting for lower-calorie drinks or drinking in moderation can help minimise the impact on your diet.
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Spirits: 97 calories in a shot
Alcoholic drinks can be high in calories, and these calories come primarily from ethanol (alcohol). According to Harvard Medical School, there are 7 calories in 1 gram of alcohol or ethanol, which is almost as many as in a gram of fat. Therefore, a standard alcoholic drink, which typically contains 14 grams of alcohol, will contain 98 calories from alcohol alone.
Different types of alcoholic drinks have different calorie contents. For example, a 5-ounce glass of red or white table wine contains around 120 calories. In contrast, distilled spirits like gin, vodka, and whiskey contain 97 calories in a 1.5-ounce shot (44.4 ml). This is because these spirits have a higher alcohol content, often referred to as "proof," which indicates the percentage of alcohol in the drink. An 80-proof spirit contains 40% alcohol, so a 1.5-ounce shot would contain 14 grams of alcohol and 98 calories from alcohol.
It's important to note that the total calorie intake from a spirit drink will depend on the volume of the drink and any added ingredients or mixers. For example, a tonic or cola mixer will add extra calories. Additionally, drinking alcohol can lower your inhibitions, leading you to consume more food or drinks than you otherwise might.
To put it into perspective, the NHS recommends that men and women should not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread across at least three days. Overindulging in alcohol can not only impact your waistline but can also lead to more serious health problems. Therefore, if you're watching your weight or calorie intake, it's essential to consider the calorie content of alcoholic beverages and consume them in moderation.
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Calories from mixers: cola or tonic water
According to Harvard Medical School, one gram of alcohol contains 7 calories. This is close to the energy content of fat, which has 9 calories per gram. Alcoholic beverages can easily add empty calories to your diet, with no nutritional benefits. For example, a standard alcoholic drink, containing 14 grams of alcohol, would contribute 98 calories from the alcohol alone.
When it comes to mixers, both cola and tonic water can add significant calories to your drink. Cola, or soda, typically contains around 140 calories per 12-ounce can, mainly from its 39 grams of sugar. Tonic water, on the other hand, has about 114 calories per 12-ounce bottle, which is surprisingly high for a water-based drink. The calories in tonic water come from sweeteners, usually in the form of sugar, with one serving containing 32-33 grams.
When tonic water is mixed with an alcoholic beverage, like gin, to make a cocktail, the calorie count can increase to 200 or more per serving. This is because the alcohol itself contributes calories, and the mixers can also add extra calories and sugar. For example, a gin and tonic made with 80-proof gin would have 97 calories from the alcohol, plus around 114 calories from the tonic water, totalling 211 calories.
If you are concerned about the number of calories in your drink, there are some lower-calorie alternatives to mixers like cola and tonic water. For example, you could try using soda water, seltzer, or mineral water, which are carbonated waters with minimal to no calories and no added sweeteners. These can be great substitutes for soda and other sweetened drinks if you're seeking a healthier option. Additionally, you can experiment with making your own tonic water at home, allowing you to control the ingredients and potentially reduce the calorie content.
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Health risks: no more than 14 units a week
Alcoholic drinks are high in calories, with one gram of alcohol containing seven calories, almost as much as the nine calories per gram of fat. Alcoholic drinks are often referred to as 'empty calories' because they have no nutritional benefits. Alcoholic drinks can also lower your inhibitions, causing you to eat more food than you usually would.
Drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol per week is recommended to keep health risks at a low level. This is because drinking alcohol regularly can lead to acute risks and chronic health problems, including liver disease, alcohol use disorder (AUD), and social issues such as relationship problems. Research has also found strong links between alcohol misuse and self-harm, including suicide.
The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend that healthy adults who choose to drink alcohol should limit their intake to minimise risks. For women, this means one drink or less in a day, and for men, two drinks or less in a day. Binge drinking is defined as four or more drinks for women and five or more for men within about two hours. Heavy drinking includes binge drinking and is defined for women as four or more drinks on any day or eight or more per week, and for men, five or more drinks on any day or 15 or more per week.
To put this into context, a 5-ounce glass of pinot noir contains 121 calories, and a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof gin, vodka, or whiskey contains 97 calories.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 7 calories in 1 gram of alcohol.
This is almost as many calories as a gram of fat, which has 9 calories per gram.
Alcoholic drinks that fall into this category include wine, beer, and distilled spirits like gin, vodka, and whiskey.
Yes, the type of glass and the amount of liquid it holds can impact your total calorie intake. For example, drinking an 8-ounce portion of wine instead of a standard 5-ounce serving will significantly increase your calorie intake.
Yes, it is recommended to consume lower-calorie drinks if you want to minimise the effect of alcohol on your diet. Additionally, drinking alcohol with a meal may lead to increased food consumption, as it can lower your inhibitions and make you more likely to order dessert or an extra drink.
