Theo Nash
The UK Chief Medical Officers (CMO) have published guidelines on the maximum amount of alcohol adults should consume per week to keep health risks at a low level. The recommended weekly alcohol limit in the UK for men and women is 14 units, which is equivalent to 5.5 pints of 4.5% ABV cider. Cider is an alcoholic drink made by fermenting apples and its ABV can range from 1.2% to 8.5% in the UK. The ABV of a drink indicates the volume of pure alcohol it contains. For example, a cider with 5% ABV is five percent pure alcohol. The higher the ABV, the more alcohol is in the drink.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of units in a pint of cider | 2.5 units in a 500ml can of 5% ABV cider; 3.75 units in a 500ml can of 7.5% ABV cider |
| Calories in a pint of cider | 210-249 calories; equivalent to a ring donut or a hamburger |
| Sugar content | Up to five teaspoons of sugar, close to the NHS recommended daily limit |
| ABV range in the UK | 1.2% to 8.5% |
| Recommended weekly limit | 14 units for men and women, equivalent to 5.5 pints of 4.5% ABV cider |
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Alcohol units
The number of units of alcohol in a drink is based on its size and alcohol strength. One unit of alcohol is equivalent to 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol, which is approximately the amount of alcohol that the average adult can process in 60 minutes. This means that, in theory, there should be little to no alcohol left in the blood of an adult after this time, although this will vary from person to person.
The ABV (alcohol by volume) of a drink indicates what percentage of the drink is made up of alcohol. For example, a cider with 5% ABV is five per cent pure alcohol. The higher the ABV, the more alcohol is in the drink. Cider sold in the UK can have an alcoholic strength ranging from 1.2% ABV to 8.5% ABV, with just over half of ciders sold in shops and supermarkets being 5% ABV or higher.
To calculate the number of units in a drink, you can use the following formula: strength (ABV) x volume of the drink (in millilitres) ÷ 1,000 = total number of units. For example, a 500ml can of 7.5% ABV cider would contain 3.75 units (7.5 x 500ml ÷ 1000 = 3.75). A 500ml can of 5% ABV cider would contain 2.5 units.
In the UK, the recommended weekly alcohol limit for men and women is 14 units, which is equivalent to roughly 5.5 pints of 4.5% ABV cider. Drinking more than this amount will exceed the low-risk drinking guidelines and increase your risk of developing serious health conditions, including heart problems, high blood pressure, and poor mental health. Regularly consuming large amounts of alcohol can also lead to weight gain and affect your quality of sleep and interpersonal relationships.
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ABV (alcohol by volume)
The number of milligrams of alcohol in a pint of cider depends on the cider's alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage. ABV is a measure of the amount of pure alcohol as a percentage of the total volume of liquid in a drink. For example, wine that says "12% ABV" means 12% of the volume of that drink is pure alcohol.
ABV is calculated using the change in specific gravity or brix in a cider. The specific gravity readings are taken using a hydrometer before and after fermentation. The change in specific gravity shows how much sugar the yeast has consumed, and ABV can be estimated using a simple calculation: subtract the final specific gravity (FG) from the original specific gravity (OG) and multiply this number by 128.
There are many variables in the cider-making process, and it is difficult to get an exact measurement without using expensive equipment. The largest factor of error usually comes from the yeast used in the fermentation process. All yeast is different and has different efficiencies in its ability to convert sugar into ethanol.
The ABV of cider varies depending on the type and production method. Traditional English ciders range from 1.2% to 8.5% ABV or higher, while continental ciders range from 2.5% to 12%. Quebec cider, a traditional Canadian alcoholic beverage, has an alcohol content of 7% to 13%, with aperitifs containing up to 20%. White and black ciders typically have an ABV range of 7% to 8%.
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Health risks
A pint of cider typically contains 2.8 units of alcohol, or 22.4g of alcohol, assuming a typical ABV (alcohol by volume) of 5%. The number of units in a drink is based on the size of the drink, as well as its alcohol strength. For example, a pint of strong lager contains 3 units of alcohol, whereas the same volume of lower-strength lager has just over 2 units.
Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with various health risks. The UK's Chief Medical Officers have published guidelines recommending that men and women should not drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week to maintain low-health-risk levels. Spreading alcohol consumption over 3 or more days and incorporating drink-free days into your week can help reduce health risks. Binge drinking, or consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period, can lead to dangerous levels of intoxication and increase the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and risky behaviour.
Regularly exceeding the recommended weekly alcohol limit can have more long-term health consequences. Excessive alcohol consumption over time can lead to liver damage, including fatty liver disease, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer. It can also increase the risk of other types of cancer, such as mouth, throat, and breast cancer. Heavy drinking can contribute to cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, heart disease, and an increased risk of stroke.
Additionally, excessive alcohol intake can negatively impact mental health and increase the risk of developing mental health disorders. It can lead to depression, anxiety, and memory and cognitive problems. Alcohol can also disrupt sleep patterns, impair judgment, and increase the likelihood of impulsive or risky behaviour. Alcohol misuse can damage personal relationships, cause social problems, and contribute to financial difficulties.
While cider may have some health benefits, such as providing antioxidants and probiotics, these do not outweigh the health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. It is important to follow the recommended guidelines for alcohol consumption to maintain overall health and well-being.
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Calories
Cider is a popular alcoholic drink in the UK, crafted through the fermentation of apples, and sometimes pears, which gives rise to perry. It is the third most purchased alcoholic drink for consumption at home, after beer and wine.
The calorie content in a pint of cider can vary significantly depending on its Alcohol By Volume (ABV). Lighter options start at around 1.2% ABV, while stronger varieties can exceed 6% ABV, and some even go up to 8.5% ABV. A higher ABV typically means more calories, so choosing a cider with a lower ABV will reduce your calorie intake. For example, a pint of cider with 4.5% ABV contains approximately 210 calories, which is similar to a ring doughnut. This is because the calories in cider come from its alcohol and
Cider often contains a substantial number of calories, contributing to its rich taste and full-bodied experience. A pint of cider can contain up to five teaspoons of sugar, which is almost as much as the NHS's recommended daily limit. Calories from alcohol are often referred to as ''empty calories' because they have no nutritional value and are metabolised first by the body, ahead of burning fat. This can be undesirable if you are trying to lose weight and can lead to increased fat storage, particularly around the midsection, often referred to as a 'beer belly'.
If you are mindful of your calorie intake, there are some ways to enjoy cider while keeping the calories in check. You can choose lower-calorie cider options by opting for ciders labelled as 'dry' or 'light', which usually have fewer calories. Alternating alcohol with water or soft drinks can also help slow your alcohol consumption and reduce your overall calorie intake. Additionally, opting for smaller servings, such as a half-pint or a small bottle, can also reduce the number of calories consumed.
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Sugar content
The sugar content in cider varies widely depending on the brand and the fermentation process used. The fruit used to make cider is naturally high in sugar, and the sugar content in the final product depends on the method of fermentation. For instance, in the production of dry cider, yeast is left to consume almost all of the sugar, resulting in a less sweet cider with a higher alcohol content. Conversely, sweet cider is made by straining the juice to remove the yeast, leaving more sugar in the cider. Some manufacturers even add sugar to their cider to appeal to consumers with a sweet tooth.
The NHS recommends a maximum of 30 grams of free sugars per day, in addition to the nutritional sugars in food. Cider is considered a bonus and the sugar in it is counted as free sugars. The sugar content in cider is typically expressed as grams of sugar per 100 ml or per pint. For example, a pint of Rekorderlig Wild Berries cider contains 48 grams of sugar, which is more than a can of Coke. In contrast, a pint of Stowford Press cider contains only 6 grams of sugar, making it a better choice in terms of sugar content. Bulmers Toffee Apple cider falls somewhere in the middle, with 12.1 grams of sugar per 100 ml or 61 grams per 500 ml bottle.
Commercial ciders typically contain high amounts of sugar, ranging from 20 to 35 grams per 12 fluid ounces (354 ml) serving. Fruit-flavoured ciders, in particular, tend to be very high in sugar. On average, a pint of 4.5% ABV cider will contain around 210 calories, although the true figure may vary depending on the brand and production method.
It is worth noting that the sugar content in cider can be difficult to determine accurately. While there are colourimetric tests available, such as the AimTab® test kit, they are designed to measure specific types of reducing sugars. Therefore, when it comes to sugar content, it is always a good idea to refer to the nutritional information provided by the manufacturer, which can usually be found on the product label or website.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of milligrams of alcohol in a pint of cider depends on the ABV (alcohol by volume) of the cider. For example, a pint of 4.5% ABV cider contains 210 calories, which is around the same amount as a ring donut.
To calculate the number of units in a drink, multiply the strength (ABV) by the volume of the drink (in millilitres) and divide the result by 1,000.
The recommended weekly alcohol limit in the UK for men and women is 14 units, which is equivalent to 5.5 pints of 4.5% ABV cider.
Regularly drinking more than the recommended limit increases the risk of serious health conditions, including heart problems, high blood pressure, and poor mental health. Drinking alcohol also increases the risk of developing at least seven types of cancer, including breast, bowel, mouth, and throat cancers.
If you're used to drinking pints of cider, try switching to smaller measures like a half-pint or a small bottle instead. Non-alcoholic drinks can also help slow your alcohol consumption and keep you hydrated.
