Tequila is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from blue agave, a plant cultivated specifically for this purpose. Authentic tequila is produced in Jalisco, Mexico, and surrounding regions, and it is labeled as “Made in Mexico” to certify its origin.
There are several types of tequila, including blanco, reposado, añejo, and other aged varieties. Tequila is a fundamental ingredient in many well-known cocktails, such as the margarita and the tequila sunrise, but it is also commonly enjoyed on its own or sipped slowly.
Many people wonder about tequila’s nutritional impact and often ask, does tequila have sugar. While tequila can be consumed as part of a balanced lifestyle when enjoyed in moderation, there is no strong scientific evidence proving specific health benefits. Its effects largely depend on how much is consumed and how it is prepared or mixed.
Tequila Nutrition Facts
The following tequila nutrition information is provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is based on a single serving of tequila (42 g or 1.5 ounces).
- Calories: 97
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0.42 mg
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Alcohol: 14 g
Because tequila contains zero carbohydrates and sugars, many people ask, does tequila have sugar. According to USDA data, pure tequila does not contain added sugars; however, flavored or mixed tequila drinks may include sweeteners that increase their sugar content.
Carbohydrates
A single serving of tequila is considered one shot, also known as a jigger. One shot contains 1.5 ounces of alcohol, or approximately 42 grams. A single serving of tequila contains zero carbohydrates. Because alcohol is distilled, it no longer retains the natural sugars from the agave plant and generally does not contain added sugars. Tequila also contains no fiber.
Although tequila itself is carb-free, many popular tequila-based drinks are high in sugar and carbohydrates. For example, a frozen margarita (225 g) contains about 274 calories and 36 grams of carbohydrates. A Tequila Sunrise of the same size may contain approximately 252 calories and around 30 grams of carbohydrates, according to USDA data.
Due to its lack of carbohydrates, tequila is assumed to have a glycemic index of zero. The glycemic index measures how carbohydrates affect blood sugar levels, and since tequila contains none, it does not directly impact blood glucose. This is one reason many people ask, does tequila have sugar, especially when comparing it to other alcoholic beverages.
Fat
Tequila contains no fat.
Protein
Tequila does not provide protein.
Alcohol Content and Calories
Since tequila contains no carbohydrates, protein, or fat, you may wonder where its calories come from. Tequila (40% alcohol by volume, or 80 proof) contains approximately 14 grams of alcohol per serving. Each gram of alcohol provides 7 calories, which means all of tequila’s calories come from alcohol when consumed straight or on the rocks.
Some tequila brands have a slightly higher alcohol by volume (ABV), which can result in a few additional grams of alcohol per serving and a slightly higher calorie count.
Potential Health Benefits of Tequila
There are several commonly cited claims about the potential health benefits of tequila. For example, some animal studies suggest that blue agave—the plant used to produce tequila—may offer certain benefits, such as helping prevent weight gain, supporting insulin regulation, or even extending lifespan in mice and fruit flies. However, the scientific evidence supporting these effects in humans remains limited.
Alcohol in general may offer some benefits when consumed in moderation. That said, health experts caution that for every potential benefit, there is also a possible risk that depends on the amount consumed. For this reason, the USDA does not recommend that adults who do not currently drink alcohol begin drinking, even for suggested health benefits.
Because tequila contains no carbohydrates or sugars when consumed on its own, many people ask, does tequila have sugar, especially when considering it as part of a lower-sugar lifestyle. While pure tequila contains no sugar, moderation remains essential, and it should not be consumed for health purposes alone.
Stress Reduction
Alcohol is commonly used as a way to reduce stress, and this effect is supported by scientific evidence. Over the years, studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption may help lower stress levels. More recent research also suggests that moderate drinking after a mentally stressful event may help the body recover more quickly.
However, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) states that the relationship between stress and alcohol is complex. Relying on alcohol to manage stress can lead to both psychological and physiological consequences for the body.
Heart Health
Some studies have found that light to moderate alcohol consumption—up to one drink per day for women and one to two drinks per day for men—is associated with a lower risk of overall mortality, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and stroke.
Reduced Risk of Diabetes
Research also suggests that light or moderate alcohol consumption may be linked to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, researchers emphasize that the relationship between alcohol intake and glucose control is complex, particularly for individuals who already have type 2 diabetes.
According to some studies, overall dietary intake plays a significant role in how alcohol affects insulin and glucose metabolism. As a result, findings remain inconclusive regarding the benefits and risks of alcohol consumption for people with this condition.
Bone Health
Several studies have examined the relationship between alcohol consumption and bone health, with most indicating that alcohol can negatively affect bone density. However, one study found that moderate alcohol intake—defined as one to two drinks per occasion, two to three times per week—was associated with higher femoral bone mineral density in postmenopausal South Korean women.
In contrast, both non-drinkers and heavy drinkers showed a slightly higher risk of osteoporosis compared to light drinkers.
Because tequila contains no carbohydrates or sugars when consumed on its own, many people researching alcohol and health ask, does tequila have sugar. While pure tequila is sugar-free, these potential effects are linked to alcohol consumption in general and do not make tequila a health product. Moderation remains key.
Adverse Effects
While drinking alcohol may offer certain potential benefits, there are significant drawbacks associated with excessive consumption. These risks should be carefully considered if you choose to include tequila in your diet.
The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans issued by the USDA provide recommendations regarding alcohol intake. According to these guidelines, moderate alcohol consumption can be incorporated into the calorie limits of most healthy eating patterns. The USDA also offers specific guidance on how much alcohol is considered appropriate for adults.
Even though pure tequila contains no sugar or carbohydrates when consumed on its own—leading many to ask, does tequila have sugar—this does not eliminate the potential negative effects of alcohol when consumed in excess. Responsible and moderate consumption remains essential.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
One of the most serious health consequences of excessive alcohol consumption is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Binge drinking—typically defined as four drinks for women or five drinks for men within about two hours—or heavy alcohol use (more than four drinks in a day for men or more than three for women) significantly increases the risk of developing AUD.
Signs of AUD may include drinking more than intended, being unable to cut back, or continuing to drink despite experiencing problems with family, work, or social relationships. The disorder is classified as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the number and intensity of symptoms.
Increased Stress and Social Isolation
Experiencing isolation and high levels of stress—including widespread or community-level stress—can increase the risk of alcohol misuse. While stress and loneliness may initially drive people to drink more, excessive alcohol consumption during these periods can further elevate stress levels and contribute to deeper feelings of isolation.
Reduced Immune Function
According to research published in Alcohol Research: Current Reviews, heavy alcohol consumption is associated with negative effects on immune health, including increased susceptibility to infections such as pneumonia.
Researchers suggest that alcohol disrupts immune pathways, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections. It may also contribute to organ damage related to chronic drinking and interfere with the healing of injured tissues.
Increased Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke
Authors in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings report that while moderate alcohol intake may be linked to a lower risk of certain cardiovascular events, excessive alcohol consumption is the third leading cause of premature death in the United States.
Heavy drinking is a common cause of reversible hypertension and accounts for roughly one-third of all cases of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. It is also a frequent cause of atrial fibrillation and significantly increases the risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.
Weight Gain and Obesity
Alcohol provides no nutritional value and contains 7 calories per gram, compared to 4 calories per gram from protein and carbohydrates. Excessive alcohol intake is strongly associated with unhealthy weight gain and obesity, although the amount consumed plays a critical role.
Heavy drinking is more consistently linked to weight gain than light or moderate alcohol consumption. For some individuals, alcohol intake may be a contributing risk factor for obesity.
Even though pure tequila contains no sugar or carbohydrates—prompting many people to ask, does tequila have sugar—excessive consumption can still lead to serious health risks. Sugar content alone does not determine whether an alcoholic beverage is healthy; moderation and overall lifestyle choices are key.
Understanding what you drink is essential for making informed lifestyle choices. While many people ask, does tequila have sugar, the answer highlights an important distinction: pure tequila contains no sugar or carbohydrates, but that doesn’t make it a health product. The real impact of tequila—or any alcoholic beverage—depends on how it’s consumed, how often, and in what context.
At Dialce, we believe that knowledge empowers better decisions. By staying informed about ingredients, nutritional values, and potential health effects, you can enjoy your favorite beverages responsibly while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Moderation, awareness, and quality always matter more than assumptions.
Other topics that may interest you: Calories in Tequila: How Many Are in Your Favorite Drink and Why It’s One of the Lightest Spirits and The Rise of Luxury Tequila: Craftsmanship, Flavor, and Tradition.
Frequently asked questions about does tequila have sugar
Is tequila the healthiest alcohol?
Tequila is often considered a cleaner option compared to many other alcoholic drinks because pure tequila contains no sugar or carbohydrates. This is why many people ask, does tequila have sugar. However, no alcoholic beverage can truly be called “healthy.” The key factor is moderation, not the type of alcohol.
Is tequila ok for diabetics to drink?
Tequila does not contain sugar or carbohydrates, so it does not directly raise blood glucose levels. That said, alcohol can still affect blood sugar in other ways. People with diabetes should drink tequila in moderation and avoid sugary mixers.
Is tequila the lowest sugar alcohol?
Yes, 100% agave tequila is one of the lowest sugar alcoholic beverages, containing zero grams of sugar. Other unflavored distilled spirits may also be sugar-free, but flavored or mixed drinks often contain added sugars.
Can you drink tequila on a no sugar diet?
Tequila can fit into a no-sugar diet when consumed in moderation and without sweeteners or mixers. Since pure tequila contains no sugar, it aligns with sugar-free eating plans, though calories from alcohol should still be considered.
