Tequila and vodka are both popular distilled spirits that are commonly used in cocktails and shots. Many people believe that tequila is a “healthier” option compared to vodka due to having lower calories. But is this really true? Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional profiles of tequila versus vodka to find out which one truly has less calories per serving.
Calorie Content of Tequila vs Vodka
When comparing calories in tequila versus vodka, it’s important to note that the calorie content can vary widely depending on the proof and specific brand.
Here is a general overview of how these two distilled spirits stack up calorie-wise:
Tequila
– A 1.5 ounce (44 ml) shot of 80 proof (40% alcohol) tequila contains around 97 calories on average.
– Higher-end 100% agave tequilas tend to be lower in calories, with some having as little as 63 calories per 1.5 ounce shot.
– Lower quality “mixto” tequilas that use other sugars besides agave can have slightly more calories.
Vodka
– An average 1.5 ounce shot of 80 proof (40% alcohol) vodka contains approximately 96 calories.
– As a neutral spirit, calories in vodka come purely from the alcohol content. More premium brands don’t significantly alter the calorie count.
– A 100 proof (50% alcohol) vodka will have around 110 calories per 1.5 ounce shot.
Calories per Ounce Comparison
Looking at standard 80 proof tequila and vodka side-by-side:
| Spirit | Calories (1.5 ounce shot) | Calories (per ounce) |
|---|---|---|
| Tequila | 97 | 64 |
| Vodka | 96 | 64 |
As you can see, an average 80 proof tequila and vodka have virtually the same number of calories ounce-for-ounce. The calorie content comes primarily from the alcohol itself.
This means contrary to popular belief, tequila does not inherently have fewer calories compared to vodka in general. The specific brand and proof ultimately makes the biggest difference.
Factors Affecting Calorie Content
There are a few key factors that impact the number of calories in tequila versus vodka:
Alcohol Content
– The alcohol itself provides the majority of calories. More alcohol = more calories.
– Standard 80 proof tequila/vodka has around 64 calories per ounce. At 100 proof, calories increase to around 80 per ounce.
Agave Content in Tequila
– 100% agave tequila has slightly less calories than mixto tequila made with other sugars. This is because agave is lower on the glycemic index.
– However, the difference in calories between 100% agave and mixto tequila is usually small.
Flavored Varieties
– Flavored vodkas and tequilas like citrus or pepper varieties can be higher in calories due to added flavorings and sugars.
– Flavored varieties range from around 100-150 calories per 1.5 ounce serving on average.
Aged Varieties
– Extended aging in barrels does not significantly impact calorie content for tequila or vodka. Extra aging adds subtle flavorDepth, not sugars.
Mixers & Cocktails
– Mixers like fruit juices, sodas, etc can greatly increase calories in cocktails.
– A margarita can have 150-300+ calories depending on specific ingredients and recipe. A vodka tonic may have 150-200 calories with tonic water.
Does Alcohol Type Impact Calories Absorbed?
Some people believe that drinking tequila leads to fewer calories absorbed compared to vodka due to its source from agave. Is there any truth to this?
Research has found that calories from alcohol are prioritized for metabolizing in the body. However, there are no studies proving that any type of liquor is not fully metabolized or that calories would differ based on the alcohol source.
Once consumed, calories from alcohol appear to be processed similarly by the body regardless of whether they originate from agave (tequila) or grain/potatoes (vodka). Both provide 7 calories per gram of alcohol.
While some preliminary studies show agave may have a lower glycemic index than say, table sugar, there is no strong evidence that this translates to fewer calories absorbed for tequila. More research is still needed on this subject.
Ways to Reduce Calories in Cocktails
While tequila and vodka have minimal calorie differences, you can still cut down on calories in cocktails through these methods:
– Use calorie-free mixers like sparkling water, diet soda, etc. Avoid sugary juices and regular sodas.
– Opt for skinny cocktail options with low-calorie sweeteners if you want more flavor. Or ask for drinks made with fresh fruit instead of sugary mixes.
– Skip high-calorie salt/sugar rims which can add 150+ calories. For tequila, sip it without the lick of salt to avoid extra calories.
– Be aware of portion sizes. Consider a 120 calorie, 1 ounce tequila shot instead of a standard 1.5-2 ounce pour. Or alternate alcoholic drinks with water.
– Choose lower proof tequilas and vodkas around 70-80 proof to decrease the calories from alcohol per serving.
– Avoid cream/milk based cocktails like white russians or muddy waters which can contain over 300 calories a serving.
Health Benefits of Tequila vs Vodka
Aside from calorie content, are there any health advantages to choosing tequila over vodka or vice versa? Here’s what research has found:
Tequila
– As an agave-based spirit, tequila may have a lower glycemic response compared to vodka according to some studies. This could result in more stable blood sugar levels.
– Tequila contains fructans which act as prebiotics that may promote gut health. These are not present in vodka.
– Some evidence shows tequila can help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol. Specific mechanisms are still being studied.
– Antioxidants like phenols in tequila may help reduce inflammation and free radical damage in cells.
– However, studies proving specific health benefits are limited and more research is still needed. Don’t view tequila as medicinal.
Vodka
– As a neutral spirit, vodka has minimal compounds that would provide direct health benefits.
– However, vodka is low in “congeners” which are toxic by-products of fermentation. Congeners may contribute to hangovers.
– Due to being tasteless and odorless when chilled, vodka may cause slower drinking compared to flavored liquors.
– Overall, there is limited evidence that vodka provides unique health advantages over most liquors. Moderation is key.
The Dangers of Excessive Alcohol Consumption
While discussing potential advantages, it’s important to note that excessive intake of any alcoholic beverage can negatively impact health:
– Alcohol abuse raises the risk of liver disease, heart damage, diabetes, and certain cancers.
– Binge drinking may contribute to dementia, anxiety/depression, stomach ulcers, and neurological issues.
– Alcohol affects nearly every organ and can impair immune function. It should be limited to moderate amounts based on health guidelines.
– Pregnant women should avoid alcohol entirely as it may cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
– Alcohol can also interact with many medications and underlying health conditions. Always talk to your doctor about safe consumption.
The dangers associated with alcohol abuse and addiction far outweigh any potential benefits tequila or vodka may provide. Moderation and responsibility are key.
Proper Serving Sizes
To gain potential benefits of tequila or vodka while minimizing health risks, proper serving sizes and frequency are crucial.
Here are responsible drinking guidelines per day:
– Women: 1 drink max
– Men: 2 drinks max
1 drink =
– 12 oz beer (5% alcohol)
– 5 oz wine (12% alcohol)
– 1.5 oz distilled spirits (40% alcohol)
Anything in excess of these amounts is considered heavy drinking and may increase health risks when done regularly.
It’s also important to avoid binge drinking defined as 4+ drinks for women, 5+ drinks for men within 2 hours. Binge episodes should be limited to once a month at maximum.
Only drink alcohol if you are of legal age in your country, and avoid it entirely if pregnant, on certain medications, have certain health conditions, or are driving/operating machinery.
Making the Healthiest Choice
Based on nutrition facts and health research available, here are some tips for making the healthiest alcohol choices:
– If you enjoy cocktails, tequila likely offers slightly more potential benefits than vodka due to compounds like fructans and phenols. But drink in moderation.
– Opt for 100% agave tequila when possible to maximize agave content. Limit mixto varieties.
– Sip high-quality tequila without extra sugars/salt rather than doing shots for less calories.
– Choose vodka if you are sensitive to the congeners in darker spirits that can worsen hangovers.
– Mix cocktails with calorie-free sodas, juices, or water and avoid high-calorie flavor syrups.
– Enjoy wine or beer occasionally as they confer heart benefits in moderation. Limit to 1 drink for women, 2 for men.
– Abstain entirely during pregnancy and if you have certain medical conditions or interactions.
– Avoid excess calories and binge drinking episodes no matter what you drink.
Overall, tequila does not have significantly less calories compared to vodka ounce-for-ounce. But it may offer more nutrients that emerge in early research. Focus on moderate, responsible enjoyment of alcohol rather than calories alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 100% agave tequila have fewer calories?
100% agave tequila has slightly fewer calories than mixto tequila, but the difference is quite small. On average, a 1.5 oz shot has 97 calories for 80 proof 100% agave tequila versus 104 calories for a mixto variety.
Is vodka the lowest calorie alcohol?
Vodka is one of the lowest calorie alcohols, but it does not have significantly less calories compared to most 80 proof distilled spirits. For example, vodka, tequila, rum, and gin all have around 95-100 calories per 1.5 ounce shot.
Does tequila make you gain more weight?
No, tequila does not inherently cause more weight gain than other types of alcohol. As long as servings are the same size and strength, most distilled spirits like tequila, vodka, gin, and rum have virtually identical calories and effects on weight. Cocktail mixers often contribute more calories.
Is tequila a good option on a diet?
Tequila can fit into a healthy diet in moderation, ideally limited to 1 standard drink for women and 2 for men per day as recommended limits. Skip sugary cocktail mixes and salt/sugar rims to avoid excess empty calories. Avoid tequila if trying to quit alcohol completely.
Is vodka or tequila gluten-free?
Both vodka and tequila are considered gluten-free spirits since the gluten protein is filtered out through the distillation process. Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can often consume these in moderation without issue. However, those extremely sensitive should use caution.
The Bottom Line
Tequila does not contain significantly fewer calories compared to vodka overall. The number of calories comes mainly from alcohol content, which is similar in these spirits ounce-for-ounce when comparing the same proof varieties.
However, 100% agave tequila may offer some additional nutrients thanks to compounds like fructans and phenols that emerging research has linked to health benefits. Just be sure to enjoy tequila sensibly and in moderation. Vodka and other spirits can also be part of a healthy diet within daily low-risk drinking limits.
Focus on controlling your serving sizes, drinking slowly, and avoiding excessive intake to make any type of alcohol part of a balanced lifestyle. Abstain completely if you have certain medical conditions or are pregnant. And of course, never drink and drive.
