Malibu rum does contain sugar. The main ingredients in Malibu rum are rum, coconut liqueur, sugar, and colorings.
Malibu Rum Ingredients
Here are the main ingredients found in Malibu rum:
- Rum – Malibu rum is made from a blend of Caribbean rums
- Coconut liqueur – Adds coconut flavoring and sweetness
- Sugar – Provides additional sweetness and flavor
- Colorings – Caramel color is added for consistency in color
The alcohol content of Malibu rum is 21% ABV (42 proof). This is relatively low compared to most rums which are usually 40% ABV or higher.
The lower alcohol content allows more of the sweet coconut flavor to come through. But a significant amount of the sweetness also comes from added sugar.
Sugar Content
Exactly how much sugar is in Malibu rum? Let’s take a look at the nutrition facts:
| Serving Size | 1.5 fl oz (44ml) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 108 |
| Carbs | 9 g |
| Sugars | 8 g |
There are 8 grams of sugar in a typical 1.5 ounce serving of Malibu rum. This is equivalent to about 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar.
The sugars come from both the coconut liqueur used to flavor the rum, as well as additional sucrose or cane sugar that is added. So Malibu rum contains both natural sugars and added refined sugars.
Malibu Rum Nutrition Facts
Let’s take a more detailed look at the full nutrition facts label for Malibu rum:
| Nutrition Facts | 1.5 fl oz (44ml) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 108 |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Sugars | 8 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
As you can see, a 1.5 oz serving contains 108 calories, 0 g fat, 9 g carbs, 8 g sugars, and 0 g protein.
The calories in Malibu rum come entirely from the alcohol and sugars. There is minimal fat or protein.
Malibu Rum Sugar vs Other Rums
How does the sugar content of Malibu rum compare to other rums on the market? Here is a comparison of the sugar content per 1.5 oz serving:
| Rum | Sugar (g) |
|---|---|
| Malibu | 8 |
| Bacardi White | 0 |
| Captain Morgan Spiced | 0 |
| Sailor Jerry | 0 |
As you can see, Malibu contains significantly more sugar that most popular rum brands, which contain 0 g sugar per serving. The sugar content is what gives Malibu its signature coconut flavor and sweetness.
Does Flavored Rum Have Sugar?
While most clear rums like Bacardi and Captain Morgan have 0 g sugar, flavored rums will contain added sugar.
Examples of flavored rums that contain sugar include:
- Coconut rum like Malibu – 8 g sugar
- Spiced rum like Sailor Jerry – 7 g sugar
- Flavored rums like pineapple, mango, vanilla, etc. – 4-8 g sugar
The sugar is added both for sweetness as well as to enhance the intended flavors. Unflavored clear rums will generally be unsweetened.
Sugar and Calories in Malibu Rum Drinks
Keep in mind that mixing Malibu rum into cocktails or rum drinks will increase the calories and sugar per serving. Here are some examples:
| Drink | Sugar (g) | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Piña Colada (8 oz) | 33 g | 490 |
| Malibu Bay Breeze (12 oz) | 36 g | 386 |
| Malibu Rum and Coke (12 oz) | 34 g | 228 |
The sugars and calories can add up quickly when mixing Malibu rum into tropical cocktails, coladas, daiquiris, or rum and coke. Enjoy responsibly!
Is Malibu Rum Gluten-Free?
Yes, Malibu rum is considered gluten-free. Malibu rum is distilled from sugarcane, and does not contain any gluten ingredients. The sugar added is also sucrose or cane sugar, not from gluten grains.
Coconut rum is naturally gluten-free, but check the label to confirm the product you are consuming is distilled from sugarcane or molasses, not gluten grains. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should be able to safely enjoy Malibu rum in moderation.
Is Malibu Rum Keto-Friendly?
Malibu rum is not considered keto-friendly due to the high sugar content. There are 8 grams of sugar in a 1.5 oz serving.
On a ketogenic diet, it is recommended to limit carb intake to just 50 grams daily, so the sugars in Malibu rum can quickly add up. Most keto diets strictly limit sugar intake.
However, Malibu rum may be able to be incorporated into a low-carb diet in very small servings, combined with zero-carb mixers like diet soda or seltzer. But it would need to be carefully tracked to stay within daily carb limits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Malibu rum does contain added sugar as one of the main ingredients. There are 8 grams of sugar per serving, from both the coconut liqueur and added cane sugar.
The sugar content gives Malibu rum its distinctive coconut flavor and sweet taste profile. But it means Malibu has more calories and carbs than unsweetened clear rums.
When mixing into cocktails or rum drinks, the calories and sugar intake can quickly add up. Malibu rum is considered gluten-free, but is not usually keto-friendly.
Overall, those looking to control their sugar intake may want to choose clear rums without added sweeteners. But Malibu rum can be enjoyed in moderation by those who want a flavored coconut rum with a touch of sweetness.
