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The Lowdown on Vodka: Uncovering the Nutrition Facts

When it comes to tracking your calorie and nutrition intake, it’s essential to consider the drinks you’re consuming, including vodka. But, have you ever wondered what’s really in that clear liquid?

What is Vodka, Anyway?

Vodka is a clear liquor made from fermented grains like rye or wheat, and sometimes even potatoes. In the United States, vodka must be at least 80 proof, meaning it contains at least 40 percent alcohol. Its popularity knows no bounds, and it can be enjoyed straight, used in cooking, or mixed with other ingredients to create tasty cocktails.

Why is Vodka Nutrition Info So Elusive?

Unlike food and non-alcoholic beverages, alcohol isn’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Instead, it’s overseen by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. As a result, nutrition facts and ingredient labels aren’t required, leaving consumers to search high and low for this information.

What’s in Unflavored Vodka?

Unflavored vodka contains only two ingredients: water and ethanol (alcohol). It doesn’t contain any sugar, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, or antioxidants. However, some varieties may contain trace amounts of impurities, but these wouldn’t significantly impact the nutrient content.

The Sugar Content of Flavored Vodkas

Flavored vodkas, on the other hand, can be a different story altogether. While they may taste delicious, they can be loaded with added sugar. For instance, popular brands like Smirnoff offer a range of flavored vodkas, but it’s unclear which ones contain sugar and how much. Their Zero Sugar Infusions line is a notable exception, but it’s essential to assume that other flavored vodkas contain sugar unless stated otherwise.

Vodka Nutrition Facts: The Bottom Line

Here’s the nutrition information for a 1.5-ounce shot of plain, unflavored vodka:

• Calories: 96
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Mixed Drinks: A Different Story

When it comes to mixed drinks, the nutrition facts can vary significantly. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition info for a glass (approximately 225 ml) of some popular vodka-based cocktails:

• Cosmopolitan: 170 calories, 20g carbohydrates, 0g fat, 0g protein
• Screwdriver: 150 calories, 15g carbohydrates, 0g fat, 0g protein
• White Russian: 200 calories, 20g carbohydrates, 10g fat, 0g protein

The Takeaway

While vodka itself is relatively low in calories, flavored vodkas and mixed drinks can contain a significant amount of added sugar, leading to a higher calorie count. When enjoying vodka, it’s essential to be mindful of these factors to ensure you’re staying within your nutrition goals. So, the next time you’re tempted to “tub-thump,” remember to consider the nutrition facts behind your drink of choice.