Vodka Nutrition: Uncovering the Truth

The Clear Truth About Vodka

When it comes to vodka, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun, but have you ever stopped to think about what’s really in that clear drink? From shots to mixed drinks, vodka is a popular choice, but its nutrition label remains a mystery.

What is Vodka, Anyway?

Vodka is a clear liquor made from fermented grains like rye or wheat, and sometimes even potatoes. In the U.S., vodka must be at least 80 proof, meaning it contains at least 40 percent alcohol. Whether you take it straight, use it in cooking, or mix it with other ingredients, vodka is a versatile drink.

Why is Vodka Nutrition Info So Hard to Find?

Unlike food and nonalcoholic beverages, alcohol isn’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Instead, it’s regulated by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. This means that nutrition facts and ingredient labels aren’t required, leaving consumers to search for answers online.

What’s Really in Vodka?

Unflavored vodka contains only two ingredients: water and ethanol (alcohol). It doesn’t contain any sugar, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, or antioxidants. However, flavored vodkas are a different story. They can be loaded with added sugar, making it difficult to know exactly what you’re getting.

Flavored Vodkas: A Sugar-Coated Secret

Some flavored vodkas contain no sugar, while others are filled with it. The problem is, there’s no way to know for sure without contacting the manufacturer directly. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to make informed choices about your drink of choice.

Vodka Nutrition Facts: What You Need to Know

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

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

Mixed Drinks: The Nutrition Breakdown

Want to mix it up? Here’s the nutrition info for a glass (roughly 225 ml) of some popular vodka mixed drinks:

• Cosmopolitan: 220 calories, 34g sugar
• Screwdriver: 190 calories, 30g sugar
• White Russian: 340 calories, 44g sugar

The Bottom Line

Vodka nutrition facts are shrouded in mystery due to lack of regulation. While vodka itself is just alcohol and water, flavored vodkas and mixed drinks can contain a lot of calories from added sugar. Next time you reach for a vodka-based drink, remember to consider the nutritional implications.