How Many Calories in 1 Ounce of Tequila? [Detailed Nutrition Facts]
Tequila made from the blue agave plant, has that bold taste and smooth feel that's perfect for cocktails or straight-up shots. But let's get down to the question everyone has: How many calories are in this stuff? One ounce of tequila has 64 calories. That's actually not too bad, especially when you compare it to other drinks. Take beer, for instance; a 12-ounce can pack about 150 calories. And wine? A 5-ounce glass has roughly 125 calories.
Tequila is fairly low in sugar and carbs, and it's even said to have some antioxidants.
What's Inside a Shot of Tequila?
A shot of tequila might be small, but it's packed with flavor and, yes, calories. But what exactly are you consuming when you knock back that shot?
Main Ingredient: Blue Agave
The star of the show in tequila is the blue agave plant. Tequila must be made from at least 51% blue agave, though the best-quality ones use 100%. Blue agave gives tequila its unique, robust flavor.
If you're reaching for top-shelf quality, you're looking at tequila made from 100% blue agave. This plant is what gives tequila its characteristic bold flavor. This plant mainly grows in Mexico, especially near the Tequila city. They use the center part of the plant, called the piña, to make tequila.
Production Process
Tequila is made through a series of steps that include harvesting, cooking, fermenting, and distilling the blue agave plant. the agave is harvested and the leaves are cut away, leaving just the core or piña. These piñas are cooked to convert the starches into sugars. After that, the cooked piñas are mashed or shredded to extract the sugary juice. This juice is then fermented, turning the sugars into alcohol. Finally, the liquid goes through a distillation process.
The quality and taste of the tequila are largely determined by this production process. And the calorie counts come mostly from the sugars in the blue agave that become alcohol.
How Many Calories are in 1 Ounce of Tequila?
one ounce has about 64 calories. That's less than beer or wine. Most calories in tequila come from the alcohol, not from sugar. So if you're trying to eat better, tequila isn't a bad pick. But if you take more than one shot, the calories can add up quickly. So next time you go for tequila, you know what you're getting into.
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Serving Size | 1 fl oz (no ice) |
Calories | 64 |
% Daily Values | |
Total Fat | 0g 0 |
Saturated Fat | 0g 0 |
Trans Fat | – |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 0g |
Monounsaturated Fat | 0g |
Cholesterol | 0mg 0 |
Sodium | 0mg 0 |
Total Carbohydrate | 0g 0 |
Dietary Fiber | 0g 0 |
Sugars | 0g |
Protein | 0g |
Vitamin D | – |
Calcium | 0mg 0 |
Iron | 0.01mg 0 |
Potassium | 1mg 0 |
Vitamin A | 0mcg 0 |
Vitamin C | 0mg 0 |
Tequila Calories: Different Serving Sizes
Serving Size | Calories |
---|---|
1 fl oz | 64 |
100 ml | 213 |
750 ml | 1,597 |
Sugar Content
Tequila doesn't contain any sugar. The sugar from the blue agave plant turns into alcohol when making tequila. So, when you drink tequila, you're not getting any extra sugar. This makes it a better option if you're worried about sugar-related health problems like diabetes or gaining weight.
Carbohydrates
Another nutritional aspect that many people keep an eye on is carbohydrates. Tequila comes out strong here as well. One ounce of tequila contains zero grams of carbohydrates. That makes it one of the better options if you're on a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow down cell damage. While fruits and vegetables are the most common sources of antioxidants, tequila also has some, albeit in smaller amounts.
Calorie Comparison: Tequila vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages
Here's how tequila stacks up against other popular options like beer, wine, and whiskey.
Beer
A regular 12-ounce can of beer has about 150 to 200 calories. Beer can really load you up on calories. If you're out with friends and have three or four beers, you're looking at a lot of calories fast. But with tequila, it's different. One ounce has around 64 calories. So, if you're watching those calories, beer ain't your best friend, but tequila is more like it.
Wine
A 5-ounce glass of wine sits at about 125 calories. Wine can be a bit tricky because the calorie count can vary based on the type. Dry wines tend to have fewer calories than sweet wines. Still, a glass of wine will generally have more calories than an ounce of tequila.
Whiskey
Whiskey is closer to tequila when it comes to calories. A standard 1.5-ounce serving of whiskey contains around 98 to 105 calories. It's higher than tequila but not by much. However, if you're a fan of mixed whiskey drinks, those extra ingredients can hike up the calorie count.
Beverage | Calories Per Serving | Serving Size |
---|---|---|
Tequila | 64 | 1 oz |
Beer | 150-200 | 12 oz can |
Wine | 125 | 5 oz glass |
Whiskey | 98-105 | 1.5 oz |
Conclusion
With 64 calories per ounce, tequila stands as a relatively low-calorie option compared to beer or wine. That's good news if you're watching your waistline. tequila offers you the kick without packing on too many calories. A good deal if you ask me. Just keep it in moderation and you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Cheers!
Reference – https://www.fatsecret.com/calories-nutrition/generic/tequila?portionid=340882&portionamount=1.000