Alcohol
Provides calories but no nutrients — best limited.
What is Alcohol?
The alcohol (ethanol) in beer, wine and spirits is not a nutrient, but it does supply energy — 7 calories per gram, second only to fat. Those are "empty" calories with no vitamins or minerals. The body treats alcohol as a toxin and prioritizes clearing it, which is why it affects so many systems.
Health benefits of Alcohol
- Provides energy (7 calories per gram), but without any nutrients
- No level of drinking is recommended for health reasons
Top food sources of Alcohol
See full rankingBeer, wine, cider, spirits and liqueurs, and foods cooked with them. Values shown per 100 g.
Alcoholic beverage, distilled, all (gin, rum, vodka, whiskey) 100 proof
42.5 g
Alcoholic beverage, distilled, all (gin, rum, vodka, whiskey) 94 proof
39.7 g
Alcoholic beverage, distilled, all (gin, rum, vodka, whiskey) 90 proof
37.9 g
Alcoholic beverage, distilled, gin, 90 proof
37.9 g
Alcoholic beverage, distilled, whiskey, 86 proof
36.0 g
Alcoholic beverage, distilled, all (gin, rum, vodka, whiskey) 86 proof
36.0 g
Vanilla extract
34.4 g
Alcoholic beverage, distilled, all (gin, rum, vodka, whiskey) 80 proof
33.4 g
Alcoholic beverage, distilled, rum, 80 proof
33.4 g
Alcoholic beverage, distilled, vodka, 80 proof
33.4 g
Vanilla extract, imitation, alcohol
32.9 g
Alcoholic beverage, creme de menthe, 72 proof
29.8 g
How much Alcohol do you need?
There is no recommended intake. Guidelines suggest, if drinking at all, no more than one drink a day for women and two for men — and that not drinking is the safest choice.
Alcohol deficiency
Alcohol is not a nutrient, so there is no requirement and no deficiency — many people drink none at all.
Can you have too much Alcohol?
Regular or heavy drinking is linked to liver disease, several cancers, high blood pressure and dependence. Health authorities advise that less is better, and none is safest.
Nutrition data per 100 g from the USDA & FooDB databases. Daily Values follow the FDA 2016+ labeling standard for a 2,000-calorie diet. This guide is for general information and is not medical advice.
Related nutrients
Frequently asked questions
What does Alcohol do?
The alcohol (ethanol) in beer, wine and spirits is not a nutrient, but it does supply energy — 7 calories per gram, second only to fat. Those are "empty" calories with no vitamins or minerals. The body treats alcohol as a toxin and prioritizes clearing it, which is why it affects so many systems.
How much Alcohol do I need per day?
There is no recommended intake. Guidelines suggest, if drinking at all, no more than one drink a day for women and two for men — and that not drinking is the safest choice.
Which foods are highest in Alcohol?
Per 100 g, some of the richest sources are Alcoholic beverage, distilled, all (gin, rum, vodka, whiskey) 100 proof, Alcoholic beverage, distilled, all (gin, rum, vodka, whiskey) 94 proof, Alcoholic beverage, distilled, all (gin, rum, vodka, whiskey) 90 proof, Alcoholic beverage, distilled, gin, 90 proof, Alcoholic beverage, distilled, whiskey, 86 proof.
What happens if I don't get enough Alcohol?
Alcohol is not a nutrient, so there is no requirement and no deficiency — many people drink none at all.
Can you have too much Alcohol?
Regular or heavy drinking is linked to liver disease, several cancers, high blood pressure and dependence. Health authorities advise that less is better, and none is safest.