Does Vodka Have Carbs? The Complete Guide to Vodka and Your Diet

So vodka is made from potatoes. And potatoes are loaded with carbs, right? That may be true, but it’s not as simple as you might think. We’re here to dispel the myths and distil the facts, so you can learn how many carbohydrates are in a shot of vodka.  

This guide will explain more about the calories in vodka and answer the all-important question: Does vodka have carbs? 

But before we twist the cap, it’s important to note that this information is for adults of legal drinking age only. Please drink responsibly and remember that vodka is not a ‘health’ drink – and should not be treated as a dietary aid.

What Is In Vodka? Understanding the Basics 

Before we can explain the calorie count and carbohydrate value in vodka, it’s important to understand how vodka is made and what it’s actually made from. The production process can significantly impact vodka’s nutritional profile. 

Vodka is a distilled spirit, most commonly made from grains or potatoes, but other ingredients can be used too. Distillation is a process that creates a purified spirit by separating the fermented ‘mash’ (the base ingredient and water) from the liquid alcohol. With a bit of patience and a lot of know-how, the spirit you enjoy is made. 

Carbohydrate Content in Vodka: The Facts

While the base ingredients – potatoes, grains or fruits – are packed with nutrients, the vodka distillation process removes all of this, so all that’s left is a pure spirit made up of ethanol (alcohol) and water. 

Vodka itself has zero carbs, and the distillation process removes sugars. But bear in mind that if you mix the spirit with a mixer that contains sugar, like lemonade or cola, the calories and sugar value will rise.  

Some flavoured types of vodka can also have added calories. For example, if the additional extracts and ingredients to create the flavour contain sugars.  

For the full breakdown of nutritional information, you can take a look at the label on the bottle and decide if it’s right for you. 

Compared to other alcoholic drinks, vodka has one of the lowest carb values. For example, a medium glass of white wine (175ml) has around 130 calories and 5g of carbs. 

Is Vodka Vegan?

While most spirits use plant-based ingredients in the distillation process, some parts of the production processes may not be vegan-friendly, as filtration methods exist that use animal proteins, which won’t be acceptable for many vegans. 

To make Absolut Vodka, we use charcoal filtration, so no animal products are used in the ingredients or production process. If you have any concerns about a product being vegan-friendly, be sure to check the labelling on the individual product or contact us. 

How Many Carbohydrates Are in a Shot of Vodka? 

Most vodkas, including Absolut, contain zero carbs. So one shot of vodka has 0g of carbs. Bear in mind that some flavoured spirits, or if you’re using a mixer, can add carbohydrates to the drink. 

While it doesn’t have carbs, vodka does have calories (from the alcohol itself). A regular 25ml shot typically contains around 55 calories, but this can vary depending on the alcohol content and if any sugar is added. 

To get a proper sense of the nutritional structure of a 25ml shot of vodka, we can break down the macros. We’re using a 25ml shot of 80 proof (40%) vodka as our reference: 

• Carbohydrates – 0g 

• Calories – 55 

• Sugars – 0g 

• Fiber – 0g 

• Fat – 0g 

• Cholesterol – 0g 

• Vitamins – 0g 

• Minerals – 0g 

• Sodium – 0g 

Conclusion: Enjoying Vodka Mindfully Within Your Diet 

While we’ve answered how many carbohydrates are in a shot of vodka, it’s always a good idea to double-check the bottle label or get in touch with us before consuming – a sure way to get the information you need. 

Please remember that carb-free doesn’t make it a ‘health’ drink, nor is it a substitute for eating a balanced diet. If you ever have any questions or concerns about nutrition, you should consult a healthcare professional.