Carbs in Red Wine and Is Red Wine Keto
on May 03, 2023
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Ever wonder how many carbs are in red wine? Is it keto? In this post, we’re covering everything you need to know about having red wine on keto, including carb count and the best types of wine to keep you on track with your health goals.
There’s nothing quite like that first sip of red wine after a long day. Known for its bold flavors and health benefits, red wine can be enjoyed on its own or paired with steak, cheese or dark chocolate. But if you’re on a keto diet, you may be wondering about the carb content of red wine and whether or not it fits into your low-carb meal plan.
What is Keto?
The keto diet (short for ketogenic diet) is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that has gained popularity over the last decade. By reducing your intake of carbs and increasing your consumption of healthy fats, you can shift your body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbs. With a typical diet, your body uses glucose from carbs as its main source of fuel. However, when carbohydrate intake is limited, the body begins to burn fat instead, resulting in faster weight loss.
To achieve ketosis, most keto dieters try to consume less than 50 grams of carbs per day. On a standard keto diet, 70% of your calories would come from fat, 20% from protein and only 10% from carbs. When you’re new to keto, it can be tricky to figure out which foods to remove from your diet and which ones can safely be included in your daily meal plan.
Is Red Wine Keto-Friendly?
If you’re on a keto diet, you’ll be glad to know that red wine can be enjoyed in moderation. With only 2-5 grams of carbs per serving, it’s easy to enjoy a glass of wine without exceeding your daily carb limit. Dry wines (which contain less sugar) are more suitable for keto than sweet wines.
Even though red wine is low-carb, there are still other factors to consider to ensure your keto efforts are successful. All types of alcohol can slow down the process of ketosis, causing you to burn less fat than you would typically expect on a keto diet. For this reason, it’s always best to consume alcoholic beverages in moderation when following the ketogenic diet.
What Does Red Wine Taste Like?
The taste of red wine can vary depending on the type and origin of the wine, as well as how long it was aged. Another factor affecting the taste of red wine is whether it’s sweet or dry. Generally speaking, red wine is known for its rich, bold flavors, featuring fruity, earthy or even spicy notes. Some common flavors of red wine include berries, plums, cherries, figs and raisins.
Red wine can be described as having a complex flavor profile that can range from fruity and bold, to earthy and subtle. Most wine lovers prefer red wine that has a balance of sweet, sour and bitter flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon, one of the most popular types of red wine, is full-bodied and fruity, without being too sweet.
How Many Net Carbs In Red Wine?
| Serving Size | Net Carbs |
| 1 fl. oz (29.4g) | 0.7 grams |
| 1 glass (147 g) | 3.8 grams |
| 100 grams | 2.6 grams |
Because red wine does not contain any fiber, the total amount of carbs is equal to its net carbs.
High-Carb Wine to Avoid
If you are looking to avoid high-carb wines, here are a few to keep in mind:
- Cheap wines with added sugar: Some cheaper wines have added sugars or other ingredients to enhance flavor, which can also increase the carb content.
- Sweet wines: Dessert wines and sweet wines, such as port, sherry, and late-harvest wines, tend to be higher in carbohydrates because they contain more residual sugar.
- Flavored wines: Flavored wines, such as fruit wines, may contain added sugars or syrups, which can increase the carb content.
Wine Nutrition (Macros)
How Many Carbs In Red Wine?
There are only 3.8 grams of carbs in a 5-ounce serving of Merlot, according to the USDA. Sweeter varieties of red wine will contain more carbs.
Fats
Red wine contains no fat.
Protein
There are 0 grams of protein in red wine.
Calories
The caloric content of red wine will vary, depending on the type and the serving size. An average 5-ounce glass of red wine contains 125 calories.
Keto Red Wine Substitutes
Besides red wine, you can also have some other keto-friendly drinks such as the following:
- White dry wine: Dry white wines such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio, are also low in carbs, with about 3-4 grams of carbs per 5-ounce serving.
- Champagne: Champagne is made from a blend of grapes, including chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier. Brut champagne typically contains less than 2 grams of carbohydrates per glass, making it a good option for keto dieters.
- Sparkling water with wine flavoring: You can also try adding a few drops of wine flavoring to sparkling water or seltzer for a low-carb alternative to wine. Be sure to choose a flavoring that is keto-friendly and doesn’t contain added sugars.
FAQ
Is Red Wine Good for A Low-Carb Diet?
With its low carbohydrate and sugar content, red wine can definitely be included in your low-carb diet. Red wine also offers beneficial antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to support a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, red wine has been associated with improved heart health, decreased blood sugar and protection against type 2 diabetes.
Nevertheless, it’s important to consume red wine in moderation, since it can be a source of empty calories. Another factor to note is that alcohol can slow down the rate at which your body burns fat in a state of ketosis. By limiting your intake to one glass per day, you can experience all the benefits of red wine without going overboard.
Which Red Wine Has the Least Carbs?
If you’re on a keto diet, your best bet is to avoid the sweeter red wines, since they tend to be higher in carbs. On the other hand, dry red wines are very low in carbs, with some varieties having as little as 1 gram per 5-ounce glass. Examples of dry, low-carb red wines include Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache. Other keto-friendly red wines include Pinotage, Merlot and Shiraz.
It’s definitely worth noting that the carb content can vary depending on the brand, so always check the nutrition facts before imbibing.
How Many Carbs Are in A 12-Ounce Glass of Red Wine?
There are 9.2 grams of carbs in 12 ounces of red wine, according to nutrition information from the USDA.
How Many Carbs Are in A 750ml Red Wine Bottle?
On average, a 750ml bottle of red wine has 19.5 grams of carbs. Of course, this number will vary depending on the specific type of red wine and where it falls on a scale of dry to sweet. With 4-5 servings per bottle, this works out to 3.9 to 4.9 grams per glass.
You May Also Like
Keto Red Wine Spritzer Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup red wine
- ½ cup club soda
- ice cubes
- orange slice, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Add a handful of ice cubes to a wine glass
- Pour the red wine over the ice, then top with club soda
- Add orange slice as garnish if preferred
- Enjoy immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
