Skinnygirl is a popular brand of low-calorie vodka made by Beam Suntory. Its claim to fame is that it has fewer calories and carbs than regular vodka, making it an appealing option for people watching their weight or calories.
But one common question people have is: does Skinnygirl vodka have sugar in it? The short answer is no, Skinnygirl vodka does not contain sugar. However, there are some important caveats to understand about how Skinnygirl achieves its low-calorie count without added sugars.
How Skinnygirl Reduces Calories
Regular vodka typically has around 100 calories per 1.5 ounce serving (one shot), all of which come from the alcohol itself.
Skinnygirl cuts the calorie count to around 60 calories per serving through a couple methods:
– Using natural flavorings instead of added sugar. Flavored vodkas often boost sweetness with sugars, but Skinnygirl relies on natural fruit flavors to provide sweetness without added sugars.
– Diluting the alcohol content slightly. Skinnygirl vodkas are bottled at 30% ABV (60 proof) rather than the more typical 40% ABV (80 proof) of most vodkas. The lower alcohol content accounts for some of the calorie reduction.
So in summary, Skinnygirl achieves its low-calorie, low-carb status through flavoring techniques and slightly diluting the vodka. But it does not add any extraneous sugars in the process.
Nutrition Facts for Skinnygirl Vodkas
Looking at the nutrition facts labels on various Skinnygirl vodkas confirms that they contain 0g of sugar per serving.
For example, here are the nutrition facts for two of Skinnygirl’s most popular flavors:
Skinnygirl Cucumber Vodka
| Serving Size | 1.5 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Calories | 65 |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Sugars | 0g |
Skinnygirl White Cranberry Vodka
| Serving Size | 1.5 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Calories | 65 |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Sugars | 0g |
As you can see, both nutrition labels list 0g of sugar per 1.5 oz serving. This confirms Skinnygirl’s statement that their vodkas are sugar-free.
The Sweeteners Used in Skinnygirl
So if Skinnygirl doesn’t use sugar to sweeten their vodkas, what sweeteners do they use?
Most of Skinnygirl’s sweetness comes from the natural flavors used. For example, the White Cranberry flavor contains cranberry extract to provide a sweet, fruity taste without added sugars.
However, some Skinnygirl flavors do contain non-nutritive zero-calorie sweeteners such as stevia leaf extract or sucralose. These artificial sweeteners provide sweetness without calories or carbohydrates.
Here are some examples of Skinnygirl flavors containing non-nutritive sweeteners:
– Skinnygirl Tangerine Vodka: Contains sucralose
– Skinnygirl Meyer Lemon Vodka: Contains stevia leaf extract
– Skinnygirl White Peach Vodka: Contains sucralose
So while these vodkas aren’t sweetened with real sugar, they do contain artificial sweeteners that provide sweetness with no calories or carbs.
Does Flavored Vodka Have More Sugar Than Unflavored?
Some people may wonder whether flavored vodka contains more sugar than regular unflavored vodka. But in Skinnygirl’s case, that’s not true.
Even Skinnygirl’s flavored vodkas contain 0g sugar, while regular unflavored vodka also has no sugar.
The only exception would be flavored vodkas from other brands that use added sugars for sweetness. For example, Absolut vodka’s flavors such as Citron and Berri Açai do contain sugar, while their unflavored vodka does not.
But for Skinnygirl, the nutrition information is the same for flavored and unflavored – no sugars are added in either case. So flavor preference is more a matter of taste rather than sugar content.
Does Skinnygirl Vodka Have Carbs?
Related to the sugar content is the question: does Skinnygirl vodka have carbs?
Again, the answer is no. Skinnygirl vodka contains zero grams of carbohydrates per serving, as confirmed by their nutrition labels.
Unflavored vodka in general contains very minimal carbs, only around 0-0.5g per shot. The alcohol (ethanol) provides around 100 calories per shot but no carbs.
Flavored vodkas sometimes contain more carbs if sugars are added during the flavoring process. But since Skinnygirl doesn’t add sugar, their carb count stays at 0g per serving for all flavors.
Is Skinnygirl Vodka Gluten-Free?
Many people also wonder: is Skinnygirl gluten-free vodka?
The answer is yes, Skinnygirl vodka is certified gluten-free.
Vodka by nature rarely contains gluten since it’s distilled from fermented grains. The distillation process removes the gluten protein from the original grains used (often wheat, rye, or barley).
However, some vodka brands add flavorings or sugars in the final product that may contain gluten. So vodka isn’t automatically gluten-free – a brand must use gluten-free ingredients and processes to earn a gluten-free certification.
Skinnygirl uses all gluten-free ingredients and processes, so those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can safely consume Skinnygirl vodka without issue.
Is Skinnygirl Vodka Keto-Friendly?
The keto diet emphasizes low carb eating, so followers of this diet often ask: can you drink Skinnygirl vodka on keto?
The answer is yes, Skinnygirl vodka is keto-friendly since it contains zero carbs and sugar.
When drinking alcohol on keto, liquor generally is the best low-carb option compared to beer or mixed drinks with soda, juice, or other sugary mixers. Skinnygirl vodka has no carbs, so it won’t knock you out of ketosis or slow your weight loss.
Of course, moderation is still key – excessive alcohol consumption can stall weight loss on any diet. But an occasional Skinnygirl vodka shot or cocktail made with diet soda or zero-carb mixers can fit into a keto eating plan.
Is Skinnygirl Vodka Considered a Healthy Alcohol Option?
Given its low calorie and sugar-free claims, some view Skinnygirl as a healthier vodka choice compared to regular 80-proof vodka or sugary flavored vodkas. But does it actually qualify as a healthy alcohol option?
Most experts say no alcoholic beverage is truly healthy, including Skinnygirl. Some drawbacks to consider:
– The lower 30% alcohol content means you may need to drink more to feel effects. Consuming more alcohol raises health risks and calories, counteracting the lower ABV.
– Artificial sweeteners used may negatively impact gut health. Some studies link sucralose and stevia to reduced gut microbe diversity.
– Alcohol impairs liver function and raises cancer risks even in moderation. Vodka is not any safer than other alcoholic drinks.
So while Skinnygirl vodka may be better than full-sugar alternatives, it doesn’t mean it’s considered healthy. Moderation and accountability for intake volume are still key.
Is Skinnygirl Vodka Good for Weight Loss?
Skinnygirl markets itself as a weight loss aid, but is it actually helpful for losing weight?
Unfortunately, no studies confirm that choosing Skinnygirl over other vodkas will help you lose more weight. Some factors to consider:
– Calories still add up quickly when drinking alcohol in excess, regardless of lower ABV products. Portion control is key.
– Artificial sweeteners may increase cravings for sugary foods and drinks. Diet foods can backfire and undermine weight loss efforts.
– Alcohol lowers inhibitions, making you more likely to make poor food choices while drinking.
– Frequent heavy drinking can hinder weight loss due to excess calories and effects on metabolism.
Overall, enjoying the occasional Skinnygirl drink with portion control could fit into an otherwise healthy diet. But relying on it as a weight loss solution often backfires. A balanced lifestyle is more important for lasting results.
The Takeaway on Skinnygirl Vodka and Sugar
So in summary, here’s the key takeaways on Skinnygirl vodka’s sugar content:
– Skinnygirl vodka contains zero grams of sugar per serving.
– It achieves sweet flavors using natural fruit flavors, not added sugars.
– Some flavors contain non-nutritive sweeteners like stevia and sucralose for sweetness instead of sugar.
– Skinnygirl also has zero carbs and is gluten-free.
– While lower in calories than regular vodka, Skinnygirl should still be enjoyed in moderation.
– Relying on low-calorie alcoholic drinks rarely leads to successful long-term weight loss on its own.
So if you’re looking for a reduced calorie flavored vodka without sugary additives, Skinnygirl is a solid option. Just be sure to pour reasonably and pair with low-calorie mixers or enjoy on the rocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Skinnygirl vodka and sugar content:
Does Skinnygirl vodka have any sugar at all?
No, Skinnygirl vodka contains absolutely zero grams of sugar per serving, including flavored varieties.
What sweeteners are used in Skinnygirl vodka?
Natural fruit flavor extracts provide most of the sweetness. Some flavors also contain non-nutritive sweeteners like stevia leaf extract and sucralose. But no added sugars are used.
Is Skinnygirl vodka keto-friendly?
Yes, Skinnygirl vodka is keto-friendly and can fit into a low-carb ketogenic diet since it contains zero carbs or sugar. Moderation is still key.
Is Skinnygirl healthier than regular vodka?
While lower in calories than regular 80-proof vodkas, Skinnygirl is not considered healthier overall. As an alcoholic beverage, it should still be consumed in moderation.
Will Skinnygirl vodka help me lose weight?
On its own, no – simply swapping to a lower calorie vodka won’t lead to significant weight loss without also controlling overall alcohol intake and following a healthy diet.