Sparkling cider, also known as hard cider, is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice. It’s a popular drink option during the fall and winter months and is often served around the holidays as a non-alcoholic alternative to champagne. But can you drink sparkling cider if you are pregnant, underage, avoiding alcohol, or have certain health conditions? Here’s what you need to know about who can and cannot drink sparkling cider.
Is there alcohol in sparkling cider?
Sparkling cider contains alcohol if it is hard cider. Hard ciders typically contain 4-6% alcohol by volume, similar to beer. On the other hand, non-alcoholic sparkling ciders contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume. These are produced by halting the fermentation process early so that little to no alcohol develops. Non-alcoholic sparkling ciders may also be dealcoholized, where the alcohol is removed after fermentation.
So in summary:
- Hard sparkling cider is alcoholic.
- Non-alcoholic sparkling cider contains minimal or no alcohol.
It’s important to read the label closely to determine if a sparkling cider product contains alcohol or not. Terms like “hard cider” and noting the alcohol by volume percentage indicate an alcoholic beverage. Phrases like “non-alcoholic” confirm no or negligible alcohol content.
Can you drink sparkling cider if you’re pregnant?
Pregnant women are advised to avoid drinking alcohol, including hard sparkling cider. Alcohol passes freely through the placenta to the baby, who cannot process it well. Drinking during pregnancy increases risks like:
- Miscarriage
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Birth defects
- Developmental disorders
Non-alcoholic sparkling cider that contains less than 0.5% alcohol is considered safe for pregnant women to consume in moderation (no more than 4 ounces per day). Still, it’s best to confirm with your doctor.
Can you drink sparkling cider if you’re underage?
The legal drinking age in the United States is 21 years old. Hard sparkling cider cannot be legally consumed by those under 21 years of age. However, non-alcoholic sparkling cider is acceptable for people of any age to drink.
Can you drink sparkling cider if you’re avoiding alcohol?
People avoiding alcohol for personal, religious, or health reasons need to abstain from hard sparkling cider. Non-alcoholic sparkling cider can be enjoyed instead. Even those in alcohol recovery programs can often consume sparkling ciders with less than 0.5% alcohol content.
Can you drink sparkling cider if you have health conditions?
Those with certain health conditions may need to avoid alcoholic drinks like hard sparkling cider. These include:
- Liver disease – Alcohol can further damage an already compromised liver.
- Digestive conditions – Alcohol can worsen issues like gastritis, GERD, and ulcers.
- Diabetes – Alcohol can cause blood sugar fluctuations.
- Autoimmune disorders – Alcohol may exacerbate diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and celiac disease.
- Mental health disorders – Alcohol may interfere with medications and worsen conditions like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
Those with health concerns should consult their doctor about whether any amount of alcohol, including hard sparkling cider, is safe for them to consume. Non-alcoholic sparkling cider is often a good alternative.
Who should not drink sparkling cider?
The following groups of people should avoid drinking hard sparkling cider:
- Pregnant women
- People under the legal drinking age
- Individuals avoiding alcohol for any reason
- Those with certain medical conditions affected by alcohol
Non-alcoholic sparkling cider can be enjoyed by anyone as an alcohol-free alternative.
Who can drink sparkling cider?
The following groups of people can safely consume hard sparkling cider in moderation:
- Healthy adults over the legal drinking age
- Non-pregnant women
- People without medical conditions affected by alcohol
Additionally, non-alcoholic sparkling cider can be consumed by anyone, including:
- Children
- Pregnant women
- People avoiding alcohol
- Those with medical conditions
Is sparkling cider gluten-free?
Most sparkling ciders are gluten-free, meaning they are safe for people with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. Sparkling cider is made from apples, which naturally contain no gluten. However, some flavored sparkling ciders may contain added ingredients with gluten, like barley or wheat. Check the label to confirm the cider is gluten-free if required.
Does sparkling cider have sugar?
| Sparkling Cider Type | Sugar Content |
|---|---|
| Dry sparkling cider | 0-1 grams sugar per serving |
| Semi-sweet sparkling cider | 10-15 grams sugar per serving |
| Sweet sparkling cider | Over 15 grams sugar per serving |
Yes, most sparkling ciders do contain sugar, but the amount varies based on the sweetness level. Dry ciders contain little to no sugar, while sweet ciders may have over 15 grams of sugar per serving. Those limiting sugar intake should opt for drier ciders or dilute sweet ciders with club soda.
Does sparkling cider have carbs?
Sparkling cider contains carbohydrates from naturally-occurring sugars in apples. A 5 ounce glass of sweet sparkling cider has around 15 grams of carbohydrates. Dry ciders have minimal carbs, closer to 1-2 grams per serving. The carb and sugar content directly correlate, so drier ciders will be lower in carbs than sweet varieties.
Is sparkling cider keto-friendly?
Dry hard sparkling ciders may fit into ketogenic diets, which restrict carbs to 25-50 grams daily. A 5 ounce serving of dry cider has under 5 grams of carbs. However, sweet sparkling ciders that are higher in carbs and sugar should be limited or avoided on a keto diet.
Does sparkling cider have calories?
Sparkling cider contains calories, but the amount depends on factors like:
- Alcohol content – Hard ciders have more calories from alcohol.
- Sweetness level – Sweeter ciders have more calories from sugar.
- Serving size – Smaller 4-5 ounce servings have fewer calories than full glasses.
A typical calorie range per 5 ounce serving is:
- Dry hard cider: 100-120 calories
- Sweet hard cider: 120-170 calories
- Non-alcoholic cider: 90-110 calories
Does sparkling cider expire?
Yes, sparkling cider does expire and has a limited shelf life after opening. Unopened, hard cider lasts 2-4 months refrigerated or up to a year frozen. Once opened, it should be consumed within 2 weeks. Non-alcoholic cider lasts 5-7 days refrigerated after opening. Expired ciders may smell or taste off.
Can sparkling cider be frozen?
You can freeze both hard and non-alcoholic sparkling ciders with minimal quality loss. To freeze cider:
- Pour cider into a plastic freezer bag or freezer-safe container.
- Remove as much air as possible.
- Seal and freeze for up to one year.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Freezing can help extend the shelf life of opened ciders. However, freezing and thawing will diminish carbonation, so frozen ciders may become still rather than sparkling.
Can dogs drink sparkling cider?
It’s best to avoid giving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic sparkling cider to dogs. Reasons include:
- Alcohol toxicity – Even small amounts of alcohol can sicken dogs.
- Gut upset – Artificial sweeteners and carbonation may cause digestive issues.
- No nutritional value – Cider offers empty calories and sugar without health benefits.
- Weight gain – The extra calories contribute to pet obesity.
If you want to offer your dog an apple treat, try fresh apple slices or an unsweetened apple sauce instead of sparkling cider.
Is sparkling cider pasteurized?
Most major sparkling cider producers pasteurize their ciders before bottling. Pasteurization involves heating the cider to high temperatures for a period of time to kill harmful bacteria like E. coli and Listeria. This helps prevent foodborne illness and increase shelf life.
Unpasteurized or raw ciders are less common. While some feel they have a fresher, more natural flavor, there are greater food safety risks with raw ciders.
Conclusion
In summary, most healthy adults over 21 can safely enjoy alcoholic hard sparkling cider in moderation. However, children, pregnant women, anyone avoiding alcohol, and those with certain medical conditions should opt for non-alcoholic sparkling ciders instead. All types of sparkling cider should be consumed promptly before expiration and limited in frequency for pets. Checking the label for details like alcohol content, sugar, and pasteurization can help determine if a sparkling cider is suitable for your individual dietary needs and restrictions.