Hard cider is basically the rosé of the fall—festive AF and crazy-delicious.
But—sorry to be the bearer of bad news here—there is going to be a fair amount of sugar in each glass (or bottle…depending on your cider of choice).
“Because it’s fermented with fruits like apples, peaches, and pears, all of which are naturally high in sugar, cider actually has a much higher sugar content overall than beer, which is fermented with lower-sugar grains,” explains dietician Samantha Rigoli, R.D., founder of Healthy to the Core in New York City.
That doesn’t mean you have to avoid it entirely if you’re trying to lose weight, though. In fact, cider may even have an edge on beer (despite the sugar levels) because beer has a higher alcohol content—which also means more calories.
There are seven calories per gram in alcohol, Rigoli notes, so the higher your drink’s alcohol content, the more calories it has.
That means if you’re looking to drop a few pounds—and still get your drink on—you should choose ciders with a lower alcohol content. “Anywhere from 4.5 to 5.5% alcohol, rather than 7 to 10% alcohol, is a good range,” says Rigoli, so you’re not hitting your body with the sugar-alcohol one-two punch. These picks all hit that sweet spot.
1. Ciderboys First Press
This cider’s described as “sweet, crisp, and tart,” but also, look at how pretty that packaging is.
Per serving: 180 cal, 0 g fat (0 g sat), 24 g carbs, 24 g sugar, 10 mg sodium, 0 g protein; 5.0% ABV
2. Woodchuck Amber Hard Cider
This cider, made with bittersweet apples, is for those who prefer a drier flavor.
Per serving: 160 cal,0 g fat (0 g sat), 13 g carbs, 9 g sugar, 10 mg sodium, 0 g protein; 5.5% ABV
3. Strongbow Cider Gold Apple
Several different apple varieties make up this cider, striking a balance between sweet and sour.
Per serving: 172 cal, 0 g fat (0 g sat), 19 g carbs, 19 g sugar, 10 mg sodium, 0 g protein; 5.0% ABV
4. Stella Artois Cidre
This one blends three types of apples to create a crisp and refreshing finish.
Per serving: 180 cal, 0 g fat (0 g sat), 22 g carbs, 17 g sugar, 70 mg sodium, <1 g protein; 4.5% ABV
5. Angry Orchard Green Apple Hard Cider
Get that fresh, tart green apple taste with hints of melon and kiwi.
Per serving: 210 cal, 0 g fat (0 g sat), 31 g carbs, 21 g sugar, 10 mg sodium, 0 g protein; 5.0% ABV
6. Austin Eastciders Ruby Red Grapefruit Cider
This one’s perfect for when you’re ready for fall, but not quite set to give up on summer.
Per serving: 160 cal, 0 g fat (0 g sat), 17 g carbs, 13 g sugar, 20 mg sodium, 0 g protein; 5.0% ABV
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