Last Updated on February 24, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Tequila, a beloved spirit made from the Blue Weber agave plant in Mexico, has gained popularity for its rich cultural significance and potential health benefits.
Yes, tequila is one of the most healthy alcoholic beverages, but not all agave tequila is healthy.
So, what is the healthiest tequila?
We have engaged in conversations with a diverse panel of experts, including medical professionals and devoted tequila enthusiasts with an intimate knowledge of the beverage.
What is the Healthiest Tequila?
Tequila blanco is the healthiest tequila but it should be made with “100 percent agave,” and has no additives.
Blanco tequilas are generally bottled right away after the fermentation process and distillation with no added sugars.
In addition, Tequila blanco has fewer calories than other tequilas. For instance, a shot of blanco tequila has 67-97 calories, while a shot of añejo tequila has 100-10 calories per shot.
Since aged tequilas are usually aged in used oak barrels before bottling, it may impart leftover compounds from the previous spirit in the barrel.
“We have a lot of trainers and fitness gurus who come in and drink every day — and the way they’re able to do that is to stick to pure agave spirits.”
-Jason Eisner, Beverage director of a vegan Mexican restaurant
However, tequilas with other sugars (like corn syrup) may contain additives and flavoring chemicals.
Does 100 Percent Agave Make Tequila Healthy?
Yes, the 100% agave plant makes the tequila healthy. Drinking tequila made from 100% blue agave has been linked to lower cholesterol and blood sugar than other alcoholic beverages.
However, there are agave spirits not made from pure agave, like Mixto. Mixto tequilas can contain up to 49 percent alcohol from other sources.
These sources may include high fructose corn syrups and fermented grains, less healthy than blanco tequila and other tequila.
It’s important to check and look for the “100% agave” label to guarantee that it’s purely made from agave alone and that there’s no added sugar.
Type of Tequila & Its Additives
Aged
Tequila is made from agave plant, and aged tequilas are called Reposado, Anejos, and extra-anejos. These tequilas are usually aged in used whiskey barrels to impart some flavors.
But aside from the flavors, the agave tequila may absorb what’s leftover from the previous spirit aged in that barrel.
Other additives usually include oak extract to make it seem like it’s been aged longer and caramel to impart a vivid color.
Gold
Gold tequilas are often “mixtos,” which means that besides from agave, the alcohol can be sourced from other sugars and may contain additives and flavoring chemicals.
The most common additives include sweeteners, flavor enhancers, glycerin, and coloring that are not healthy for you.
While gold tequilas are made with 100 percent agave, it’s often a mixture of Blanco and aged tequilas.
Blanco
Blanco is the purest type of tequila with no added additives and is bottled directly after distillation. Blanco or silver tequila usually has more profound agave flavors.
A Blanco is usually a clear spirit, which is low on congeners compared to aged spirits. Congeners are what make a hangover worse.
5 Healthiest Blanco Tequilas
1. Espolon
Average Price: Roughly $47.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Espolon is a health-conscious tequila that’s carb-free with no added sugars. Its primary ingredients are blue agave, water, and natural yeasts.
Espolon is also gluten-free and keto-friendly. As a carb-free tequila, it won’t consume your daily net carb allowance, making it a healthier choice if you are drinking tequila.
Though it didn’t disclose the use of additives, it’s very unlikely or minimal since I’ve been drinking this blanco tequila, but it doesn’t taste artificial.
2. Herradura
Average Price: Roughly $40.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Herradura blanco tequila is produced by one of Mexico’s oldest and most respected distilleries. It’s made from naturally grown agave plants in their 25,000-acre field.
Herradura is a healthy tequila made with 100% blue agave. Like all quality and authentic tequila, Herradura is gluten-free, keto-friendly, and has no added sugars.
3. Casa Noble
Average Price: Roughly $38.99 (ABC)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Casa Noble is one of the USDA’s first tequila brands to be certified organic.
Their tequilas are all made from 100% organic blue agave grown on-site in their 3,000 estate farm.
They also use new, lightly toasted French oak barrels instead of used whiskey barrels.
Casa Noble adapts sustainable farming practices, uses no chemicals, and has no spillage in the production process.
4. Cazadores
Average Price: Roughly $35.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Cazadores is famous for believing that Mozart’s music improves their yeasts’ performance during fermentation to produce a much better tequila.
Cazadores is known for its 7-step production process. It is also made with 100 % agave, with no fats, carbs, or added sugars, so it’s healthy.
5. Sauza
Average Price: Roughly $20.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: The Sauza family is who we can thank for what the tequila industry is in the present.
They’ve made Mexico acknowledge the town of Tequila as the only source of tequila.
“In moderation, tequila isn’t just a drink; it’s a heart-healthy choice.”
-Liquor Laboratory
Sauza is, of course, made with 100 percent blue Weber agave with no added sugar, zero carbohydrates, zero fats, and gluten-free.
FAQs Related to What is the Healthiest Tequila?
What makes a tequila “healthy”?
Tequila is made from the fermented and distilled juices of the blue agave plant. Some argue that tequila has health benefits due to certain compounds found in the agave plant, such as agavins, which are a type of natural sugar that may have a lower glycemic index compared to other sweeteners.
Additionally, tequila is naturally gluten-free, which may be beneficial for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Is there such a thing as “healthy” tequila?
While tequila may have some potential health benefits compared to other alcoholic beverages, it’s essential to consume it in moderation.
Excessive alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on health, including liver damage, addiction, and increased risk of certain diseases. Therefore, it’s essential to enjoy tequila responsibly as part of a balanced lifestyle.
What should I look for when choosing a healthy tequila?
When choosing a tequila, consider the following factors:
100% Agave: Look for tequilas labeled as “100% Agave,” which means they are made entirely from the fermented and distilled juices of the blue agave plant without added sugars or other additives.
Certifications: Check for certifications such as the Tequila Regulatory Council’s seal (Consejo Regulador del Tequila, or CRT), which ensures that the tequila meets specific standards of production and authenticity.
Natural Ingredients: Opt for tequilas made with natural ingredients and minimal additives or artificial flavors.
Aging Process: Consider whether you prefer blanco (unaged), reposado (aged for 2-12 months), añejo (aged for 1-3 years), or extra añejo (aged for over 3 years) tequila. While the aging process can affect the flavor and complexity of the tequila, it doesn’t necessarily impact its healthiness.
Does the aging process affect the healthiness of tequila?
The aging process primarily affects the flavor profile and characteristics of tequila rather than its healthiness. Blanco tequila, which is unaged and typically clear, has a crisp and fresh flavor profile. Reposado and añejo tequilas, which are aged in oak barrels, develop more complex flavors with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
While aged tequilas may contain higher levels of congeners, compounds that contribute to flavor and aroma, there isn’t substantial evidence to suggest that the aging process significantly impacts the healthiness of tequila.
Are there any health benefits associated with drinking tequila?
Some studies suggest that moderate consumption of tequila made from 100% agave may have fewer additives and congeners, potentially reducing the risk of certain health issues compared to other spirits.
Can tequila be part of a healthy diet?
Tequila can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation and alongside a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
What are congeners, and why are they important when considering tequila’s healthiness?
Congeners are chemical compounds produced during the fermentation and aging process of alcohol. While they contribute to flavor, excessive consumption of congeners may increase the risk of hangovers and other health issues.
Are there specific brands or types of tequila considered healthier than others?
Some consumers prefer tequilas made from organic or sustainably sourced agave, which may align with their preferences for healthier and more environmentally friendly options.
Can I enjoy tequila cocktails and still maintain a healthy lifestyle?
Yes, enjoying tequila cocktails in moderation and opting for cocktails made with fresh ingredients and minimal added sugars can be part of a balanced lifestyle. Remember to drink responsibly and stay hydrated.
Key Takeaways
Blanco tequilas are the healthiest tequila since they are usually bottled directly after distillation, leaving no room for impurities.
Don’t be confused with the labels. Look for the “100 percent agave” mark on the bottle. Know the difference between pure agave and Mixto tequila.
Since manufacturers don’t oblige to disclose what’s in a Mixto bottle, it can be made with at least 51 percent agave and 49 percent of other sugar sources- like corn, sugar cane, and grains.
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