Are Additive-Free Spirits Actually Healthier?

Spirits have long been influenced by marketing and hype, even before today’s age of influencers. But over the past few years, one of the most talked about narratives has been additives. 

Distilled spirits like whiskey, Cognac, tequila, and rum have been allowed certain finishing touches, whether it’s caramel coloring for appearance, or sugar to round out flavor. Some producers argue that the tweaks are simply part of the craft, while critics say they obscure what’s in the bottle. But beyond this debate lies another question: If a spirit is made without additives, does that mean it’s healthier? 

Which additives are in spirits?

Additives, and their amounts, vary by spirit, but common ones are caramel coloring, sweeteners, glycerin, and oak extract. The Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT), for example, says that tequila may contain up to 1% of these four additives, while Cognac’s AOC states that it can contain up to 4% additives that include sugar, caramel coloring, and a wood flavoring called boisé. Many vodkas contain small amounts of sugar, glycerin, and citric acid.

Whiskey is less straightforward, as rules differ across countries and categories. Scotland and Ireland only permit caramel coloring, while Canada allows up to 9.09% additives, often wine or sherry, plus coloring.

Many American whiskeys are allowed up to 2.5% additives. However, bourbon cannot contain any additives, while the newly recognized American single malt only allows caramel coloring, which must be stated on the label. Rum is similarly dependent on geography, with different regulations in different countries.

Why do producers use additives?

Distillers introduce additives for a variety of reasons, but they’re commonly used to adjust the liquid’s flavor, texture, and appearance to ensure consistency across batches. 

Sugar may be used to soften harsh edges or create a smoother taste profile. Glycerin amplifies a spirit’s mouthfeel to make it more viscous on the palate, and caramel coloring is done mostly for aesthetics. Darker colors can suggest a spirit is older than it is, but often caramel coloring simply ensures that batches are uniform. Oak extract adds more barrel-derived flavors to boost classic oaky notes like vanilla and baking spice.

Additives may be used to mask inferior products. But countless brands, including many of the biggest, oldest, and most respected brands, use them. To imply that additives are inherently bad is perhaps too broad of a statement.

Are additives bad for your health?

In most cases, additive use in spirits is subtle, and it rarely makes a meaningful impact on calories or nutrient profiles, says Debbie Petitpain, MBA, RDN, an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson. According to the FDA, these additives are “generally recognized as safe.” This means that “experts agree they are safe when used in the small amounts typically found in foods and beverages,” says Petitpain. She says that many of these ingredients have been part of the food supply for decades. 

Outside of the four most common additives, others may include artificial flavor essences, citric acid or other acids used to adjust a spirit’s pH levels. Some producers use propylene glycol, a cheaper alternative to glycerin that increases viscosity, reduces the perception of harshness, and helps stabilize ingredients, says Maria Emerick, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Honolulu. Sulfites, often added to wine and beer for preservation, are used little in distilled spirits, says Emerick, “as the distillation process removes most impurities.” This makes them “a safe choice for those with sulfite sensitivity, which can trigger asthma or allergies,” she says.

So, are additive-free spirits actually any healthier?

It’s a fair question, but one that may miss the point.

“The health risks of alcohol outweigh the risks of any of the additives spirits may contain,” says registered dietitian Avery Zenker. “One concern is that the additive-free claim on alcoholic drinks may have a ‘health halo’ effect, making the drink seem healthier than it is, leading to increased consumption.”  

“The most important considerations are moderation and overall drinking patterns, not whether the product contains small amounts of approved additives,” says Petitpain. She advises to stay within the recommended limits (up to one drink per day for women, and two for men) and avoid high-sugar mixers. This practice “typically has a far greater impact on health than choosing additive-free spirits,” she says.

Consumers who value minimal processing or traditional production methods may still seek out additive-free spirits. Emerick suggests reviewing labels and brand websites, and to pay attention for sensory cues like overly sweet or artificial aromas and flavors. She also says to beware of marketing jargon like “extra smooth,” which might indicate that additives have been used to mask harshness. 

Emerick stresses that alcohol is a carcinogen and toxic to the liver and brain, regardless of additives. But paying attention to what’s in the bottle could help drinkers avoid unnecessary sugars, chemicals, or other potentially headache-inducing impurities.