How Many Calories for Vodka?
1 single measure (25ml) of vodka contains around 52 calories (207 kcal per 100g). Vodka is classified as NOVA 2 (processed culinary ingredient).
Calories by preparation
| Method | Calories | NOVA |
|---|---|---|
| Single shot (25ml)All calories from pure alcohol — zero carbs, zero sugar | 52 | 2 |
| Vodka & soda waterSoda water adds zero calories — the lightest mixer | 52 | 2 |
| Vodka, lime & sodaFresh lime adds ~8 kcal, lime cordial adds ~40 kcalFresh lime = NOVA 1. Cordial/lime juice with added sugar = NOVA 4 | 60 | 2 |
| Vodka & tonic (single, 200ml tonic)Tonic more than doubles the caloriesRegular tonic = NOVA 4 (sweeteners or HFCS). Slimline tonic = still NOVA 4 but ~3 kcal | 120 | — |
| Vodka & Coke (single, 200ml)Coke adds 86 kcal of pure sugarCoke is NOVA 4 — caramel colour, phosphoric acid, natural flavourings | 138 | 4 |
Nutrition per 100g
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Per serving |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 207 kcal / 858 kJ | 52 kcal |
| Protein | 0g | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 0g | 0g |
| of which sugars | 0g | — |
| Fat | 0g | 0g |
| of which saturated | 0g | — |
| Fibre | 0g | — |
| Salt | 0g | — |
Serving size: 1 single measure (25ml) · Source: Tesco product page, October 2025
Glucose impact
Very Low
Glucose risk
Neat vodka contains zero carbohydrates and zero sugar. The calories come entirely from ethanol (alcohol), which is metabolised by the liver via a completely different pathway to glucose. Vodka will not raise blood sugar directly. In fact, alcohol can temporarily lower blood glucose by inhibiting gluconeogenesis in the liver, which is why diabetics are advised to be cautious with spirits — the risk is hypoglycaemia, not hyperglycaemia.
Processing level
Plain vodka is a distilled spirit — grain or potato is fermented and then distilled to produce a clear, high-proof alcohol. This is a traditional processing method (distillation has been used for centuries) applied to simple ingredients: grain or potato and water. There are no additives, flavourings, or industrial processing aids in standard unflavoured vodka, making it NOVA 2. However, flavoured vodkas (citrus, raspberry, etc.) often contain added sugars, artificial flavourings, and colourings that push them to NOVA 3-4.
Vodka at Tesco
Source: Tesco product page, October 2025
3 UPF markers
*Prices were correct at the time of collection and may have since changed. Check Tesco.com for current pricing.
What to watch for when shopping
Plain unflavoured vodka is NOVA 2 — just distilled grain or potato. The trap is everything else in the vodka aisle: flavoured vodkas (Absolut Citron, Absolut Raspberri) often contain added sugars and artificial flavourings, pushing them to NOVA 3-4. Pre-mixed vodka drinks like the Tesco Vodka Lime & Soda are NOVA 4 with sweeteners and flavourings. For the cleanest option, stick to plain vodka and mix with soda water and fresh lime. Budget tip: Tesco Imperial Vodka 1L at £17.75 (£17.75/L) is significantly cheaper than Smirnoff at £24.50/L.
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