Glucose: Very LowNOVA 2

Nutritional Information for Vodka

Vodka is a distilled spirit made from grain or potato, containing approximately 207-222 kcal per 100ml — all from pure alcohol with zero carbohydrates, zero sugar, and zero fat. From a SpikeSaver perspective, neat vodka has no glycaemic impact whatsoever because it contains no carbs. It is classified as NOVA 2 (processed culinary ingredient) since distillation is a traditional processing method applied to a simple base of grain or potato and water. The danger comes from mixers: a vodka and Coke adds 35g of sugar, while a vodka and tonic adds 8-18g depending on brand.

Nutrition per 100g

NutrientPer 100gPer serving
Energy207 kcal / 858 kJ52 kcal
Protein0g0g
Carbohydrates0g0g
of which sugars0g
Fat0g0g
of which saturated0g
Fibre0g
Salt0g

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

NOVA 2 (processed culinary ingredient)

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

£12.49*NOVA 2 (processed culinary ingredient)
£17.75*NOVA 2 (processed culinary ingredient)
£24.50*NOVA 2 (processed culinary ingredient)
£3.00*NOVA 4 (ultra-processed)
£7.25*NOVA 2 (processed culinary ingredient)

*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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