Are you a wine lover trying to watch your calorie intake but unsure of how many calories in a glass of white wine? Look no further!
In this blog post, we’ll break down the calorie content of various types of white wines and provide helpful tips for enjoying them without sabotaging your diet. So grab a glass (or two) and let’s dive into the world of white wine calories.
How Many Calories in a Glass of White Wine?
First of all, let’s clarify what we mean by a “glass” of white wine. A standard serving size of wine is typically considered to be 5 fluid ounces (about 148 milliliters), although some wine glasses can hold more than that. So when we talk about the number of calories in a glass of white wine, we’re usually referring to a 5-ounce serving.
Now, let’s talk about the calories themselves. The number of calories in a glass of white wine can vary depending on a few different factors, such as the specific type of wine, its alcohol content, and its sweetness level.
Generally speaking, dry white wines tend to have fewer calories than sweet white wines, and wines with lower alcohol content also tend to be lower in calories.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a 5-ounce serving of white wine contains an average of about 121 calories. However, this number can vary depending on the specific type of wine.
For example, a 5-ounce serving of Chardonnay typically contains around 123 calories, while a 5-ounce serving of Riesling may contain around 118 calories.
It’s worth noting that the calories in wine come from its alcohol content. Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, which is more than the 4 calories per gram found in carbohydrates or protein.
This means that wines with higher alcohol content will typically be higher in calories than wines with lower alcohol content.
For example, a 5-ounce serving of a dry white wine with 12% alcohol content will contain around 120 calories, while a 5-ounce serving of a sweet white wine with 14% alcohol content may contain around 150 calories.
How Many Calories in a Glass of White Wine?
In simple words, 5-ounce serving of white wine typically contains around 121 calories, although this can vary depending on the specific type of wine and its alcohol and sweetness levels.
So, if you’re watching your calorie intake, it’s important to keep in mind the serving size and the alcohol content of the wine you’re drinking.
How Many Calories in a Glass of White Wine? Different Glass Size.
Here’s a list of the approximate number of how many calories in a glass of white wine based on various glass sizes:
- 5-ounce glass of white wine: around 121 calories.
- 6-ounce glass of white wine: around 144 calories.
- 8-ounce glass of white wine: around 192 calories.
- 10-ounce glass of white wine: around 240 calories.
- 12-ounce glass of white wine: around 289 calories.
Remember, These calorie counts are approximate and can vary depending on the specific type of white wine and its alcohol and sweetness levels.
If you’re trying to keep track of your calorie intake, it’s a good idea to stick to a standard serving size of 5 ounces and choose dry white wines with lower alcohol content, as these tend to be lower in calories.
How Many Calories in a Glass of White Wine? Based on Different White Wines.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the approximate number of calories in a 5-ounce serving of some popular types of white wine:
Chardonnay.
A 5-ounce serving of Chardonnay typically contains around 123 calories. This classic white wine is known for its rich, buttery flavor and pairs well with a variety of foods, including fish, chicken, and creamy pasta dishes.
Sauvignon Blanc.
A 5-ounce serving of Sauvignon Blanc contains around 121 calories. This crisp, refreshing white wine is often described as having flavors of grapefruit, lime, and green apple. It pairs well with salads, seafood, and lighter fare.
Pinot Grigio.
A 5-ounce serving of Pinot Grigio typically contains around 121 calories. This light, crisp white wine is known for its citrusy and floral flavors and pairs well with light seafood dishes, salads, and grilled vegetables.
Riesling.
A 5-ounce serving of Riesling contains around 118 calories. This off-dry white wine is known for its fruity and floral flavors, with hints of peach, apricot, and honey.
It pairs well with spicy foods, as well as dishes featuring pork, chicken, and Asian flavors.
Moscato.
A 5-ounce serving of Moscato typically contains around 127 calories. This sweet, fruity white wine is often described as having flavors of peach, apricot, and orange blossom. It pairs well with desserts, spicy foods, and light cheeses.
Gewürztraminer.
A 5-ounce serving of Gewürztraminer typically contains around 130 calories. This white wine is known for its aromatic and floral flavors, with hints of lychee and rose petals. It pairs well with spicy foods, Asian cuisine, and fruit-based desserts.
Viognier.
A 5-ounce serving of Viognier contains around 130 calories. This full-bodied white wine is known for its rich and fruity flavors, with notes of apricot, peach, and honey. It pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, and spicy dishes.
Chenin Blanc.
A 5-ounce serving of Chenin Blanc typically contains around 118 calories. This versatile white wine is known for its crisp and fruity flavors, with notes of green apple, pear, and honey. It pairs well with a variety of foods, including salads, fish, and spicy dishes.
How to Calculate Calorie Count in a Glass of White Wine?
The calorie count in a glass of white wine can be calculated based on a few factors, including the serving size, the alcohol content of the wine, and the residual sugar level (i.e., the amount of sugar left over after fermentation).
Here’s how to calculate the approximate calorie count in a 5-ounce glass of white wine:
Determine the alcohol content of the wine.
This information is typically listed on the label and is expressed as a percentage by volume (ABV). For example, a wine with an ABV of 12% contains 12% alcohol by volume.
Multiply the serving size (in ounces) by the alcohol content (as a decimal).
For example, if you’re drinking a 5-ounce glass of white wine with 12% ABV, you would multiply 5 x 0.12 = 0.6.
Multiply the result from step 2 by 1.6.
This accounts for the fact that alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, which is more than twice the amount of calories in carbohydrates or protein. For example, if you’re drinking a 5-ounce glass of white wine with 12% ABV, you would multiply 0.6 x 1.6 = 0.96.
If the wine has residual sugar, you may need to add additional calories.
Residual sugar is expressed in grams per liter (g/L) on the label. To calculate the additional calories from residual sugar, multiply the residual sugar level (in g/L) by 5 (since 1 gram of sugar contains 4 calories, but wine also contains alcohol, which has its own calories).
For example, if a wine has a residual sugar level of 4 g/L, you would multiply 4 x 5 = 20 additional calories.
Add the results from steps 3 and 4 together to get the approximate calorie count for your glass of white wine.
How Many Calories in a Bottle of White Wine.
The calorie count in a bottle of white wine can vary depending on the serving size, alcohol content, and residual sugar level of the wine. However, as a general rule of thumb, a standard 750ml bottle of white wine contains approximately 600-700 calories.
This estimate assumes that the wine has an alcohol content of around 12%, which is typical for most white wines. If the wine has a higher alcohol content or residual sugar level, the calorie count will likely be higher.
For example, a sweet dessert wine can contain over 200 calories per 3.5-ounce serving, while a high-alcohol white wine like Chardonnay can contain over 130 calories per 5-ounce serving.
For a detailed Guide on this topic – Check this article out.
How Many Carbs in a Glass of White Wine?
The carbohydrate content in a glass of white wine can vary depending on the specific wine, as well as the serving size.
In general, most dry white wines contain very little residual sugar and therefore, have a low carbohydrate content. A typical 5-ounce glass of dry white wine contains only 1-2 grams of carbohydrates.
However, sweet white wines, such as Moscato or Riesling, can have a higher carbohydrate content due to their residual sugar levels. These wines can contain up to 10 grams of carbohydrates or more per 5-ounce serving.
It’s important to note that the carbohydrate content of white wine is only a small part of the overall calorie count. Alcohol, which is the primary component of wine, contains 7 calories per gram, making it a significant contributor to the overall calorie count.
If you’re watching your carbohydrate intake, it’s important to also consider the calorie count and moderate your wine consumption accordingly.
How is Alcohol Content Related to Calories in a Glass of White Wine?
Alcohol content and calorie content are directly related in a glass of white wine. This is because alcohol contains calories, and the higher the alcohol content in the wine, the more calories it will have per serving.
On average, a standard 5-ounce serving of white wine contains about 120-130 calories. However, this can vary depending on the alcohol content of the wine.
A lower alcohol white wine (around 9-10% ABV) may have around 100-110 calories per serving, while a higher alcohol white wine (around 13-14% ABV) may have closer to 150-160 calories per serving.
It’s also worth noting that the sugar content of the wine can also affect its calorie count. Sweeter wines will generally have more calories due to their higher sugar content.
Low calorie Food Pairings with a Glass of White Wine.
Grilled shrimp skewers with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Grilled shrimp skewers are a delicious and healthy low calorie option that pair perfectly with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is known for its bright acidity and herbaceous notes, which complement the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
Greek salad with a glass of Pinot Grigio.
A Greek salad is a classic low calorie option that pairs well with a light, refreshing wine like Pinot Grigio.
This wine is known for its crisp acidity and citrus flavors, which complement the tangy feta cheese and briny olives in the salad. Plus, Pinot Grigio is typically lower in calories than other white wines.
Grilled chicken breast with a glass of Chardonnay.
Grilled chicken breast is a lean protein option that pairs well with a full-bodied white wine like Chardonnay.
This wine is known for its rich, buttery flavor and can stand up to the bold flavors of the grilled chicken. However, it’s important to choose a lighter style Chardonnay to keep the calorie count low.
Sushi rolls with a glass of Riesling.
Sushi rolls are a light and flavorful option that pair well with a slightly sweet white wine like Riesling. This wine is known for its high acidity and floral notes, which complement the fresh flavors of the sushi.
Steamed mussels with a glass of Albariño.
Steamed mussels are a healthy and flavorful option that pair well with a crisp white wine like Albariño. This wine is known for its citrus and mineral notes, which complement the briny flavor of the mussels.
Grilled vegetables with a glass of Grüner Veltliner.
Grilled vegetables are a nutritious and low calorie option that pair well with a light, acidic wine like Grüner Veltliner. This wine is known for its herbal notes and crisp acidity, which complement the smoky flavor of the grilled vegetables.
Poached salmon with a glass of Vermentino.
Poached salmon is a healthy and flavorful option that pairs well with a light, citrusy wine like Vermentino. This wine is known for its bright acidity and notes of lemon and green apple, which complement the delicate flavor of the salmon.
Caprese salad with a glass of Prosecco.
Caprese salad is a simple and delicious low calorie option that pairs well with a sparkling wine like Prosecco.
This wine is known for its light, fruity flavor and effervescence, which complement the fresh flavors of the tomatoes and mozzarella. Plus, Prosecco is typically lower in calories than other white wines.
Conclusion — How Many Calories in a Glass of White Wine?
In conclusion, it’s clear to see that the number of calories in a glass of white wine can vary greatly depending on its type and size.
Generally speaking, most glasses of white wine will contain between 120-140 calories per serving but this is not an exact science. To make sure you are getting the full nutritional value from your drink, always check the label or ask your server before ordering a glass.