Is Champagne Healthy?

From champagne to whiskey, alcoholic beverages have been compared to one another ever since they were first created. Some people refuse to drink anything with a sparkle, while others will only touch the drink when there is a fruity aftertaste. There is no right or wrong beverage to drink—though some are often considered healthier than others. One of the questions that most people ask is whether champagne is healthier than wine. We know that both drinks have health benefits, but which one does the most for your health while still allowing you to enjoy a delicious flavor?

Nutritional Value of Champagne

To some degree, the nutritional content of a serving of champagne will depend on the specific product. However, the following averages are typical of a serving of champagne.

Calories in Champagne

The most often talked about argument for champagne is the calorie count. For a 4-ounce glass of champagne, you will be consuming 90 calories. For the same amount of wine, the glass will have 100 calories. A 10 calorie difference might not seem like much until you consider how you drink the beverages. 

All alcoholic beverages have a type and style of glass that you should be drinking it from. For champagne, the flute is between 4 and 6 ounces which is the ideal portion. However, wine glasses are usually 9 ounces. So, although the calorie count for champagne and wine are the same, you will almost always get twice the calories of wine for every one serving of champagne. When it comes down to it, champagne has better portion control than wine.

Does Champagne Have a Lot of Sugar?

In a 5-ounce (150-mL) serving, champagne has approximately 1.5 grams of sugar. This is about the same amount of sugar as you will find in a small box of raisins. Meanwhile, it also has about 3 to 4 grams of carbs. This is a very typical sugar content for a glass of wine.

Alcohol Content of Champagne

The alcohol content of champagne is approximately 12% ABV (alcohol by volume). By comparison, the typical alcohol content of white wine is approximately 10% ABV, and the typical alcohol content of red wine is approximately 13.5% ABV. At large, the alcohol content of various wines can vary from 5% ABV to 25% ABV. As such, the alcohol content of champagne is very typical compared to the average glass of wine. 

Carbonation in Champagne

Champagne is carbonated through the fermentation process. The carbonation in the beverage promotes slower imbibing which means that you will consume less alcohol and absorb the alcohol into your bloodstream at a slower rate. Slower consumption helps your body to better regulate the alcohol in the drink and helps you stay sober for a longer period of time. This, overall, is better for your health since too much alcohol can cause immediate blood poisoning and heart problems later in life.

Antioxidants in Champagne

Not one to be left out of a discussion on health, the benefits of red wine are often cited, and it has come to be known for its high polyphenol-count. Red wine has antioxidants that help your body to fight off inflammation and disease. Studies have shown that a small amount of red wine can help prevent heart disease, among many other important health benefits. 

This has made red wine appear healthier than champagne until 2009 when the University of Reading UK’s, School of Chemistry, cited that champagne also has high amounts of polyphenols and other antioxidants. This study leveled the playing field to show that red wine and champagne are equal in their levels of antioxidants.

Benefits of Champagne

Champagne may offer several benefits to your health, many of them related to the antioxidants found in the drink. These include:

• Protection against damage to blood vessels;
• Reduction of blood pressure;
• Improved skin health;
• Improved short-term memory.

However, it is important to bear in mind that these benefits are associated with limited intake of the beverage, and drinking frequently will likely do more harm than good. 

Drawbacks of Champagne

Although champagne may be healthier in some aspects, like any drink, it has its potential for drawbacks. These can include:

• Headache;
• Damage to tooth enamel;
• Weight gain;
• Increased blood pressure;
• Liver problems.

In short, champagne can cause all the same negative effects that any alcoholic beverage will when not used responsibly in moderation. 

Champagne vs. Sparkling Wine

Champagne is a type of sparkling wine. To be considered champagne, it must be from northeastern France. If the “champagne” is from anywhere other than there, it is considered sparkling wine — even though it has the same health benefits associated with it. In short, there is no appreciable difference in the health benefits or drawbacks of champagne as compared to other sparkling wines. 

Is Champagne Healthier Than Beer?

A typical 12-ounce beer has approximately 150 calories, 1 gram of sugar, and 13 grams of carbohydrates, with a 5% ABV. As such, the calories and carbohydrates found in the typical serving of beer are notably higher than those found in a serving of champagne. However, the ABV is significantly lower. 

It is again important to note that servings of champagne are typically very small, typically being about 5 ounces. Meanwhile, lighter beers will have fewer calories and carbohydrates compared to the average beer. Beer also often contains antioxidants, with this being particularly true of darker beers. 

When To Drink Champagne

Champagne is not something that you should drink every day. When consumed appropriately, it is best to drink during an occasion where you want to stay sober for as long as possible. If you are on a Caribbean cruise vacation, you probably won’t have to worry about whether you should have champagne or wine. In that scenario, drink whatever you’d like. However, if you are at a work party or celebration and want to appear sophisticated without getting tipsy, you would be wise to drink champagne to start off the night.

It is also a great option for occasional sampling at home or for a special indulgence for a date night. Overall, champagne in moderation can be a relatively healthy treat in moderation.