Are you a wine lover who has recently switched to the keto diet? Do you find yourself struggling to enjoy your favorite bottle of vino while staying true to your low-carb lifestyle? Well, fear not, because this guide will help you understand all the dos and don’ts of enjoying wine while on a keto diet.

 

From keto-friendly wines to food pairings and more, we’re going to explore the best ways to get the most out of your keto diet, and still enjoy that occasional glass of white or red wine (while being mindful of those carb counts).

 

Get ready to uncork a bottle, sit back, and enjoy the perfect glass of keto-friendly wine.

 

What makes wine keto-friendly?

Wine is a naturally low-carb alcoholic beverage, which makes it a great choice for those following a keto diet. Unlike beer and sugary cocktails, which are high in carbs, wine typically contains less than 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving. Additionally, wine is high in antioxidants, which can provide a range of health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving heart health.

 

However, not all wines are created equal when it comes to their carb content. In general, dry wines, such as red and white wines, contain fewer carbs than sweet wines, such as dessert wines and some sparkling wines. This is because the fermentation process used to make dry wines converts most of the sugar into alcohol, while sweet wines retain more residual sugar.

 

When choosing a keto-friendly wine, it's important to pay attention to the label and look for wines that are labeled as "dry" or "brut." These wines typically contain less than 1 gram of carbs per serving, making them a great choice for those on a keto diet.

 

Of course, anything with alcohol is going to be problematic. We discussed some of the better low and no-alcoholic wine options in our blog Drinking Wine on Weight Watchers? Here’s Everything You Need to Know. If you’re willing to swap even a few glasses a week with a non-alcoholic alternative, you can save yourself hundreds (or even thousands) of calories and dozens of carbs.  

 

The benefits of drinking wine on a keto diet

In addition to being low in carbs, wine also provides a range of health benefits that can be especially beneficial for those on a keto diet. Wine is high in antioxidants, including resveratrol, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Additionally, some studies have suggested that moderate wine consumption can improve heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

 

However, it's important to note that these benefits are only seen with moderate consumption of wine. Drinking too much wine can have negative health effects, including increasing the risk of liver disease, obesity, and certain types of cancer. As with most things in life, moderation is key when it comes to drinking wine on a keto diet.

 

Understanding wine labels to make keto-friendly choices

When it comes to choosing a keto-friendly wine, understanding wine labels is key. Here are a few terms to look for when selecting a low-carb wine:

 

Dry: Wines labeled as "dry" contain very little residual sugar and are the best choice for those on a keto diet.

 

Brut: This term is typically used to describe sparkling wines and indicates that the wine is dry and has a low sugar content.

 

Extra Brut: This term is used to describe the driest sparkling wines, which contain little to no residual sugar.

 

Semi-Dry: Wines labeled as "semi-dry" contain slightly more residual sugar than dry wines, but are still a good choice for those on a keto diet.

 

Sweet: Wines labeled as "sweet" or "dessert" wines contain a significant amount of residual sugar and should be avoided on a keto diet.

 

Ice: Ice wines come from grapes that have been frozen on the vine, giving them a higher sugar level than traditional wines. These should be avoided as well while on a keto diet.

 

By paying attention to these labels, you can make informed choices when selecting a wine that fits within your low-carb lifestyle.

 

 

Best keto-friendly wine varieties

When it comes to keto-friendly wines, there are a few grape varieties that are particularly low in carbs. Here are a few varieties to look for:

 

Non-Alcoholic Red Blend: With just 2g carbs and 10 calories per serving, a dry non-alcoholic red blend is the most keto friendly wine option you’ll find on the market today.

 

Pinot Noir: This dry red wine is a great choice for those on a keto diet, with only 3-4 grams of carbs per serving.

 

Cabernet Sauvignon: Another dry red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular choice among keto dieters, with only 3-4 grams of carbs per serving.

 

Chardonnay: This dry white wine is a low-carb favorite, with only 3-4 grams of carbs per serving.

 

Sauvignon Blanc: Another dry white wine, Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing and low-carb choice, with only 2-3 grams of carbs per serving.

 

Pinot Grigio: This dry white wine is a light and crisp option, with only 3-4 grams of carbs per serving.

 

Of course, these are just a few examples of keto-friendly wines. There are plenty of other low-carb options out there, so don't be afraid to experiment and find the wines that you enjoy the most.

 

 

Wine and food pairing for keto dieters

Pairing wine with food can be a great way to enhance the flavors of both the wine and the dish. However, for those on a keto diet, it's important to choose food pairings that are low in carbs. Here are a few keto-friendly wine and food pairings to try:

 

Pinot Noir and grilled salmon: The rich, fruity flavors of Pinot Noir pair perfectly with the bold flavors of grilled salmon.

 

Cabernet Sauvignon and steak: The tannins in Cabernet Sauvignon help to cut through the richness of a steak, making it the perfect pairing for a hearty meal.

 

Chardonnay and roasted chicken: The crisp acidity of Chardonnay complements the flavors of roasted chicken, making it a classic and delicious pairing.

 

Sauvignon Blanc and grilled shrimp: The bright, citrusy flavors of Sauvignon Blanc pair well with the delicate flavors of grilled shrimp.

 

Pinot Grigio and Caesar salad: The light, refreshing flavors of Pinot Grigio are the perfect complement to the bold flavors of a Caesar salad.

 

When pairing wine with food on a keto diet, it's important to choose dishes that are low in carbs and high in healthy fats, such as grilled meats and leafy greens.

 

 

Tips for enjoying wine while maintaining ketosis

While wine can be a great addition to a keto diet, it's important to enjoy it in moderation and be mindful of your carb intake. Here are a few tips for enjoying wine while maintaining ketosis:

 

Stick to dry or non-alcoholic wines: As mentioned earlier, dry wines are the best choice for those on a keto diet, as they are typically lower in carbs than sweet wines.

 

Watch your portion sizes: It's easy to lose track of how much wine you're consuming, so be sure to measure out your servings to ensure that you're not going over your carb limit.

 

Avoid mixers and sweeteners: To keep your carb intake low, avoid adding mixers or sweeteners to your wine. Stick to drinking it straight or with a splash of sparkling water.

 

Choose wine over other alcoholic beverages: While wine is a great low-carb option, other alcoholic beverages, such as beer and sugary cocktails, are high in carbs and should be avoided on a keto diet.

 

Stay hydrated: Drinking alcohol can dehydrate you, so be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after consuming wine.

 

By following these tips, you can enjoy a glass of wine while staying on track with your keto diet.

 

 

The potential pitfalls of drinking wine on a keto diet

While wine can be a great addition to a keto diet, it's important to be aware of the potential pitfalls of drinking alcohol while on a low-carb diet. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

 

Alcohol can increase appetite: Drinking alcohol can increase your appetite, which can lead to overeating and consuming more carbs than you intended.

 

Alcohol can interfere with ketosis: Your body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over burning fat for energy, which can interfere with ketosis and slow down your weight loss progress. (We explore this more in our blog Watch Me Lose 100 Pounds in One Year By Quitting Drinking)

 

Alcohol can impair judgment: Drinking too much alcohol can impair your judgment and lead you to make poor food choices that are high in carbs.

 

Alcohol can slow down progress in the gym: Many of those on a keto diet are also putting in the work in the gym (good for you!). Unfortunately, alcohol can slow down your progress by limiting the energy you have to give it you all when you hit the mat. By impairing sleep and recovery, those working hard in cardio and strength training will want to limit alcohol consumption in order to maximize their efforts.

 

To avoid these potential pitfalls, it's important to drink alcohol in moderation (or swap in non-alcoholic alternatives) and be mindful of your carb intake.

 

Frequently asked questions about wine and keto

Here are a few frequently asked questions about drinking wine on a keto diet:

 

Can I drink wine on a keto diet?

Yes, you can drink wine on a keto diet. Just be sure to choose dry wines that are low in carbs and drink in moderation.

 

How much wine can I drink on a keto diet?

It's best to drink wine in moderation on a keto diet. Stick to one or two glasses per sitting and be mindful of your carb intake.

 

Can wine kick me out of ketosis?

Drinking too much wine can interfere with ketosis and slow down your weight loss progress. However, if you drink in moderation and choose low-carb wines, it's unlikely to kick you out of ketosis.

 

What are the best keto-friendly wines?

Dry wines, such as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio, are all great keto-friendly wine options. If you really want to keep your keto diet on track, be sure to explore non-alcoholic wine options as well.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Though no easy, it is possible to enjoy wine while on a keto diet. By choosing dry wines that are low in carbs, pairing wine with low-carb foods, and drinking in moderation, you can enjoy a glass of wine while staying on track with your keto goals. So, go ahead and uncork that bottle of Pinot Noir, sit back, and enjoy the perfect glass of keto-friendly wine. Cheers!