Beverages, AMBER, hard cider
Whole food · Beverages
Photo: Wikipedia
Amber hard cider is a crisp, carbonated alcoholic beverage fermented from apple juice, offering a balanced profile of sweet and tart notes with a refreshing, effervescent texture. It typically contains around 56 calories per 100g, with nearly all its energy coming from 5.92g of residual sugars, and it is naturally fat-free and protein-free. This makes it a lighter alternative to many beers or wines, though its sugar content can vary by brand and style.
Calorie split: 0% protein · 100% carbs · 0% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love amber hard cider for its approachable, fruity sweetness balanced by a dry finish, making it a versatile drink for social gatherings. Its cultural roots in European orchards and modern craft brewing scenes give it a rustic yet trendy appeal, often enjoyed chilled on a warm day or paired with hearty meals.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The 5.92g of sugar per 100g can lead to blood-sugar spikes, especially for those with diabetes or insulin resistance, so pairing it with protein-rich snacks like nuts or cheese can help moderate the glycemic response. Additionally, individuals sensitive to alcohol or histamines should consume it cautiously, and opting for smaller portions (e.g., 118g) can reduce intake without sacrificing enjoyment.
Key benefits
- Naturally gluten-free beverage option
- Contains small amounts of antioxidants from apples
- Lower calorie count than many craft beers
- Refreshing carbonation aids digestion
- No artificial fat or protein content
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Amber hard cider was historically used as a safer drinking alternative to water in medieval Europe, due to its low alcohol content and natural antimicrobial properties from the fermentation process.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 89.0 g |
| Energy | 56.0 kcal |
| Energy | 236 kj |
| Protein | 0.00 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.00 g |
| Ash | 1.4 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 5.9 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 5.9 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 4.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.06 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 3.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 6.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 54.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 4.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.02 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.02 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.02 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.00 ug |
| Fluoride, F | 42.2 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 2.3 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.01 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.01 mg |
| Niacin | 0.04 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.03 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.02 mg |
| Folate, total | 1.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 1.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 1.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 1.7 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 1.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 14.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 5.0 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 27.0 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 15.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.09 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 1.1 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 4.0 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.00 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Beverages, carbonated, tonic water — USDA does not publish this profile for Beverages.
| Tryptophan | 0.00 g |
| Threonine | 0.00 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.00 g |
| Leucine | 0.00 g |
| Lysine | 0.00 g |
| Methionine | 0.00 g |
| Cystine | 0.00 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.00 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.00 g |
| Valine | 0.00 g |
| Arginine | 0.00 g |
| Histidine | 0.00 g |
| Alanine | 0.00 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.00 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.00 g |
| Glycine | 0.00 g |
| Proline | 0.00 g |
| Serine | 0.00 g |
FAQ
What is amber hard cider made from?
Amber hard cider is made from fermented apple juice, often using a blend of apple varieties to achieve a balanced sweet-tart flavor and amber color.
Is amber hard cider gluten-free?
Yes, amber hard cider is typically gluten-free, as it is made from apples and not grains, but always check labels for any added ingredients.
How does the sugar content in amber hard cider affect health?
With 5.92g of sugar per 100g, it can contribute to blood-sugar spikes, so it's best consumed in moderation, especially by those managing blood sugar levels.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.56 kcal/g · 0% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 5.9 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.07 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.