Currently there is no information displayed on bottles of wine, spirits and most beers relating to calorie content. This fact was highlighted by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA). The Federation recently compiled a list (Alcohol Facts) of the top 26 selling domestic and imported alcohol brands with their alcohol, calorie and carbohydrate content per serving.

Public health officials repeatedly warn that consuming too much alcohol contributes to obesity and a range of diseases.

Using the standard serving size for each category, the CFA found that alcohol per serving ranged from 0.42 fluid ounces to 0.70 fluid ounces, depending upon the specific brand and type of beverage. In contrast, calorie and carbohydrate content varied significantly among the categories and bands. For wines, calories per serving ranged from 105 calories for a merlot to 125 calories for a cabernet sauvignon. The average was 118 calories per serving. In the case of spirits, calories per serving varied from 86 calories for spiced rum to 120 calories for gin. The average was 98 calories per serving. The greatest variation in calories was evident among beers. Light beers (5 brands) averaged 100 calories per serving and regular beers averaged 140 calories (5 brands) per serving.

Differences between beverages were greatest for carbohydrate content. There are no carbohydrates in spirits. In the case of wines carbohydrates ranged from 0.8 grams per serving for chardonnay to 5 grams per serving for cabernet sauvignon. Among different beers and malt beverages, carbohydrates ranged from 3 grams per serving for light beer to 38 grams per serving for a flavored malt beverage.