Alcohol FAQs

Truthful, accurate, and non-misleading numerical statements about the sugar content of a product are permitted on alcohol beverage labels and in advertisements. Sugar is a type of carbohydrate, so a sugar content statement is a carbohydrate claim and must be made in accordance with the guidance set forth for carbohydrate representations in TTB Ruling 2004-1 and TTB Ruling 2013-2. Accordingly, a truthful, accurate, and non-misleading numerical statement about the sugar content of a product may appear on a label or in an advertisement if the label or advertisement also bears either a statement of average analysis in accordance with TTB Ruling 2004-1 or a Serving Facts statement in accordance with TTB Ruling 2013-2 and the serving size on which the sugar content statement is based is consistent with the applicable serving size under those rulings.

Numerical sugar content claims should be made in accordance with the guidance set forth in TTB Procedure 2004-1 with regard to carbohydrate content statements. Thus, the number of grams (g) of sugar in a serving must be expressed to the nearest tenth of a gram, except that if a serving contains less than 1 gram, the statement "Contains less than 1 gram (g)" or "less than 1 gram (g)" may be used as an alternative. If the serving contains less than 0.5 g of sugar, the content may be expressed as zero (or 0) grams (g).

Yes, if a serving contains less than 0.5 g of sugar, you may include a claim such as "Zero Sugar," "No Sugar," or "Sugar Free." Such claims must be made in accordance with the guidance set forth for carbohydrate representations in TTB Ruling 2004-1 and TTB Ruling 2013-2, which provides that the label or advertisement must also include either a statement of average analysis in accordance with TTB Ruling 2004-1 or a Serving Facts statement in accordance with TTB Ruling 2013-2. The serving size on which the sugar content statement is based must be consistent with the applicable serving size under those rulings.

For purpose of this guidance, the term "sugars" refers to the sum of free monosaccharides and disaccharides in the beverage. To calculate sugars, you must determine the weight in grams per serving of all free monosaccharides and disaccharides in the beverage sample. Do not include any artificial or natural no-calorie sweeteners in your calculation.

TTB generally monitors compliance of labeling and advertising claims by using appropriate methods found in the Official Methods of Analysis of the AOAC International (AOAC International, Gaithersburg, MD).

This guidance does not apply to wine labels bearing a descriptive term (such as "Late Harvest") that is intended to indicate a higher sugar content for the grapes used in the wine. TTB allows the use of certain descriptive terms relating to the sugar content of grapes provided that the amount of sugar contained in the grapes at the time of harvest and the amount of residual sugar in the finished wine are stated on the label, in compliance with the provisions of ATF Ruling 78-4 and ATF Ruling 82-4. Such statements are not required to be accompanied by a statement of average analysis or a Serving Facts statement, and you should refer to ATF Ruling 78-4 and ATF Ruling 82-4 for guidance on use of this type of statement.

TTB reminds industry members that due to the health risks posed by alcohol consumption, sugar content is not the only factor in determining whether an alcohol beverage is appropriate for consumption by persons suffering from health-related conditions. Statements, symbols, vignettes, or other forms of labeling or advertising statements that expressly, or by implication, characterize the relationship of the product, or the sugar content of the product, to a disease or health-related condition are prohibited unless such statements comply with the requirements for specific health claims as set forth in the TTB regulations. See 27 CFR 4.39(h)(2)(ii), 4.64(i)(2)(ii), 5.129, 5.235(d), 7.129, and 7.235(e).