Menopause, Sugar and Alcohol: What You Need to Know

During perimenopause and menopause, the body's relationship with sugar changes significantly. Declining oestrogen levels increase insulin resistance — meaning blood sugar fluctuates more dramatically than before, and the impact of dietary sugar (including from alcohol) becomes more pronounced.

How menopause affects your response to sugar and alcohol

As oestrogen levels decline during perimenopause, the body becomes more resistant to insulin. This makes it harder to regulate blood sugar, causing sharper spikes after sugar consumption — contributing to fatigue, mood swings, hot flashes, and weight gain. Several controlled studies have linked blood sugar instability to the severity of hot flashes, with high-sugar meals and drinks triggering more frequent and intense episodes.

What to avoid

The highest-sugar drinks to avoid during menopause are: dessert wines and fortified wines (Port, Sherry — 10–20g+ of sugar per glass); commercial rosé wines (often 4–9g per glass); sweet cocktails and liqueurs; off-dry whites like many supermarket Pinot Grigios (1–5g per glass unlabelled); and mainstream cider (15–20g of carbs per can).

Low sugar wines for menopause at DrinkWell

All confirmed 0g sugar per 125ml. Full nutritional information on every product page.

• → TRACES Sauvignon Blanc — 78 kcal, 0g sugar, 11% ABV, £9.99
• → El Ninot de Paper Grenache Shiraz — 76 kcal, 0g sugar, 11% ABV, £9.99
• → Piattini Pinot Grigio — 82 kcal, 0g sugar, 12% ABV, £10.99
• → Les Oliviers Grenache Cinsault Rosé — 69 kcal, 0g sugar, 11% ABV, £12.49
• → St Louis de Provence Rosé — 83 kcal, 0g sugar, 12.5% ABV, £15.49

Shop zero sugar wine

• → Zero sugar wine collection — 200+ bottles, all 0g confirmed
• → Keto wines — 0g sugar, 0g carbs
• → Full low calorie wine range
• → Mixed wine cases — free delivery over £99

Always discuss alcohol consumption with your GP or healthcare team, particularly if you are on HRT or other medication during menopause.

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