O

beverages

Ouzo

2/ 10Poor
Controversy: 5.5

Rated by 11 diets

2 approve3 caution6 avoid

The diets react (see scores below)

Approves2
Caution3
Disapproves6
Is Ouzo Healthy?

Mostly no — Ouzo is avoided by the majority of diets reviewed. 6 out of 11 diets recommend against it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g

Diet Ratings

KetoCaution

Anise-flavored spirit with minimal carbs (0g per 1.5oz shot) but contains alcohol which slows ketosis. Can be consumed occasionally in moderation.

Debated

Strict keto practitioners avoid all alcohol due to metabolic priority shift; casual keto dieters allow spirits with zero carbs in small quantities.

VeganApproved

Ouzo is an anise-flavored spirit distilled from grapes and other plant materials. It contains no animal products or animal-derived ingredients.

PaleoCaution

Ouzo is an anise-flavored spirit. Alcohol is debated in paleo; some practitioners accept it in moderation, while strict interpretations exclude it. Contains added sugar and flavorings.

Debated

Mark Sisson and many modern paleo practitioners accept moderate alcohol consumption, particularly spirits without added sugars. However, Loren Cordain's strict paleo excludes alcohol entirely.

MediterraneanCaution

Ouzo is a traditional Mediterranean (Greek) alcoholic spirit. Moderate alcohol consumption, particularly red wine, is part of traditional Mediterranean diet; however, ouzo is high-proof and typically consumed in small amounts. Occasional use acceptable.

Debated

Some modern health authorities recommend minimal or no alcohol consumption, while traditional Mediterranean practice includes moderate amounts of wine and spirits with meals.

CarnivoreAvoid

Ouzo is an alcoholic spirit derived from plant sources (grapes and anise). While it contains minimal carbohydrates due to fermentation, it is plant-derived and not an animal product, violating carnivore principles.

Whole30Avoid

Ouzo is an alcoholic spirit (anise-flavored liqueur from Greece). Alcohol is explicitly excluded from the Whole30 program for the full 30 days.

Low-FODMAPApproved

Ouzo is an anise-flavored spirit with negligible FODMAP content. Alcohol is fermented and distilled, removing fermentable carbohydrates. Standard serving (1.5 oz) contains no significant FODMAPs. Monash supports spirits as low-FODMAP.

DASHAvoid

Alcoholic spirit with no nutritional benefit and empty calories. DASH does not emphasize alcohol; if consumed, guidelines suggest moderation (≤1 drink/day for women, ≤2 for men). Ouzo provides no minerals, fiber, or other DASH-aligned nutrients.

ZoneAvoid

Ouzo is an anise-flavored spirit with ~40% alcohol by volume and minimal nutritional value. Alcohol provides 7 calories per gram with no protein, carbohydrate, or beneficial fat. It offers no Zone macronutrient blocks and is metabolically disruptive. Dr. Sears' Zone framework does not accommodate alcohol as a meal component.

Ouzo is a high-alcohol spirit (40% ABV) with no anti-inflammatory benefits. Alcohol beyond moderate red wine is explicitly limited in anti-inflammatory diet guidelines. Regular consumption is associated with increased inflammatory markers and oxidative stress.

Ouzo is alcohol (40% ABV), which has a known hepatic interaction with GLP-1 medications, increases dehydration risk, and provides empty calories (96 per 1.5 oz). Alcohol also worsens nausea and reflux in GLP-1 patients.

Controversy Index

Score range: 18/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus5.5Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Ouzo

Keto 5/10
  • 0g net carbs per shot
  • Alcohol metabolism interferes with ketosis
  • No added sugars in pure spirit
  • Portion control essential
Vegan 8/10
  • Plant-derived spirit
  • No animal ingredients
  • Distilled from grapes and botanicals
Paleo 5/10
  • alcoholic beverage
  • contains added flavorings
  • processed product
  • debated within paleo community
Mediterranean 5/10
  • traditional Mediterranean spirit
  • high alcohol content
  • typically small portions
  • alcohol moderation debated
Low-FODMAP 8/10
  • Distilled spirit — fermentable carbohydrates removed
  • Anise flavoring is low-FODMAP
  • No lactose, fructans, GOS, or polyols