Why are the calories in alcohol sometimes called empty calories?

The term "empty calories" refers to food or beverage sources that provide energy but contain little to no essential nutritional value, such as vitamins, minerals, or proteins.1

Alcoholic beverages are frequently described as a source of empty calories because, with very few exceptions, they contain no significant nutrients. While ethyl alcohol (ethanol) is energy-dense—providing approximately 7 kilocalories per gram—this energy is not accompanied by the nutritional benefits typically found in food.23

Because alcohol lacks these essential nutrients, heavy consumption can lead to a significant risk of malnutrition. This occurs not only because the beverages themselves are nutritionally deficient, but also because heavy drinkers may neglect to consume a balanced diet and because alcohol can impair the gut's ability to absorb nutrients.2