MD 20/20 Sugar Content: How Many Grams of Sugar Are In MD 2020 Fortified Wine?

What is MD 20/20?

MD 20/20 is an alcoholic beverage that has had a reputation as a cheap way to get drunk quickly. It is known for its high alcohol content, sweet flavors, and low price tag.

History of MD 20/20

MD 20/20 was introduced in the 1960s by the Mogen David Wine Company. It quickly gained popularity among young drinkers as a low-cost drink with unusually high alcohol content for a flavored fortified wine. The name MD 20/20 refers to 20% alcohol content by volume.

Over the decades, MD 20/20 has been embraced by underage drinkers and those seeking an inexpensive buzz. However, it is often dismissed as being lower class. Despite this reputation, it remains widely available with nearly 20 flavors.

MD 20/20 as a High Sugar Drink

Like many fortified wines, MD 20/20 contains a very high level of sugar. This allows it to have up to 18% alcohol content while still tasting sweet. In fact, a single serving may contain over 30 grams of sugar.

This combination of booze and sweetness appeals to many drinkers. However, it also means consuming MD 20/20 poses health risks beyond typical alcohol usage for those conscious of sugar intake.

Sugar Content in MD 20/20

The exact sugar content in MD 20/20 varies slightly between flavor varieties. However, they are uniformly high in sugars. For example:

• MD 20/20 Red Grape has 33 grams of sugar per 180ml serving
• MD 20/20 Blue Raspberry contains 35 grams of sugar per 180ml serving
• MD 20/20 Punch flavored fortified wine has 32 grams of sugar per 180ml serving

To put this into context, the American Heart Association recommends no more than 36 grams or 9 teaspoons of added sugar per day for adult men. So a single serving of MD 20/20 may provide nearly an entire day's worth of added sugar intake.

Why So Much Sugar?

Added sugar provides the sweetness that counterbalances the bitterness of alcohol in MD 20/20. Sugar also gives a thicker, more viscous mouthfeel.

Furthermore, sugar is needed to reach 20% alcohol content in a fermented malt beverage like MD 20/20. Yeast consumes fermentable sugars to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide.

The ingredients label of MD 20/20 confirms it contains both high fructose corn syrup and sucrose. These inexpensive sweeteners provide plenty of accessible sugars for yeast to create a powerfully alcoholic yet sickeningly sweet drink.

Effect of MD 20/20’s Sugar Content on Health

MD 20/20’s exceptionally high sugar levels can undermine health, especially with regular consumption. Potential health impacts include:

Weight Gain

Too much added sugar drives excess calorie intake, which leads to weight gain over time. Just a few servings of MD 20/20 per week could easily cause someone to gain 5-10 pounds yearly.

Fatty Liver Disease

High sugar consumption combined with alcohol is implicated in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease affects up to 20% of Americans not considered heavy drinkers.

Type 2 Diabetes

Excess sugar consumption stresses the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels and insulin response. Over many years, this leads to diabetes risk even without genetic predisposition towards diabetes.

Cardiovascular Disease

Heavy added sugar intake is linked to inflammation, oxidative damage, obesity and diabetes, all of which amplify risks for high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke over the long term.

Safely Consuming MD 20/20 with Diabetes or Prediabetes

Those living with diabetes or prediabetes face greater threats to health from MD 20/20’s heavy sugar content. However, sipping MD 20/20 occasionally is possible if sugar intake is tightly controlled.

Count Carbs and Bolus Insulin

People with diabetes using insulin should calculate the carbohydrates in each serving of MD 20/20 and adjust their rapid-acting insulin dose accordingly. This requires carefully monitoring blood sugar before, during and after drinking.

Pair with Low/No Carb Foods

Consuming very low carb foods and healthy fats alongside a serving of MD 20/20 can help slow digestion and absorption of sugars. For example, cheeses, meats, nuts and fibrous vegetables are smart pairings.

Hydrate with Sugar-Free Drinks

Alternating each serving of MD 20/20 with plenty of water or sugar-free drinks prevents dehydration while potentially blunting dangerous blood sugar spikes. Stay hydrated!

Avoid Frequent MD 20/20 Consumption

While the rare MD 20/20 may fit into a healthy diet for diabetics, making it a regular habit is ill-advised. The risks of excess sugars causing health issues over months and years are too great for vulnerable individuals.

Making MD 20/20 a Bit Healthier

Despite its notorious sugar content, a few tweaks allow enjoying MD 20/20 more safely:

Dilute Drinks with Soda Water

Cutting MD 20/20 with plain or flavored sparkling water lowers overall sugar consumption while allowing the special flavors to shine through.

Count as Two Servings

Fill a glass with no more than 8 oz. rather than a whole 12 oz. bottle to more reasonably control portion sizes and sugar/alcohol volumes.

Avoid Frequent Consumption

While the occasional MD 20/20 may liven up a party or concert, habitual heavy use clearly invites diabetes, liver dysfunction and other health issues.

The Bottom Line

MD 20/20 retains its popularity decades later, even if it never shakes associations with problem drinking. Its sweet flavors and alluring ABV understandably also appeal to diabetics and prediabetics.

However, with 30+ grams of sugar per serving, overindulging inevitably harms long term blood sugar control. Occasionally sipping MD 20/20 is possible with discipline, smart insulin dosing, hydration, activity and carbohydrate management.

Ultimately, those wanting to enjoy MD 20/20 without jeopardizing their health must do so in strict moderation rather than regularly guzzling bottle after sugary bottle.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.