Is Red Wine Healthier Than White Wine

If you’ve ever chosen red wine over white, believing it to be the “healthier” option, you’re not alone. For years, red wine has enjoyed a glow-up as a heart-healthy indulgence, thanks largely to its antioxidant content. But recent research is challenging that notion suggesting that the health benefits of wine, red or white, may be overstated, especially when it comes to cancer risk.

In light of the U.S. Surgeon General’s January 2025 warning about alcohol’s link to at least seven types of cancer, many are rethinking their drinking habits. So where does that leave wine lovers? A new study offers some updated insight but it’s not exactly a green light to keep pouring.

Red vs. White Wine: What the Study Found

A January 2025 meta-analysis published in the journal Nutrients reviewed 42 studies and found no significant difference in overall cancer risk between red and white wine. That might sound reassuring at first, but there’s nuance.

One standout detail: white wine was associated with a slightly higher cancer risk in women, and a 22% increased risk of skin cancer in cohort studies. While researchers didn’t explore the cause in depth, experts suggest a few possibilities:

• White wine contains more acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol metabolism that can damage DNA.

• Red wine may contain more polyphenols, including resveratrol, which offer mild antioxidant benefits.

• Lifestyle habits of white wine drinkers, such as more time spent outdoors, may lead to increased sun exposure another skin cancer risk factor.

Still, no one’s saying to swap sunscreen for a bottle of cabernet. “I wouldn’t rely on merlot as sunscreen,” says Barbara Sparacino, MD, a psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist.

Is Wine Really Healthier Than Other Alcohol?

Not exactly. Despite the long-standing hype around wine especially red experts stress that no form of alcohol is risk-free. “Alcohol’s relationship with health, especially cancer risk, is complicated,” says Dr. Sparacino. “The reality is that any alcohol intake carries some risk.”

Fred Tabung, PhD, a cancer researcher at Ohio State University, adds that most alcohol studies don’t account for all relevant factors, including:

• Smoking status (most alcohol-related cancers, except breast cancer, are also smoking-related)

• Binge vs. moderate drinking

• Whether alcohol is consumed with meals

• Overall drinking frequency

This means that even studies comparing types of alcohol like this one should be interpreted with caution. According to the CDC, even low levels of alcohol can increase cancer risk over time, especially breast, liver, and colorectal cancers.

What About Resveratrol and Heart Health?

Resveratrol, found in the skins of red grapes, has often been credited with giving red wine a protective edge. And while early studies suggested cardiovascular benefits, more recent research shows the effect may be modest at best and not enough to outweigh the potential risks.

To get meaningful amounts of resveratrol, you’d need to drink wine in quantities that could be harmful. A better bet? Add red grapes, berries, and peanuts to your diet foods that offer resveratrol without the downsides of alcohol.

How to Drink Smarter (If You Choose To)

If you still enjoy the occasional glass, there are ways to minimize risk:

• Stick to moderation: That’s one drink per day for women, two for men (per current U.S. guidelines).

• Avoid binge drinking: The health risks spike significantly with heavy or frequent drinking.

• Pair alcohol with food: This slows absorption and may lessen its impact on your body.

• Take alcohol-free days: Give your liver and system time to recover.

• Stay hydrated: Alcohol is a diuretic and can dehydrate you quickly.

And if you’re reconsidering your relationship with alcohol, you’re not alone. A growing number of adults especially women are embracing mindful drinking or exploring alcohol-free alternatives as part of a wellness-first lifestyle.

The Bottom Line

This latest study suggests red and white wine may carry similar cancer risks, with a slight edge against white when it comes to skin cancer. But neither is a health drink and neither offers true protection from chronic disease.

Moderation is key, and if you do drink, it’s best to be mindful, informed, and intentional. Wine may pair beautifully with dinner, but your well-being deserves to be the star of the table.

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