Does cider contain sulphites?

Cider can contain sulphites (sulfites in US spelling), used to control unwanted microbes. Labels must declare them above 10 mg per litre in the UK and EU, and from 10 parts per million in the US under wine or food labelling rules, depending on strength. If unsure, check the label or ask the maker.

Updated 2026-10-02

Key facts

UK and EU allergen rule. Sulphur dioxide and sulphites are listed allergens when present above 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/litre, measured as SO₂. [1] [2]
US rule for wine labels. "Contains sulfites" (or a similar statement) is required when 10 or more parts per million of total sulfur dioxide is detected. [3] TTB wine labelling applies to cider of 7% ABV or more. [4] Cider under 7% ABV follows FDA food labelling instead: added sulfites appear in the ingredient list, and sulfiting agents must be declared when present at 10 ppm or more in the finished product, even if they were not added directly. [4] [5]
Why they're used. BJCP notes sulfites "may be used for microbiological control", with 200 mg/L as the upper level in its guidelines. [6]

What does "contains sulphites" on a cider label mean?

It means the cider is above the labelling threshold, not that it is unusual or low quality. A cider without the statement is below the threshold; that does not guarantee zero sulphites. If you avoid sulphites for medical reasons, ask the producer and follow your doctor's advice. We don't give health advice. Allergen labelling for gluten is covered in is cider gluten free.

Do some ciders use fewer sulphites?

Whether to add sulphites is the maker's choice, and there is no legal "no added sulphites" standard for cider in the sources we checked. The only reliable information is the label and the maker.

Related answers: is cider gluten free · how many units are in cider

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Cider, perry, calvados and pommeau are alcoholic drinks. Enjoy responsibly and follow the legal drinking age where you live.

We don't give health advice. For questions about your health, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.

Questions

Is there sulphite-free cider?

Some makers avoid adding sulphites. Because labels are only required above 10 mg/L, ask the producer if you need to know the exact level. [1] [2]

Does hard cider have sulfites?

It can. In the US, a cider labelled as wine must say "contains sulfites" when 10 or more parts per million of total sulfur dioxide is detected. [3]

Sources

Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex II: Substances or products causing allergies or intolerances — legislation.gov.uk (The National Archives)
Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers (official EU text) — EUR-Lex (Publications Office of the European Union)
27 CFR 4.32 – Mandatory label information (wine), paragraph (e) sulfites — eCFR (US Government Publishing Office)
Cider FAQs — Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
21 CFR 101.100 – Food; exemptions from labeling, paragraph (a)(4) sulfiting agents — eCFR (US Government Publishing Office)
2025 BJCP Cider Style Guidelines (Introduction) — Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP)