Red or White? Why Wine Colour Probably Doesn’t Matter for Your Cancer Risk

For years, the chatter at dinner parties has gone something like this: “Oh, I’m drinking red wine because it’s healthier.” Supposedly packed with antioxidants and vaguely European glamour, red wine has enjoyed a health halo that its paler cousin, white wine, could only dream of.

But a fresh meta-analysis has just lobbed a pinot-stained grenade into the conversation — and the message is pretty clear: it doesn’t matter whether you sip red or white, your cancer risk is pretty much the same.

Published in the journal Nutrients, the study crunched the data from over 40 observational studies. The researchers compared red and white wine drinkers across a range of cancer risks. Spoiler alert: they found no meaningful difference in overall cancer risk whether you preferred a bold shiraz or a crisp sauvignon blanc.

Sorry, Wine Is Still Alcohol

Of course, it’s important to remember that alcohol — yes, even the kind swirled lovingly in oversized glasses — is a known carcinogen. Alcohol has been linked to a laundry list of health problems, including various cancers.

But marketing departments are a creative bunch. Over the years, we’ve been sold the idea that red wine’s antioxidants might somehow cancel out the alcohol nastiness. Maybe, just maybe, if you chose wisely (and drank “moderately,” of course), you could sip your way to good health.

Unfortunately, as this new analysis suggests, you probably can’t out-antioxidant your way out of alcohol’s risks.

A Few Curious Findings

The researchers did notice a couple of oddities worth raising an eyebrow over.

Subgroup analyses suggested that white wine intake was associated with a 26% higher overall cancer risk in women and a 22% increased risk of skin cancer.

Why? Good question.

One theory is that alcohol’s breakdown products — like acetaldehyde and reactive oxygen species — have photosensitising effects. In plain English: they may make your skin more vulnerable to sun damage. Combine that with Australia’s famously harsh UV rays, and it’s not a great mix.

Another possible explanation? White wine tends to be more popular among people with fairer skin, who already face a higher risk of skin cancer. So it could just be a case of correlation rather than causation.

Not Everyone Is Convinced

Before you panic and swear off your weekend chardonnay, know that not everyone is fully convinced by these findings.

Associate Professor Harindra Jayasekara, a principal research fellow at Cancer Council Victoria, politely suggested he wasn’t buying the results. Science, after all, thrives on scepticism — and this area is famously tricky to untangle, thanks to the messy reality of human habits.

For example, people who drink white wine might also enjoy lying around on the beach a bit more (slipping, slopping, and slapping optional). People who love red wine might lean more towards cheese platters by the fireplace. These lifestyle factors are notoriously hard to separate from the direct effects of what’s in your glass.

So, Should You Switch from Red to White (or Vice Versa)?

Honestly? If you’re drinking wine for your health, you might want to rethink the whole strategy.

Both red and white wine are alcoholic drinks, and alcohol consumption increases your cancer risk. The colour, the notes of “stone fruit” or “hints of tobacco,” the price tag — none of it magically neutralises the risk.

Of course, a glass here and there is unlikely to ruin your life. But the safest bet, according to pretty much every major health body in Australia, is to drink less, not just swap colours.

The Bottom Line

Red or white — it’s the alcohol that matters, not the colour.
Marketing claims about wine being “healthy” are on shaky ground.
White wine may be linked to slightly higher cancer risks in women and skin cancer, but findings aren’t bulletproof.
If you enjoy wine, do so in moderation. And maybe focus on wearing sunscreen rather than worrying about wine colour.

In short, pick your wine based on what you enjoy — not what you hope will save you from a health lecture.

References

Aredo, J., et al. (2024). Association between red or white wine consumption and cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Nutrients.
Cancer Council Victoria – Alcohol and Cancer Risk Information.
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care – Alcohol Guidelines.