Why Is There a Worm in Tequila Bottles?

Updated July 2026.

A worm is not a NOM-006 tequila class. Certified tequila is blue weber in the CRT zone. The norm does not require a larva. Bottles that add one are marketing, often on other agave spirits Mezcal is NOM-070, a different spirit. Typical US tequila prints 40%. A 1.5-ounce pour at 40% is one drink.

Related: tequila taste, mezcal taste, mezcal vs tequila.

Label vs class

Language 1.5 oz drinks
Tequila Read the neck
Worm / gusano
Mezcal Read the neck
Typical US bottle 1.00

Pour math: liqueur drinks.

Sources

  • NOM-006-SCFI-2012. NOM-070. CRT.
  • Typical 40% NIAAA December 2025.
  • NOM-006; no worm rule
  • NOM-070 — different spirit

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