Debunking the Famous Tequila Worm Myth

If you’ve ever heard someone dare a friend to “eat the worm” at the bottom of a tequila bottle, you’re not alone.

The idea of a mysterious worm floating in booze has become one of the most persistent legends in drinking culture. It shows up in movies, college stories and barroom debates — often followed by questions like “Is it real?” “Is it safe?” and “Why would anyone do that?”

Here’s the truth, straight up, no chaser: there is no worm in tequila. Not traditionally, not legally and not in any bottle labeled as authentic tequila.

So, where did this story come from, and why is it still going strong? Let’s break it down.

First Things First: There Is No Worm in Tequila

Authentic tequila — made only from blue Weber agave and produced in specific regions of Mexico like Jalisco — is legally protected.

The Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOMs) strictly regulate tequila production and prohibit adding insects or larvae to any bottle labeled as tequila.

So if you ever see a worm in a “tequila bottle,” one of three things is true:

It’s not actually tequila,
The label on the bottle is misleading or
The worm is fake

The worm people talk about is actually added to mezcal, a broader category of agave spirits. Tequila is technically a type of mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila — and this distinction matters.

So… What Is the Worm?

The infamous “tequila worm” is actually a moth larva called the “gusano de maguey,” meaning maguey worm. It feeds on the maguey plant, a type of agave. There are two common types:

Gusano Rojo (red maguey worm) – feeds on the heart of the agave
Gusano de Oro (white or gold worm) – feeds on the leaves

These larvae are associated with some bottles of mezcal, not tequila. You’ll sometimes see labels reading “con gusano,” which simply means “with worm.”

Why Was the Worm Added in the First Place?

Despite all the mystical explanations floating around, the worm’s presence has nothing to do with traditional mezcal production. Most historians agree it became popular in the mid-20th century, largely as a marketing ploy.

One widely cited story credits Jacobo Lozano Páez, who allegedly added the worm to mezcal bottles as a way to differentiate his product and spark curiosity. And it worked. For international audiences — especially curious “gringos” — it made mezcal seem exotic, daring and mysterious.

Over time, the worm became a symbol. Not of quality, but of identity. It helped mezcal stand apart from tequila in popular culture.

Does the Worm Add Flavor?

No, not really. The idea that worms add flavor is one of the most common myths — and one that keeps the legend alive.

The worm does not meaningfully change the flavor of mezcal. Any taste it might impart is minimal and often overshadowed by the spirit’s natural smoky profile from distillation.

In fact, many premium mezcal brands deliberately avoid adding larvae because they want the pure expression of agave to shine.

Is It Safe to Eat a Mezcal Worm?

Yes, technically, it’s safe.

The worm is preserved in high-proof alcohol, which prevents it from rotting or posing a health risk. Contrary to popular belief, it does not cause hallucinations, magical visions or any psychoactive effects. That’s yet another myth.

Eating it has become more of a modern rite of passage than a culinary experience. Some people describe it as chewy or salty, especially when eaten with salt and lime after drinking mezcal. Others just do it for the story.

Why Do Some People Report Getting Sick After Eating It?

Stories about people getting sick after being pressured to eat “the worm” tend to circulate in travel forums, college anecdotes and bar lore. They often involve someone drinking abroad or encountering mezcal for the first time.

However, the worm wasn’t at fault. Their illnesses, which were documented, resulted from overconsumption of alcohol, eating something else (besides the worm) or even a psychological reaction to eating an insect.

In some countries where novelty spirits are sold informally or without proper labeling, insects may not be properly preserved or handled. This increases the risk of nausea or stomach upset.

There are also reports of travelers being dared to eat the worm late into a night of heavy drinking, only to feel sick afterward — an outcome more closely tied to intoxication than to the larvae.

While the worm often gets the blame, health experts and industry professionals agree that the real issue is excessive drinking and unsafe consumption practices, not the bug itself.

Other Theories About the Worm (And Why Most Are Just Rumors)

Over the years, plenty of theories have popped up. One theory claims the worm proves the alcohol is strong enough to preserve life. Another suggests it brings good fortune or fertility. Some say it indicates quality — if the worm stays intact, the mezcal is “the good stuff.”

In reality, none of these claims hold up. The presence of a worm does not indicate higher quality. In fact, many high-end artisanal producers see it as a novelty best left in the past.

How Mexicans View the Worm

Interestingly, most Mexicans don’t associate tequila (or even mezcal) with worms at all — and many view the worm-in-the-bottle idea as something created for outsiders. While insects have cultural significance in Indigenous traditions and cuisine, the worm in mezcal is not a universal symbol and is far from a requirement.

Should Alcohol Servers Be Extra Careful?

Absolutely, but not because the worm is going to hurt their guests. From a service standpoint, alcohol servers should know:

Authentic tequila never contains a worm
Serving misinformation can confuse guests
Some customers may expect or request “the worm”

Servers should be prepared to explain the difference clearly and responsibly — especially when guests are drinking mezcal for the first time. Encouraging guests to eat the worm as a dare or joke can also raise concerns about responsible service, particularly if intoxication is involved.

Knowledge matters behind the bar, and this is one of those topics where myths are far more common than facts.

Are There Other Liquors with Insects in Them?

Yes — though they’re still considered novelty items.

Some spirits include:

Scorpions (often in certain Asian liquors)
Snakes (commonly found in snake wine)
Ants or insects used for flavoring in experimental infusions

Like the worm, these inclusions are rarely about taste and more about storytelling, shock value or cultural symbolism.

The Truth Shall Set You Free

So why do they put a worm in tequila? Short answer: they don’t.

The worm is associated with mezcal — and even then, it’s more legend or gimmick than tradition. Its presence is rooted in marketing, curiosity and popular culture rather than flavor, quality or authenticity.

Still, the story lives on because it’s memorable. It’s a dare. A conversation starter. A bit of booze mythology that keeps the cocktail party alive.

That being said, alcohol servers should know precisely what they’re giving customers and avoid fueling the myths.