The "No Added Sugar" Promise: What Does It Mean for High Noon?
High Noon has built a reputation on its clean ingredient list, using real vodka, real fruit juice, and sparkling water for its seltzer products. The brand's emphasis on "no added sugar" is a key part of its appeal to consumers seeking lighter, more transparent alcoholic beverage options. This claim, however, doesn't mean the product is entirely sugar-free. The sugar present in a can of High Noon comes exclusively from the natural fruit juice used for flavoring, not from high fructose corn syrup or other added sweeteners.
For most of the standard vodka seltzer flavors, a 12oz can contains approximately 2 to 3 grams of sugar. This is a very low amount, especially when compared to many traditional mixed drinks or other sugary alcoholic beverages. The difference lies in the source: the sugar is a natural component of the fruit juice, contributing to the flavor profile in a subtle way rather than creating an overly sweet or syrupy taste.
High Noon's Different Product Lines
High Noon has expanded its offerings beyond its original vodka seltzers. Understanding the sugar content for each line is essential for a complete picture.
- High Noon Vodka Seltzers: The flagship product line, made with real vodka and real fruit juice. These contain no added sugar and generally have about 2-3 grams of natural sugar per 12oz can.
- High Noon Tequila Seltzers: Crafted with real blanco tequila and real fruit juice. Similar to the vodka seltzers, these contain no added sugar and feature around 2.6 grams of natural sugar per can.
- High Noon Vodka Iced Teas: This newer line is non-carbonated and uses real vodka and real iced tea. The brand states these also contain no added sugar and zero grams of total sugar, yet some taste testers have questioned the presence of non-nutritive sweeteners. Since ingredient labeling is not always required for alcoholic beverages, this has been a point of confusion for some consumers.
A Deeper Dive into Ingredients
A typical 12oz can of High Noon Vodka Seltzer contains a simple, transparent list of ingredients:
- Real Vodka: Distilled from American corn, providing a clean alcohol base.
- Real Fruit Juice: Used for natural flavor and color.
- Sparkling Water: For carbonation and refreshment.
- Natural Flavors: Enhance the fruit essence.
This minimalist approach contrasts with many malt-based hard seltzers, which often start with fermented cane sugar. The use of real spirits like vodka or tequila is a key differentiator that High Noon emphasizes.
How High Noon Compares to Competitors
High Noon's use of real spirits and juice places it in a different category than some popular malt-based competitors, whose sugar content and sources may vary. Here is a comparison of typical nutrition facts for a 12oz can.
| Brand | Base Alcohol | Sugar (g) | Added Sugar | Calories | Source of Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Noon (Vodka) | Real Vodka | 2-3g | No | 100 | Natural fruit juice |
| White Claw | Fermented Cane Sugar | 2g | Yes (brewed) | 100 | Fermented cane sugar and flavorings |
| Nutrl Vodka Seltzer | Real Vodka | 0g | No | 100 | None |
As the table shows, Nutrl is a closer competitor in its use of real vodka and zero sugar, while White Claw uses a different base. For consumers specifically tracking sugar, it is important to distinguish between total sugar and added sugar. High Noon's marketing focuses on the latter, which is accurate for their primary seltzer lines.
Conclusion: The Truth About Sugar in High Noon
So, are high noons full of sugar? For the standard vodka and tequila seltzer varieties, the answer is no, they are not. They contain a minimal amount of natural sugar from real fruit juice and zero added sugar. This makes them a more health-conscious option than many other alcoholic beverages. However, consumers of the Iced Tea varieties should note the reported use of non-nutritive sweeteners, which provide sweetness without calories or sugar. Ultimately, High Noon delivers a clean, refreshing profile by sourcing its sweetness naturally, appealing to those who want to avoid high sugar content in their drinks. For a complete look at their full range of products, check out the High Noon Official Website.
