Understanding the High Noon Calorie Count
High Noon has become a popular choice for many, largely due to its positioning as a 'better-for-you' alternative in the ready-to-drink cocktail market. The brand's core offerings consistently maintain a low-calorie profile, which is a key part of its marketing appeal. The 100-calorie count per 12 oz can applies to the majority of its vodka-based hard seltzers, including popular flavors like Black Cherry, Watermelon, and Grapefruit. This consistent nutritional information is a major factor for consumers who are counting calories or adhering to specific dietary plans.
What Exactly Is in a High Noon?
To understand why High Noon is low in calories, it's important to look at its ingredients. Unlike many other flavored malt beverages or sugary cocktails, High Noon is crafted with a simple ingredient list: real vodka, real fruit juice, and sparkling water. This combination avoids the high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors found in many competing products, which are often significant sources of extra calories. The use of real fruit juice provides flavor without the heavy sugar load that comes with sweetened mixers.
- Real Vodka Base: High Noon uses a neutral spirit base (vodka), which, by itself, contains calories but no carbohydrates or sugar. A typical 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka has about 97 calories. In High Noon, the amount of vodka is carefully controlled to achieve a 4.5% ABV while keeping the overall calorie count low.
- Real Fruit Juice: The flavor comes from a small amount of real fruit juice. This contributes minimally to the calorie count, unlike sugary fruit-flavored syrups.
- Sparkling Water: The majority of the can is sparkling water, which contains no calories.
- No Added Sugar: By not adding extra sugar, High Noon avoids the empty calories that inflate the content of many other mixed drinks.
Comparing High Noon's Calories to Other Drinks
When analyzing if High Noon is 'high' in calories, it's essential to compare it to other common alcoholic beverages. Its 100-calorie mark is a benchmark for many health-conscious drinkers. For example, the same 12-ounce can of High Noon has fewer calories than a standard 12-ounce can of regular beer, which typically contains around 153 calories. The comparison becomes even more stark when looking at cocktails or wine.
Comparative Calorie Table (Approximate Values)
| Drink (Serving Size) | Calories | Carbohydrates (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Noon Hard Seltzer (12 oz) | 100 | 2-5g | Made with real vodka and juice |
| Regular Beer (12 oz) | 150+ | 13g+ | Can vary significantly by type |
| Light Beer (12 oz) | ~100-120 | 5-10g | Often higher carbs than High Noon |
| Dry White Wine (5 oz) | ~120-125 | 3-4g | Smaller serving size |
| Red Wine (5 oz) | ~125 | 3-4g | Smaller serving size |
| Margarita (8 oz) | 200-500 | 21-60g | Can be very high in sugar and calories |
| Vodka Soda with Lime (8 oz) | ~100-110 | 0g | Only if no sugary mixers added |
As the table illustrates, a standard can of High Noon is one of the lowest-calorie alcoholic options available. This is particularly noticeable when compared to mixed cocktails, where the addition of syrups, fruit purees, and other mixers can quickly skyrocket the calorie count.
The 'Empty Calorie' Consideration
While High Noon is low in calories compared to many alternatives, it's crucial to remember that its calories are still considered 'empty'. Alcohol itself provides calories (about 7 calories per gram) but offers very little nutritional value in the form of vitamins or minerals. Therefore, even a low-calorie alcoholic beverage should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Excessive alcohol consumption, regardless of its calorie count, can negatively impact weight loss goals by increasing overall calorie intake and altering metabolism.
Can High Noons Fit into a Healthy Lifestyle?
For those who enjoy a casual drink and are managing their calorie intake, High Noon can be a suitable choice. Its real-fruit flavor and absence of added sugar are key selling points that appeal to health-conscious consumers. By choosing a High Noon over a more calorie-dense cocktail or beer, you can still enjoy an alcoholic beverage without consuming hundreds of extra calories. The key, as with any alcohol, is moderation. Integrating a 100-calorie High Noon into a balanced diet is certainly possible, but it is not a 'healthy' beverage in the same way as, for example, a glass of water or a nutrient-rich smoothie.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
- Easy to Over-consume: Because they are light, refreshing, and low in calories, it can be easy to drink several in one sitting, which can add up. Four High Noons contain 400 calories, which is a significant addition to daily intake.
- Alcohol's Effect on Metabolism: As mentioned, alcohol can slow down your metabolism and impact fat storage. This is not specific to High Noon but applies to all alcoholic beverages.
- Lack of Satiety: Unlike food, alcohol does not provide a sense of fullness, and the empty calories can contribute to weight gain without providing any satiety cues. This is a common concern with any 'liquid calories.'
- Real Fruit Juice vs. Added Sugar: While the real fruit juice is a positive, some of the carbohydrates in High Noon do come from naturally occurring sugars in the juice. For those strictly monitoring sugar intake, this is something to be aware of, although High Noon does not contain added sugar.
Conclusion
To answer the question, "Are High Noons high in calories?" the definitive answer is no. With only 100 calories per can, no added sugar, and a simple ingredient list of vodka and real fruit juice, High Noon is a remarkably low-calorie alcoholic beverage when compared to most beers, wines, and cocktails. For individuals seeking a lighter alternative, it offers a refreshing option that aligns with mindful calorie consumption. However, it's important to remember that alcohol contains empty calories and should always be enjoyed responsibly and in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle. Learn more about alcohol and weight loss from experts here.
