Do Hard Seltzers Have Sugar in Them? A Look at the Sweet Truth

November 2, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 50% of U.S. adults who drink alcohol enjoy hard seltzers weekly, often believing they are a zero-sugar option. This is a common misconception, as hard seltzers inherently use sugar during their creation, but the fermentation process dictates how much, if any, remains in the final product.

Quick Summary

Hard seltzers start with sugar, but fermentation consumes most of it, leaving minimal or zero grams of sugar. The final content depends on the brand's production method, ingredient base, and whether additional sweeteners are included. Always check the label for precise nutritional details.

Key Points

Initial Ingredient: All hard seltzers are made using sugar, typically cane sugar, which is fermented to create the alcohol base.
Fermentation Process: The yeast consumes most of the sugar during fermentation, converting it into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
Minimal Residual Sugar: Many brands successfully ferment out almost all the sugar, resulting in a low-sugar or zero-sugar final product.
Added Sugar: While most don't add sugar post-fermentation, some brands may contain trace amounts from natural fruit juices used for flavoring.
Label Reading is Key: The best way to know the exact sugar and carb count is to read the nutritional information on the product label, as it varies by brand.
Dietary Considerations: Due to their low sugar and carb content, hard seltzers are often considered a keto-friendly or low-carb alcoholic option, but moderation is still advised.

Unpacking the Hard Seltzer Production Process

To understand whether hard seltzers have sugar, one must first grasp how they are made. Unlike spirits that are distilled or beer that is brewed from malted grains, the alcohol in most hard seltzers comes from the fermentation of simple sugars. A common ingredient is cane sugar, which is dissolved in water and then fermented with a special yeast.

The Fermentation Factor

Fermentation is the key step. Yeast consumes the sugar, converting it into alcohol and carbon dioxide. A primary goal for hard seltzer manufacturers is to create a 'clean' and 'neutral' alcohol base. This means using a yeast strain that does not impart strong flavors and allowing the fermentation to complete thoroughly. A complete fermentation process can consume nearly all of the sugar, resulting in a low-sugar or even zero-sugar alcoholic base.

Ingredients: Sugar, Seltzer, and Flavoring

The most basic hard seltzer recipe involves four ingredients: water, sugar, yeast, and flavoring. After fermentation, the alcohol base is filtered to remove any lingering off-flavors and impurities, and then it's carbonated. Finally, natural or artificial flavorings, often fruit-based, are added. Some brands, however, might use an alcohol base derived from malted barley, similar to beer, or blend their seltzer with distilled spirits like vodka. This is why checking the label for the specific brand's ingredients is crucial.

Low Sugar, But Not Necessarily Zero

While the marketing often highlights low-calorie and low-sugar content, the claim of being 'sugar-free' isn't always accurate for every product on the market. While most hard seltzers are lower in calories and carbs than many beers or cocktails, the exact amount of residual sugar can differ from brand to brand. Some brands actively aim for a zero-sugar finish, while others might include a tiny amount, sometimes from real fruit juice or other additions post-fermentation, which contribute trace amounts of sugar.

Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer: Contains 90 calories and 0g sugar per 12oz can.
Truly Hard Seltzer: Contains 100 calories and 1g sugar per 12oz can.
White Claw Hard Seltzer: Contains 100 calories and 2g sugar per 12oz can.
Vizzy Hard Seltzer: Contains 100 calories and 1g sugar per 12oz can.

Comparison Table: Hard Seltzers vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages

To put the sugar content of hard seltzers into perspective, here is a comparison with other popular alcoholic beverages. This table highlights how hard seltzers fit into the larger landscape of drink choices from a sugar and calorie perspective.


Beverage (12 oz serving)	Approximate Calories	Approximate Sugar (grams)	Notes
Hard Seltzer (typical)	100	0-2	Uses fermented sugar base, low sugar due to complete fermentation.
Regular Beer	150+	0+	Carbs from malted barley, minimal sugar post-fermentation.
Light Beer	~100	0	Fewer carbs and calories than regular beer, also minimal sugar.
Mixed Drinks (e.g., Margarita)	160+	10+	Sugar content varies dramatically depending on the mixers used.
Wine (5 oz serving)	~125	1+	Varies significantly depending on the type of wine; sweeter wines have more sugar.

The Low-Carb and Keto Diet Consideration

For those on low-carb or keto diets, hard seltzers can be a suitable option due to their minimal sugar and carbohydrate content. The alcohol itself, however, still adds calories. While some brands boast zero carbs and sugar, always double-check the label, as formulations can change. It's also important to remember that alcohol can stall weight loss and should still be consumed in moderation, regardless of the sugar content.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Hard Seltzer Sugar

So, do hard seltzers have sugar? The answer is nuanced. While they start with sugar as a key ingredient for fermentation, most of that sugar is converted into alcohol, leaving very little, if any, residual sweetness in many popular brands. Their reputation for being low-calorie and low-sugar is generally well-deserved when compared to other alcoholic beverages. However, not all brands are created equal, and some may contain small amounts of residual or added sugar from flavorings. As with any food or drink, reading the nutritional label on the can is the most reliable way to know the exact sugar content of your chosen hard seltzer. Always remember to enjoy any alcoholic beverage responsibly and in moderation.

For further information on the brewing process of various alcoholic beverages, a valuable resource is the Wine Enthusiast website, which breaks down the science behind production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but typically in very small amounts. Most hard seltzers contain 1-2 grams of carbohydrates per 12-ounce can, though some brands contain zero.

Most hard seltzers are naturally gluten-free because the alcohol is fermented from cane sugar, not malted barley like traditional beer. However, always check the label, as some brands might use malted ingredients.

Hard seltzers are typically flavored with natural or artificial fruit essences or other flavorings after the fermentation process is complete. These flavor additives do not contain fermentable sugars.

Hard seltzers are often lower in calories, sugar, and carbs compared to most beers. However, neither is a healthy drink, as they both contain empty calories from alcohol. It's best to consume in moderation.

The alcohol in most hard seltzers is created by fermenting a simple sugar base, with cane sugar being a very common source.

Yes, many hard seltzers are suitable for a keto diet due to their low carbohydrate and sugar content. It is important to check the nutritional label for the specific brand to ensure it fits within your macro goals.

A typical 12-ounce can of hard seltzer contains around 100 calories. This can vary slightly by brand, but they are consistently lower in calories than many other alcoholic drinks.