A Closer Look at Angry Orchard's Ingredients
Unlike traditional ciders that rely solely on the natural sugars from apples, Angry Orchard's most popular products, like the Crisp Apple, feature a specific ingredient list that includes cane sugar and apple juice from concentrate. This practice is a key factor in achieving the sweet, consistent flavor profile that is distinct from drier, more traditional ciders. While all cider is made from apples, the addition of cane sugar significantly increases the final sugar content of the beverage. For instance, a 12 fl oz serving of Angry Orchard Crisp Apple is known to contain 18 grams of total sugar, with 16 grams of that being added sugar.
The presence of cane sugar is crucial to understanding the cider's sweetness, as the yeast consumes most of the natural apple sugars during the initial fermentation process. The addition of sweeteners after this point, a technique known as backsweetening, is what gives the cider its characteristic sweetness.
Breaking Down the Crisp Apple Nutritional Label
The nutritional label for a 12 fl oz serving of Angry Orchard Crisp Apple reveals the following information:
- Calories: 180
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Total Sugars: 18g
- Added Sugars: 16g
This breakdown clearly shows that the sweetness many consumers enjoy comes predominantly from added sugars, not just the naturally occurring ones from the fruit. The remaining two grams of sugar are residual sugars left over after the fermentation process.
The Backsweetening Process Explained
Backsweetening is the process of adding sugar to a fermented beverage to increase its sweetness before packaging. For commercially produced ciders like Angry Orchard, this is a carefully managed process to prevent re-fermentation in the bottle, which could lead to dangerous pressure build-up. The process typically involves these steps:
- Fermentation: The yeast ferments the natural sugars in the apple juice, converting most of it to alcohol and CO2, resulting in a dry cider.
- Stabilization: The yeast is either removed through filtration or inhibited using chemicals like potassium sorbate and sulfites. This stops further fermentation.
- Sweetening: A measured amount of cane sugar, honey, or other sweeteners is added to achieve the desired level of sweetness.
- Carbonation: The cider is then force-carbonated and bottled.
This controlled process allows producers to ensure a consistent, sweet product every time, which is different from a naturally fermented dry cider where the yeast consumes all the available sugar.
Comparison of Hard Ciders: Sugar Content
To put Angry Orchard's sugar content into perspective, here is a comparison with a few other popular ciders. It is important to note that sugar levels can vary significantly between brands and styles, from very sweet commercial brands to completely dry options.
| Cider Type | Added Sugar (per 12oz) | Total Sugar (per 12oz) | ABV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angry Orchard Crisp Apple | 16g | 18g | 5% |
| Angry Orchard Crisp Light | 6-7g | 6-7g | 4.3% |
| Strongbow Gold | Varies | 19g (approximate per pint) | 5% |
| Dry Ciders (e.g., Bad Seed) | 0g | 0g | Higher (around 6.9%) |
Lower Sugar Alternatives: Crisp Light
For consumers looking to reduce their sugar intake, Angry Orchard does offer alternative products. The Crisp Light variety, for instance, is specifically marketed as a lower-calorie and lower-sugar option. This version contains fewer calories and a significantly lower total sugar count per 12 fl oz serving compared to the original Crisp Apple. This product line demonstrates that even within the same brand, the amount of added sugar can differ greatly depending on the product's intended taste profile and nutritional positioning.
Reading the Labels on Alcoholic Beverages
Nutritional labeling for alcoholic beverages is not always as comprehensive as for non-alcoholic products, and regulations can vary by country. However, the ingredient list is a reliable place to check for added sugars like cane sugar, honey, or corn syrup. For those monitoring their sugar intake, comparing the total sugar to the added sugar on a product's nutritional information is the most direct way to assess its content, where such information is provided. Choosing a drier, traditionally made cider is another way to avoid added sweeteners.
Conclusion
In short, does Angry Orchard add sugar? Yes, the brand adds cane sugar and sometimes honey to its ciders, including its popular Crisp Apple variety, a practice known as backsweetening. A standard 12 fl oz serving of Crisp Apple contains a notable 16 grams of added sugar. The sweetness of Angry Orchard is a direct result of this deliberate process, rather than being solely derived from the natural sugars of fermented apples. For those seeking less sugar, alternatives like the brand's Crisp Light cider offer a lower-sugar option, while other cider makers produce drier, zero-sugar products. By checking ingredient lists and nutritional information, consumers can make informed choices about the sweetness and sugar content of their beverages.
Learn more about the homebrewing process of backsweetening cider.
