NOCA: Understanding the Hard Seltzer's Sugar
NOCA is a brand of alcoholic beverages known for its non-carbonated, 'boozy water' and 'hard lemonade' products. Unlike many hard seltzers that are zero-sugar, NOCA includes a small amount of sugar, and its alcohol base is derived from fermented cane sugar.
For most standard NOCA Weekend Water and Boozy Iced Tea products, the sugar content is listed as 2 grams per 12 oz can. It is important for consumers to check the specific product label, as some product lines, such as the Breezy Tropical Juice, have higher sugar content (9g per 12 oz can). NOCA uses natural flavors and sometimes fruit juice for sweetness, avoiding artificial sweeteners.
Key Nutritional Points for NOCA
- Sugar Content: Typically 2g per 12 oz can for standard lines like Weekend Water.
- Alcohol Base: Made from fermented cane sugar, which contributes to its overall profile.
- Sweetener: Uses natural flavorings and fruit juice for sweetness, not artificial sweeteners.
- Other Ingredients: Includes electrolytes, filtered water, and natural fruit flavors.
NOCCO: A Sugar-Free Energy Drink
NOCCO, which stands for "No Carbs Company," is a brand of functional energy drinks that are explicitly marketed as sugar-free. Developed in Sweden in 2014, NOCCO beverages are formulated for active adults and contain branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), vitamins, and often caffeine.
All NOCCO products are sweetened with sucralose, not sugar, making them a zero-calorie, sugar-free option for those monitoring their intake. Their product lineup includes a range of flavors, some with caffeine for energy and others (marked BCAA+) without.
Key Nutritional Points for NOCCO
- Sugar Content: All products are completely sugar-free.
- Sweetener: Uses sucralose as a non-caloric sweetener.
- Key Ingredients: Contains BCAAs, vitamins (like B6, B12), and in some variants, caffeine.
- Functional Focus: Positioned as a performance drink for fitness and exercise, not a hard beverage.
NOCA vs. NOCCO: A Nutritional Comparison
To highlight the key differences between these two similarly named beverage brands, here is a comparison table:
| Feature | NOCA (Hard Seltzer) | NOCCO (Energy Drink) |
|---|---|---|
| Beverage Type | Hard Seltzer (Alcoholic) | Functional Energy Drink (Non-Alcoholic) |
| Sugar Content | Typically 2g per 12 oz can | 0g (Sugar-Free) |
| Primary Sweetener | Cane sugar, fruit juice | Sucralose |
| Calories | Approximately 95-100 kcal per 12 oz | Very low, e.g., 20 kcal per 330ml can |
| Alcohol Content | Yes, typically 4.5% or higher ABV | No (Non-Alcoholic) |
| Carbonation | No (Non-Carbonated) | Yes (Carbonated) |
| Key Ingredients | Fermented cane sugar, natural flavors, electrolytes | BCAAs, vitamins, caffeine (some variants) |
Why the Confusion Between NOCA and NOCCO?
The confusion between NOCA and NOCCO stems primarily from their nearly identical-sounding names. Consumers searching for one brand's nutritional information may easily be directed to the other's, especially if they are unsure of the spelling. The distinction is crucial for those monitoring their sugar intake or looking for a specific type of beverage (e.g., alcoholic vs. non-alcoholic, energy-boosting vs. relaxing). The key takeaway for anyone unsure is to always confirm the brand and read the label carefully before purchasing.
Interpreting Labels and Making the Right Choice
Given the significant differences, interpreting the product label is the most reliable way to avoid mistakes. For NOCA, the label will clearly state its alcohol by volume (ABV) and list its sugar content, typically around 2 grams for its seltzers. For NOCCO, the label will highlight its BCAA and vitamin content and specify that it is a sugar-free beverage, often using sucralose. For a definitive source on NOCA's product details, you can refer to their official website: NOCA FAQ Page.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to "Does NOCA have sugar?" is yes, but the amount is low (around 2g) in most hard seltzer products, and it is essential not to confuse it with the completely sugar-free NOCCO energy drink. NOCA uses cane sugar and fruit juices, while NOCCO is sweetened with sucralose. Always double-check the can's label to confirm the specific ingredients and nutritional facts for the beverage you intend to purchase.
