The question, "Does Seagrams have sugar in it?" requires a nuanced answer, as the Seagrams brand includes a wide range of beverages, from distilled spirits to flavored sodas and alcoholic coolers. The presence and amount of sugar depend on the specific product, with pure spirits containing none and sweetened mixers and malt beverages containing substantial quantities.
The Sugar-Free Seagrams: Pure Distilled Spirits
For those monitoring their sugar intake, pure distilled liquors are often the best choice. Seagrams offers several products that fall into this category, meaning they are distilled to the point where all residual sugars from the fermentation process are removed.
Seagrams Gin
Seagrams Extra Dry Gin, for example, is a classic example of a sugar-free product. The distillation process leaves behind no significant carbohydrates or sugars, making it a popular choice for those on low-sugar or ketogenic diets. This principle applies to all pure, unflavored gins. When mixing, however, the sugar content of your cocktail will depend on the other ingredients you use, such as tonic water or juice.
Seagrams 7 Crown Whiskey
Similarly, Seagrams 7 Crown American Blended Whiskey contains zero grams of sugar. Like gin, the distillation of whiskey removes the sugars that were present during the fermentation of its grain base. This makes it a clean spirit choice, provided it is consumed neat, on the rocks, or with a sugar-free mixer.
The Sweet Side of Seagrams: Sodas and Flavored Beverages
In stark contrast to their distilled spirits, many of Seagrams' other products are known for their high sugar content. These beverages are designed for flavor and enjoyment rather than for low-sugar consumption.
Seagrams Ginger Ale
Traditional Seagrams Ginger Ale contains a high amount of added sugar, with a standard 12-ounce can having around 33-35 grams. The ingredient list for this product explicitly includes high fructose corn syrup. However, Seagrams also offers a Zero Sugar Ginger Ale, which contains no sugar and is sweetened with alternative sweeteners like aspartame.
Seagrams Escapes
The line of flavored malt beverages known as Seagrams Escapes is particularly high in sugar. These beverages are often made with a malt base and contain added sugars for flavor. For example, a 12-ounce serving of a Wild Berries or Calypso Colada Escape can contain between 26 and 28 grams of sugar. Some newer versions, like the Refreshers, are made with real cane sugar and fruit juice.
Comparison Table: Seagrams Sugar Content by Product
| Product Category | Example Product | Approximate Sugar Content (per serving) | Key Ingredients | Suitable for Low-Sugar Diet? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Distilled Spirit | Seagrams Extra Dry Gin | 0g per 1.5 fl oz | Juniper, botanicals | Yes |
| Pure Distilled Spirit | Seagrams 7 Crown Whiskey | 0g per 1.5 fl oz | Distilled grain mash | Yes |
| Flavored Malt Beverage | Seagrams Escapes Wild Berries | 26g per 12 fl oz | Malt beverage, flavorings, sugar | No |
| Ginger Ale | Seagrams Regular Ginger Ale | 35g per 12 fl oz | High fructose corn syrup, ginger extract | No |
| Seltzer Water | Seagrams Sparkling Seltzer Water | 0g per 12 fl oz | Carbonated water, natural flavor | Yes |
| Zero Sugar Soda | Seagrams Zero Sugar Ginger Ale | 0g per 12 fl oz | Carbonated water, artificial sweeteners | Yes |
Making a Healthy Choice with Seagrams
Understanding the sugar content of Seagrams products can help you make informed decisions based on your dietary needs or health goals. If you are watching your sugar intake, always opt for the pure spirits or the explicitly labeled zero-sugar versions. For cocktails, choosing a pure spirit and a no-sugar mixer is the ideal strategy to avoid unnecessary calories and sugar spikes.
Key takeaways for managing sugar with Seagrams:
- Read the Label: Never assume a product is low in sugar. The ingredient list and nutrition facts are your most reliable sources of information. Products with high fructose corn syrup or cane sugar are high in sugar.
- Stick to Pure Spirits: For the lowest sugar option, pure distilled spirits like Seagrams Gin or Whiskey are the clear winners, containing zero grams of sugar.
- Embrace Zero Sugar Options: Seagrams offers alternatives like Zero Sugar Ginger Ale, which delivers flavor without the added sweeteners.
- Watch the Mixers: Combining even a sugar-free spirit with a standard tonic water or fruit juice will drastically increase the overall sugar content of your drink.
In conclusion, whether a Seagrams product contains sugar is not a simple yes or no answer. The brand encompasses a wide range of beverages, from sugar-free spirits to sugar-filled sodas. By checking the label and understanding the product category, consumers can easily identify which options align with their dietary preferences. For those concerned about sugar, sticking to the pure distilled spirits and zero-sugar mixers is the safest bet.
