Does the Truly drink have sugar in it? Unpacking the Sweetness in Truly Hard Seltzer

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

Most standard Truly Hard Seltzer flavors contain just 1 gram of sugar per 12-ounce can, a key fact for those wondering, 'does the Truly drink have sugar in it?'. While this low amount is a major selling point, the specific sugar content and types of sweeteners can vary depending on the product line.

Quick Summary

Truly Hard Seltzer typically contains 1 gram of sugar per 12oz can, deriving its alcohol from fermented cane sugar. Some flavors use a combination of sugar and artificial sweeteners to achieve their taste.

Key Points

Low Sugar Content: Most standard Truly Hard Seltzer flavors contain only 1 gram of sugar per 12-ounce can.
Alcohol Source: The alcohol in Truly is created through the fermentation of cane sugar, which contributes to its low sugar count.
Artificial Sweeteners in Some Lines: Truly Lemonade and Punch varieties use a blend of cane sugar and artificial sweeteners like sucralose to achieve their flavor profile.
Low Calories: With just 100 calories per 12-ounce serving, Truly is a low-calorie alternative to many other alcoholic beverages.
Gluten-Free: Truly Hard Seltzer is naturally gluten-free, thanks to its fermented cane sugar base.
Minimal Carbs: The typical Truly hard seltzer has a low carbohydrate count, often just 2 grams per can.

The Truth About Sugar in Truly Hard Seltzer

For many health-conscious consumers, the sugar content of alcoholic beverages is a primary concern. The rise of hard seltzers, with their low-calorie and low-sugar marketing, has attracted a significant following. So, does the Truly drink have sugar in it? The short answer is yes, but the amount is minimal, especially in its core product lines. The source of this sweetness and how it's used across different Truly products is what sets it apart from many traditional alcoholic options.

Breaking Down Truly's Core Ingredients

The alcohol in most Truly Hard Seltzer is derived from fermented cane sugar, a simple, gluten-free base. Unlike beer, which is brewed from fermented grains, this cane sugar base provides a clean canvas for flavors. The final product includes a blend of simple, naturally gluten-free ingredients.

Common ingredients in Truly Hard Seltzers include:

Filtered water
Alcohol from fermented cane sugar
Natural fruit flavors
Fruit juice concentrates
Citric acid and sodium citrate to balance flavors
Depending on the line, low-calorie sweeteners like Stevia or artificial sweeteners such as Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium

Truly's Product Lines and Their Sugar Content

Truly offers several product variations, and the sugar content can differ slightly between them. It's important to check the specific variety for exact nutritional information, but here's a general breakdown:

Original Truly Hard Seltzer: Most standard flavors contain 1 gram of sugar and 100 calories per 12-ounce can.
Truly Lemonade, Punch, and Unruly: These lines have bolder flavor profiles and are sweetened with a blend of sugar and artificial sweeteners, keeping them at just 1 gram of sugar per 12-ounce serving.
Truly Tequila Soda: This spirits-based seltzer, made with Tequila Blanco and real fruit juice, may have a different nutritional breakdown. For instance, the Tequila Soda contains real fruit juice from concentrate.
Truly Hard Seltzer Extra: These higher-ABV options may also have varying sugar content compared to the standard line. Always check the label.

Truly Hard Seltzer vs. Competitors

When evaluating hard seltzers, a direct comparison is often the best way to understand the nutritional differences. Brands compete heavily on calories, carbs, and sugar content.


Brand	Calories (12 oz)	Sugar (grams)	Carbs (grams)	Alcohol Base	Notes
Truly Hard Seltzer	100	1	2	Fermented Cane Sugar	Low sugar, broad flavor selection.
White Claw Hard Seltzer	100	2	2	Fermented Gluten-Free Grains	Slightly higher sugar content than Truly in standard flavors.
Bon & Viv	90	0	2	Fermented Sugar	Lower calories and zero sugar.

Making an Informed Choice

Choosing Truly or another hard seltzer is often about balancing flavor preferences with nutritional goals. Here are some key considerations:

Flavor Profile: If you prefer a bolder, more pronounced fruit flavor, the Truly Lemonade or Punch lines might be more appealing, though they use artificial sweeteners. The standard line offers a crisper, more subtle fruit flavor.
Calorie and Carb Counting: For those counting calories, both Truly and its main competitors are competitive, generally hovering around 100 calories per can. Truly’s standard line has a slight edge on sugar over some versions of White Claw.
Ingredient Sensitivity: The use of artificial sweeteners in some Truly product lines is a relevant factor for consumers who prefer to avoid them. Those focused purely on minimizing sugar might explore brands like Bon & Viv that offer a zero-sugar option.

Conclusion

In summary, Truly Hard Seltzer does contain sugar, though the amount is minimal at just 1 gram per 12-ounce can for most varieties. This sugar comes from the fermented cane sugar used to create the alcohol base, with certain product lines also utilizing artificial sweeteners to enhance flavor. By providing low-sugar, gluten-free options with a modest calorie count, Truly has carved out a strong position in the market. Ultimately, knowing that Truly contains a small amount of sugar, and where that sweetness comes from, empowers consumers to make the best choice for their preferences and dietary needs.

For more detailed nutritional information and a full list of flavors, visit the Truly Hard Seltzer website.

Truly Hard Seltzer FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Most standard Truly Hard Seltzer flavors contain 1 gram of sugar per 12-ounce serving. Some specialty lines, like Lemonade and Punch, also have 1 gram of sugar but use artificial sweeteners in addition to some cane sugar.

Yes, some of Truly's product lines, including the Lemonade and Punch varieties, are sweetened with a blend of cane sugar and artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium.

The alcohol in Truly Hard Seltzer is derived from fermented cane sugar, a simple process similar to brewing beer but with a gluten-free base.

A standard 12-ounce can of Truly Hard Seltzer has 100 calories. The majority of these calories come from the alcohol itself.

Yes, all Truly Hard Seltzer flavors are naturally gluten-free, as they are made with a fermented cane sugar base instead of gluten-containing grains.

Compared to many traditional beers, Truly is often lower in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar, which is an appealing factor for many. However, some ultra-light beers might have comparable or even slightly fewer calories, depending on the brand.

Truly's standard hard seltzer has a slight edge on sugar content, with 1 gram per 12-ounce can compared to White Claw's 2 grams in most of its standard flavors.