Understanding the Carbs in Truly's Flavored Vodkas
Unlike traditional, unflavored vodkas that are distilled to have zero carbohydrates, Truly's flavored vodkas are a bit different. The addition of flavorings, particularly real fruit juice and natural flavors, introduces sugars and other carbohydrates into the spirit. This is an important distinction for anyone monitoring their carb or sugar intake, including those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
The amount of carbohydrates depends on which Truly product you are consuming, as the company offers both bottled flavored vodka and canned vodka seltzers.
The Reason for Carbs
So, why exactly does Truly flavored vodka have carbs when pure vodka does not? The explanation comes down to the ingredients and the production process. Truly crafts its flavored spirits with intention, focusing on providing a dynamic, fruity flavor profile. Here are the main reasons for the carbohydrate content:
- Real Fruit Juice: According to Truly's product information, their vodkas are infused with a percentage of real fruit juice from concentrate. This juice, while providing authentic flavor, also contains natural sugars and carbohydrates.
- Flavoring Agents: The infusion includes natural flavors, which can contribute to the overall carb count. While the specific ingredients are proprietary, these additions distinguish the product from plain vodka.
- Cane Sugar Base: The vodka is made from a cane sugar base, similar to their hard seltzers. While the distillation process removes nearly all carbs from pure alcohol, the re-introduction of fruit juice and flavorings is what adds them back in.
Bottled Truly Flavored Vodka vs. Truly Vodka Seltzer
It is crucial to differentiate between the two main types of Truly vodka products on the market, as their nutritional profiles differ significantly. The traditional bottled flavored vodka is a 30% ABV spirit, while the newer canned Truly Vodka Seltzers are a lower-ABV, ready-to-drink cocktail.
| Feature | Truly Flavored Vodka (e.g., Wild Berry) | Truly Vodka Seltzer (e.g., Blackberry & Lemon) |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Bottled distilled spirit (30% ABV) | Canned ready-to-drink cocktail (5% ABV) |
| Serving Size | 1.5 oz shot | 12 fl. oz can |
| Carbohydrates | 6.9 grams | 4 grams |
| Sugar | ~2.5 grams (estimated based on juice content) | 2 grams |
| Calories | 99 calories | 110 calories |
| Key Takeaway | Higher carb and sugar content per serving, but in a much smaller portion. | Lower total carbs per full-size container, making it a potentially lighter option for a single drink. |
Making a Choice for a Low-Carb Diet
For those on a low-carb or keto diet, the bottled Truly flavored vodka is not the most suitable choice due to its carbohydrate load. A single 1.5 oz shot contains 6.9 grams of carbs, which can easily throw off your daily macro goals. In this case, opting for an unflavored vodka mixed with a zero-carb mixer like club soda or diet soda would be a far better option.
The Truly Vodka Seltzer cans present a more moderate, though not zero-carb, option. With 4 grams of carbs and 2 grams of sugar per 12 oz can, they are comparable to some other ready-to-drink cocktails. However, they are still not truly 'keto-friendly' if you are trying to minimize all sugar and carb intake. For a strict low-carb approach, it is best to stick to pure spirits and zero-carb mixers.
Other Truly Products to Consider
It is also worth remembering that Truly offers a wide variety of other products, like their original hard seltzers. While this article focuses on their vodka products, their other offerings have different nutritional facts. For example, their hard seltzers contain carbohydrates as well, coming from the cane sugar base used for fermentation. Therefore, it is important to always check the nutritional information for the specific Truly product you plan to consume.
Tips for Enjoying Flavored Spirits on a Low-Carb Diet
- Mindful Consumption: If you choose to enjoy Truly flavored vodka, be mindful of your serving size. The 6.9g carb count is for a 1.5 oz pour, so mixing a small amount with a zero-carb mixer can help keep your total carbs down.
- Prioritize Mixers: Pair the flavored vodka with diet sodas, flavored sparkling water, or club soda with a squeeze of fresh lime to add volume and flavor without extra carbs.
- Use as an Accent: Think of the flavored vodka as an accent rather than the base. A splash can go a long way in adding flavor to a very low-carb drink.
- Stick to Pure Vodka: For the most control over your carb intake, use plain vodka and add flavor with zero-sugar syrups, fresh herbs, or a twist of citrus rind.
Conclusion
Yes, Truly flavored vodka has carbs. Its bottled variety contains 6.9 grams of carbohydrates per 1.5 oz serving due to the addition of real fruit juice and natural flavors, while the canned vodka seltzers have 4 grams of carbs per 12 oz can. This is a critical distinction from unflavored vodka, which contains no carbohydrates. For those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet, it is important to factor in these nutritional details when deciding on a beverage. While not a zero-carb option, the Truly vodka products can be enjoyed in moderation by being mindful of serving sizes and mixing choices. For the strictest low-carb adherence, pure vodka remains the best choice. Truly Hard Seltzer has more information on their various products.
Compare Truly Products
For a clear look at how the different products stack up, the comparison table above highlights the key differences between the bottled and canned Truly vodka offerings. The bottled spirit is more potent and carb-heavy per ounce, but a smaller pour can contain fewer carbs than a full can of the lower-ABV seltzer. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific dietary goals and how you plan to consume the drink.
Conclusion
In summary, the assumption that all vodka is carb-free is a myth, especially when dealing with flavored spirits like Truly. The delicious, fruity taste comes at the cost of added sugars and carbohydrates from real fruit juices and flavorings. For those on a ketogenic or low-carb diet, it is vital to check the nutritional information for each specific Truly product. While a zero-carb alcoholic beverage is achievable with pure vodka and zero-carb mixers, Truly flavored vodka products contain carbs and should be consumed with awareness. Making informed choices about your beverages is key to successfully managing your dietary goals.
