Not All Truly Seltzers Are Created Equal
When considering if Truly seltzer contains artificial sweeteners, it is crucial to recognize that the brand has expanded its product offerings significantly over the years. What was once a simple line of hard seltzers has grown to include several distinct collections, including Lemonade, Punch, and Unruly varieties. The ingredient list—and, consequently, the sweetener profile—is not uniform across these different product lines. For this reason, a blanket 'yes' or 'no' answer to the question is misleading.
Truly Original Hard Seltzer: The No Artificial Sweetener Claim
For the brand's original hard seltzer products, Truly has historically emphasized its use of simple, natural ingredients. Marketing materials often tout the fact that these traditional flavors are 'made with simple ingredients' and are 'never made with artificial sweeteners or flavors'. For example, ingredients for a Truly Fruit Punch flavor show it is sweetened with stevia, a plant-based sweetener that is not considered artificial. Stevia, derived from the stevia plant, provides sweetness without the added calories associated with sugar or the synthetic nature of artificial alternatives. However, some might perceive the lingering aftertaste of stevia as similar to that of artificial sweeteners. This is a common point of confusion for consumers accustomed to traditional sugar.
Truly Lemonade and Punch: Where Artificial Sweeteners are Found
In a clear and direct statement, Truly's official FAQ page clarifies that its newer, sweeter product lines do, in fact, utilize artificial sweeteners. The site notes: "Truly Lemonade, Truly Punch, and Truly Unruly are sweetened with a blend of sugar and artificial sweeteners". This is a significant distinction from their original hard seltzer line. An analysis of the ingredients in Truly Lemonade and Truly Punch, as listed on retail websites and food databases, often reveals the presence of synthetic sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K). These are well-known artificial sweeteners used to provide intense sweetness with zero calories. For instance, an ingredients list for a Truly product showed sucralose and acesulfame potassium, confirming their presence in certain product lines.
Deeper Look into the Sweeteners Used
To help consumers make informed decisions, it is important to understand the different sweeteners found across Truly's offerings.
- Stevia Sweetener: A natural, plant-based, zero-calorie sweetener often found in the original and some tropical fruit varieties. It's popular for those avoiding synthetic additives but can have a distinct aftertaste.
- Sucralose: A synthetic, non-nutritive sweetener derived from sugar, but is approximately 600 times sweeter. It is used in some Truly product lines, particularly the Lemonade and Punch varieties.
- Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): Another synthetic, zero-calorie artificial sweetener that is often blended with sucralose to create a more balanced flavor profile.
- Cane Sugar: The source of the fermented alcohol in all Truly seltzers. Some product lines, particularly the newer ones, combine cane sugar with artificial sweeteners for a sweeter taste.
- Natural Flavors and Fruit Juice: The flavoring is sourced from natural flavors and fruit juices from concentrate across all product lines, but these are often combined with different sweeteners to achieve the final taste.
Comparison of Truly Product Lines
| Feature | Truly Original Hard Seltzer | Truly Lemonade & Punch |
|---|---|---|
| Sweeteners Used | Stevia, Cane Sugar | Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Cane Sugar |
| Artificial Sweeteners | No | Yes |
| Flavor Profile | Crisp, subtle fruit flavor | Sweeter, more intense fruit flavor |
| Ingredients | Simple ingredients, natural flavors | Blend of sugar and artificial sweeteners |
| Best For | Those avoiding artificial additives | Those who prefer a sweeter taste |
Conclusion: The Final Answer on Truly's Sweeteners
The question "does Truly seltzer have artificial sweeteners?" is complex, but the answer is a nuanced 'it depends.' For those who stick to the original line of Truly Hard Seltzer, the product does not contain artificial sweeteners. However, if you are a fan of the Truly Lemonade, Truly Punch, or Truly Unruly varieties, you will be consuming beverages that are sweetened with a combination of sugar and synthetic additives like sucralose and acesulfame potassium. The best practice is to always check the ingredient label of the specific product you are considering. This ensures you can make a truly informed choice based on your personal preferences and dietary needs.
Optional Link: For a complete list of products and ingredients, consult the official Truly Hard Seltzer FAQ page at Truly Hard Seltzer FAQ.
