White Claw vs. Truly: A Sugar Content Breakdown
When it comes to hard seltzers, White Claw and Truly are the two dominant brands, both known for their low-calorie and low-carb profiles. However, for those tracking their sugar intake, the difference between the two can be a deciding factor. In a standard 12-ounce can, Truly edges out White Claw with a lower sugar count.
The Standard Hard Seltzer Showdown
For the most common 12-ounce servings of their classic hard seltzers, the nutritional facts show a clear distinction:
- Truly Hard Seltzer: Contains 1 gram of sugar per can.
- White Claw Hard Seltzer: Contains 2 grams of sugar per can.
This difference, while seemingly small, can add up for consumers who enjoy multiple cans. Truly's one-gram advantage means half the sugar per can compared to White Claw's standard offering.
Beyond the Standard: Product Line Variations
It's important to note that both brands have expanded their product lines, and the nutritional content can change with these variations.
- White Claw Surge: This higher-alcohol-by-volume (ABV) version comes in a larger 16-ounce can and has a different nutritional profile, including higher sugar and calorie counts.
- Truly Extra: Similar to White Claw Surge, Truly Extra is a higher-ABV offering. Its sugar content is also distinct from the classic seltzer.
- Truly Lemonade/Punch: Truly offers other product lines like Lemonade and Punch, which are sweetened with a blend of sugar and artificial sweeteners and contain 1 gram of sugar per 12oz serving.
- Truly and White Claw Vodka Sodas: Both brands also offer vodka-based seltzers. For their vodka soda products, both typically contain 2 grams of sugar.
Comparing Ingredients: How the Sugar is Sourced
Both White Claw and Truly produce their alcohol through the fermentation of cane sugar. The key difference lies in the final recipe and flavoring process. The sugar count on the nutrition label reflects any residual or added sugars present in the final product. Truly has historically used a touch of stevia sweetener in some of its fruit-flavored varieties to maintain a lower sugar count, while White Claw uses cane sugar and fruit juice concentrate.
Comparative Nutritional Table (Standard 12oz Servings)
| Feature | White Claw Hard Seltzer | Truly Hard Seltzer |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 100 | 100 |
| Sugar | 2g | 1g |
| Carbs | 2g | 2g (some variants may differ) |
| ABV | 5% (US) | 5% |
| Ingredients | Carbonated water, alcohol, cane sugar, natural flavors, citric acid, fruit juice concentrate | Filtered water, alcohol, natural flavors, cane sugar, citric acid, fruit juice from concentrate, sometimes stevia |
Conclusion: The Low-Sugar Champion
Ultimately, if your primary goal is to consume the hard seltzer with the lowest sugar content, a standard 12-ounce Truly is the better choice, consistently offering just 1 gram of sugar compared to White Claw's 2 grams. However, this is only true for their classic hard seltzer lines. As both brands have diversified their offerings with various high-ABV and mixed-flavor products, it's essential to always check the specific can's nutritional information. For many health-conscious consumers, the marginal difference might not be as significant as other factors, such as taste preference. Both remain a lower-calorie and lower-sugar option when compared to many traditional alcoholic beverages, such as beer or sugary cocktails. For more detailed health information on alcoholic beverages, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism is an excellent resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there any hard seltzer with zero sugar? A: Yes, some versions of hard seltzer, such as White Claw's "70" product line, contain zero sugar. However, these are not the standard offerings.
Q: Do Truly's newer products, like Truly Lemonade, have the same low sugar? A: Truly's Lemonade and Punch varieties have 1 gram of sugar per 12oz serving, similar to the classic Truly, but they use a blend of sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Q: What is the source of alcohol in both White Claw and Truly? A: Both brands produce their alcohol through the fermentation of cane sugar.
Q: Are hard seltzers really healthier than beer? A: Hard seltzers are often lower in calories and carbs than many beers. While a light beer might have similar calorie counts, seltzers typically have lower carb counts. The total health impact depends on overall consumption.
Q: Besides sugar, what are the other main ingredients in these seltzers? A: The base ingredients for both are generally filtered carbonated water, an alcohol base derived from fermented sugar, natural fruit flavors, and citric acid.
Q: Does Truly have a higher alcohol content than White Claw? A: For their classic hard seltzers, both brands typically contain 5% ABV, though some international or special edition versions may differ.
Q: Is one brand objectively better than the other? A: Taste is subjective, and while some may prefer the flavor profile of one over the other, nutritionally, standard Truly has less sugar. Both are low-calorie and low-carb options for hard seltzer lovers.
Q: Is it safe for people on a keto diet to drink hard seltzer? A: Due to their low carb and sugar content, many hard seltzers, including standard Truly and White Claw, can fit into a low-carb diet like keto, but consumption should be moderate.
Q: Are White Claw and Truly gluten-free? A: Yes, because the alcohol in both is derived from fermented cane sugar and not malted grains, they are considered gluten-free.
