Unpacking the Nutritional Profile of Blake's Triple Jam
Blake's Hard Cider Triple Jam is a popular fruit-flavored beverage known for its vibrant berry taste. Its official calorie count is 200 per 12-ounce can, with a significant portion of those calories coming from both alcohol and sugar. Understanding the complete nutritional profile offers a clearer picture for consumers conscious of their dietary choices. The 12-ounce serving size is standard for many single-serve alcoholic beverages, making this a useful benchmark for comparison.
Where Do the Calories Come From?
For alcoholic beverages like hard cider, calories primarily come from two sources: the alcohol itself and any residual sugars or carbohydrates left over from the fermentation process. Alcohol contains roughly 7.1 calories per gram, which is nearly double the caloric density of carbohydrates (4 calories per gram). In the case of Blake's Triple Jam, both factors contribute significantly to the total calorie count. The 6.5% ABV (Alcohol by Volume) indicates a moderate alcohol content, while the semi-sweet profile points to a higher sugar level compared to a dry cider.
- Alcohol: The 6.5% ABV is a major calorie contributor. A higher ABV generally means more calories from alcohol, even if the sugar content is low.
- Sugar: With 14 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving, the residual sugar content is also a substantial source of calories. This is higher than many dry ciders or light beers and is responsible for Triple Jam's characteristic sweet, jam-like flavor.
- Carbohydrates: The total carbohydrate count is 19 grams per can. This includes the 14 grams of sugar, with the remaining 5 grams consisting of other complex carbohydrates.
Ingredients and Flavor Profile
The ingredient list for Triple Jam explains its berry-forward flavor and sugar content. It includes 100% apple cider, blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry concentrates, along with added sugar and malic acid. The fruit concentrates and added sugar contribute to both the flavor profile and the final calorie count. The cider is gluten-free, a common characteristic of hard ciders, which makes it a suitable option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
A simple breakdown of the ingredients reveals:
- Apple Cider: The base ingredient, fermented to produce alcohol.
- Fruit Concentrates: Blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry concentrates are added to enhance the flavor and natural sweetness.
- Sugar: Additional sugar is added to achieve the semi-sweet balance, contributing to the high sugar and calorie content.
- Malic Acid: This naturally occurring fruit acid is added to balance the flavors and add tartness.
Comparison with Other Beverages
Understanding the calorie count in Blake's Hard Cider Triple Jam is easiest when compared to other popular alcoholic drinks. Hard cider is often perceived as a lighter alternative to beer, but its higher sugar content can sometimes mean a comparable or even higher calorie count.
| Beverage (12 oz) | Calories | Sugars | Alcohol Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blake's Triple Jam | 200 | 14g | 6.5% ABV | Semi-sweet, berry-flavored cider |
| Light Beer | ~100-150 | <5g | ~4-5% ABV | Lower carbs and sugars, less intense flavor |
| Standard Lager | ~150-180 | 10-15g | ~4-6% ABV | Variable, often higher carbs than light beer |
| Dry Hard Cider | ~130-160 | <5g | ~5-7% ABV | Lower sugar content, higher alcohol-based calories |
| Hard Seltzer | ~100 | <2g | ~5% ABV | Lowest calories and sugar, less complex flavor |
As the table shows, Blake's Triple Jam falls on the higher end of the calorie spectrum for a 12-ounce beverage, mainly due to its sweet profile and higher sugar content. Dry ciders, light beers, and hard seltzers offer lower-calorie alternatives for those watching their intake. This is not to say that Triple Jam is a poor choice, but rather a flavorful, indulgent option with a higher caloric commitment.
The Impact of Added Sugars
Blake's Triple Jam contains 14 grams of sugar, and official nutritional data confirms this includes 14 grams of added sugars. The USDA and other health organizations recommend limiting daily intake of added sugars. The American Heart Association suggests no more than 36 grams of added sugar for most men and 25 grams for most women per day. A single can of Triple Jam, therefore, represents a significant portion of this recommended daily limit. While the sugar contributes to the delicious, fruity flavor, it's an important factor to consider for anyone monitoring their intake for weight management or overall health.
Conclusion: A Calorie-Aware Choice
So, how many calories are in Blake's Hard Cider Triple Jam? The definitive answer is 200 calories per 12-ounce can, with 19 grams of carbohydrates and 14 grams of sugar. This makes it a flavorful, sweet option that sits in the mid-to-high range for alcoholic beverages in terms of caloric density. For those counting calories, it's a beverage to enjoy in moderation. For everyone else, it's a tasty, fruity craft cider to be savored for its flavor profile. By understanding where the calories and sugars come from, consumers can make informed decisions that align with their personal health and wellness goals.
Visit the official Blake's Hard Cider website for more product details and nutritional information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blake's Triple Jam made of?
Blake's Triple Jam is made with a blend of 100% apple cider, sugar, and concentrates from blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries, along with natural flavors and malic acid.
Is Blake's Triple Jam gluten-free?
Yes, like most hard ciders, Blake's Triple Jam is naturally gluten-free, as it is made from fermented apples and does not contain barley or wheat.
How does the calorie count of Triple Jam compare to a light beer?
A 12-ounce can of Blake's Triple Jam contains 200 calories, while a typical light beer of the same size has significantly fewer calories, often ranging from 100 to 150.
Does Blake's Triple Jam have a lot of sugar?
Yes, it is considered a semi-sweet cider and contains 14 grams of sugar per 12-ounce can, which is a relatively high amount compared to other alcoholic beverages.
What is the alcohol content (ABV) of Blake's Triple Jam?
Blake's Hard Cider Triple Jam has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 6.5%.
Are there any healthier alternatives to Triple Jam from Blake's Hard Cider?
For lower calorie options from Blake's, you might consider their Original cider, which has 170 calories and 5.5% ABV, or a drier cider variety if available. Hard seltzers are also a lower-calorie alternative to sweet ciders.
What are the main flavor notes in Triple Jam?
As the name suggests, Triple Jam features prominent notes of blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry, balanced by the apple cider base.
