How many calories in a 12 oz hard seltzer? The definitive guide

Most mainstream hard seltzers, like White Claw and Truly, contain approximately 100 calories per 12-ounce can. This is significantly fewer calories than a standard beer or many mixed drinks, making the question of 'how many calories in a 12 oz hard seltzer?' a common one for calorie-conscious consumers.

Quick Summary

This guide details the calorie counts for a standard 12-ounce hard seltzer, explaining why figures can vary between brands and how the core ingredients impact nutritional content. A comparison of popular brands is included to assist in making a mindful beverage selection.

Key Points

• Average Calorie Count: Most standard (5% ABV) 12 oz hard seltzers contain around 100 calories.

• Primary Calorie Source: The majority of calories in hard seltzer come from the alcohol itself, not from sugar.

• Brand Variation: While many brands hover around 100 calories, some low-calorie options exist (e.g., Bon & Viv, Corona), and higher ABV versions contain more calories.

• Low Carb and Sugar: Hard seltzers are typically very low in carbohydrates and sugar compared to regular beer and mixed drinks.

• Responsible Consumption: Despite being lower in calories, hard seltzers contain alcohol and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The Core Calorie Contributor: Alcohol

To understand the calorie content of hard seltzer, you must first understand the primary source of those calories: alcohol. Alcohol contains about 7 calories per gram, which is nearly as calorically dense as fat (9 calories per gram) and more so than carbohydrates or protein (both 4 calories per gram). Hard seltzers derive their alcohol primarily from fermented cane sugar, which is a process designed to leave minimal residual sugar behind. Therefore, the majority of calories in the final product come directly from the alcohol itself, not from leftover sugars.

For a typical hard seltzer with a 5% Alcohol By Volume (ABV), this means a 12-ounce serving will have a specific caloric footprint based on its ethanol content. Brands can slightly manipulate these numbers by altering the ABV or adding minimal amounts of flavor or sweetener. This is why you see variations, albeit small ones, across different brands and even between different flavors of the same brand.

Hard Seltzer vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages

Hard seltzer's popularity is fueled by its perception as a 'healthier' alternative to traditional drinks like beer and sugary cocktails. When you compare the calorie and carb content, it's easy to see why this perception has taken hold.

• Hard seltzer: Typically 90–110 calories per 12 oz, with 1-2 grams of carbs and very little to no sugar.
• Regular beer: A standard 12 oz beer can contain 150 calories or more, along with significantly higher carb counts (13+ grams).
• Light beer: Some light beers can match hard seltzer's calorie count at around 100 calories, but may have slightly more carbs at 6 grams.
• Wine: A 5 oz serving of wine averages around 130 calories, but can be much higher.
• Mixed drinks: The calories in cocktails vary dramatically, but can easily exceed 200-300 calories with sugary mixers.

While hard seltzer generally has a caloric advantage over many other alcoholic options, it's crucial to remember that its calories are still 'empty' and offer little to no nutritional value.

Brand-by-Brand Comparison (12 oz Can)

Calorie counts can differ slightly based on brand and product line. Here is a comparison of some of the most popular hard seltzer brands, based on a standard 12 oz serving with a typical ABV of 5%, unless otherwise noted.

Brand	Calories	Carbs	Sugars
White Claw	100	2g	2g
Truly	100	2g	1g
High Noon	100	2.3-2.9g	N/A
Bud Light Seltzer	100	2g	1g
Corona Hard Seltzer	90	0g	0g
Vizzy Hard Seltzer	100	2g	1g
Bon & Viv	90	2g	0g
Henry's Hard Sparkling	88	1.6g	N/A

It is important to note that brands have different product lines. For example, White Claw Surge (8% ABV) contains 160 calories per 12 oz, a significant increase from its regular 100-calorie counterpart. Always check the label for the specific product you are purchasing.

Other Factors Influencing Calorie Counts

While ABV is the main determinant, other ingredients can slightly influence the final calorie count. These include:

• Artificial vs. natural sweeteners: Some brands use artificial sweeteners like sucralose to keep calorie counts low while maintaining sweetness, especially in their lower-sugar varieties like Truly's punches.
• Fruit juice: Higher-end hard seltzers made with a splash of real fruit juice instead of just natural flavors might contain a few extra calories and carbs.
• Higher ABV formulas: As mentioned with White Claw Surge and Truly Unruly, a higher alcohol content will directly result in a higher calorie count, even if the carbs remain low.

Conclusion: Making Mindful Choices

The calorie count for a 12 oz hard seltzer is, on average, around 100 calories for most standard-strength products. This places them favorably against many beers, wines, and sugary mixed drinks for those monitoring their caloric intake. However, it is essential to be aware that this count can rise with higher ABV versions or specialized flavor lines. For mindful drinking, consider alternating with water to stay hydrated and keep overall alcohol intake in check. Ultimately, the 'best' alcoholic beverage is the one you most enjoy and can consume responsibly within your dietary and health goals.

For a deeper dive into the health implications of alcohol consumption, consider consulting information from reliable sources such as the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a leading authority on the subject.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all 12 oz hard seltzers 100 calories?

No, while 100 calories is the most common count for many standard hard seltzers (like White Claw and Truly), some brands offer options with fewer calories, while higher ABV seltzers have more.

Do different flavors of hard seltzer have different calorie counts?

For most brands, the standard-strength flavors within a single product line typically have the same calorie count. However, newer or different product types from the same brand (e.g., higher ABV or lemonade versions) can have different calorie totals.

Are hard seltzers a better choice for weight loss than beer?

Hard seltzers are generally lower in calories and carbs than regular beer, making them a more favorable option for those watching their caloric intake. However, it is overall alcohol consumption that affects weight, and light beer can sometimes be comparable in calories.

Why do hard seltzers have fewer calories than beer?

Hard seltzers are typically made with fermented cane sugar, a process that leaves very little residual sugar or carbohydrates behind. In contrast, beer is made from fermented grains, which often results in higher carbohydrate content and thus more calories.

Does hard seltzer contain any sugar?

Many hard seltzers contain 1-2 grams of sugar or even zero grams, depending on the brand and flavor. The alcohol is derived from fermented sugar, but most of it is consumed by the yeast during the process.

How do hard seltzers compare to wine in terms of calories?

A 12 oz hard seltzer typically has around 100 calories, while a smaller 5 oz glass of wine can contain 120-140 calories on average, making the seltzer lower in calories for a larger serving size.

What is the main source of calories in hard seltzer?

The calories in hard seltzer come almost entirely from the alcohol itself, which contains approximately 7 calories per gram. The minimal carbs and sugar contribute very little to the overall count.