How Many Calories Are in Pabst Hard Tea?
Pabst Hard Tea has become a popular choice for consumers seeking a lighter alternative to traditional hard beverages. A standard 12-ounce can of Pabst Hard Tea contains 100 calories, along with a modest amount of carbohydrates and sugar. The specific nutritional profile can vary slightly depending on the exact product and flavor, particularly between the original hard tea and the hard tea seltzer variety packs. The total calorie count is influenced by both the alcohol content and the sugar used for flavoring.
Nutritional Breakdown by Product
Pabst Hard Tea (Peach Flavor)
One of the most well-known Pabst Hard Tea products is the peach-flavored version. For a 12-ounce can, the nutritional breakdown is as follows:
- Calories: 100
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 1g
- ABV: 4%
Pabst Hard Tea Seltzer (Variety Pack)
The hard tea seltzer variety pack includes flavors like Lemon, Raspberry, and Pineapple Passion Fruit. Each 12-ounce can in this pack features a similar, low-calorie profile:
- Calories: 100
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 0g
- ABV: 4%
Key Ingredients
Pabst hard tea products are made with a simple list of ingredients designed to create a light and refreshing flavor. The primary components include:
- Water
- Alcohol
- Natural Black Tea Concentrate
- Sucrose (sugar)
- Natural Flavors (e.g., peach, lemon)
- Sodium Benzoate (a preservative)
It is important to note that while the Hard Tea Seltzer variety pack is explicitly labeled as gluten-free, the peach-flavored hard tea is produced in a facility that also processes wheat products, which could be a consideration for those with severe gluten sensitivities.
Pabst Hard Tea vs. Other Hard Tea Brands: A Nutritional Comparison
When choosing a hard tea, it can be helpful to compare the nutritional information across different brands. Here is a table comparing the calorie and carbohydrate content of Pabst Hard Tea with other popular alternatives based on a 12-ounce serving.
| Brand | Product | Calories (per 12oz) | Carbs (per 12oz) | Sugar (per 12oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pabst Hard Tea | Original | 100 | 5g | 3g |
| Twisted Tea | Original | 190 | Not specified | Not specified |
| Twisted Tea | Light | 110 | Not specified | Not specified |
| Loverboy | Hard Tea (Zero Sugar) | 90 | Not specified | 0g |
| Jack Daniel's | Hard Tea | 180-190 | 17-20g | 17-20g |
As the table shows, Pabst Hard Tea and its seltzer varieties are among the lowest-calorie options available, offering a significant reduction in calories and sugar compared to traditional alternatives like Twisted Tea. For those seeking the absolute lowest sugar content, a zero-sugar brand like Loverboy is a direct competitor.
Factors Affecting Calories in Alcoholic Beverages
Beyond the ingredients themselves, the total calorie count in any alcoholic beverage is determined by two main factors: the alcohol content and the sugar content. Alcohol itself contains about 7 calories per gram, which is higher than carbohydrates (4 calories per gram) and protein (4 calories per gram). Sugars, which are carbohydrates, also contribute to the calorie count. Pabst Hard Tea achieves its relatively low-calorie count by balancing a moderate 4% ABV with a minimal amount of added sugar.
For reference, the calculation for the calories from alcohol in a 12-ounce (355ml) can with 4% ABV is roughly: 355 ml x 0.04 x 7 calories/g ≈ 99.4 calories, accounting for the vast majority of the drink's total calorie count. The additional 1g of sugar in the seltzer or 3g in the original is a minor contributor.
Conclusion
When considering how many calories in a Pabst hard tea, the answer is a straightforward 100 calories per 12-ounce can for both the standard Peach flavor and the Hard Tea Seltzer variety pack. This makes it a significantly lower-calorie option compared to many other hard tea brands on the market, such as Twisted Tea and Jack Daniel's Hard Tea. Its 4% ABV is also a moderate choice for those monitoring their alcohol intake. With its real black tea concentrate, low sugar, and refreshing flavor, Pabst offers a compelling choice for those who want a lighter alcoholic beverage. For more information on the brand's offerings, you can visit the official Pabst Blue Ribbon website.
