How much alcohol is in White Claw oz?

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

According to White Claw's official U.S. website, a standard 12-ounce can of their hard seltzer contains 5% alcohol by volume (ABV). This article breaks down exactly how much alcohol is in White Claw oz, comparing it to other alcoholic beverages and detailing the differences across product lines like White Claw Surge.

Quick Summary

A standard 12 fl oz can of White Claw hard seltzer contains 5% ABV, while the higher-potency Surge line has 8% ABV. All varieties are gluten-free and crafted from a blend of seltzer water, alcohol, and fruit flavor. Nutritional content varies by line, with the standard offering being 100 calories and 2g carbs per 12oz can.

Key Points

Standard White Claw ABV: A regular 12 fl oz can of White Claw Hard Seltzer has 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), equivalent to a single standard U.S. drink.
White Claw Surge ABV: The White Claw Surge line contains a higher 8% ABV in a 12 fl oz can, making it a stronger alternative.
Calories and Carbs: A standard 12 fl oz White Claw typically contains 100 calories and 2 grams of carbohydrates.
Gluten-Free Status: Most White Claw products in the U.S. are gluten-free, with alcohol derived from a gluten-free base. Certain international versions may contain malted barley.
Standard Drink Calculation: A 12 fl oz can of standard White Claw contains 0.6 oz of pure alcohol, meeting the definition of one standard drink.
Ingredients: White Claw is made with a simple blend of purified carbonated water, alcohol, and natural fruit flavors.

Understanding White Claw's Alcohol Content

Knowing the alcohol by volume (ABV) is crucial for understanding the potency of any drink. For White Claw, the amount of alcohol varies between its different product lines. For its standard hard seltzer, the ABV is consistent across all 12 fl oz cans sold in the U.S.

The Standard White Claw Hard Seltzer

A standard 12 fl oz can of White Claw Hard Seltzer, available in a variety of fruit flavors like Black Cherry, Mango, and Natural Lime, has a 5% ABV. This means that 5% of the can's total volume is pure alcohol. This 5% ABV is comparable to the alcohol content of many popular domestic light beers.

White Claw Surge: The Higher ABV Option

For those seeking a more potent option, White Claw offers the "Surge" line. A 12 fl oz can of White Claw Surge contains 8% ABV, a significant increase from the standard line. This makes it a stronger alternative to many standard beers and is designed for a more pronounced alcoholic effect.

Comparison: White Claw vs. Other Drinks

To fully appreciate the alcohol content of White Claw, it's helpful to compare it to other common alcoholic beverages. This comparison also highlights why hard seltzers have become a popular low-calorie alternative.

Standard Drink Equivalence

A "standard drink" in the U.S. is defined as containing 0.6 ounces of pure ethanol. Here's how different versions of White Claw stack up against other drink categories:

Standard White Claw (12 fl oz, 5% ABV): Equivalent to one standard drink. The total alcohol in a 12 oz can is $12 imes 0.05 = 0.6$ ounces of pure alcohol.
White Claw Surge (12 fl oz, 8% ABV): Equivalent to 1.6 standard drinks. The total alcohol is $12 imes 0.08 = 0.96$ ounces of pure alcohol, or 1.6 times the standard drink amount.
White Claw (19.2 fl oz can, 5% ABV): Equivalent to 1.6 standard drinks. This larger can has $19.2 imes 0.05 = 0.96$ ounces of pure alcohol.

White Claw vs. Common Alcoholic Beverages


Beverage Type	Standard Serving Size	Typical ABV	Standard Drinks per Serving
White Claw Hard Seltzer	12 fl oz can	5%	1.0
White Claw Surge	12 fl oz can	8%	1.6
Domestic Light Beer	12 fl oz can	4.2%	~0.8
Craft Beer	12 fl oz can	6-8%	1.2-1.6
Glass of Wine	5 fl oz glass	12%	1.0
Shot of Liquor (80 Proof)	1.5 fl oz shot	40%	1.0

This table illustrates that while a standard White Claw has the same number of alcohol units as a glass of wine or a shot of liquor, it comes in a larger volume, making it a more 'sessionable' drink that is consumed more slowly over time.

The Ingredients and Nutritional Profile

White Claw's appeal extends beyond its alcohol content. The brand is also known for its relatively simple ingredients and nutritional profile compared to other flavored beverages.

Core Ingredients

White Claw Hard Seltzers are made with a blend of three core ingredients:

Purified carbonated water
Gluten-free alcohol base
Natural fruit flavors

Nutritional Facts for a 12 fl oz Can

Calories: Approximately 100 calories
Carbohydrates: 2 grams
Sugar: 2 grams
Gluten-Free: All standard White Claw products are made with gluten-free ingredients, catering to consumers with dietary restrictions. However, it is important to note that Canadian varieties sold in Quebec grocery stores and Ontario's The Beer Store are made with a malt base and contain gluten.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

When considering "How much alcohol is in White Claw oz?", the answer depends on the specific product. A standard 12 fl oz can of White Claw contains 5% ABV, making it a convenient, low-calorie, and gluten-free alternative to many other alcoholic beverages. However, the Surge line offers a higher 8% ABV for those who prefer a stronger drink. By understanding these differences and comparing them to other options, consumers can make informed choices based on their personal preferences for taste, strength, and nutritional content. For more information on the ingredients and different product lines, refer to the official White Claw website.

Frequently Asked Questions

A regular 12 fl oz can of White Claw Hard Seltzer contains 5% alcohol by volume (ABV).

White Claw Surge is significantly stronger, with an 8% ABV compared to the 5% ABV of a regular White Claw. This means a 12 oz can of Surge has 60% more alcohol than a standard 12 oz can.

Most White Claw products in the U.S. are gluten-free, using a gluten-free alcohol base. However, some international versions, particularly in certain Canadian provinces, use a malt base and are not gluten-free.

A standard 12 fl oz can of White Claw contains approximately 100 calories.

A standard 5% ABV White Claw is comparable to many domestic light beers, which often have an ABV around 4.2-5%. Some craft beers and the higher-potency White Claw Surge can have a higher ABV.

The alcohol in U.S. White Claw products comes from a fermented gluten-free alcohol base, often derived from sugars. Canadian variants sold in certain regions may use a malt base.

For the standard White Claw Hard Seltzer line, the 5% ABV is consistent across all 12 oz flavors. The ABV only changes with different product series, such as the 8% ABV found in the Surge line.