Is Alani an Alcoholic Beverage? A Look at the Different Product Lines

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research from GoPuff and Kroger, Alani produces both non-alcoholic energy drinks and a line of hard seltzers with a 5% alcohol by volume (ABV). To determine if a specific Alani product is an alcoholic beverage, you must check the label, as the brand offers distinct product categories to meet different consumer needs.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies whether Alani is an alcoholic beverage by examining its different product offerings. It breaks down the key distinctions between the caffeinated energy drinks and the alcoholic hard seltzers to prevent confusion.

Key Points

Two Product Lines: Alani produces both non-alcoholic energy drinks (Alani Nu) and alcoholic hard seltzers (Alani Seltz).
Check the Label: To know if a specific can is alcoholic, always check the product name and label for an explicit 'Hard Seltzer' designation and the ABV.
Energy Drinks are Alcohol-Free: Alani Nu energy drinks contain 200mg of caffeine but zero alcohol, and are sold in the soda or energy drink section.
Hard Seltzers Contain Alcohol: Alani Seltz hard seltzers have a 5.0% ABV, deriving their alcohol from malt and sugar.
Retail Location is a Clue: The location of the product in a store can indicate its contents, with hard seltzers in the liquor section and energy drinks elsewhere.

Alani is a popular wellness and supplement brand, but confusion often arises because it markets both non-alcoholic energy drinks and alcoholic hard seltzers under similar branding. While the well-known Alani Nu energy drinks are completely alcohol-free, the brand also produces a separate line called 'Alani Seltz' or 'Alani Hard Seltzer' which does contain alcohol.

The Non-Alcoholic Alani Nu Energy Drinks

Founded in 2018 by Katy Hearn, Alani Nu gained significant recognition for its line of low-calorie, zero-sugar energy drinks. These beverages are designed to provide a caffeine boost and are fortified with vitamins and other ingredients for wellness purposes.

Ingredients: Typical ingredients in Alani Nu energy drinks include carbonated water, citric acid, natural flavors, caffeine, B-vitamins (like B3, B5, B6, B12), and herbal extracts such as Panax ginseng root and guarana seed extract.
Caffeine Content: A standard 12 fl oz can of Alani Nu energy drink contains 200mg of caffeine, with mini versions offering 100mg.
Target Audience: These drinks are marketed toward adults seeking a sugar-free, low-calorie boost of energy and focus.
Warning Labels: The brand explicitly states that Alani Nu energy drinks are not recommended for children, pregnant women, or people sensitive to caffeine due to their high caffeine content.

The Alcoholic Alani Hard Seltzers

In addition to its energy drinks, the company expanded its offerings to include hard seltzers, explicitly featuring alcohol. These products are clearly labeled with their alcohol content and are sold in liquor stores or in the alcohol section of retailers.

Ingredients: Alani Hard Seltzer is made with filtered carbonated water, alcohol derived from malt and sugar, real fruit juice concentrates, natural flavors, and cane sugar.
Alcohol Content: These hard seltzers have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5.0%, making them a standard alcoholic beverage.
Target Audience: As with all alcoholic beverages, these products are intended for legal drinking-age adults only.
Flavor Profile: The alcoholic line features distinct, bold flavors, sometimes mirroring popular energy drink flavors but clearly differentiated as an alcoholic product.

Key Differences and How to Tell Them Apart

To avoid any confusion, here is a quick comparison table outlining the main differences between Alani Nu energy drinks and Alani Hard Seltzers:


Feature	Alani Nu Energy Drink	Alani Hard Seltzer
Category	Non-alcoholic Energy Drink	Alcoholic Hard Seltzer
Alcohol Content	0% ABV (Alcohol-Free)	5.0% ABV (Alcoholic)
Primary Ingredient	Carbonated water, caffeine, vitamins	Carbonated water, alcohol from malt/sugar, juice
Key Ingredient	200mg of caffeine (standard size)	Alcohol, flavored with fruit juice
Retail Placement	Typically found in the energy drink or soda aisle	Found in the alcohol/liquor section
Labeling	Clearly marked as 'Energy Drink' with caffeine warnings	Clearly marked as 'Hard Seltzer' with ABV listed
Packaging	Often features vibrant, colorful branding	Similar branding, but will explicitly state 'Hard Seltzer' or 'Seltz'

The Importance of Reading Labels

The brand's dual-product strategy means that checking the can's label is crucial for consumers. The differentiation is in the name and ingredients list. For example, a search on a grocery website shows 'Alani Nu Breezeberry Sugar Free Energy Drink' listed in the soft drink aisle, while 'Alani Seltz Spiked Seltzer Variety Party Pack' is found in the alcoholic beverage section.

Conclusion

To answer the question, "Is Alani an alcoholic beverage?" the answer is a nuanced yes and no, depending on the specific product. The Alani Nu brand encompasses both non-alcoholic energy drinks and alcoholic hard seltzers. While the energy drink line is defined by high caffeine and vitamins with zero alcohol, the hard seltzer line contains 5% ABV. By paying close attention to the product label—specifically the name and listed ABV—consumers can easily differentiate between the two product lines and make an informed choice based on their needs. The branding, while sometimes colorful across both lines, provides clear indicators to distinguish the caffeine-rich, alcohol-free beverages from their spiked, alcoholic counterparts.

For more detailed nutritional information and ingredients, visit the official Alani Nu website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Alani Nu is the brand's line of non-alcoholic energy drinks, while Alani Seltz is their separate line of alcoholic hard seltzers.

Look for a can labeled 'Hard Seltzer' or 'Seltz' and check the label for the alcohol by volume (ABV), which for Alani's alcoholic products is 5.0%.

No, Alani Nu energy drinks are explicitly non-alcoholic. They contain 200mg of caffeine but have 0% ABV.

Alani hard seltzers are sold in liquor stores or the alcoholic beverages section of grocery stores, in accordance with local laws.

Alani hard seltzers have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5.0%, which is a standard alcohol content for this type of beverage.

Yes, Alani also makes a separate line of ready-to-drink protein coffee products, which are non-alcoholic but contain caffeine naturally from cold brew coffee.

Yes, while some branding elements are consistent, the product name will always clearly state 'Energy Drink' for the non-alcoholic versions and 'Hard Seltzer' or 'Seltz' for the alcoholic ones.