The Allure of High Noon
High Noon hard seltzer has surged in popularity, largely thanks to a marketing campaign that highlights its key selling points: it's made with real vodka and real fruit juice, contains only 100 calories, and has no added sugar. For many consumers, particularly those mindful of calorie and sugar intake, this positions High Noon as a superior alternative to heavier beers and sugary cocktails. Unlike many competitors that use a fermented sugar or malt base, High Noon’s use of real vodka provides a cleaner, smoother taste that appeals to a wide audience. The product also caters to the gluten-free market, as its vodka base naturally excludes this common allergen.
The Health Reality: It's Still Alcohol
Despite its appealing attributes, it is a crucial health fact that no alcoholic beverage can truly be labeled 'healthy'. All types of alcohol, including hard seltzers, carry inherent health risks associated with ethanol consumption. While High Noon avoids the excess sugar and calories found in many mixed drinks, the calories it does contain are considered 'empty calories'—meaning they provide energy without any significant nutritional value. The risks linked to alcohol are extensive and include a higher risk of certain cancers, negative impacts on liver function, and impaired judgment.
The Problem with “Easy-to-Drink”
One of the factors that makes High Noon, and many hard seltzers, potentially problematic is their easy drinkability. Because they are light, bubbly, and don't induce the feeling of fullness like beer, it's very easy to drink several cans in a single sitting without realizing the amount of alcohol being consumed. This can lead to overconsumption or binge drinking, which significantly increases short-term risks such as injury, poor decision-making, and alcohol poisoning. Long-term, consistent heavy consumption of any alcoholic beverage can lead to addiction or alcohol use disorder.
Dehydration and Weight Management
Another consideration is hydration. Despite being a seltzer, the alcohol content in High Noon is a diuretic, meaning it causes your body to lose water through increased urination. This can lead to dehydration, especially if not counterbalanced with sufficient water intake. From a weight management perspective, while 100 calories per can is relatively low, consuming multiple cans adds up. These empty calories can easily disrupt a caloric deficit for someone trying to lose or maintain weight.
High Noon vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages
To provide some perspective, let's compare the nutritional content of a standard 12-ounce can of High Noon with other common alcoholic drinks.
| Beverage (12 oz serving) | Calories | Carbs (g) | Added Sugar (g) | Alcohol Content (ABV) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Noon Vodka Seltzer | 100 | ~2.6 | 0 | 4.5% |
| Regular Beer | ~150 | ~13-30 | Variable | ~5% |
| Light Beer | ~100 | ~5.3 | Variable | ~4.2% |
| Sugary Cocktail (e.g., Margarita) | ~170+ | High | High | Variable |
As the table shows, High Noon is a more favorable choice for those watching their calories and carbohydrate intake, especially when compared to sugary cocktails. However, a light beer offers a comparable calorie count with a similar or slightly lower alcohol volume, but often with more carbs.
Practicing Moderation with High Noon
For individuals who choose to drink alcohol, moderation is the definitive guide to minimizing health risks. Here are some key practices:
- Stick to Recommended Limits: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting consumption to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
- Alternate with Water: Since alcohol is dehydrating, it is wise to drink a glass of water between each can of High Noon.
- Don't Drink on an Empty Stomach: Eating before or during alcohol consumption slows the absorption of alcohol, mitigating its effects.
- Recognize Overconsumption Triggers: Be aware that the light, fruity nature of High Noon can make it easy to drink excessively. Pay attention to the number of cans you've had.
- Prioritize Overall Health: Understand that choosing High Noon doesn't negate the importance of a balanced diet, exercise, and overall healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
So, is High Noon bad for you? The answer is nuanced. On one hand, compared to many alcoholic alternatives, it is a lower-calorie, lower-carb option with no added sugar and natural ingredients. On the other hand, it remains an alcoholic beverage and is therefore not a 'healthy' choice in a nutritional sense. The key takeaway is that High Noon’s primary health risks are those associated with alcohol itself, especially the danger of overconsumption due to its easy-to-drink nature. By practicing moderation and remembering that it contains empty calories, consumers can enjoy High Noon responsibly while minimizing potential negative health effects.
For more information on the health effects of alcohol, you can refer to resources from the American Institute for Cancer Research.
