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Nutrition and Your Diet: What kind of alcohol is surfside?

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, alcohol provides "empty calories" with little to no nutritional value. When managing a nutrition diet, understanding the composition of your beverages is crucial, which leads many to ask: what kind of alcohol is surfside?

Quick Summary

Surfside is a popular brand of canned, ready-to-drink cocktails that feature a premium vodka base, real tea or lemonade, and are non-carbonated, low in calories, and gluten-free.

Key Points

  • Vodka Base: Surfside's alcohol is premium vodka, a key differentiator from malt-based hard seltzers and other ready-to-drink beverages.

  • Low Calorie and Sugar: Each 12-ounce can contains only 100 calories and 2-3 grams of sugar, making it a low-calorie alternative to many cocktails.

  • Non-Carbonated: A key brand feature is its lack of bubbles, which many consumers find more palatable and less bloating.

  • Gluten-Free: Because it's made with a vodka base (derived from corn), Surfside is a gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions.

  • Real Ingredients: The drinks are crafted with real brewed tea and/or juice, contributing to an authentic and fresh flavor.

  • Empty Calories: Like all alcohol, Surfside provides energy in the form of empty calories and should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy nutrition diet.

In This Article

Understanding the Alcohol Base in Surfside

Surfside is a ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktail, not a hard seltzer or a malt beverage. The alcohol in Surfside products is a premium vodka, specifically sourced from its parent company, Stateside Brands. This is a key distinction for consumers who are conscious about the ingredients in their drinks. Unlike many hard seltzers, which often use a fermented sugar base, or malt beverages that use a malted barley base, Surfside's use of a distilled spirit creates a cleaner, smoother finish that avoids the artificial aftertaste some experience with other options. The vodka base is also naturally gluten-free, which is an important consideration for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

The Nutritional Breakdown of Surfside

For those on a nutrition diet, the nutritional information of any beverage is paramount. Surfside has cultivated a reputation as a more health-conscious option in the RTD market by focusing on a few key metrics:

  • Calories: Each 12-ounce can contains only 100 calories, which is significantly lower than many traditional canned and mixed cocktails.
  • Sugar: A single can contains just 2 to 3 grams of sugar, a fraction of the amount found in many sweetened alcoholic beverages.
  • Carbohydrates: With just 3 grams of carbohydrates per can, Surfside is a suitable option for those following low-carb dietary plans.
  • Non-Carbonated: Surfside drinks contain zero carbonation, which many find more comfortable to drink and less bloating than fizzy alternatives.
  • Real Ingredients: Surfside uses real brewed tea or juice, contributing to an authentic flavor profile rather than relying solely on artificial flavors.

Surfside vs. Other Popular Canned Alcoholic Beverages

When evaluating beverages for a nutrition diet, comparing products is essential. Here is a breakdown of how Surfside compares to other common options based on its nutritional and compositional attributes:

Feature Surfside (Vodka RTD) Hard Seltzer (e.g., White Claw) Traditional Mixed Cocktail (e.g., Rum & Coke)
Alcohol Base Premium Vodka Fermented Sugar or Malt Distilled Spirit (e.g., Rum)
Carbonation No Bubbles Highly Carbonated Carbonated (Soda)
Calories (per 12oz) ~100 ~100 ~150-200+
Sugar (per 12oz) ~2-3g ~2g ~20-30g+
Taste Profile Smooth, authentic tea or fruit flavor Fruity, subtle aftertaste Sweet, often syrupy

The Role of Moderation in a Healthy Diet

While Surfside offers a lower-calorie and lower-sugar alternative to many alcoholic beverages, it's vital to remember the principles of a balanced nutrition diet. Alcohol should always be consumed in moderation. The empty calories in any alcoholic drink, including a low-calorie option like Surfside, can still contribute to overall energy intake and displace more nutrient-dense foods. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidelines for moderate drinking, which is up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Integrating this and other healthy eating habits is key to long-term wellness.

Common Surfside Flavors:

  • Iced Tea + Vodka
  • Lemonade + Vodka
  • Half & Half (Iced Tea & Lemonade) + Vodka
  • Green Tea + Vodka
  • Peach Tea + Vodka
  • Strawberry Lemonade + Vodka

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices for Your Nutrition Diet

Knowing what kind of alcohol is surfside—a premium vodka—provides valuable information for those monitoring their dietary choices. With its low-calorie, low-sugar, non-carbonated, and gluten-free profile, it stands out as a unique option in the canned cocktail market. However, like any alcoholic beverage, it should be enjoyed responsibly and in moderation as part of a balanced nutrition diet. Choosing drinks like Surfside, which are transparent about their base and nutritional content, empowers consumers to make more informed decisions about their overall health and wellness. For more details on their product lineup, you can visit their official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surfside canned cocktails typically have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.5%.

No, Surfside is not a hard seltzer. It is a canned cocktail made with a vodka base, unlike hard seltzers which are typically made from fermented sugar or malt.

Yes, Surfside's Iced Tea + Vodka varieties contain caffeine from the real brewed tea, with about 34mg of caffeine per 12-ounce can.

Yes, because Surfside is made with a vodka base distilled from corn, its products are gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

A standard 12-ounce can of Surfside contains 100 calories.

Surfside is available at select retailers in various states and through online distributors. Availability can vary by location.

No, Surfside is specifically marketed as a non-carbonated beverage with "no bubbles".

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.