Truly vs White Claw: The Calorie Showdown
When it comes to the standard 12-ounce hard seltzer, the calorie count for Truly and White Claw is a tie, with both brands offering 100 calories per can. However, this simple fact doesn't tell the whole story. While the caloric base is the same for their core products, subtle nutritional differences in sugar and carbohydrates exist, and their expanded product lines introduce more significant variations. For consumers focused on specific health goals, these details are crucial. Below, we'll break down the fine print to help you make an informed decision.
The Standard Can: A Tie in Calories, Not Always in Sugar
The reason for the identical 100-calorie count in the standard seltzers is that both brands formulate their beverages with a similar alcohol content (typically 5% ABV) and use a gluten-free fermented alcohol base from either cane sugar (Truly) or malted gluten-free grains (White Claw). The fermentation process consumes most of the sugar, but the final product's sugar and carb content can vary slightly, which can be the deciding factor for some.
- Truly: A standard Truly can contains just 1 gram of sugar, putting it at a slight advantage over its competitor.
- White Claw: A standard White Claw has 2 grams of sugar per can. While this is still low, it's double that of Truly's standard offering.
Expanding Beyond the Basics: Nutritional Differences in Specialty Products
Both Truly and White Claw have diversified their product offerings with higher-alcohol and different-format options, which changes the nutritional profile. These variants are where the calorie and carb differences become more pronounced. For instance, comparing the brands' vodka soda products reveals a clear distinction.
- White Claw Vodka + Soda: Offers 100 calories per can.
- Truly Vodka Soda: Contains 110 calories per can.
Similarly, products designed to deliver more alcohol per serving, like White Claw Surge and Truly Extra Hard Seltzer, increase the calorie count, often to around 160 calories per can, alongside a higher ABV of 8%. These products demonstrate that the answer to "which has less calories?" depends heavily on the specific product line you choose.
Ingredients and Flavor Profiles: Beyond the Numbers
Beyond the raw numbers, ingredients and taste perception play a significant role in consumer choice. Both brands use simple, clean ingredients, but their flavor formulations differ, leading to distinct tasting experiences.
- Truly: Brewed with fermented cane sugar, it often uses a blend of fruit juice concentrates and natural flavors. The brand is known for a wide variety of inventive and sometimes more intense flavor combinations.
- White Claw: Made with fermented gluten-free grains and natural fruit flavors. Many find its flavors to be more subtle and straightforward.
For consumers, a comparison based on personal taste is just as important as the calorie count. Some reviewers find Truly's flavors more pronounced, while others prefer the lighter, simpler taste of White Claw. VinePair offers a detailed taste comparison, giving Truly's Passion Fruit a slight edge over White Claw's Iced Tea Mango in one such analysis.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Standard Truly (12oz) | Standard White Claw (12oz) | Truly Vodka Soda (12oz) | White Claw Vodka + Soda (12oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 100 | 100 | 110 | 100 |
| Sugar | 1g | 2g | 2g | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 2g | 3-4g | 2g |
| ABV | 5% | 5% | 5% | 4.5% |
| Primary Alcohol Base | Fermented Cane Sugar | Fermented Gluten-Free Grains | Vodka | Vodka |
Other Low-Calorie Seltzer Options
While Truly and White Claw dominate the market, several other brands offer competitive low-calorie alternatives. These might be worth exploring if you are particularly focused on the lowest possible calories.
- Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer: Contains just 80 calories per 12oz can, making it a very low-calorie option for those seeking a lighter choice.
- Nutrl Vodka Seltzer: This vodka-based seltzer comes in at 100 calories per can and is often praised for its clean, simple flavor profile.
- Lone River Ranch Water: An agave and tequila-inspired seltzer that ranges from 80–90 calories per can, depending on the flavor.
- Long Drink Zero Sugar: A Finnish-inspired beverage with zero sugar and 99 calories per can, offering a gin-based alternative.
- Bodega Bay Hard Seltzer (UK): Offers as low as 72 calories per 250ml can in some flavors.
Making Your Choice: Factors to Consider
With so many subtle differences, choosing the right hard seltzer is a personal decision. Beyond the calorie count, consider these factors when you're at the store:
- Flavor Preference: Do you prefer bold, complex flavors (often Truly) or a more subtle, crisp taste (often White Claw)? Trying a variety pack of each is the best way to discover your preference.
- Sugar Intake: If minimizing sugar is a primary goal, Truly's standard seltzers offer 1 gram compared to White Claw's 2 grams, which is a small but notable difference.
- Product Line: Don't assume all products from a brand are nutritionally identical. The vodka sodas and higher ABV options have different calorie, carb, and sugar counts.
- Alcohol Base: Truly is fermented from cane sugar, while White Claw uses fermented gluten-free grains. Both are gluten-free, but some consumers may notice a subtle taste difference from the base.
- Availability: While both brands are widely available, some specialty flavors or product lines may be easier to find from one brand over the other, depending on your location.
Conclusion
In the direct calorie comparison between the standard Truly and White Claw 12oz cans, there is a clear tie at 100 calories. However, a closer look reveals Truly holds a slight edge with 1 gram of sugar versus White Claw's 2 grams. For specialty products like their vodka sodas, White Claw comes in with fewer calories (100 vs. 110). Ultimately, the choice between Truly and White Claw often comes down to a matter of flavor preference and what specific product line you're reaching for. Both are excellent low-calorie alternatives to heavier beers and mixed drinks, and the "better" option depends entirely on your personal priorities for taste and nutritional detail. To explore more about the ingredients and production process, you can read more at VinePair.
