High Noon Seltzer: A Closer Look at the Carb Count
High Noon has become a popular choice among hard seltzer fans, particularly those looking for lower-calorie and lower-carb alcoholic beverages. Unlike many traditional seltzers made with fermented cane sugar, High Noon uses a base of distilled spirits—either real vodka or real tequila—combined with real fruit juice and sparkling water. This specific formulation is key to its relatively low carbohydrate profile.
The Carb Count by High Noon Variety
While most High Noon seltzers are low in carbs, the specific amount can vary slightly depending on the type of alcohol and the fruit flavor used. The primary distinction is between the vodka-based and tequila-based varieties.
High Noon Vodka Seltzers
For the vast majority of High Noon's vodka-based seltzers, including popular flavors like Black Cherry, Pineapple, Grapefruit, and Watermelon, the carbohydrate count is consistent at a very low level.
- Total Carbohydrates: 2.6g per 12 fl oz can
- Total Sugars: 2.6g per 12 fl oz can
- Added Sugars: 0g
This low figure makes these varieties an excellent choice for individuals adhering to a keto or low-carb diet, provided they are consumed in moderation.
High Noon Tequila Seltzers
High Noon Tequila seltzers are crafted with real blanco tequila and real fruit juice. The carb content can be slightly higher than their vodka counterparts, depending on the flavor. Some nutritional databases report figures around 4-5g of total carbs for these varieties. For example:
- High Noon Tequila Seltzer Lime: Around 5g total carbs and 3g sugars.
- Other Tequila Flavors (Strawberry, Passionfruit, Grapefruit): Can have total carbs around 4.4g.
While still low-carb, this difference is important for those counting every gram.
High Noon Lemon Vodka Seltzer
Some results show the lemon flavor having a slightly higher carb count than other vodka flavors, with 5g total carbs and 5g sugars. It's always best to check the specific product's nutritional label, as formulations can change or vary by flavor.
High Noon vs. Other Popular Seltzers
When evaluating low-carb drink options, it's helpful to see how High Noon stacks up against the competition. Many other hard seltzer brands also offer low-carb alternatives, and the differences are often minimal but notable for strict dieters.
| Feature | High Noon Vodka Seltzer | Truly Hard Seltzer | White Claw Hard Seltzer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbs (per 12 oz) | 2.6g (typically) | 2g | 2g |
| Calories (per 12 oz) | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Added Sugars | 0g | 1g | 2g |
| Alcohol Base | Vodka + Real Juice | Fermented Cane Sugar | Fermented Cane Sugar |
| Taste Profile | Stronger, real fruit taste | Sweet, classic seltzer | Clean, balanced |
This comparison shows that while Truly and White Claw have slightly lower carb counts for their standard cans, High Noon distinguishes itself by using real vodka and real fruit juice with zero added sugar. For many, the stronger fruit flavor and no added sugar content are appealing factors.
How High Noon Fits into a Low-Carb Diet
Hard seltzers like High Noon can be a suitable choice for those on low-carb diets, including keto. The minimal carbohydrate content means they won't cause a significant spike in blood sugar. However, it's crucial to understand a few things about alcohol and your diet:
- Alcohol Metabolism: When you consume alcohol, your body prioritizes metabolizing it before fat. This can temporarily stall weight loss, even if you are in ketosis.
- Empty Calories: While High Noon is low in calories, the 100 calories per can are essentially "empty calories" with no nutritional benefit outside of the alcohol itself. These calories can still add up quickly.
- Moderation is Key: For any diet, moderation is essential, especially with alcohol. Limit consumption to occasional instances to avoid disrupting your dietary progress.
For those specifically on a ketogenic diet, High Noon is one of the better alcoholic beverage options, but straight spirits with a zero-carb mixer are the safest choice to maintain ketosis. The key is mindful consumption.
Conclusion
So, how many carbs are in a High Noon seltzer? The answer is relatively few, with the majority of vodka-based seltzers containing 2.6g of carbs per 12-ounce can. The tequila-based and specific vodka flavors can have slightly higher counts, but still remain on the lower end compared to many beers and cocktails. The combination of real spirits, real fruit juice, and no added sugar makes High Noon an attractive low-carb option, especially for those who prioritize flavor and ingredient quality. For those on a strict low-carb regimen like keto, High Noon is a viable choice, but it must be consumed in moderation to avoid impacting the body's fat-burning processes.
For further reading on the effects of alcohol on a ketogenic diet, you can check out resources from nutrition experts. For example, some sites provide specific tips and explanations, such as Perfect Keto's guide on keto-friendly drinks.
Low-Carb Alcoholic Beverage Options
- Vodka & Soda with a Twist: This classic drink is zero carbs if you use a plain vodka and sugar-free mixer. A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime adds flavor without extra carbs.
- Dry Wines: For wine lovers, dry red or white wines contain a small amount of carbohydrates, typically 3-4g per 5oz glass.
- Light Beer: While higher in carbs than seltzers, many light beers offer a significantly lower carb count than traditional brews, often around 5g per can.
- Pure Spirits: Distilled liquors like vodka, tequila, and whiskey are zero-carb on their own, before any mixers are added.
- High Noon Seltzer: A convenient and flavorful low-carb choice with minimal sugar, perfect for a guilt-free indulgence in moderation. The natural fruit juice sets it apart from many other seltzers.
High Noon's Nutritional Composition
- Real Vodka/Tequila: Unlike many competitors that use fermented sugar bases, High Noon uses real, premium spirits, which contributes to its cleaner taste profile.
- Real Fruit Juice: A key differentiator, the use of real fruit juice for flavoring provides a more authentic taste and minimal carbohydrates.
- Sparkling Water: The main component of the drink, adding the refreshing fizz without any caloric impact.
- No Added Sugar: High Noon contains no added sugar, with all sugars coming directly from the real fruit juice, keeping the overall sugar and carb count low.
- Gluten-Free: For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, High Noon offers a safe alcoholic beverage option.
