Truly's Approach to Flavor and Sugar
The Truly brand, known for its hard seltzers, extends its flavor-forward philosophy to its spirits line. The company offers two distinct vodka products: bottled Truly Flavored Vodka and canned Truly Vodka Soda. Understanding the difference between these is crucial for anyone monitoring their sugar intake or following a specific nutrition diet. The bottled version is a distilled spirit meant for mixing, while the canned product is a ready-to-drink cocktail.
Bottled Truly Flavored Vodka: The Distilled Spirit
Unlike many flavored vodkas that may rely solely on artificial chemicals or heavily sweetened syrups for flavor, Truly uses a different method. The bottled vodka is triple-distilled and infused with natural flavors and a small percentage of real fruit juice. While the fermentation process begins with cane sugar, the distillation process removes most of the residual sugar, resulting in a product that is not heavily sweetened. The sweetness that remains comes primarily from the fruit juice infusion. For example, a 1.5 oz serving of Truly Wild Berry Flavored Vodka contains approximately 100 calories and a modest amount of sugar from the fruit juice. This is a key differentiator for health-conscious consumers who prefer a product with more authentic, less sugary flavor.
Here are some of the defining characteristics of bottled Truly Flavored Vodka:
- Base: Distilled from a cane sugar base.
- Flavoring: Infused with real fruit juices (typically 5%) and natural flavors.
- ABV: Bottled at 30% ABV (60 proof), which is slightly lower than standard vodka.
- Calories: Around 100 calories per 1.5 oz serving.
- Sugar: Relatively low, stemming from the fruit juice, not added syrups.
Canned Truly Vodka Soda: The Ready-to-Drink Cocktail
Truly also offers a line of canned Vodka Soda, a convenient ready-to-drink option. This product is made with six-times-distilled vodka, real fruit juice, and premium flavors, and is designed for immediate consumption. Because it is a finished cocktail, not just a spirit, its nutritional profile is different. Each 12 fl. oz. can contains 110 calories, 2 grams of sugar, and 4 grams of carbohydrates. The sugar content is clearly labeled and consistent across the variety packs. It is sweetened for taste but avoids artificial sweeteners.
Key features of Truly Vodka Soda cans:
- Base: Made with six-times-distilled premium vodka.
- Flavoring: Uses real fruit juice and premium flavors.
- ABV: 5% ABV.
- Calories: 110 calories per 12 fl. oz. can.
- Sugar: 2 grams of sugar per 12 fl. oz. can.
General Considerations for Flavored Vodkas and Nutrition
When exploring flavored vodkas, it's essential to recognize that not all products are created equal. The difference often lies in the flavoring method. Some companies infuse flavors during distillation, which typically results in a sugar-free or very low-sugar product. Other brands add sweet syrups or liqueurs after distillation, which significantly increases the sugar and calorie content. For those on a diet, always read the nutrition label or the brand's website to understand what you're consuming.
Comparison: Truly and Other Options
| Feature | Truly Flavored Vodka (Bottled) | Truly Vodka Soda (Canned) | Zero-Sugar Flavored Vodka (e.g., Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1.5 fl. oz. | 12 fl. oz. | 1.5 fl. oz. |
| Calories (Approx) | ~100 | 110 | ~72 |
| Sugar | Low/Modest (from fruit juice) | 2g | 0g |
| Carbs | ~6.9g | 4g | 0g |
| Alcohol by Volume | 30% (60 proof) | 5% | 30% (60 proof) |
| Flavoring | Natural flavors, real fruit juice | Real fruit juice, premium flavors | Natural flavors, botanical essences |
Making Health-Conscious Choices on Your Nutrition Diet
For those managing their sugar intake on a nutrition diet, Truly's offerings can still be part of a balanced approach, with a few considerations:
- Control Your Portions: Be mindful of serving sizes, especially with the bottled vodka. A single 1.5 oz shot contains a manageable amount of sugar and calories, but these can add up quickly if multiple are consumed.
- Mix Wisely: When mixing bottled Truly Flavored Vodka, use zero-calorie mixers like club soda, sparkling water, or diet soda to avoid adding extra sugar. A splash of fresh lime or lemon can add flavor without calories.
- Choose Zero-Sugar Options: If your diet requires strictly zero sugar, brands like Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions or Grey Goose Flavored Vodka are better alternatives. These are distilled and infused with flavor without any added sweeteners.
- Understand the Product: Recognize the difference between the bottled spirit and the canned cocktail. The ready-to-drink options offer convenience but with a fixed nutritional profile, including the added sugar.
Conclusion
The question "Does truly flavored Vodka have sugar in it?" has a nuanced answer. While pure vodka has no sugar, Truly's flavored varieties do contain some due to their infusion of real fruit juices. The bottled spirit contains a small, natural amount, while the canned Vodka Soda has a specified 2 grams per can. The ultimate impact on your nutrition diet depends on which Truly product you choose and how it's consumed. For strict low-sugar diets, zero-sugar alternatives are available, but for those seeking a balance of real fruit flavor and moderate sugar, Truly's products provide transparent nutritional information to help you make an informed choice. As always, moderation is key when incorporating alcoholic beverages into a healthy lifestyle.
One authoritative outbound link: Truly Hard Seltzer Website (for nutritional information)
