The question of what artificial sweetener is in Stateside Vodka drinks requires a closer look at the brand's different product lines, as the answer varies. While the flagship Stateside Urbancraft Vodka and its popular Vodka Soda line are free of artificial sweeteners, the separate Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka line openly lists artificial sweetener as an ingredient. This distinction is crucial for consumers monitoring their sugar or artificial sweetener intake.
Stateside Vodka: A Zero-Carb, Zero-Sugar Spirit
Starting with the foundation, the pure Stateside Urbancraft Vodka is distilled from 100% US corn and is a straight spirit with no additives. As a result, it contains zero carbohydrates, zero sugar, and, by extension, no sweeteners of any kind, whether natural or artificial. For vodka purists and those creating their own cocktails from scratch, this offering is entirely free of sweeteners and fits into ketogenic or low-carb diets effortlessly.
Stateside Vodka Soda: No Artificial Sweeteners, Only Real Juice
Moving to their popular canned cocktail line, the Stateside Vodka Sodas are a testament to clean and simple ingredients. These drinks are marketed as having "no artificial flavors or sweeteners". Instead of relying on synthetics, they achieve their flavor and light sweetness from real fruit juice. A typical can contains only about 2g of sugar, which comes naturally from the juice itself, and contains around 95 calories. This approach makes the Vodka Sodas a transparent and appealing option for those seeking a ready-to-drink option without artificial additives. The sweetness is minimal, as expected from a soda made with real juice rather than added sugar or sweeteners.
Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka: A Different Sweetener Profile
This is where the stateside-branded product line includes artificial sweeteners. The Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka series is a distinct product line that, unlike the Stateside Vodka Sodas, explicitly lists "artificial sweetener" among its ingredients. The specific sweetener used is not explicitly named in the public product descriptions found in search results, but it allows the company to produce a canned iced tea cocktail with a low-calorie profile. This is a crucial detail for consumers who are specifically trying to avoid artificial sweeteners. The flavor profile is distinct, often described as having the taste of a canned, sweetened tea, and is not carbonated like the vodka sodas.
Comparing Stateside Product Lines and Their Sweeteners
To help clarify the differences, here is a comparison table outlining the key features regarding sweeteners and sugar content for each product line.
| Feature | Stateside Urbancraft Vodka | Stateside Vodka Soda | Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweetener Type | None | Real fruit juice (natural sugars) | Unspecified artificial sweetener |
| Added Sugar | 0g | 0g Added Sugar | None (uses artificial sweetener) |
| Carbohydrates | 0g | ~2g (from real juice) | Variable, often low |
| Calories (per serving) | ~94 (1.5 oz) | ~95 (12 oz can) | ~100 (12 oz can) |
Why the Different Sweetener Approaches?
The varying approach to sweeteners and sugar across the Stateside product families is likely a strategic decision to appeal to different consumer preferences. The pure vodka caters to traditional spirits drinkers. The Stateside Vodka Sodas are designed for health-conscious consumers who prefer a low-calorie, low-sugar beverage made with natural ingredients. The Surfside Iced Tea line, with its inclusion of an artificial sweetener, targets those who enjoy a sweeter, non-carbonated canned cocktail while still aiming for a low-calorie count. The choice of sweetener also affects flavor perception; artificial sweeteners often have a higher sweetness intensity than natural fruit juice, allowing for a more pronounced sweet taste in the iced tea line.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the presence of artificial sweeteners in Stateside products is not a universal rule but depends entirely on the specific drink. The distilled Urbancraft Vodka and the Stateside Vodka Sodas are proudly free of artificial sweeteners and flavors, while the Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka line does contain an artificial sweetener to achieve its desired taste profile. To be certain of what you are consuming, always check the product's official website or packaging for the most accurate ingredient information. Consumers looking to avoid artificial sweeteners should stick with the Stateside Vodka Soda line or the pure spirit itself, while those who prefer the flavor profile of a sweetened iced tea cocktail might gravitate towards the Surfside line.
List of Stateside-Branded Products and Their Sweetener Status
Here is a quick overview of the Stateside family of beverages and their sweetener content:
- Stateside Urbancraft Vodka: No sweeteners (0g sugar/carbs).
- Stateside Vodka Soda: No artificial sweeteners (lightly sweetened with real fruit juice).
- Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka: Contains an artificial sweetener.
- Stateside Flavored Vodka Offerings: While the base spirit is sweetener-free, specific flavored variants should be checked individually, although they are generally made with natural flavorings.
For more information on food additives, including artificial sweeteners, refer to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's official guidance.
