The Short Answer: A Calorie Tie for Standard Versions
In the direct head-to-head comparison of their flagship, 5% ABV hard seltzers, neither White Claw nor Truly has more calories than the other. Both brands deliver a consistent 100 calories per 12-ounce can across most of their standard fruit flavors. This parity is a cornerstone of the hard seltzer market, appealing to health-conscious consumers looking for a lighter alternative to beer or mixed drinks. For those monitoring their intake, this means the choice between the two often comes down to taste preference or other minor nutritional details, not the overall calorie count.
A Closer Look at the Nutritional Differences
While the headline calorie count is a tie for their standard products, a closer look at the nutritional panels reveals some subtle distinctions in other metrics like carbs and sugar. These differences can be important for individuals following specific dietary plans, such as keto or low-sugar diets.
White Claw Standard Nutrition
A standard 12 oz can of White Claw Hard Seltzer features:
- 100 calories
- 2 grams of carbohydrates
- 2 grams of sugar
- Approximately 5% alcohol by volume (ABV)
Truly Standard Nutrition
In a standard 12 oz can of Truly Hard Seltzer, you will find:
- 100 calories
- 2 grams of carbohydrates
- 1 gram of sugar
- Approximately 5% alcohol by volume (ABV)
As seen above, Truly's standard seltzer holds a slight edge with 1 gram less sugar per can, though both are quite low compared to many other alcoholic beverages.
How Different Product Lines Compare
Both brands have expanded their product lines beyond the standard 100-calorie seltzer, introducing higher-ABV options and spirits-based drinks. This is where the calorie counts diverge significantly, making it essential to read the label for specific products.
Higher-ABV Variants: Surge vs. Extra
Both White Claw and Truly offer higher-alcohol seltzers for those seeking more of a kick. These products have a higher calorie count directly related to their increased alcohol content.
- White Claw Surge: At 8% ABV, a 16 oz can contains approximately 220 calories, or roughly 165 calories per 12 oz serving.
- Truly Extra Hard Seltzer: Also 8% ABV, a 16 oz can contains around 220 calories, similar to its White Claw counterpart.
Spirits-Based Offerings: White Claw vs. Truly Vodka Soda
In the spirits-based category, a clear caloric difference emerges between the two brands' vodka soda products.
- White Claw Vodka + Soda: Contains 100 calories and 4.5% ABV per can.
- Truly Vodka Soda: Contains 110 calories and 5% ABV per can, giving it a slightly higher calorie count and alcohol percentage.
Specialty and Low-Calorie Variants
Both brands also offer other specialized options. White Claw, for instance, has previously released its "White Claw 70" variety, boasting 70 calories with zero carbs and sugar. Meanwhile, their hard seltzer iced teas are back on par with the standard seltzer at 100 calories per can. Truly's hard seltzer iced teas also maintain the 100-calorie standard.
Comparison Table: Standard Hard Seltzer
To illustrate the minor differences in their core products, here is a quick comparison table for the standard 12 oz cans:
| Feature | White Claw (Standard) | Truly (Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 100 | 100 |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1g-2g (varies by flavor) |
| Sugar | 2g | 1g |
| ABV | 5% | 5% |
Conclusion
When asking what has more calories, White Claw or Truly, the answer depends entirely on which specific product you are comparing. For the classic 100-calorie, 5% ABV hard seltzer, the two brands are virtually identical in calories. However, a deeper dive into their respective product lines reveals nuanced differences. Truly's standard seltzer has a fraction less sugar than White Claw, while Truly's vodka soda contains slightly more calories than White Claw's version. For higher-ABV seltzers, their calorie counts are almost identical. The most important takeaway is to check the nutritional information for any specific flavor or line extension, as both brands have numerous options that deviate from the 100-calorie standard. For further reading on the hard seltzer market, you can check out this article from VinePair.
