What is the Healthiest Hard Seltzer? A Nutrition Diet Guide

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

While many hard seltzers average around 100 calories per 12-ounce can, a standard beer contains about 150 calories. For those seeking a low-calorie alcoholic option, answering the question of what is the healthiest hard seltzer? involves a more detailed look at ingredients and nutritional information.

Quick Summary

Determining the healthiest hard seltzer involves examining calories, sugar, and ingredients. Opt for brands with real fruit juice, low carbs, and zero added sugar for a better nutritional profile. Individual dietary goals, like keto or gluten-free, influence the best choice.

Key Points

Zero Sugar Options: Some hard seltzers like Michelob Ultra Organic and San Juan Seltzer contain 0g of sugar and carbs, making them ideal for low-sugar and keto diets.
Real Fruit Juice: Brands such as Spindrift Spiked and High Noon use real fruit juice for flavor, offering a more natural, authentic taste.
Low Calorie: Hard seltzers generally offer a low-calorie alternative to beer, typically ranging from 80 to 110 calories per can.
Gluten-Free: Most hard seltzers are naturally gluten-free and safe for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, though it's always wise to check the label.
Read Ingredients: Pay close attention to ingredients, prioritizing those with natural flavors and avoiding artificial sweeteners if that aligns with your dietary goals.
Moderation is Key: Regardless of the brand's nutritional profile, hard seltzer is an alcoholic beverage and should always be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

What Defines a 'Healthy' Hard Seltzer?

The term "healthiest" when applied to hard seltzer is relative and depends on individual dietary goals. Some consumers prioritize the lowest possible calorie count, while others focus on ingredients like real fruit juice or the absence of added sugars. Unlike beer, which is typically made from malted barley, most hard seltzers are made from a gluten-free base of fermented cane sugar or distilled vodka. This difference in production is what often gives hard seltzers their low-carb and low-calorie reputation.

For most people, the main factors to consider when evaluating a hard seltzer's nutritional value are:

Calories: Most hard seltzers contain between 90 and 110 calories per 12-ounce can, but some brands have even lower counts.
Sugar Content: Many brands boast zero grams of added sugar, but it's crucial to check the label, as some still include a gram or two.
Carbohydrates: Hard seltzers are generally low-carb, with some brands containing zero carbohydrates, making them a popular choice for keto diets.
Ingredients: Look for seltzers that use real fruit juice and natural flavors instead of artificial sweeteners and flavorings.
Alcohol Base: The source of alcohol can vary between fermented cane sugar, grain-based alcohol, and distilled spirits like vodka or tequila.

Hard Seltzer Nutritional Comparison Table


Brand	Base	Calories (12 oz)	Sugar	Carbs	Notable Features
Spindrift Spiked	Fermented Sugar, Real Juice	90-101	0-3g	1-4g	Made with real fruit juice, lower ABV (4%)
Michelob Ultra Organic	Fermented Sugar	80-90	0g	0g	USDA-certified organic, zero sugar
Bon & Viv	Fermented Sugar	90	0g	2g	Zero sugar, natural fruit flavors
High Noon	Vodka	100	2-3g	2-3g	Uses real fruit juice and vodka
White Claw	Fermented Sugar	100	2g	2g	Very popular, simple ingredients
Nutrl Vodka Seltzer	Vodka	100	0g	0g	Vodka-based, real fruit juice infusions
San Juan Seltzer	Fermented Sugar	85	0g	0g	Zero sugar, zero carbs
Volley	Tequila	130	<5g	<5g	Uses 100% blue agave tequila, organic juice

Top Contenders for the Healthiest Hard Seltzer

Based on the nutritional criteria, several brands stand out for different health-conscious consumers:

For Zero Sugar and Carbs: If your main goal is to minimize sugar and carbs, look for brands like Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer or San Juan Seltzer. These offer a clean and crisp option that fits well within ketogenic or low-sugar diets.
For Real Fruit Flavor: For those who prioritize taste from natural sources, Spindrift Spiked and High Noon are excellent choices. These options use real fruit juice, which provides a more authentic flavor profile, though they may contain slightly more calories and sugar than brands with artificial flavors.
For the Vodka-Based Drinker: Nutrl Vodka Seltzer is a strong contender, offering a smooth, gluten-free drink made with real fruit juice infusions and no added sugar.
For the lowest calorie option: While Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer is very low at 80-90 calories, some international brands like Served Hard Seltzer boast as little as 57 calories per can, though availability may vary.

How to Choose the Best Hard Seltzer for Your Diet

Choosing a hard seltzer isn't a one-size-fits-all decision. Consider these steps to find the right one for your nutritional needs:

Define your priorities: Are you looking for the lowest calorie option, or do you prefer a more natural product with real fruit juice? Being clear on your goals will guide your decision.
Read the nutrition label: Don't rely on marketing claims alone. Always check the label for grams of sugar and carbohydrates, which can vary even among a single brand's flavors.
Investigate the ingredients list: Look for ingredients that align with your health preferences. Avoid hard seltzers with artificial sweeteners or flavors if you prefer natural products.
Know your alcohol tolerance: Higher alcohol by volume (ABV) generally means more calories. Sticking to brands with a lower ABV can help control alcohol consumption.
Seek gluten-free assurance: While most hard seltzers are gluten-free, if you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, ensure the base is not malted barley.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Ultimately, there is no single "healthiest" hard seltzer, as the best choice depends on your specific nutritional goals. For those aiming for the lowest possible calories, brands like Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer and San Juan Seltzer are strong candidates due to their zero-sugar and zero-carb content. If a more natural flavor from real fruit is your priority, options like Spindrift Spiked or High Noon might be a better fit, though they may contain slightly more sugar.

While hard seltzers offer a lower-calorie and lower-sugar alternative to many other alcoholic beverages, they still contain alcohol and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. By paying attention to labels and ingredients, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your nutritional and wellness objectives.

Authoritative Outbound Link

Dietary Guidelines for Americans on Alcohol

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all hard seltzers are equally low in sugar. While many contain zero grams of added sugar, others may have a gram or two, especially those made with real fruit juice. It is always important to read the nutritional label to verify the exact sugar content.

Hard seltzers can be made with different types of alcohol bases. Many use a fermented cane sugar base, while others, like High Noon or Nutrl, are made with distilled spirits such as vodka. Some new brands are even using tequila.

For those on a keto diet, the best hard seltzer contains zero carbohydrates and zero sugar. Brands like San Juan Seltzer and Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer are excellent choices, but always check the label to ensure no hidden carbs are present.

Hard seltzer is not a health food but is generally considered a healthier alcoholic beverage option compared to high-calorie beers or sugary cocktails. It is lower in calories and carbs, but like all alcohol, it should be consumed in moderation.

To choose a hard seltzer with natural ingredients, look for brands that explicitly state they use real fruit juice and natural flavors, and avoid products with artificial sweeteners and complex, unpronounceable ingredients.

Hard seltzers typically have a lower calorie and carbohydrate count than most beers. They are also often gluten-free, making them a suitable option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Most major hard seltzer brands are gluten-free, as their alcohol base is typically fermented cane sugar or distilled spirits rather than malted barley. However, it's essential to confirm with the specific brand, as some niche products might have a malt base.

Yes, seltzers using real fruit juice, like Spindrift Spiked and High Noon, often have a more natural and authentic fruit taste compared to brands that rely solely on artificial flavorings.