What is the healthiest spiked seltzer for your lifestyle?

December 5, 2025 •

4 min read

Most hard seltzers contain around 100 calories and 2 grams of carbs per 12-ounce can, significantly less than many beers and sugary cocktails. This has led to their reputation as a 'healthier' alcoholic beverage, but the reality is more nuanced and depends on what you define as healthy.

Quick Summary

A comparative guide to spiked seltzers, evaluating brands based on calories, carbs, sugar content, and ingredients. It helps consumers determine which option best fits their dietary preferences and health objectives.

Key Points

Calories over Ingredients: Focusing on a lower calorie count is often the most straightforward way to gauge a 'healthier' spiked seltzer, as all brands contain empty alcohol calories.
Check for Real Juice: Brands like High Noon use real fruit juice, which can be a better option for those avoiding artificial flavors and synthetic additives.
Watch the Sugar: If you're on a keto or low-carb diet, opt for brands like Bon & Viv that have zero added sugars to help manage blood sugar levels.
Organic Options Exist: For those who prioritize ingredient transparency, brands like Michelob Ultra Organic provide a certified organic and low-calorie alternative.
Drink in Moderation: The most critical health factor is mindful consumption. The light taste of seltzers can lead to drinking more than intended, negating any low-calorie benefit.
Stay Hydrated: Always alternate alcoholic drinks with a glass of water, as alcohol is a diuretic and seltzers do not provide adequate hydration.

Demystifying "Healthy" in the Hard Seltzer Market

When you hear 'healthy' in reference to an alcoholic beverage, it's essential to understand it's a relative term. Hard seltzers aren't a health drink, but they can be a healthier alternative to higher-calorie, higher-sugar options. The key is to look past marketing buzzwords and focus on the hard nutritional facts, ingredients, and how the drink fits into your overall lifestyle.

Key Factors for Choosing a Healthier Spiked Seltzer

To identify the best spiked seltzer for your needs, consider the following:

Calorie Count: While most mainstream options hover around 100 calories, some brands offer even lower calorie options. For many, this is the primary metric for a "healthier" choice.
Sugar and Carb Content: Dieters following low-carb or keto plans should prioritize seltzers with the lowest possible sugar and carbohydrate grams. Some brands offer zero-sugar, zero-carb options.
Ingredients and Additives: The base alcohol (fermented cane sugar vs. vodka) and flavorings used can vary greatly. Some brands use real fruit juice, while others rely on natural or artificial flavors. Health-conscious drinkers may prefer options with transparent, minimal, or organic ingredients.
Alcohol Source: Some consumers prefer seltzers made with a specific alcohol base, such as vodka or tequila, over the malt liquor or fermented cane sugar used in many mainstream products.

Comparison of Popular Hard Seltzer Brands


Brand	Alcohol Source	Calories (12oz)	Carbs (12oz)	Sugar (12oz)	ABV	Noteworthy
Bon & Viv	Fermented Sugar	90	2g	0g	4.5%	Simple ingredients, zero added sugar.
Truly	Fermented Sugar	100	1g	1g	5%	Lower sugar than competitors, a popular choice.
White Claw	Fermented Sugar	100	2g	2g	5%	The ubiquitous standard, widely available.
High Noon	Vodka & Real Juice	100	2-3g	2-3g	4.5%	Made with vodka and real fruit juice for a premium taste.
Michelob Ultra Organic	Organic Sugar	90	2g	<1g	4%	Certified organic and low-calorie.
Lone River Ranch Water	Fermented Sugar & Agave	~80	Low	Low	4%	Modeled after the West Texas classic, crisp taste.
DRTY Hard Seltzer (UK)	Fermented Fruit	83	0g	0g	4%	Very low calorie, zero sugar option.

Understanding Your Health Goals

The "best" option depends heavily on your specific health priorities:

For Calorie Counters: Brands like Bon & Viv and Michelob Ultra Organic lead the pack with just 90 calories per can. The European brand DRTY also offers a very low-calorie option.
For Low-Carb/Keto Diets: Seltzers with 0-1 gram of carbs are ideal. Bon & Viv (0g sugar, 2g carbs), Truly (1g sugar, 1g carb), and some zero-carb varieties are best.
For Clean Ingredients: If ingredient transparency is important, look for seltzers like High Noon, which are made with vodka and real fruit juice rather than flavored malt liquor. Organic options like Michelob Ultra Organic are also a top consideration.
For Overall Moderation: As dietitians frequently point out, any perceived health benefit is negated by overconsumption. Choosing a low-ABV seltzer and drinking in moderation (one drink per day for women, two for men) is the single most important factor.

Alcohol Consumption and Hydration

While spiked seltzers contain water, they do not hydrate you. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it promotes water loss from the body. It's a common misconception that because seltzer is the main ingredient, the drink is hydrating. For every alcoholic beverage you consume, it is wise to also drink a glass of water to help counteract the dehydrating effects. This is crucial for avoiding hangovers and maintaining proper hydration levels, especially on hot days or during social events.

Making an Informed Choice

Ultimately, there is no single "healthiest" spiked seltzer, as every brand contains empty calories from alcohol. The best choice for you depends on what you prioritize: the lowest calories, the fewest carbs, the cleanest ingredients, or simply a balanced flavor profile. By reading the label and being a conscious consumer, you can find a product that aligns with your personal health goals while still allowing you to enjoy a crisp, refreshing alcoholic beverage in moderation.

Final Takeaway

Spiked seltzers are a lower-calorie, lower-carb alternative to many other alcoholic drinks, but their healthfulness is relative. Focus on brands with low or zero sugar and carbs if you're on a specific diet. Pay attention to ingredients, favoring options made with real juice or transparent sourcing if that's a priority. Most importantly, remember that moderation is key. A single 100-calorie can is not a major caloric investment, but easy drinkability can lead to overconsumption. By pairing your seltzer with food and alternating with water, you can mitigate the negative effects of alcohol. For many, the mental health benefits of enjoying a pleasant beverage socially outweigh the minor nutritional differences between brands.

https://www.foodandwine.com/hard-seltzer-taste-test-11773840

Conclusion: Personalizing Your Spiked Seltzer Choice

Choosing the "healthiest" spiked seltzer is less about finding a single perfect brand and more about aligning your choice with your personal dietary priorities. Whether you value the absolute lowest calorie count, minimal carbs for a keto lifestyle, or transparent, organic ingredients, the market offers a variety of options. By comparing brands like Bon & Viv, Truly, White Claw, and High Noon on these specific metrics, you can make an informed decision. Remember that moderation is the most critical factor for health, regardless of the drink you choose. Enjoying your beverage responsibly, staying hydrated, and being mindful of your intake are the best practices for incorporating spiked seltzers into a balanced lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spiked seltzer generally has fewer calories and carbohydrates than a standard beer, but is similar to many light beers. Neither is a 'health' drink, and moderation is key for both.

For a keto diet, look for brands that clearly state 0 grams of sugar and low or zero carbohydrates. Examples include some varieties of Bon & Viv and DRTY.

Most mainstream spiked seltzers are low in sugar, typically containing 1 to 2 grams per can, significantly less than many cocktails or sugary mixers.

Yes, most hard seltzers are gluten-free because the alcohol is typically derived from fermented cane sugar instead of gluten-containing grains like wheat or barley.

Brands like Bon & Viv and Michelob Ultra Organic often have some of the lowest calorie counts, at around 90 calories per can. The UK brand DRTY offers a 72-calorie option.

Seltzers made with real fruit juice, such as High Noon, may be preferable if you want to avoid artificial flavorings. However, they may also contain slightly more sugar and calories than flavor-infused options.

No, it does not. Alcohol is a diuretic and causes water loss. Despite the water content, you should not rely on spiked seltzer for hydration. Always alternate with a glass of plain water.