What Seltzer Has the Lowest Carbs and Sugar? A Guide to Healthier Hydration

November 2, 2025 •

6 min read

According to the FDA, products labeled 'zero sugar' must contain less than 0.5 grams per serving, which many seltzer brands achieve, making them ideal for low-carb diets. Navigating the options can be tricky, so this guide breaks down exactly what seltzer has the lowest carbs and sugar for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic preferences, supporting your nutrition diet goals.

Quick Summary

This guide details hard and non-alcoholic seltzer options with the lowest carbs and sugar. It offers specific brand examples suitable for low-carb or keto diets, explains how to interpret nutrition labels, and compares popular options, emphasizing responsible consumption while still enjoying bubbly beverages.

Key Points

Zero-Carb Hard Seltzers Exist: Brands like Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer, Canteen Spirits Vodka Soda, and San Juan Seltzer offer 0g carbs and 0g sugar.
Non-Alcoholic Seltzers are a Safe Bet: Popular non-alcoholic sparkling waters from brands like LaCroix, Bubly, and Waterloo are zero-calorie, zero-sugar, and zero-carb.
Alcohol Calories Count: Even in zero-carb hard seltzers, the alcohol contributes to the calorie count and can impact weight loss, as the body burns alcohol first.
Ultra-Low Options are Widespread: Famous brands like White Claw (2g carbs) and Truly (1-2g carbs) are widely available and remain excellent low-carb choices.
Labels Can be Tricky: A 'zero sugar' label means less than 0.5g per serving. Always check the full nutritional panel for carb content and watch for artificial sweeteners.
Moderation is Crucial: Low-carb seltzers are not nutritionally dense. They should be consumed in moderation as a healthier alternative, not a health food.

For those on a nutrition diet, whether it's low-carb, keto, or simply monitoring sugar intake, seltzer has become a popular alternative to sugary sodas and cocktails. The market is saturated with options, from traditional sparkling waters to flavored hard seltzers. Understanding the nutritional differences is crucial for making an informed choice that aligns with your dietary goals. Many seltzers boast low-calorie and low-sugar profiles, but not all are created equal. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the lowest-carb and lowest-sugar choices available, so you can sip responsibly without derailing your progress.

Hard vs. Non-Alcoholic Seltzer: Understanding the Differences

The first step to finding a seltzer that fits your diet is distinguishing between hard and non-alcoholic versions. Non-alcoholic sparkling waters, often called seltzers, are typically a safe bet for zero carbs and sugar. They are simply carbonated water infused with natural fruit essences. Popular non-alcoholic brands like LaCroix, Bubly, and Waterloo offer a wide range of flavors, all with zero calories, zero sugar, and zero carbs.

Hard seltzers, on the other hand, contain alcohol, which adds calories. The alcohol content is often derived from fermented cane sugar or malted gluten-free grains. While some popular brands contain 1-2 grams of carbs and sugar, a growing number of hard seltzers and vodka sodas are being created with zero carbs and sugar. It's essential to check the nutritional label, as the exact carbohydrate and sugar content can vary by flavor and brand.

Zero Carb, Zero Sugar Hard Seltzers

For those on a strict low-carb or keto diet, zero-carb, zero-sugar hard seltzers are the ideal choice. These products use alcohol derived from a process that eliminates all residual carbohydrates and sugars. Here are a few brands to look for:

Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer: The signature collection is certified USDA organic and features zero carbohydrates and zero grams of sugar. At 80 calories per can, it's one of the lightest options available. Flavors include spicy pineapple, peach pear, and cucumber lime.
Canteen Spirits Vodka Soda: This brand prides itself on its 'better-for-you' ingredients. Their vodka soda line contains zero grams of carbs and zero grams of sugar, with only 99 calories per can. Available flavors include lime, black cherry, and watermelon.
Viva Tequila Seltzer: Made with premium blanco tequila, Viva seltzers contain zero grams of carbs and sugar for just 88 calories per can.
San Juan Seltzer: Produced in a dedicated 'Seltzery', this brand offers zero sugar and zero carbs for 85 calories per can. They feature unique flavors inspired by the Pacific Northwest.
Cutwater Spirits Vodka Sodas: Some of Cutwater's vodka soda products boast zero grams of carbs and sugar.

The Ultra-Low Carb and Sugar Contenders

For many, a hard seltzer with 1-2 grams of carbs and sugar is still an excellent low-calorie and low-sugar alternative to beer or wine. These brands remain popular and widely available:

White Claw Hard Seltzer: The original hard seltzer contains 2 grams of carbs and 2 grams of sugar per 12-ounce can. This iconic option helped popularize the low-carb beverage trend.
Truly Hard Seltzer: Truly's classic varieties typically contain 2 grams of carbs and 1 gram of sugar per 12-ounce serving, while Truly's vodka soda line has 3-4 grams of carbs. The brand offers a wide range of over 30 flavors.
Topo Chico Hard Seltzer: This brand, inspired by its popular mineral water, offers a hard seltzer with just 2 grams of carbs.

Low Carb Hard Seltzer Comparison Table


Brand	Carbs (per 12oz)	Sugar (per 12oz)	Calories (per 12oz)	ABV
Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer	0g	0g	80	4%
Canteen Spirits Vodka Soda	0g	0g	99	5%
Viva Tequila Seltzer	0g	0g	88	4.5%
San Juan Seltzer	0g	0g	85	4.2%
White Claw	2g	2g	95-100	4.5-5%
Truly Hard Seltzer (Classic)	1-2g	1g	100-110	5%

Reading the Label: What to Look For

Choosing the best seltzer for your diet requires a discerning eye. Always read the nutritional information on the packaging. Here's what to consider:

Carbohydrates: Look for the lowest number possible. Brands with zero carbs are best for strict keto diets.
Sugar: A 'zero sugar' claim is best, but remember it can mean less than 0.5g. Check for added artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame if you prefer to avoid them.
Ingredients: Be mindful of 'natural flavors,' which can sometimes hide different additives. A short, simple ingredient list is often a good sign.
Alcohol By Volume (ABV): Remember that alcohol contains calories, even if the carbs and sugar are low. Higher ABV means more calories.

Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Water with Zero Carbs and Sugar

If you're looking for a refreshing, carbonated drink without any alcohol, a wide array of options exist with zero carbs and zero sugar. These are perfect for everyday hydration and mocktails.

LaCroix: A market leader, LaCroix offers a plethora of flavors with no calories, sweeteners, or sodium.
Waterloo: This brand features bold, fruit-essence flavors with zero calories, sugar, or sodium.
Bubly: With a variety of fruit flavors, Bubly is another popular choice that is free of calories, sweeteners, and artificial flavors.
Perrier and Topo Chico (Unspiked): These natural mineral waters offer naturally occurring carbonation and come in flavored versions that are zero-calorie and zero-sugar.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Diet

The landscape of seltzer and hard seltzer has evolved significantly, offering more choices for those mindful of their carb and sugar intake. For a truly zero-carb, zero-sugar alcoholic beverage, brands like Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer, Canteen Spirits Vodka Soda, and San Juan Seltzer are your best bet. Non-alcoholic sparkling waters like LaCroix, Waterloo, and Bubly are perfect for guilt-free, daily hydration. While popular brands like White Claw and Truly are still very low in carbs and sugar, it’s worth checking the label to find the lowest possible counts if you are on a strict keto regimen. By understanding the differences and reading labels carefully, you can enjoy a refreshing, bubbly beverage that supports your nutrition goals. However, as with any alcoholic beverage, moderation is key for a healthy lifestyle.

Seltzer Choices for Your Diet

Zero-Carb Hard Seltzers: For those on a strict keto diet, opt for hard seltzers like Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer, Canteen Spirits Vodka Soda, Viva Tequila Seltzer, or San Juan Seltzer, which contain 0g carbs and 0g sugar.
Ultra-Low Carb Hard Seltzers: Brands like White Claw (2g carbs, 2g sugar) and Truly (1-2g carbs, 1g sugar) offer a great low-carb alternative but are not completely zero-carb.
Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Water: For daily hydration, stick to zero-calorie, zero-sugar options like LaCroix, Bubly, Waterloo, or Perrier.
Read the Label: Always check the nutrition label for specific carb and sugar content, as these can vary by brand and flavor.
Mind the Alcohol Calories: Even if a hard seltzer is zero-carb, the alcohol itself still contains calories that can impact your overall diet.
Avoid Artificial Sweeteners: If you prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners, choose brands that use natural essences for flavoring, or check the ingredient list carefully.
Consider Electrolytes: Some zero-carb vodka sodas, like Krushwell, even include electrolytes, offering a slight functional benefit.

Making the Right Choice for Your Nutrition Diet

Hard vs. Non-Alcoholic: Decide if you need an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage and choose the lowest-carb option within that category.
Zero vs. Low Carb: For a strict keto diet, prioritize the zero-carb hard seltzers. For a more relaxed low-carb approach, brands with 1-2 grams are perfectly acceptable.
Hydration: Remember that non-alcoholic sparkling water is an excellent, hydrating, and zero-carb choice for any time of day.
Flavor Preferences: Explore different brands and flavors to find what you enjoy most, as taste can be a deciding factor between brands with similar nutritional profiles.
Moderation is Key: Regardless of the seltzer's nutritional content, it's important to consume alcohol in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Watch for Added Sugar: Some seltzers, especially those with sweeter flavor profiles like lemonades and punches, may contain added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Check Variety Packs: Be aware that carb and sugar content can sometimes vary between flavors within the same brand's variety pack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brands like Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer, Canteen Spirits Vodka Soda, and San Juan Seltzer offer zero carbs and zero sugar. For comparison, White Claw has 2 grams of carbs, and Truly Hard Seltzer (classic) has 1-2 grams of carbs per 12-ounce can.

No, not all hard seltzers are zero sugar. While many are low, brands like White Claw and Truly contain 1-2 grams of sugar per can. Always check the nutrition label, as some flavors or specific product lines may contain more sugar.

Most non-alcoholic sparkling water brands like LaCroix, Bubly, and Waterloo contain zero carbs and zero sugar. They achieve this by using natural fruit essences for flavor rather than fruit juice or sweeteners.

Hard seltzer can be compatible with a keto diet if you choose a zero-carb, zero-sugar option and consume it in moderation. The alcohol itself still adds calories, and excessive consumption can temporarily halt fat-burning.

You can check the ingredients list on the packaging. Brands that use artificial sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame are required to list them. Some popular brands with specific product lines may use a blend of sugar and artificial sweeteners.

Not necessarily. While many zero-sugar seltzers are also zero-carb, some might contain minimal amounts of carbohydrates from fruit juice or other ingredients. A 'zero sugar' label only means less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving, so it's best to check the total carbohydrate count.

Hard seltzer typically gets its alcohol from fermented cane sugar or malted gluten-free grains, while vodka soda is a mixed drink combining vodka and soda water. Both can be zero-carb and zero-sugar, depending on the brand and formulation.