Skip to content

What Seltzers Have No Sugar? A Comprehensive Guide

4 min read

According to the CDC, consumers are increasingly cutting back on added sugars due to their link with various health issues, leading to a surge in popular sugar-free beverages. For those looking for a refreshing, effervescent option, finding out what seltzers have no sugar is a top priority, with numerous brands offering zero-calorie and zero-sugar products for a guilt-free indulgence.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed overview of no-sugar seltzer options, including popular alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands. It explores the ingredients, health implications, and flavors available, offering a comprehensive look at the best choices for a lighter, refreshing drink. The information helps consumers make informed decisions based on their dietary needs.

Key Points

  • Waterloo and LaCroix Offer Zero Sugar: These are popular non-alcoholic brands that provide a variety of flavor options with no sugar or calories.

  • Michelob ULTRA Organic and Corona Are Zero Sugar Hard Seltzers: For those seeking an alcoholic option, these brands offer zero-sugar and zero-carb varieties.

  • Spindrift Uses Real Fruit but Check Labels: Spindrift is known for using real fruit juice, but some flavors contain a small amount of natural sugar, so checking the nutritional information is crucial.

  • Zero Sugar Seltzers Support Weight Management: By replacing high-sugar sodas and juices, these beverages can help reduce overall calorie intake.

  • Not All Zero Sugar Means Zero Carbs: While many zero-sugar hard seltzers also have low carbs, checking the label is essential, especially for those on a keto diet.

  • Be Mindful of Alcoholic vs. Non-Alcoholic: It's important to differentiate between hard seltzers and non-alcoholic sparkling waters, and to consume alcoholic versions in moderation.

In This Article

Navigating the World of No-Sugar Seltzers

With a growing awareness of health and wellness, many consumers are turning away from sugary sodas and cocktails in favor of lighter alternatives. Seltzers that have no sugar offer a perfect solution, providing a satisfying fizz and flavor without the empty calories and health risks associated with high-sugar beverages. The market is now flooded with options, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, catering to every palate.

Non-Alcoholic Zero Sugar Seltzers

For those seeking a purely hydrating beverage, non-alcoholic seltzers with zero sugar are widely available and come in a vast array of natural flavors. These drinks offer the taste and feel of a soft drink without any of the sugar or calories.

A list of top non-alcoholic zero-sugar seltzers:

  • Waterloo Sparkling Water: Known for its bold, authentic fruit flavors, Waterloo contains no sugar, no artificial sweeteners, and zero calories. Popular flavors include Black Cherry, Watermelon, and Grape.
  • Spindrift: This brand stands out by using real fruit juice for its flavoring, yet many of its sparkling waters, such as the Half Tea & Half Lemon, maintain a zero-sugar profile. Checking the label is recommended, as some fruit juice-based varieties may contain a small amount of natural sugar.
  • LaCroix: A pioneer in the flavored sparkling water space, LaCroix relies on natural essences for its taste, delivering a crisp beverage with no sugar or calories. Flavors like Pamplemousse and Coconut are classic favorites.
  • Bubly: With zero sugar and zero calories, Bubly offers a wide variety of flavors, often sold in convenient multi-packs.
  • AHA Sparkling Water: This brand offers unique flavor combinations, such as Blueberry + Pomegranate, and is known for its zero-sugar, zero-calorie formula. Some varieties contain caffeine, so it's wise to check the label.

Alcoholic Hard Seltzers with No Sugar

For an adult beverage that aligns with low-sugar dietary goals, hard seltzers with no or minimal sugar are a great choice. These are typically crafted from fermented cane sugar or a vodka base, mixed with carbonated water and natural flavors.

A list of popular zero-sugar hard seltzers:

  • Michelob ULTRA Organic Seltzer: A USDA-certified organic option, this hard seltzer boasts zero grams of sugar and zero carbohydrates.
  • Corona Hard Seltzer: This brand offers a spiked sparkling water with zero grams of sugar and carbs, making it a clean and light option.
  • Long Drink Zero: An imported Finnish-inspired cocktail, this seltzer variant offers a gin and citrus flavor profile with a dry finish, all while being zero sugar.
  • Smirnoff Seltzer: Several varieties, such as Smirnoff Zero Sugar Red White & Berry, provide a flavored malt beverage experience with zero sugar.
  • NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer: This vodka-based seltzer is known for being gluten-free with no added sugar, relying on subtle real fruit juice infusions.
  • High Noon: While made with real fruit juice and vodka, High Noon maintains a clean finish and avoids being overly sweet. A quick label check will confirm sugar content across their varieties, though they are generally low.

Benefits and Considerations of Sugar-Free Seltzers

Opting for seltzers with no sugar offers several advantages. From a health perspective, removing added sugars helps reduce calorie intake, which supports weight management and reduces the risk of related conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity. Furthermore, compared to sugary soft drinks, plain seltzer is significantly less damaging to tooth enamel. For those with sensitive digestive systems, the gentle carbonation can sometimes aid in digestion, though excessive consumption could lead to bloating for some.

However, it's crucial to distinguish between non-alcoholic and hard seltzers. While plain seltzer is an excellent hydrating beverage, hard seltzers still contain alcohol. Moderation is key when consuming alcoholic versions, and they should not be seen as a replacement for plain water.

Comparison Table: No-Sugar Seltzers

Brand Type Sugar Content Ingredients Highlight Notes
Waterloo Non-Alcoholic 0g per serving Natural flavors, carbonated water Known for bold, authentic taste
Spindrift Non-Alcoholic Variable, check label Real fruit juice, carbonated water Some varieties use fruit juice, so check sugar content
Michelob ULTRA Organic Hard Seltzer 0g per serving Organic fermented cane sugar, natural flavors Certified organic with zero carbs
LaCroix Non-Alcoholic 0g per serving Natural essence, carbonated water Subtle flavors, iconic brand
NÜTRL Hard Seltzer 0g added sugar Vodka, real fruit juice, carbonated water Smooth, clean vodka-based option
High Noon Hard Seltzer Low, check label Vodka or Tequila, real fruit juice Known for authentic fruit flavor

How to Choose the Right No-Sugar Seltzer

When selecting a seltzer, the first consideration is whether you want an alcoholic or non-alcoholic version. For pure hydration, brands like Waterloo and LaCroix are excellent. For a low-sugar adult beverage, hard seltzers from Michelob ULTRA Organic or NÜTRL are good choices. Always remember to read the nutritional information on the packaging, as some brands or specific flavors may contain more sugar than expected, especially if made with real fruit juice. Additionally, consider the flavor profile—some prefer subtle essences, while others like a more pronounced fruit flavor. Finally, for those avoiding artificial sweeteners, verify the ingredient list to ensure natural flavorings are used.

Conclusion: The Best of No-Sugar Seltzers

Ultimately, a wide variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic seltzers have no sugar, making them an excellent choice for a healthier, guilt-free drink. Popular non-alcoholic options like Waterloo, LaCroix, and Spindrift provide hydrating and flavorful alternatives to soda. For those seeking an alcoholic beverage, hard seltzer brands such as Michelob ULTRA Organic and NÜTRL offer zero-sugar options without sacrificing taste. By checking labels and considering your personal preferences, you can easily find the perfect crisp and refreshing seltzer to fit your lifestyle. To explore more about the rise of these healthier beverage choices, see this article by CNBC.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all hard seltzers are sugar-free. While many brands aim for a low-sugar profile, some may contain a small amount of sugar, especially if they are flavored with real fruit juice. It's best to check the nutritional label for the exact sugar content.

Seltzer water is simply carbonated water, sometimes with natural flavorings added, but generally contains no added sodium or minerals. Sparkling mineral water, on the other hand, is naturally carbonated and contains minerals from its source.

Not necessarily. While diet sodas are sugar-free, they often contain artificial sweeteners that some people prefer to avoid. Sugar-free seltzers typically rely on natural flavorings or essences, making them a 'cleaner' alternative for many.

Yes, zero-sugar seltzers are generally suitable for a keto diet, as they are very low in carbohydrates. However, for hard seltzers, check the label, as some can have a higher carb count than others, even if they are low in sugar.

Yes, some non-alcoholic seltzer brands, like certain varieties of AHA Sparkling Water, offer caffeine-infused options. It's important to check the product label if you are sensitive to caffeine.

While seltzer is slightly more acidic than plain water due to carbonation, it is significantly less damaging to tooth enamel than sugary sodas. A quick swish with plain water afterward can further mitigate any minor effect.

Some Spindrift flavors contain a small amount of natural sugar from the fruit juice used. For example, their Half Tea & Half Lemon is zero sugar, but others like Raspberry Lime contain some sugar. Always check the specific flavor's nutritional information.

References

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.