The Standard ABV: A Surprising Tie
At first glance, the alcohol content of Truly Hard Seltzer and Twisted Tea appears to be the same, and for their flagship products, that holds true. The classic, original Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea has an ABV of 5%, and the various flavors of Truly's standard hard seltzer lineup, including their popular berry and citrus mix packs, also contain 5% ABV. For a casual drink at a summer barbecue or a day at the beach, a can of either product will provide a comparable amount of alcohol per volume. This is often the source of consumer confusion, with many assuming one is stronger than the other due to factors like taste and sugar content. However, looking at the full product ecosystem reveals key differences in how each brand approaches alcohol strength.
How Twisted Tea Pulls Ahead
Twisted Tea has introduced higher-ABV options that make it the more potent choice in a head-to-head comparison against Truly's standard offerings. The introduction of 'Twisted Tea Extreme' marks a significant departure from the standard 5% ABV, pushing the alcohol content to 8% in select test markets. For consumers specifically seeking a higher-proof beverage within the Twisted Tea family, this option is a clear winner over any standard Truly Hard Seltzer. Conversely, Truly has maintained a more consistent ABV across its various hard seltzer and hard lemonade product lines, which almost all sit at the 5% mark. This consistent strength means that while Truly offers a predictable experience, Twisted Tea provides a range of strengths for different occasions.
Beyond Alcohol: A Full Comparison
While ABV is a critical factor, it is not the only differentiator. Comparing Truly and Twisted Tea side-by-side reveals significant differences in their nutritional profiles and core ingredients. These factors can influence which beverage is the better choice for a given consumer, depending on their priorities for calories, sugar, and taste.
Comparison Table: Truly vs. Twisted Tea
| Feature | Truly Hard Seltzer (Standard) | Twisted Tea (Original) |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol by Volume (ABV) | 5% | 5% (Original), 8% (Extreme), 4% (Light) |
| Calories (per 12oz) | ~100 | ~194 |
| Sugars (per 12oz) | 1g | ~23-26g |
| Alcohol Base | Fermented cane sugar | Malt |
| Beverage Type | Hard Seltzer | Hard Iced Tea |
| Carbonation | Carbonated | Non-carbonated |
Calories and Sugar Content
For those watching their calorie or sugar intake, the difference between these two beverages is stark. A 12oz can of Truly Hard Seltzer is famously low-calorie, clocking in at around 100 calories and just 1 gram of sugar. A standard 12oz can of Twisted Tea, on the other hand, contains approximately 194 calories and around 23-26 grams of sugar, depending on the flavor. This significant difference means that Truly is a much lighter option nutritionally.
The Source of Alcohol
Another key distinction is the type of alcohol used. Truly's hard seltzer is crafted with alcohol derived from fermented cane sugar, which gives it a clean, crisp, and neutral base. Twisted Tea, by contrast, is a flavored malt beverage. The malt base gives Twisted Tea a flavor profile reminiscent of beer, and the brewing process with real tea creates its distinctive taste. This fundamental difference in the alcohol source contributes to the distinct taste and body of each beverage.
Taste and Formulation
Ultimately, the choice often comes down to taste preference. Truly's lineup offers a light, bubbly, and subtly flavored experience, similar to sparkling water with a hint of fruit juice. Twisted Tea is a hard iced tea, and its taste is much closer to its non-alcoholic counterpart, with flavors that are richer, sweeter, and not carbonated. A fan of traditional iced tea would likely prefer a Twisted Tea, while someone seeking a refreshing, low-sugar alternative might opt for a Truly.
The Verdict: Which has more alcohol, Truly or Twisted Tea?
When comparing the standard, flagship products of Truly Hard Seltzer and Twisted Tea, the alcohol content is the same, at 5% ABV. However, Twisted Tea offers a higher-ABV option with its 'Extreme' line, which contains 8% ABV, making it the stronger choice in that specific variety. The best choice ultimately depends on what you're looking for. If you want a consistent, low-calorie, low-sugar, and carbonated option, Truly is the clear winner. If you prefer the sweeter, non-carbonated taste of iced tea and are open to a range of alcohol strengths, Twisted Tea's product line offers more variety in potency.
For more information on Twisted Tea's products and history, visit the brand's owner, Boston Beer Company's news page.
Key Considerations Before You Choose:
- For maximum potency: The 8% ABV Twisted Tea Extreme is your strongest option.
- For fewer calories: Truly's 100-calorie formulation is significantly lighter than Twisted Tea.
- For lower sugar: Truly, with its single gram of sugar, is a low-sugar alternative to the much sweeter Twisted Tea.
- For taste preference: Your choice depends on whether you prefer the fizzy, subtle flavors of a seltzer or the sweet, non-carbonated taste of iced tea.
- For dietary needs: Truly is a gluten-free product, while Twisted Tea's malt base contains gluten.
