The hard seltzer trend is booming bigger than ever. As more drinkers begin to give this drink its respect, a recurring question is asked: which drink is better? Truly or White Claw?
Truly vs. White Claw: The Breakdown
Both drinks come in 5% ABV slim cans. That’s about as much alcohol as a Budweiser. The alcohol used in hard seltzer is usually made from fermented cane sugar.
Aside from flavors, the main difference between these two drinks is their nutritional profiles, although both include just a few simple ingredients, including citric acid and sodium citrate. Both drinks are relatively low in calories, which is a huge appeal in the hard seltzer market. Both drinks contain just 100 calories and two grams of carbs, and they tend to come in slimmer 12 oz cans to differentiate them from beer.
However, these drinks differ in their levels of sugar: Truly’s only contains 1g sugar per can, while White Claw’s contains two grams per can.
Recently, White Claw released a new version of their seltzer called “70” that contains fewer calories, zero carbs, and zero sugar. The rest of their seltzers still abide by their standard nutritional profile.
Hard seltzer is a relatively new product in the alcohol industry. Only in the past few years have seltzers begun to be accepted by drinkers worldwide, but now they are widely lauded for their taste and convenience.
While some companies have attempted to release spiked seltzers in the past, none have gained as much traction as Truly or White Claw. Now, seltzer is a legitimate competitor in the field, and tons of brands are racing to hop on the bandwagon.
Truly and White Claw Flavors to Look Out For
Part of what makes these seltzers so popular is the abundance of flavors that they come in. Everyone seems to have a favorite way to sample that hint of fruit, but new delicious styles always seem to sell like hotcakes. The iconic fruity tastes are usually said to come from a mixture of natural flavors and artificial flavors, but all we know is that they taste great.
Both brands are gluten-free and contain no artificial sweeteners.
Truly Flavors
Iconic Truly flavors include:
- Pineapple
- Citrus Squeeze
- Watermelon & Kiwi
- Black Cherry
- Passion Fruit
- Wild Berry
- Blueberry Acai
- Pomegranate
White Claw Flavors
Refreshing styles from this hard seltzer brand include:
- Ruby Grapefruit
- Blackberry
- Watermelon
- Lime
- Raspberry
- Cranberry (only available in White Claw Surge)
A Spike in Spiked Seltzers
The spiked seltzer industry generated about $3 million in 2015. By 2018, that value had risen to $550 million. Now, in 2021, some analysts have projected the spiked seltzer industry to reach $2.5 billion.
This kind of explosion is rare for any new product, let alone an alcoholic beverage. What is even more peculiar is that about half of those sales have come from just one brand: White Claw. Another 35% of those sales are dominated by Truly.
The popularity of these drinks has been spurred on by the use of hashtags and memes on social media. Both brands have been able to go viral online, getting thousands of people to share their products.
White Claw is owned by Mark Anthony Brands, the owner of Mike’s Hard Lemonade, while Truly is owned by the Boston Beer Company. Even before these brands had released their wildly successful seltzers, they were both established names in the alcohol industry.
Even beer is starting to lose market share to healthier, less alcoholic options like seltzer. As a result, nearly every major beer brand in 2021 has put out at least one hard seltzer on its product line.
A Brief History Lesson on Seltzers
The first major hard seltzer appeared on the scene in 1993, when Coors introduced a new drink called Zima. At the time, Coors was trying to compete with a budding wine cooler industry.
The drink was actually pretty successful, raking in high sales and making its way to major distributors around America.
Coors spent about $50 million in its first year marketing Zima. Their campaigns had persuaded nearly half of all American alcoholic drinkers to try the drink.
However, it was also met with criticism. Old-school drinkers laughed at the idea of drinking seltzer with alcohol in it. Many people viewed it as a drink for younger people who didn’t have much experience drinking. Even David Letterman ridiculed Zima, using it in parody skits as a drink designed for feminine men.
The widespread mockery of this drink was enough to plummet its sales. Zima was discontinued in 2008. Despite a brief comeback in 2017, the drink isn’t in production anymore. You can still buy it in Japan, however.
A new wave of hard seltzers appeared in 2013, led by the Boston-based brand, SpikedSeltzer. This company was started by two men who were inspired by their wives’ affinity for sparkling water.
SpikedSeltzer sold over 250,000 cases of their hard seltzers in 2015. By the following year, it had been bought out by Anheuser-Busch. Since then, the company has been rebranded as .
Health Benefits of Seltzer
There has been a shift in the food and drink industry toward more health-conscious products. In the past few years, you’ve probably noticed tons of new low-calorie drinks on the shelves of your local grocery store.
Every year, more Americans are letting go of sugary soft drinks like soda, and many of them are going to be looking for a healthy alternative. This is where seltzer comes in.
From 2012-2017, seltzer sales had risen 42%, and it only keeps growing. This rise in popularity has been driven by increased media attention, especially in food and drink publications.
Seltzer has become a favorite in offices, so much so that it has almost become a stereotype that office workers always keep the fridge stocked with La Croix. It tastes better than water. And it has almost the same amount of calories, with little to no sugar. As an everyday drink, seltzer isn’t a bad option.
The nutritional profile of seltzer is what has allowed brands to market their products adjacent to wellness drinks. Millennials are a major segment of wellness consumers, which explains why so many young people are drinking seltzer nowadays.
Other Brands to Try
With how many brands are getting in on the seltzer craze, it can be overwhelming to try and pick one.
Obviously, Truly and White Claw make some of the best hard seltzers in the world, but there are also other brands that offer quality seltzers.
Smirnoff makes the best-selling vodka in the whole world. But what do they know about making seltzer? Apparently, a lot! The company jumped into the hard seltzer industry in 2016, branding their drink as Smirnoff Seltzer. They offer several different flavors, including orange mango, raspberry rosé, and berry lemonade.
Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water has been one of the most prominent hard soda brands in the market for many years. Their sparkling water is a lightly flavored drink with subtle fruit notes and strong acidity. The product is created by MillerCoors.
The brand carries a variety of fruit flavors like strawberry kiwi, blueberry lemon, lemon-lime. Their sparkling waters are made with barley malt liquor, as well as corn syrup. Keep in mind that these drinks are not gluten-free.
Other notable brands include Cape Line, Pura Still, Seekout, and Oskar Blues Brewery. And there seems to be a new hard seltzer beverage company every day.
Recently, PBR announced its Stronger Seltzer, an 8% ABV drink. Four Loko also announced their own spiked carbonated drink, called the Sour Blue Razz.
Natural Light even got in on the action, with a seltzer that has its own GIFs on Instagram Stories. One of them hilariously displays a White Claw pouring itself into a dumpster. Bud Light and Corona also have released lighter, fruitier versions of their flagship drinks; Bud Light with their Ritas Spritz and Corona with their Refrescas.
There are also plenty of lesser-known brands, like Crook & Marker, which makes a coconut-pineapple flavor, and
Takeaway
Long gone are the days of hard seltzers being laughed at. Nowadays, you might even find yourself judged for drinking something other than a Truly or White Claw. Hard seltzers are truly a one-of-a-kind drink. They’re easy to consume, very tasty, and most importantly, somewhat healthy; emphasis on the “somewhat.”
All jokes aside, hard seltzers are a much more viable option as an everyday drink than any other drink. A hard seltzer a day may not keep the doctor away, but it’s certainly better for you than religiously guzzling down beers.
Don’t be surprised if hard seltzer sales one day overtake the beer industry. The growth of this market is absolutely insane. Don’t get left behind!
If you’re looking for some quality hard seltzers, take a trip over to the Saucey site! We carry hundreds of different hard seltzers from a ton of different brands. And we deliver it straight to you.
FAQs
White Claw Vs Truly - Which Is The Best Hard Seltzer? | Saucey? ›
Both drinks contain just 100 calories and two grams of carbs, and they tend to come in slimmer 12 oz cans to differentiate them from beer. However, these drinks differ in their levels of sugar: Truly's only contains 1g sugar per can, while White Claw's contains two grams per can.
Is truly better than White Claw? ›Both drinks contain just 100 calories and two grams of carbs, and they tend to come in slimmer 12 oz cans to differentiate them from beer. However, these drinks differ in their levels of sugar: Truly's only contains 1g sugar per can, while White Claw's contains two grams per can.
Is truly more carbonated than White Claw? ›Many testers compared Truly to the taste of a vodka soda with a twist, which is ideal for folks looking for their favorite cocktail with the convenience of a can. Overall, Truly was somewhat less carbonated than White Claw, but had a bit more fruit flavor, which made it appealing to those who wanted a touch less fizz.
Are trulys or White Claws more popular? ›Their meteoric rise to fame, with White Claw today leading in sales, and Truly holding strong in second place, has changed how Americans imbibe.
How much alcohol is in White Claw vs truly? ›| Item | Truly | White Claw |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol by Volume (ABV) | 5% (10 proof) | 5% (10 proof) 8% (16 proof) |
| Taste | Light mineral taste with heavy sweetness and fruit flavor | Fruity but not sweet |
| Average Price | $2 per 750 ml | $3 per 750 ml |
| Color | Crystal clear | Crystal clear |
Are White Claws healthy — or at least better for you than beer or wine? Short answer: Hard seltzers typically contain fewer calories per serving than a mixed drink, a can of beer, or a glass of wine. But they still add empty calories to your diet, so it's important to sip in moderation.
Why is White Claw so popular? ›Hard seltzer is a highball drink that contains carbonated water, alcohol and often fruit flavoring. The popularity of this drink has skyrocketed in recent years. The reason is that it has entered the market at just the right time, while the product itself has attracted a wide range of consumers.
How many white claws does it take to get drunk? ›Generally speaking, it is generally accepted that 5-6 White Claws will be enough for the average person to start feeling the effects of alcohol. If you are especially sensitive or have a slow metabolism rate, it may take fewer drinks to get you drunk.
Is truly hard seltzer healthy? ›While hard seltzer is low in calories and carbs, most dietitians wouldn't call it healthy. It's easy to drink, and it doesn't make you feel full like beer can. So it's easy to have too many. The calories can add up.
What is the most popular seltzer? ›White Claw is the quintessential hard seltzer brand, with many people treating White Claw as a synonym for hard seltzers in general.
Is there vodka in truly? ›
Introducing TRULY Vodka Seltzer, made with 6x distilled vodka, real fruit juice, and premium flavors for an elevated drinking experience. It's one seriously spirited drink.
What percent of vodka is in White Claw? ›For many hard seltzers, using a proprietary malt-based fermentation process allows their brands to be more accessible. They enjoy a lower tax rate than spirits, and face fewer sales restrictions in many states. So while White Claw does not contain vodka, its status as a malt beverage may have helped its growth.
How much vodka is in truly seltzer? ›There is no vodka, or even liquor, in Truly Hard Seltzer or most others. The alcohol in “spiked” seltzer comes from fermented cane sugar, which is made in a similar process to beer, except flavors and carbonation are added.
Is there vodka in White Claw? ›White Claw is not vodka or beer.
It's made with “a blend of seltzer water, its gluten-free alcohol base, and a hint of fruit flavor,” a brand representative tells VinePair.
Red wine is widely recognized as one of the healthiest alcoholic drinks out there. Poon notes that it's "relatively low in calories and also offers some health benefits."9 She adds that red wine is rich in antioxidants such as resveratrol and proanthocyanidins and can promote cardiovascular health.
Is it OK to drink hard seltzer everyday? ›But is hard seltzer actually healthy for you? The short answer is no. Hard seltzer, like other alcohol, is not a good source of nutrients and has empty calories. Alcohol — even in small amounts — can increase your risk of certain cancers and other health problems.
What is healthier White Claw or vodka? ›But they're among the lowest calorie alcoholic drinks you can find. White Claw, the taste sensation that swept the American nation a couple of years ago, clocks in at 95 calories per 330ml and the British-made High Water is 98 calories a can. That's about the same as a single shot of vodka.
What is the least unhealthy hard seltzer? ›- Bon & Viv. This spiked seltzer brand ranks top on our list because a can clocks in at only 90 calories, with 2 grams of carbs and 0 grams of sugar. ...
- Truly. This is my go-to brand of spiked seltzer. ...
- White Claw. ...
- High Noon.
Every Truly (yes, including Extra) contains only 1g of sugar. For such a low-sugar sentiment, this sure feels sweet.
Are seltzers better for you than hard liquor? ›Hard seltzers can be a healthier option than high-calorie, hard-liquor concoctions. Calorie counts are determined by alcohol content, and many hard seltzers have less alcohol and lower calories.
Where is White Claw sold the most? ›
As you can see, White Claw is particularly popular in the coastal states, both on the West and East coasts, whereas Natural Light Seltzer is beloved in the Midwest.
Why do Americans drink White Claw? ›The Claw craze comes as young Americans seek healthier, lower-alcohol lifestyles. A 12-oz can of White Claw contains 100 calories and 2 grams of carbs – by comparison a Heineken has 142 calories and 11g of carbs. It is 5% alcohol, lower than the average of 12% for wine and average of 37% for liquor.
How many White Claws equal a glass of wine? ›While the big, boxed, “100 calorie” on the front of the can is alluring, wine has roughly 2.5x the alcohol of White Claw and Truly (5% ABV for spiked seltzer vs. 11-15% ABV for wine).
What percent of alcohol is in truly? ›Truly Hard Seltzer is a clean, crisp and refreshing hard seltzer with a hint of real fruit juice from concentrate, natural fruit flavors, and just 100 calories, 1g sugar and 5% ALC/VOL. Truly Hard Seltzer is crafted with simple, naturally gluten-free ingredients and contains alcohol made from cane sugar.
Is White Claw addictive? ›White Claw Hard Seltzer (8% ABV)
That's why some people view hard seltzer as a health-conscious choice. However, while it may lack calories and carbs, hard seltzer can cause serious health problems, including substance abuse and addiction.
Drinking too much hard seltzer can also lead to alcohol poisoning and other negative health effects from excess alcohol consumption. “Lighter in calories, and refreshing like a non-alcoholic seltzer, it may be easier to wind up drinking more,” Mills warned.
Is 2 hard seltzers a day bad? ›But when it comes to dental health, seltzer's slight acidity can add up over time. Rubinov recommends sticking to no more than one can of seltzer per day, and drinking it alongside a meal and some regular water to keep the acid from sticking to your teeth.
Is truly hard seltzer hydrating? ›In short, no. Hard seltzers don't help you hydrate. There isn't one type of alcohol that is hydrating, because alcoholic beverages are a diuretic. If you've had a few drinks, you've probably noticed that you take a few more trips to the bathroom.
Who is Truly's target audience? ›While Dry January has turned into an occasion for marketers of beer, wine and spirits to promote their non-alcoholic beverages or to urge moderation, Truly's campaign targets the 62% of over-21 millennials that didn't plan to partake in the movement, per a YPulse survey shared by the brand.
What company owns Truly? ›Boston Beer Company launched a line of hard seltzers in 2016 under the brand name Truly Spiked & Sparkling.
What is the market share of truly vs White Claw? ›
The leading brand in the Hard Seltzer Industry was White Claw with 58% US Hard Seltzer market share in 2019, followed by Truly Hard Seltzer with 26% US Hard Seltzer market share, Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer with 6% market share Smirnoff with 4% market share, Henry's with 2% market share, Natural Light Seltzer with 2% ...
Who drinks hard seltzer? ›1 in 5 alcohol drinkers (21+) say they drink hard seltzer – and among younger adults, the fizzy drinks are especially popular.
Who owns truly hard seltzer? ›About Boston Beer Company
Our portfolio of brands also includes Truly Hard Seltzer, Twisted Tea, Angry Orchard Hard Cider, Dogfish Head Brewery, Hard Mountain Dew and Sauza Agave Cocktails as well as other craft beer brands such as Angel City Brewery and Coney Island Brewing.
But can sparkling water actually replace regular water? Nathalie Sessions, wellness dietitian at Houston Methodist Wellness Services says, “Yes, sparkling water is just as healthy as regular water — most of the time.”
Can you get drunk on truly? ›Indeed, there is alcohol in a Truly hard seltzer, but how many Truly's to get drunk? Depending on the person, a couple may work, or it might take an entire case. One can of Truly does not hold a high percentage of alcohol volume, but many rely on this drink to get drunk.
What is the alcohol base in truly? ›The alcohol in every Truly hard seltzer can is ethanol derived from cane sugar. Ethanol is clear, colorless alcohol produced by the fermentation of sugars. It is the type of alcohol that is usually found in beer, wine, and spirits. Sugar cane-derived alcohols tend to be less harsh and have fewer off-flavors.
Who owns White Claw? ›Anthony von Mandl is the sole owner of White Claw's parent company. Your browser does not support the audio tag. This article is in your queue. The billionaire who upended the beer industry with White Claw hard seltzer has turned his sights on vodka.
What percent vodka is truly? ›At 5% ABV and just 110 calories with 2g sugars and naturally gluten free, Truly Vodka Seltzer is a perfect way to level up your drinking experience.
Is White Claw closer to beer or vodka? ›Its Alcohol Content
White Claw hard seltzer has an ABV of five percent, which is more or less similar to a standard can of beer.
No, you will not find Off White Claw at your local store because it is not a real alcohol brand. Instead, it's a fake alcohol brand made up for the show.
What is the best flavor of truly vodka? ›
Truly Vodka Seltzer Cherry & Lime
Of all of the flavors in the Truly Vodka Seltzer Pack, Cherry & Lime is our top-rated and reviewed.
One can of 12 oz. Truly (345ml), with an ABV of 5%, is equal to one shot of 1.5 oz. hard liquor, with 40% ABV.
How many shots of truly vodka to get drunk? ›To get a little tipsy, an average individual would need around 2 to 4 shots of vodka. You may start feeling drunk with 5 to 9 shots. In our experience, more than 10 shots of vodka will leave you feeling extremely drunk.
What is the White Claw with vodka called? ›They appear to have the same calorie count as White Claw's hard seltzers. The vodka that Mark Anthony Group-owned White Claw is launching by itself and in the ready-to-drink vodka sodas is what the brand called "triple wave filtered."
Can kids have White Claw? ›Sure, it comes in a cute, slim can, but it's still an adult beverage. You must be at least 21 years old to enjoy it in the United States.
How many white claws are equivalent to a shot of vodka? ›A 12 oz can of White Claw contains 5% ABV, equivalent to a standard shot of hard liquor. A standard shot contains 1.5 oz liquor with an average of 40% ABV.
What's healthier beer or truly? ›Benefits of Choosing Hard Seltzer
It tends to have fewer calories and less sugar than mixed drinks, beer, or hard cider. Most hard seltzers have about 100 calories and 2 grams of carbohydrates in a 12-ounce can. In contrast, a beer of about the same size has about 150 calories and 15 to 30 grams of carbohydrates.
The short answer is no. Hard seltzer, like other alcohol, is not a good source of nutrients and has empty calories. Alcohol — even in small amounts — can increase your risk of certain cancers and other health problems.
Is truly hard seltzer good for you? ›Hard seltzer isn't a healthy drink. “[Hard seltzers] contain no nutritional value and are a source of excess calories,” explains Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CDN, founder and director of Real Nutrition.
Is truly high in sugar? ›Every Truly (yes, including Extra) contains only 1g of sugar. For such a low-sugar sentiment, this sure feels sweet.
What is the healthiest beer for your liver? ›
The study suggests that hops actually “protects against accumulation of liver fat” — so basically, pale ales are the healthiest beer to consume if you're concerned about your health but don't want to give up the delicious beverage.
Is White Claw healthier than vodka? ›But they're among the lowest calorie alcoholic drinks you can find. White Claw, the taste sensation that swept the American nation a couple of years ago, clocks in at 95 calories per 330ml and the British-made High Water is 98 calories a can. That's about the same as a single shot of vodka.
Can you get drunk off truly? ›Indeed, there is alcohol in a Truly hard seltzer, but how many Truly's to get drunk? Depending on the person, a couple may work, or it might take an entire case. One can of Truly does not hold a high percentage of alcohol volume, but many rely on this drink to get drunk.
Is there vodka in Truly's? ›Introducing TRULY Vodka Seltzer, made with 6x distilled vodka, real fruit juice, and premium flavors for an elevated drinking experience. It's one seriously spirited drink.
What is the most unhealthy alcohol to drink? ›The world's most dangerous alcoholic drinks include Absinthe, Bacardi 151, Changaa, Everclear, Death in the Afternoon, Four Lokos, Jungle Juice, Knockeen Hills, Moonshine, and Spirytus Rektyfikowany. Commonly referred to as the “green fairy,” absinthe was banned in the U.S. from 1915 to 2007.
What liquor is in a truly? ›Introducing TRULY Vodka Seltzer, made with 6x distilled vodka, real fruit juice, and premium flavors for an elevated drinking experience. It's one seriously spirited drink.
What is the sweetener in truly? ›What is the sugar content? Truly Lemonade, Truly Punch, Truly Margarita-Style and Truly Extra are sweetened with a small amount of cane sugar and stevia. Truly Iced Tea is sweetened with honey and stevia. Stevia is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener originally derived from plants.
What kind of alcohol is in White Claw? ›In terms of ingredients, White Claw Hard Seltzers are simply made from seltzer water, a gluten-free malted triple distilled alcohol base, and fruit flavor.