As the weather gets warmer, that means one thing: it’s hard seltzer season.
Personally, I’m not a huge fan of hard seltzer drinks, but I’m a terrible judge because I don’t particularly enjoy any carbonated beverages.
That being said, I can’t deny the insane popularity of hard seltzers, and every year we see more and more brands release their own hard seltzer.
For this guide, I want to break down the calories, sugar, and alcohol content of each hard seltzer. Finding a low-carb or low-calorie seltzer is likely your goal if you’re reading this post, and virtually every single hard seltzer out there contains no fat or protein.
How Does Alcohol Contain No Carbs?
If someone is looking for a low carb cocktail, they don’t often think that there are many great options out there. But as you’ll see in this guide, most hard seltzer out there is very low carb and great for a keto diet.
How can that be?
Alcohol itself is technically its own macronutrient, we just don’t count it alongside fat, protein, and carbs because it’s not essential.
In other words, we don’t need alcohol in our diets to live healthy lives.
Every gram of alcohol contains 7 calories, which is why your drink will always have calories even if all of the other macros are listed as 0 grams.
Here’s a quick visual to make it easy to understand:
If you’re into counting calories and tracking macros, figuring out how in the world to track alcohol can be confusing.
Long story short: you can choose to track the alcohol as fat or as net carbohydrates, or a combination of the two. It comes down to your individual preferences.
The method above works for pure alcohol or vodka sodas, but it won’t be the exact same strategy for dry wines, hard cider, or mixed drinks made with mixers containing extra calories.
Don’t worry, I have an entire post on the topic that you can find here.
Now, let’s compare every popular hard seltzer brand out there (I’ll list these in alphabetic order for you to easily be able to find your favorite).
Are Hard Seltzer Drinks Actually Healthy?
Many people feel that alcoholic drinks are off the table when trying to eat healthy, but that doesn’t need to be the case at all.
Whether you’re on a low carb diet (specifically the ketogenic diet) or simply want to watch your calories or sugar intake, you can work alcoholic beverages into your diet.
Moderation is the key to anything, but that especially holds true for alcohol. While each hard seltzer in this list may contain around 100 calories, the calories can begin to add up after multiple drinks. Even with a drink containing zero sugar, it’s typically the food you consume alongside the alcohol consumption that makes all the difference.
Still, with most of these hard seltzers being low calories and containing very few grams of carbs, they’re still a great choice for a low-carb diet.
Whether or not a hard seltzer is “healthy” depends entirely on your definition of the word. Maybe zero carbs is the most important factor to you, or maybe it’s the fact that a drink uses natural flavors and no artificial sweeteners.
The list below will help you identify a hard seltzer that is a good option for YOU, and we’re mostly going to look at the lowest calories for weight loss purposes, and grams of carbohydrates for a low-carb or keto lifestyle.
If other factors are more important to you, use this guide as a starting point to then look into each brand further!
Calories & Sugar in Hard Seltzer
As you scroll through this post, I’ll break down each individual seltzer along with the available flavors they offer.
But to make things easy for you, here is an infographic that summarizes all of the popular hard seltzers along with their calories, sugar content, and ABV (alcohol content).
Now, let’s compare every popular hard seltzer brand out there (I’ll list these in alphabetic order for you to easily be able to find your favorite) to help you find the best hard seltzers for you.
Alani Nu Seltz Spiked Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Alani Nu Spiked Seltzer
Calories: 100
Carbs: 2g (1g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Flavors:
- Lime Margarita
- Piña Colada
- Raspberry Mojito
- Strawberry Daiquiri
- Frozen Lemonade™
- Hawaiian Shaved Ice™
- Mimosa™
- Peach, Please™
Arctic Chill Hard Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Arctic Chill Hard Seltzer
Calories: 100
Carbs: 0g (0g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Flavors:
- Pink Apple & Lemon
- Blackberry Mango
- Ginger Lime
- Raspberry Lime
- Fresh Lime
- Strawberry Watermelon
- Mandarin Orange
- Cranberry Lime
AMASS Hard Seltzer
For a 12oz can of AMASS Hard Seltzer
Calories: 110
Carbs: 2g (2g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Flavors:
- Surfer Rosso
- Faerie Fizz
- Sun Sign
Barefoot Hard Seltzer
For an 8.4oz can of Barefoot Hard Seltzer
Calories: 70
Carbs: 2g (2g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 4% ABV
Flavors:
- Peach & Nectarine
- Cherry & Cranberry
- Pineapple & Passion Fruit
- Strawberry & Guava
- Watermelon & Lime
- Blueberry & Lemon
Bon V!V Spiked Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Bon V!V Spiked Seltzer
Calories: 90
Carbs: 0g (0g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV
Flavors:
- Cranberry
- Mango
- Black Cherry
- Grapefruit
- Coconut Pineapple
- Clementine Hibiscus
- Lemon Lime
- Pear Elderflower
Bud Light Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Bud Light Seltzer
Calories: 100
Carbs: 0g (0g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Flavors:
- Lemon Lime
- Strawberry
- Black Cherry
- Mango
- Watermelon
- Iced Tea
- Apple Crisp
- Toasted Marshmallow
- Cranberry
- Grapefruit
- Pineapple
Corona Hard Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Corona Hard Seltzer
Calories: 100
Carbs: 3g (2g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV
Flavors:
- Tropical Lime
- Mango
- Cherry
- Blackberry Lime
- Pineapple
- Strawberry
- Raspberry
- Passion Fruit
Coors Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Coors Seltzer
Calories: 90
Carbs: 2g (2g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV
Flavors:
- Lemon Lime
- Grapefruit
- Mango
- Black Cherry
Crook & Marker
For an 11.5oz can of Crook & Marker
Calories: 80
Carbs: 0g (0g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 4% ABV
Flavors:
- Blackberry Lime
- Black Cherry
- Tangerine
- Strawberry Lemon
- Grapefruit
- Mango
- Peach
- Coconut Pineapple
Dos Equis Ranch Water
For a 12oz can of Dos Equis Ranch Water
Calories: 90
Carbs: 0g (0g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV
Flavors:
- Classic Lime
- Blood Orange
- Mango
- Grapefruit
Flying Embers Hard Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Flying Embers Hard Seltzer
Calories: 95
Carbs: 0g (0g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Flavors:
- Clementine Hibiscus
- Black Cherry Rose
- Passionfruit Elderflower
- Watermelon Chili
- Guava Jalapeno
- Pineapple Cayenne
Four Loko Hard Seltzer
For a 23.5oz can of Four Loko Hard Seltzer
Calories: N/A
Carbs: N/A
Alcohol Content: 12% ABV
Unfortunately, Four Loko is one of the few hard seltzers on the market that does not disclose their calories or carb content, likely because they are both quite high.
A standard Four Loko drink has roughly 660 calories (for a 24oz can), so we can estimate that this Four Loko Hard Seltzer will contain at least 600 calories, but likely much more than that given the very high 12% ABV.
Flavors:
- Sour Mango
- Black Cherry
Fruit Smash Hard Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Flying Embers Hard Seltzer
Calories: 100
Carbs: 1g (<1g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 4.7% ABV
Flavors:
- Berry Blast
- Pink Lemonade
- Tropical Punch
- Citrus Punch
- Pineapple Punch
- Cherry Lime Chill
- Wild Watermelon
Happy Dad Hard Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Happy Dad
Calories: 100
Carbs: 2g (1g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Flavors:
- Wild Cherry
- Lemon-Lime
- Pineapple
- Watermelon
- Banana
Hard Rock
For a 12oz can of Hard Rock Seltzer
Calories: 120
Carbs: 1g (0g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 6% ABV
Flavors:
- Hurricane
- Strawberry Lime
- Mojito
- Blackberry Sangria
Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water
For a 12oz can of Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water
Calories: 88
Carbs: 0g (0g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 4.2% ABV
Flavors:
- Passion Fruit
- Lemon Lime
- Blueberry Lemon
- Cherry Lime
- Kiwi Strawberry
- Mango Peach
- Pineapple
High Noon Vodka + Soda
For a 12oz can of High Noon
Calories: 100
Carbs: 3g (3g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV
Flavors:
- Pineapple
- Grapefruit
- Lime
- Peach
- Watermelon
- Black Cherry
- Mango
Hornitos Hard Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Hornitos
Calories: 112
Carbs: 3.6g (2g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Flavors:
- Lime
- Mango
Jose Cuervo Playamar Hard Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Jose Cuervo Hard Seltzer
Calories: 90
Carbs: 0g (0g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV
Flavors:
- Lime
- Grapefruit
- Mango
- Black Cherry
JuneShine Spirits
For a 12oz can of JuneShine Ranch Water
Calories: 175
Carbs: 3g (3g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 8% ABV
Flavors:
- Classic Tequila Margarita
- Passion Fruit Vodka Soda
- Classic Vodka Mule
- Lemon + Lime Tequila Ranch Water
- Tropical Rum Mai Tai
Laguintas
For a 12oz can of Laguintas Sparkling Tea
Calories: 100
Carbs: 2g (0g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Flavors:
- Yuzu Lemon Squeeze
- Mixed-Up Berries
- Peach Slice
Maha Hard Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Maha Organic Seltzer
Calories: 110
Carbs: 8g (6g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 4.2% ABV
Flavors:
- Tangerine Yuzu
- Black Cherry
- Raspberry
Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer
Calories: 90
Carbs: 0g (0g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 4% ABV
Flavors:
- Citrus
- Black Cherry
- Mango Apricot
- Mixed Berry
Mighty Swell Spiked Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Mighty Swell Spiked Seltzer
Calories: 100
Carbs: 3g (3g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Flavors:
- Blackberry
- Blood Orange
- Cherry Lime
- Grapefruit
- Mango Raspberry
- Peach
- Pineapple
- Watermelon Mint
Mike’s Hard Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Mike’s Hard Seltzer
Calories: 100
Carbs: 1g (1g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Flavors:
- Lemon
- Strawberry
- Mango
- Pineapple
Monster (The Beast Unleashed)
For a 12oz can of The Beast Unleashed
Calories: 130
Carbs: 3g (0g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 6% ABV
Flavors:
- Mean Green
- White Haze
- Peach Perfect
- Scary Berries
MTN Dew Hard
For a 12oz can of MTN Dew Hard Seltzer
Calories: 100
Carbs: 0g (0g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Flavors:
- Original
- Watermelon
- Black Cherry
Natural Light Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Natural Light Hard Seltzer
Calories: 133
Carbs: 4g (4g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 6% ABV
Flavors:
- Aloha Beaches
- Catalina Lime Mixer
- House Rules
- Zest I Ever Had
Nectar Hard Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Nectar Hard Seltzer
Calories: 90
Carbs: 0g (4g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 4.7% ABV
Flavors:
- Lychee
- Mandarin
- Yuzu
- Asian Pear
NUTRL Hard Seltzer
For a 12oz can of NUTRL Seltzer
Calories: 100
Carbs: 0g (0g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV
Flavors:
- Watermelon
- Mango
- Raspberry
- Pineapple
Pabst Blue Ribbon High Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Pabst Blue Ribbon Higher Seltzer
Calories: 25
Carbs: 6g (4g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 0% ABV
PBR High Seltzer is a unique non-alcoholic seltzer that creates a “buzz” through cannabis instead of alcohol. Each can contains 10mg THC instead of alcohol, resulting in a very low-calorie drink.
Flavors:
- Lemon
- Grapefruit
- Cranberry
- Mango
Press Hard Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Press Hard Seltzer
Calories: 110
Carbs: 5g (5g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 4% ABV
Flavors:
- Blackberry Hibiscus
- Pomegranate Ginger
- Lime Lemongrass
- Grapefruit Cardamom
Quirk Spiked Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Quirk Spiked Seltzer
Calories: 90
Carbs: 1g (<1g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 4.2% ABV
Flavors:
- Strawberry Lemon & Basil
- Blackberry Sage
- Pear Yuzu
- Grapefruit Cardamom
Shell House (Trader Joe’s) Hard Seltzer
For a 12oz can of The Shell House Sparkling Hard Seltzer
Calories: 120
Carbs: 5g (5g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Flavors:
- Meyer Lemon
- Raspberry
- Pomegranate
Smirnoff Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Smirnoff Seltzer
Calories: 90
Carbs: 0g (0g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV
Flavors:
- Red, White & Berry
- Blackberry
- Cranberry Lime
- Raspberry Rosé
Topo Chico Hard Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Topo Chico Hard Seltzer
Calories: 100
Carbs: 2g (2g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 4.7% ABV
Flavors:
- Strawberry Guava
- Tangy Lemon Lime
- Exotic Pineapple
- Tropical Mango
Truly Hard Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Truly Hard Seltzer
Calories: 100
Carbs: 1g (1g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Flavors:
- Wild Berry
- Blueberry and Acai
- Raspberry Lime
- Black Cherry
- Lime
- Grapefruit
- Lemon
- Citrus Squeeze
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Passion Fruit
- Watermelon & Kiwi
Vista Bay (Aldi) Hard Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Vista Bay Hard Seltzer
Calories: 100
Carbs: 2g (2g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Flavors:
- Coconut Mango
- Black Cherry
- Lime
- Ruby Grapefruit
- Raspberry
Vizzy Hard Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Vizzy Hard Seltzer
Calories: 100
Carbs: 1g (1g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Flavors:
- Pineapple Mango
- Black Cherry Lime
- Blueberry Pomegranate
- Strawberry Kiwi
Volley Spiked Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Volley Spiked Seltzer
Calories: 100
Carbs: 0g (0g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 5.25% ABV
Flavors:
- Zesty Lime
- Spicy Ginger
- Sharp Grapefruit
- Tropical Mango
White Claw Hard Seltzer
For a 12oz can of White Claw
Calories: 100
Carbs: 2g (2g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Flavors:
- Black Cherry
- Ruby Grapefruit
- Natural Lime
- Raspberry
- Mango
- Lemon
- Tangerine
- Watermelon
- Lemonade
- Clementine
- Pineapple
- Strawberry
Wild Basin Hard Seltzer
For a 12oz can of Wild Basin Hard Seltzer
Calories: 100
Carbs: 0g (0g Sugar)
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Flavors:
- Classic Lime
- Cucumber Peach
- Lemon Agave Hibiscus
- Melon Basil
- Pomegranate Acai
- Strawberry Coconut
- Black Raspberry
- Blueberry Mango
- Cranberry Lime
Which Hard Seltzer is the Lowest Calorie?
As you can see by the guide, most hard seltzers on the market have very similar calories & nutrition facts, so we really can’t crown a champion for the fewest calories.
When you pick up a 12oz can of hard seltzer, you can expect it to be roughly 90-110 calories in total.
Pabst Blue Ribbon High Seltzer is technically the lowest-calorie seltzer out there, but that is because it contains no alcohol (it contains THC to create a buzz instead).
For 12oz cans of alcoholic seltzers, you’ll find the calorie content to be extremely similar.
Generally speaking, hard seltzer is actually one of the healthier choices when it comes to alcoholic drinks! Just watch out for all of those extra calories from appetizers and snacks during happy hour, and you can enjoy that alcohol (in moderation) as part of a healthy diet!
