Hard Seltzer: The Bubbly Truth Behind the Trend

You’ve likely seen the ads: happy people by the pool, cracking open cold, fizzy hard seltzers—the perfect drink for anyone wanting refreshment with a kick. Marketers claim they’re a healthy choice, but the reality is more complicated. As hard seltzers challenge beer’s long-standing market dominance, it’s time to examine what they are, how they compare to beer, and whether the marketing hype holds up.

What Is Hard Seltzer?

Club soda, sparkling water, seltzer, and tonic water all differ in ingredients and how they’re made. Hard seltzer starts with plain seltzer water—carbonated water with added CO₂—often flavored with fruit essences or oils. Brands like LaCroix and Spindrift make non-alcoholic seltzers. Only “hard” seltzers contain alcohol, and they’re widely available in stores across the U.S. Popular brands include:

• White Claw
• Truly
• Topo Chico
• High Noon
• Vizzy

Even beer companies have joined the trend, with products like Michelob Ultra Seltzer. But is seltzer the same as beer? Let’s find out.

What Kind of Alcohol Is in Hard Seltzer?

Hard seltzer isn’t beer, wine, or liquor. It can be made from different alcohol bases, each with varying alcohol by volume (ABV):

• Fermented cane sugar: Gluten-free, low-calorie, and neutral in flavor, with an ABV of 12%–14% before dilution.
• Malted barley: Partially germinated grains used to make malt liquor, with an ABV of 16%–18% before dilution.
• Grain neutral spirits: Distilled from grains like corn or wheat, reaching up to 95% ABV before dilution.

Most hard seltzers are diluted with seltzer water to achieve an ABV between 4% and 6%. For example, White Claw and Truly are 5% ABV, while Topo Chico is around 4.7%.

Malt Liquor vs. Beer

Malt liquor and beer share similarities but aren’t identical. Malt liquor uses barley and other grains, resulting in a higher ABV, while beer includes barley and hops for a lower ABV and distinct bitterness. Malt beverages, like Twisted Tea or some hard seltzers, start with a malted barley base but add flavors. The lines can blur, but all have comparable effects on the body.

Hard Seltzer vs. Beer

Here’s how hard seltzer and beer stack up:

• Ingredients: Hard seltzer contains alcohol, flavors, and seltzer water. Beer is made from malted barley, hops, yeast, and water.
• Flavors: Seltzers are light, crisp, and often fruity. Beer offers a wide range, from bitter to sweet, influenced by malt, hops, and brewing methods.
• Alcohol Content: Hard seltzers average 4.6% ABV. Light beers are 4%–5%, regular beers 5%–6%, and craft beers can reach 10% or higher.
• Nutrition: Seltzers are typically low in calories (around 100 per 12 oz), sugar (2g), and carbs (2g), and are often gluten-free. Beers vary more, with 100–350 calories and 10–15g of carbs per serving.

Choosing between them often comes down to personal taste, dietary needs, and the occasion.

Is Hard Seltzer Healthy?

Marketing suggests hard seltzer is a healthy alcohol option, sometimes highlighting added antioxidants or vitamin C. But the truth is, no alcoholic beverage is truly healthy. Alcohol carries risks like weight gain, liver damage, and mental health issues. While seltzers may be lower in calories, sugar, and carbs than beer or wine, and are often gluten-free, their alcohol content still poses health risks. Moderation is key.

Why Are Hard Seltzers So Popular?

Since 2019, hard seltzer sales have soared. Reasons for their popularity include:

• Health-conscious appeal: Marketed as a better-for-you alternative to beer.
• Convenience: Sold in portable cans, ideal for parties and outings.
• Variety and customization: Available in many flavors and easy to mix into cocktails.
• Strong marketing: Promoted through social media, wellness trends, and gluten-free diets.
• Accessibility: Sold nearly everywhere, from grocery stores to bars.

The Bottom Line

Hard seltzers might be a lighter alternative to other alcoholic drinks, but they’re not a health beverage. Always enjoy them in moderation, and remember that no amount of alcohol is completely risk-free.