The hard seltzer market has experienced a significant surge in popularity over the past few years, with numerous brands emerging to cater to the growing demand. Among these, Truly and White Claw have established themselves as two of the most recognizable and sought-after names in the industry. But the question remains: which one is better? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of hard seltzers, exploring the history, ingredients, flavors, and nutritional content of both Truly and White Claw to help you make an informed decision.
A Brief History of Hard Seltzers
Hard seltzers, also known as spiked seltzers or hard sparkling waters, are a type of low-calorie, low-carb alcoholic beverage that typically consists of a mixture of water, alcohol, and natural flavorings. The concept of hard seltzers dates back to the early 2010s, but it wasn’t until 2016 that the market started to gain traction.
White Claw, launched in 2016 by Mark Anthony Brands, is often credited with popularizing the hard seltzer category. The brand’s innovative approach to using a combination of natural ingredients and a proprietary brewing process helped to set it apart from other beverages in the market.
Truly, on the other hand, was introduced in 2016 by Boston Beer Company, the same company behind Samuel Adams beer. Truly was one of the first hard seltzer brands to focus on using real fruit juice and a more traditional brewing process.
Ingredients and Brewing Process
When it comes to ingredients, both Truly and White Claw use a combination of natural flavorings, water, and alcohol. However, the type of alcohol and brewing process used differ between the two brands.
Truly uses a traditional brewing process, where the alcohol is derived from a combination of cane sugar and real fruit juice. The brand’s use of real fruit juice gives its products a more authentic taste and aroma.
White Claw, on the other hand, uses a proprietary brewing process that involves fermenting a blend of sugar and natural flavorings. The brand’s use of a gluten-free and low-calorie formula has made it a popular choice among health-conscious consumers.
Alcohol Content
Both Truly and White Claw have an alcohol content of 5% ABV (alcohol by volume). However, White Claw’s alcohol content is derived from a combination of sugar and natural flavorings, whereas Truly’s alcohol content comes from a combination of cane sugar and real fruit juice.
Flavors and Variety
When it comes to flavors, both Truly and White Claw offer a wide range of options to cater to different tastes and preferences.
Truly offers a total of 13 flavors, including:
- Lemon Ginger
- Lime
- Grapefruit
- Orange
- Cranberry
- Black Cherry
- Blueberry
- Raspberry
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Peach
- Pomegranate
- Watermelon
White Claw, on the other hand, offers a total of 12 flavors, including:
- Natural Lime
- Ruby Grapefruit
- Raspberry
- Mango
- Black Cherry
- Tangerine
- Lemon
- Watermelon
- Cranberry
- Pineapple
- Peach
- Cherry
Seasonal and Limited-Edition Flavors
Both Truly and White Claw regularly release seasonal and limited-edition flavors to keep their product offerings fresh and exciting.
Truly has released several seasonal flavors, including a Summer Sangria and a Winter Cranberry. The brand has also collaborated with popular brands like Dunkin’ Donuts to create limited-edition flavors.
White Claw has also released several seasonal flavors, including a Cranberry and a Winter White. The brand has also partnered with popular brands like the NFL to create limited-edition flavors.
Nutritional Content
When it comes to nutritional content, both Truly and White Claw are relatively low in calories and carbs.
Truly contains:
- 100 calories per serving
- 2g carbs per serving
- 1g sugar per serving
- 5% ABV
White Claw contains:
- 100 calories per serving
- 2g carbs per serving
- 1g sugar per serving
- 5% ABV
Gluten-Free and Low-Calorie Options
Both Truly and White Claw offer gluten-free and low-calorie options, making them a popular choice among health-conscious consumers.
Truly is gluten-free and made with real fruit juice, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
White Claw is also gluten-free and low in calories, making it a popular choice among those watching their diet.
Price and Availability
When it comes to price and availability, both Truly and White Claw are widely available in stores and online.
Truly is typically priced between $8-$12 per 6-pack, depending on the location and retailer.
White Claw is typically priced between $8-$12 per 6-pack, depending on the location and retailer.
Online Availability
Both Truly and White Claw are available for purchase online through their respective websites and through online retailers like Amazon and Drizly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Truly and White Claw are excellent choices for those looking for a low-calorie, low-carb hard seltzer. While both brands have their unique strengths and weaknesses, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference.
If you’re looking for a more authentic taste and aroma, Truly’s use of real fruit juice may be the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a gluten-free and low-calorie option with a wider range of flavors, White Claw may be the better choice.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which brand is better is to try both and see which one you prefer.
| Brand | Ingredients | Alcohol Content | Flavors | Nutritional Content | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Truly | Real fruit juice, cane sugar, natural flavorings | 5% ABV | 13 flavors | 100 calories, 2g carbs, 1g sugar per serving | $8-$12 per 6-pack |
| White Claw | Sugar, natural flavorings, gluten-free formula | 5% ABV | 12 flavors | 100 calories, 2g carbs, 1g sugar per serving | $8-$12 per 6-pack |
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive comparison of Truly and White Claw. Whether you’re a seasoned hard seltzer enthusiast or just looking to try something new, we encourage you to try both brands and see which one you prefer.
What is the main difference between Truly and White Claw hard seltzers?
The main difference between Truly and White Claw hard seltzers lies in their ingredients and brewing processes. Truly is made with a blend of natural ingredients, including real fruit juice and no artificial flavors or preservatives. On the other hand, White Claw uses a proprietary brewing process that involves fermenting a blend of seltzer water, a touch of natural flavor, and a hint of sweetness.
This difference in ingredients and brewing processes affects the taste and nutritional content of the two hard seltzers. Truly generally has a more natural and fruity taste, while White Claw has a crisper and more refreshing taste. Additionally, Truly tends to have slightly more calories and carbohydrates than White Claw due to the use of real fruit juice.
Which hard seltzer has a wider range of flavors?
Both Truly and White Claw offer a variety of flavors, but Truly has a slightly wider range of options. Truly currently offers over 20 different flavors, including some unique and seasonal options like watermelon and basil, and blueberry and lemon. White Claw, on the other hand, offers around 15 different flavors, including some more traditional options like lime and grapefruit.
That being said, White Claw has been known to release limited-edition flavors and collaborations, which can add to their overall flavor offerings. Additionally, both brands are constantly innovating and releasing new flavors, so the range of options is always changing.
How do the nutritional contents of Truly and White Claw compare?
The nutritional contents of Truly and White Claw are relatively similar, but there are some key differences. Both hard seltzers are low in calories and carbohydrates, making them a popular choice for health-conscious drinkers. However, Truly tends to have slightly more calories and carbohydrates than White Claw due to the use of real fruit juice.
A 12-ounce can of Truly typically contains around 100-110 calories and 2-3 grams of carbohydrates, while a 12-ounce can of White Claw contains around 90-100 calories and 2 grams of carbohydrates. Additionally, Truly tends to have slightly more sugar than White Claw, although both brands are relatively low in sugar.
Which hard seltzer is more environmentally friendly?
Both Truly and White Claw have made efforts to reduce their environmental impact in recent years. However, Truly has been recognized for its sustainability efforts, including using eco-friendly packaging and reducing water usage in its brewing process. Truly has also partnered with environmental organizations to promote sustainability and reduce waste.
White Claw has also made efforts to reduce its environmental impact, including using recyclable packaging and reducing energy usage in its brewing process. However, Truly’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness gives it a slight edge in this area.
How do the prices of Truly and White Claw compare?
The prices of Truly and White Claw are relatively similar, although prices can vary depending on the location and retailer. On average, a 12-pack of Truly or White Claw hard seltzer costs around $15-$20. However, some retailers may offer discounts or promotions that can reduce the price.
It’s worth noting that prices can vary depending on the specific flavor and size of the hard seltzer. For example, a 24-pack of Truly or White Claw may cost around $25-$35, while a single can may cost around $2-$3.
Which hard seltzer is more popular among consumers?
According to market research, White Claw is currently the leading hard seltzer brand in the US, with a market share of around 50%. Truly is the second-largest hard seltzer brand, with a market share of around 30%. However, Truly has been gaining popularity in recent years, and some analysts predict that it could eventually surpass White Claw as the leading hard seltzer brand.
It’s worth noting that consumer preferences can vary by region and demographic, so the popularity of Truly and White Claw can vary depending on the specific market. Additionally, both brands are constantly innovating and releasing new products, which can affect their popularity among consumers.
Can I make my own hard seltzer at home?
Yes, it is possible to make your own hard seltzer at home. There are several recipes and kits available online that can help you get started. To make hard seltzer at home, you will need a few basic ingredients, including a neutral-tasting spirit, seltzer water, and a flavoring agent such as fruit juice or extract.
Making hard seltzer at home can be a fun and cost-effective way to enjoy your favorite flavors. However, it’s worth noting that homemade hard seltzer may not have the same consistency or quality as commercial brands like Truly and White Claw. Additionally, you will need to follow proper sanitation and brewing procedures to ensure that your homemade hard seltzer is safe to drink.