Carb and Calorie Counts for Keto-Friendly Carb-less Seltzers

Carb-less Seltzers: A Keto-Friendly Alcohol Option

The ketogenic or "keto" diet has grown in popularity as a way to lose weight and improve health by reducing carb intake. Many keto devotees think that means giving up alcohol entirely. However, there are some low-carb alcoholic beverage options to consider, including the new wave of "carb-less" seltzers.

How Keto-Friendly are Carb-less Seltzers?

Carb-less seltzers are a new category of alcoholic beverages that offer the refreshment of spiked seltzer with little to no carbs. Major brands like White Claw, Truly, and Bud Light Seltzer offer a variety of flavors with around 100 calories and 1-2 grams net carbs per 12 oz can. This makes them one of the lowest carb and calorie ready-to-drink alcoholic choices.

Most health experts consider carb-less seltzers to be a keto-friendly alcohol source. When consumed in moderation, they allow some flexibility in the diet without excess carb-loading. Let's take a detailed look at the nutrition facts and carb counts.

Calorie and Carb Counts by Brand

White Claw

White Claw is the #1 bestselling brand of carb-less seltzer. A 12 oz can contains:

• 100 calories
• 2g carbs
• 2g sugar
• 5% alcohol content

With a reasonable 100 calories and just 2 grams of carbs, White Claw fits well into a keto eating plan if consumed in moderation. The newer White Claw Surge line is slightly higher at 130 calories and 3g carbs per can.

Truly

Truly is another top carb-less seltzer brand. Their standard 12 oz cans have:

• 100 calories
• 1g carb
• 1g sugar
• 5% alcohol

The minimal 1 gram of carbs makes Truly one of the lowest carb ready-to-drink alcohol options out there. Their new Truly Extra line is higher at 140 calories, 4g carbs, and 7% alcohol though.

Bud Light Seltzer

Bud Light entered the hard seltzer market with their own line of fruity flavors. Here's the nutrition profile:

• 100 calories
• 2g carbs
• 1g sugar
• 5% alcohol

On par with White Claw, the minimal carb and calorie Bud Light Seltzers can fit into keto diets when consumed responsibly.

Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer

Bon & Viv's Spiked Seltzer stats are:

• 100 calories
• 1g carb
• 0g sugar
• 4.5% alcohol

With only 1 gram of carbs and no sugar, these meet keto diet guidelines. The lower alcohol content is appealing too.

Nude Spiked Seltzer

Nude's Vodka Seltzer clocks in at:

• 100 calories
• 2g carbs
• 0g sugar
• 6% alcohol

While the touch higher alcohol percentage results in an extra carb gram, Nude Seltzer remains a keto-friendly choice.

High Noon Vodka & Soda

High Noon is a newer premium player with these stats:

• 100 calories
• 1g carb
• 0g sugar
• 4.5% alcohol

Another solid light, low-carb alcohol beverage for keto drinkers.

How Carb-less are Too Many Carb-less Seltzers?

While carb-less seltzers clock in at just 1-2g net carbs, overdoing it can quickly add up if you are strict keto. Let's do the math:

• 1 seltzer = 2g carbs
• 3 seltzers = 6g carbs
• 5 seltzers = 10g net carbs

To stay under 50g daily net carbs on keto, most experts recommend capping seltzer intake at 3-4 cans max per day, preferably spaced apart not all at once. Otherwise all the "low" carbs add up quickly. Moderation is key.

Tips for Drinking Carb-Less Seltzer on Keto

Here are some tips to enjoy seltzers as a keto-friendly alcohol source without going overboard on carbs:

• Pace yourself - don't drink more than 2-3 seltzers in one sitting
• Drink over ice to make them last longer
• Alternate with straight spirits like whiskey or vodka
• Avoid flavor combinations that have added sugars or sweeteners
• Drink alongside a low-carb snack like cheeses or nuts
• Stay hydrated with water between seltzers

Low-Sugar Mixers for Keto Spirits

Instead of ready-to-drink seltzers, some keto dieters opt to mix their own drinks using low-carb mixers. This allows more control over carb counts.

Club Soda or Seltzer Water

Plain unflavored club soda and seltzer water have zero carbs or calories. They make perfect zero-carb mixers for vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey and other keto-approved spirits.

Diet Tonic

Most diet tonic waters have zero carbs and calories. They provide bitterness that pairs well with gin or vodka in keto-friendly gin and tonics or vodka tonics.

Sparkling Water

Add some bubbles by using unsweetened sparkling waters like La Croix, Perrier or generic brands. Unflavored varieties have no carbs or calories.

Diet Lemonades and Colas

Try zero-calorie lemonades or colas like Diet Rite or Zevia. Use caution with powdered drink mixes which may contain hidden carbs or sugars in the ingredients.

Low-Carb Juices

Some juices like grapefruit, cranberry, or tomato can fit into keto diets. Compare labels and aim for unsweetened 100% juices under 5g carbs per serving.

Nut Milks

Unsweetened almond, coconut or cashew milks make creamy low-carb mixers. The subtle nutty flavor pairs well with whiskeys or spiced rums.

Final Thoughts on Keto Alcohol

Following the keto diet doesn't have to mean abstaining from alcohol completely. There are low-carb beer and wine options to consider. Spirits like whiskey, vodka and tequila are permitted when used with zero-carb mixers.

Carb-less seltzers can also be a keto-friendly alcohol source when consumed sensibly. Leading brands like White Claw, Truly and Bon & Viv offer a range of flavors with minimal carbs and calories.

Moderation is still key, as overdoing any alcohol can lead to weight gain and other health issues. But an occasional low-carb seltzer or spirits drink can be worked into ketogenic eating and drinking patterns.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.