Dietitians Say the New White Claw Surge Is the Nutrition Equivalent of 2 Boozy Drinks
White Claw, the hard seltzer that’s built up quite the reputation as a fruity light beer alternative, has a new drink rolling out across the U.S.—and it’s getting plenty of buzz already.
The new White Claw Surge is sold in 16-ounce cans with 8% alcohol by volume (ABV). That’s a definite increase compared to the original White Claw, which comes in 12-ounce cans and contains 5% ABV. The new Surge also comes in summery blood orange and cranberry flavors.
People are already freaking out about the news on Twitter—so much so, that the drink was trending after the news dropped last week. Fans of the brand are especially excited that the new release coincides with plenty of Americans getting fully vaccinated before summer hits (outdoor barbecue, anyone?).
“The goal of the product seems to be an alcoholic drink without all the high-processed ingredients and syrups,” says Beth Warren, R.D., founder of Beth Warren Nutrition and author of Secrets of a Kosher Girl. “It’s basically providing alcohol with a hint of sweetness and carbonation.”
But due to the hard seltzer’s larger size and boost in ABV, you may be wondering how it stacks up in the nutrition department. Here’s what to expect in the fizzy new drink, and what dietitians think about it.
What’s in a White Claw Surge?
A White Claw Surge has six ingredients, which are very similar to those of a “regular” White Claw Hard Seltzer: purified carbonated water, alcohol, natural flavors, cane sugar, citric acid, and sodium citrate.
White Claw Surge nutrition information
Here’s what you can expect nutrition-wise for the White Claw Surge blood orange and cranberry flavors, per 16-ounce can:
Calories: 220
Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Protein: 0 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 40 mg
ABV: 8%
For comparison’s sake, here’s what you can expect in the original flavored White Claw line, per 12-ounce can:
Calories: 100
Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Protein: 0 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 20 mg
ABV: 5%
What’s the healthiest way to enjoy a White Claw Surge?
At 220 calories per 16-ounce can, a White Claw Surge has significantly more calories more than the brand’s original hard seltzer. The bigger serving size accounts for some—but not all—of it, says Jessica Cording, M.S., R.D., dietitian and author of The Little Book of Game-Changers. “It has a higher alcohol percentage, and that can contribute to more calories,” she says. “There’s less seltzer and more booze.”
The extra calories also don’t seem to be linked to added sugar, points out Karen Ansel, M.S., R.D.N., author of Healing Superfoods for Anti-Aging. “White Claw Surge gets almost all of its calories from alcohol, which contains seven calories per gram—nearly twice the calories of carbs [like sugar],” she says. “Combine that with its large serving size and you’re basically getting double the alcohol you’d get from a standard drink or glass of wine.”
So instead of being like a light beer nutrition-wise, which the original White Claw is, “this is more like two glasses of wine,” explains Gina Keatley, a certified dietitian nutritionist practicing in New York City. (Remember: CDC guidelines recommend a max of one drink a day for women or two drinks a day for men.)
White Claw Surge never claimed to be healthy, but Keatley is concerned that people may not realize how many calories a can packs, due to the original drink’s “healthier” halo.
So, if you want to enjoy one at a summer gathering this year, just keep in mind that it’s basically the equivalent of two boozy drinks, says Cording. And if you rather enjoy something a little lighter, reach for a White Claw 70 instead—it’s just as delicious, but offers fewer calories and a lower ABV.
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