CACTI spiked seltzer is a newer, flavored hard seltzer that entered the market in 2021. With the popularity of hard seltzers like White Claw and Truly continuing to rise, new brands are entering the market all the time. CACTI stands out with its focus on combining natural fruit flavors with agave nectar, resulting in a sweet-tart flavor profile. But one question consumers have is: how many calories are in CACTI spiked seltzer?
Calorie and Carb Content of CACTI Spiked Seltzer
CACTI spiked seltzer contains 100 calories and 2g net carbs per 12oz can. This calorie and carb count is on par with most other major hard seltzer brands on the market.
Here is a breakdown of the calorie and carb content in one 12oz can of CACTI spiked seltzer (all varieties):
| Serving Size | Calories | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|
| 12 fl oz | 100 calories | 2g |
CACTI spiked seltzer gets its 2 grams of net carbs from sugars, most notably cane sugar. But the agave nectar used balances out the sweetness to make it not overly sweet like some other spiked seltzers.
While the calorie and carb content is similar across the market, the alcohol content can vary quite a bit. Many hard seltzers contain around 5% alcohol by volume (ABV). However, CACTI comes in at 7% ABV, giving it a higher alcohol content than competitors.
So in terms of calories, CACTI is right in line with other spiked seltzers at 100 calories per 12oz can. But its slightly higher alcohol content from its 7% ABV may be appealing to some consumers. The calorie difference is not significant.
CACTI Nutrition Facts
Let’s take a deeper look at the complete nutrition facts and ingredients list for CACTI spiked seltzer. This provides more detail on vitamins, protein, and other nutritional content.
Here are the nutrition facts for one 12oz can of CACTI Lime spiked seltzer:
| Nutrition Facts | Per 12 fl oz | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 100 | |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| – Sugar | 2g | |
| Protein | 0g | |
| Vitamin C | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 0mg | 0% |
| Alcohol 7% alc/vol |
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
As you can see, there are 2g total carbohydrates, made up entirely of sugars. There are no significant sources of protein, vitamins, or minerals. The nutritional value mainly comes from the alcohol content.
Let’s look at the ingredients list:
Ingredients: carbonated water, alcohol, natural flavors, lime juice concentrate, citric acid, agave nectar, potassium citrate, potassium sorbate, sodium citrate.
The main ingredients are carbonated water, alcohol (not specified but likely cane alcohol), and natural flavors. Lime juice concentrate adds the lime flavoring, while agave nectar provides some sweetness to balance the tartness. Citric acid, potassium citrate, and sodium citrate are added for flavor.
Overall, there are no real nutritional benefits to CACTI seltzer other than the refreshment from the carbonated water. The calories come from the alcohol content, sugars, and agave nectar. But it was not designed to be a health drink – it is an alcoholic beverage meant to be enjoyed at parties, events, beach days, and other fun occasions.
How Many Calories in a CACTI Variety Pack?
CACTI spiked seltzers come in variety packs containing 12 cans – 3 cans each of Lime, Pineapple, Strawberry, and Mango flavors. A variety pack is a popular way to purchase spiked seltzers so you can sample all the flavors.
So how many calories would be in a full 12-can CACTI variety pack?
There are 100 calories per 12oz can.
In a 12-can variety pack there are:
- 3 cans Lime (100 calories per can)
- 3 cans Pineapple (100 calories per can)
- 3 cans Strawberry (100 calories per can)
- 3 cans Mango (100 calories per can)
To calculate the total calories:
3 cans x 100 calories per can = 300 calories per flavor
There are 4 flavors
So 4 flavors x 300 calories each = 1,200 total calories
In total, there are 1,200 calories in a CACTI 12-can variety pack. That breaks down to 300 calories per each flavor – Lime, Pineapple, Strawberry, and Mango. Each 12oz can contains 100 calories.
Comparing CACTI Calories to Other Hard Seltzers
How does the calorie content of CACTI compare to other major hard seltzer brands on the market? Here is a calorie comparison:
| Hard Seltzer | Calories (12oz can) |
|---|---|
| CACTI | 100 calories |
| White Claw | 100 calories |
| Truly | 100 calories |
| Bud Light Seltzer | 100 calories |
| Corona Seltzer | 90 calories |
| Wild Basin (Oskar Blues) | 100 calories |
As you can see, most major hard seltzer brands contain right around 100 calories per 12oz can. CACTI fits right in at 100 calories. The one exception is Corona Seltzer at 90 calories per can.
But all these popular seltzers are fairly close in calories and carbs:
- CACTI: 100 calories, 2g carbs
- White Claw: 100 calories, 2g carbs
- Truly: 100 calories, 2g carbs
- Bud Light Seltzer: 100 calories, 2g carbs
- Corona Seltzer: 90 calories, 2g carbs
- Wild Basin: 100 calories, 2g carbs
The differences are minor. All the major seltzer brands keep calories in check at around 100 per can.
Lower Calorie Seltzer Options
While most major brands are in the 100 calorie range, there are a few lower calorie seltzers available:
- Smirnoff Seltzer: 90 calories per can
- Natty Light Seltzer: 80 calories per can
- Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer: 90 calories per can
- White Claw 70: 70 calories per can
These offer slimmer 20-30 calorie reductions compared to the 100 calorie standards. While the calorie difference is minimal, every little bit counts.
Higher Calorie Seltzer Options
On the opposite end, there are some higher calorie seltzers that still have strong followings:
- High Noon Vodka Seltzer: 120 calories per can
- Michelob ULTRA Organic Seltzer: 140 calories per can
High Noon uses real vodka along with fruit juice for sweetness, contributing to its higher 120 calorie count. And Michelob ULTRA Organic contains some organic cane sugar for sweetness, bringing it up to 140 calories.
But most consumers view 100 calories as the sweet spot. Going above 120-140 calories per can starts to get high for a seltzer.
Tips for Drinking CACTI to Manage Calories
Although CACTI is on par calorie-wise with other hard seltzers, here are some tips to help enjoy it without going overboard on calories:
1. Practice portion control
Stick to the standard serving of one 12oz can, which contains 100 calories. Be mindful about grabbing additional cans, which quickly increases the calories. And avoid the temptation to sip directly from a large seltzer variety pack box.
2. Alternate with water
Alternate between drinking CACTI and plain water. The water helps cleanse your palate so the flavors continue tasting vibrant. Plus, it helps manage total calories and hydration.
3. Avoid sugary mixers
Resist the urge to pair seltzers with sweet fruit juices or sodas as mixers. These add substantial calories. Some fresh fruit slices or herbs like mint or basil can add flavor without excess calories.
4. Eat a protein-rich meal beforehand
Consuming protein-rich foods like chicken, fish, beans, or nuts before drinking helps avoid overconsumption. Protein provides satiety to help feel full while nursing CACTI at a party.
5. Pace yourself
Sip seltzers slowly over time, rather than gulping multiple cans quickly. This allows you to enjoy the flavors and your body time to register satiety to prevent overconsumption.
Conclusion
CACTI spiked seltzer contains 100 calories per 12oz can, which is standard for most hard seltzer brands. It provides light effervescent refreshment with minimal calories or carbs. At 100 calories and 2 grams of carbs, it fits in nicely with popular seltzer brands like White Claw, Truly, and others.
CACTI gets its flavor from real juice concentrates, unlike artificial flavors used by some competitors. And its 7% ABV gives it a bit higher alcohol content for those seeking a stronger seltzer. But the calorie content lands right in line with other big brands.
Enjoy CACTI spiked seltzers in moderation by practicing portion control, pacing yourself, and alternating with water. Be mindful of added mixers and, as with any alcoholic beverage, please drink responsibly.
