Bud Light seltzers have been growing in popularity over the past few years as a refreshing and lighter alcohol option. Seltzers provide the carbonation and flavor of soda with the addition of alcohol. Bud Light entered the hard seltzer market in 2020 with their Bud Light Seltzer line, providing drinkers with a recognized brand name in a new format. A common question consumers have is what type of alcohol is used in Bud Light Seltzers and how much alcohol content is in each can. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the key details around the alcohol used in Bud Light Seltzer products.
What type of alcohol is in Bud Light Seltzers?
The primary alcohol used in Bud Light Seltzers is cane sugar alcohol. Specifically, the type of cane sugar alcohol used is ethanol. Ethanol is a colorless alcohol that serves as the intoxicating ingredient in adult beverages like beer, wine, and liquor. It is produced naturally through the fermentation of sugars by yeast. For Bud Light Seltzers, the ethanol used is produced from cane sugar which undergoes fermentation and distillation to reach the desired purity and alcohol content. Other alcohols like methanol are not used in the production process. The ethanol provides the characteristic bubbly, light, and refreshing flavor that defines hard seltzers like the Bud Light Seltzer products.
Alcohol Content in Bud Light Seltzers
All Bud Light Seltzer products are 5% alcohol by volume. This means in each 12 ounce can there is 0.6 ounces of ethanol alcohol. For comparison, regular Bud Light beer is 4.2% ABV while many other competing hard seltzer brands are also 5% ABV. The 5% alcohol content puts Bud Light Seltzer on the lighter end of the spectrum for hard seltzers, which range from around 4% to over 7% ABV. At 5% ABV, Bud Light achieves their goal of a beverage that is flavorful with a hint of alcohol kick while avoiding being overly potent.
Alcohol content by Bud Light Seltzer variety
While all Bud Light Seltzer varieties contain 5% alcohol, here is a breakdown of the specific alcohol amount in ounces per can for each variety:
| Bud Light Seltzer Variety | Alcohol Content (oz per 12oz can) |
|---|---|
| Mango | 0.6 oz |
| Strawberry | 0.6 oz |
| Lemon Lime | 0.6 oz |
| Black Cherry | 0.6 oz |
| Mango Guava | 0.6 oz |
| Gingersnap | 0.6 oz |
| Cranberry | 0.6 oz |
| Piña Colada | 0.6 oz |
| Margarita | 0.6 oz |
| Coconut | 0.6 oz |
As you can see, the alcohol content remains fixed at 0.6 fluid ounces of ethanol alcohol per 12 ounce can, regardless of the specific Bud Light Seltzer flavor.
How the 5% ABV impacts your drinking experience
Understanding how much alcohol is in a Bud Light Seltzer makes it easier to enjoy responsibly. Here is what you can expect with the 5% ABV level:
- Gentle alcohol effect – With only 0.6 ounces of alcohol per can, the effect is mild and easy-drinking.
- Sessionable – 5% ABV is low enough that having multiple seltzers in one setting is more manageable than higher alcohol alternatives.
- Lightrefreshment – The carbonation and fruit flavors take center stage over the subtle alcohol notes.
- Portable – The relatively low alcohol content makes these seltzers convenient to bring places like the beach or a picnic.
- Approachable taste – For new drinkers, the 5% ABV offers an introduction to alcoholic beverages without aggressive alcohol flavors.
However, it is still important to drink responsibly:
- Moderate intake – Stick to 1-2 seltzers per hour and be sure to hydrating with water in between.
- Don’t drive – Impaired judgement can occur at any alcohol level, so avoid driving after drinking.
- Consider your health – Speak with a doctor if you have any medical concerns about consuming alcoholic beverages.
Understanding your alcohol tolerance levels and the impact of alcohol on mind and body will allow you to make smart decisions about enjoying Bud Light Seltzers.
How Bud Light Seltzers Achieve a 5% ABV
Bud Light executes a careful brewing and production process in order to create a finished product with a 5% alcohol content. Here are some of the key steps involved:
1. Create alcohol base
The underlying alcohol base for Bud Light Seltzers starts with fermenting a mash of grains including rice, barley, and hops. The grains provide sugars that yeast microorganisms can feed on and convert into ethanol alcohol through fermentation. This results in a baseline alcohol solution.
2. Adjust alcohol levels
The initial alcohol solution goes through a process of distillation and dilution with water to achieve the desired 5% ABV level. This fine tuning of the ethanol content ensures each batch has the proper alcohol strength.
3. Infuse flavors
Once the ethanol base is at 5% ABV, the beverage technicians can begin adding the ingredients for flavoring. This includes fruit flavors, citric acid for tartness, and natural sweeteners to enhance the taste profile. Artificial sweeteners are not used.
4. Carbonate
The seltzer is carbonated to achieve the signature bubbly texture. The carbonation also enhances the light mouthfeel.
5. Package
The finished seltzer is canned in 12 oz portions. Automated systems ensure each can contains the correct volume of liquid with 0.6 oz of alcohol.
6. Test and inspect
Prior to distribution, samples from each batch undergo laboratory testing to verify the 5% ABV level was achieved. Bud Light also conducts random quality inspection on cans coming off the production line.
History of Bud Light Creating Hard Seltzers
Bud Light did not enter the hard seltzer market until 2020, but the landscape was years in the making. Here is a brief history:
2013 – Hard seltzer invented
SpikedSeltzer is credited for introducing the first modern hard seltzer. The taste profile offered an alternative to beer, wine, and cocktails. Initial growth was slow but steady.
2016 – White Claw leads the charge
White Claw brought hard seltzers into the mainstream through major distribution deals and marketing. Their straightforward flavor options resonated with younger legal drinking age consumers.
2018 – Competition intensifies
The impressive sales growth of White Claw prompted many beverage companies to launch their own hard seltzers. Brands included Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer, Natural Light Seltzer, and Truly Hard Seltzer.
2019 – Hard seltzer boom
With dozens of options now available, hard seltzers surged to become one of the fastest growing alcohol segments. At this point, major beer brands took notice.
2020 – Bud Light Seltzer
After sitting on the sidelines, Budweiser entered the hard seltzer race by launching Bud Light Seltzer in early 2020. Their initial launch included four fruit flavor varieties.
2021 – Continued growth
Hard seltzers showed no signs of slowing down. Bud Light expanded their portfolio with new seasonal and premium flavors. Total hard seltzer sales grew over 150%.
2022 – Branching out
In addition to fruit flavors, Bud Light Seltzer began experimenting with new flavors like Gingersnap and margarita-inspired mixes. Variety packs expanded to provide more options.
2023 and beyond
Hard seltzers are now an established category within the beer and alcohol industry. Bud Light is poised to continue innovating with new seltzer concepts to appeal to changing consumer preferences. Given the rise in popularity, all signs point to hard seltzers being astaying in the beverage landscape for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about the alcohol used in Bud Light Seltzers:
Is there gluten in Bud Light Seltzers?
No, Bud Light Seltzers are considered gluten-free. While the base alcohol does start from fermented grains that contain gluten, the distillation process removes gluten proteins from the final liquid.
Are Bud Light Seltzers made with vodka?
No. There is no vodka nor any distilled spirits used in Bud Light Seltzers. The alcohol comes from fermented grains.
Do Bud Light Seltzers contain liquor?
No. Bud Light Seltzers are brewed malt beverages, not a distilled spirit. The only alcohol used is ethanol from a fermented grain base.
What sweeteners are used in Bud Light Seltzers?
Bud Light Seltzers are sweetened with natural cane sugar. No artificial sweeteners are used. The sweetness helps complement the fruit flavors.
Are Bud Light Seltzers keto-friendly?
Generally no. While hard seltzers are lower in carbs than some alcoholic drinks, the carb and sugar content from the natural sweeteners and fruit flavors make standard Bud Light Seltzers not compatible with a keto diet.
Do Bud Light Seltzers have preservatives?
Yes, Bud Light Seltzers contain minimal preservatives to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage during shipping and storage. Ingredients like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are commonly used as safe preservatives.
Conclusion
In summary, Bud Light Seltzers are flavored malt beverages containing 5% alcohol by volume per 12 oz serving. The alcohol comes from fermented cane sugar which is distilled and diluted to reach the desired ABV. Bud Light launched their seltzer line in 2020 to compete in the rapidly growing hard seltzer segment. Aided by the trusted Bud Light brand name and variety of flavors, their seltzers quickly became a popular option appealing to mainstream American drinkers seeking a refreshing and mild alcohol beverage option. Understanding the key details around the alcohol content and production process provides helpful context for consumers to make informed decisions. While enjoyable, it is always important to drink Bud Light Seltzers responsibly.
