White Claw Surge: What to Know About the Higher-ABV Hard Seltzer
Explore White Claw Surge's calories, ABV, nutrition, flavors, and how it compares to regular hard seltzers.

Few beverages have ignited the beverage market quite like White Claw. As the hard seltzer trend continues, White Claw remains at the forefront—leading to more innovation, including the potent and flavorful release of White Claw Surge. But what exactly is White Claw Surge? How do its calories and alcohol content stack up against the classic White Claw hard seltzer? Here’s everything you need to know, including nutrition facts, flavors, and how Surge compares to the original.
What Is White Claw Surge?
White Claw Surge is the high-alcohol version of the original White Claw Hard Seltzer line, designed for those looking for a stronger kick without sacrificing convenience or flavor. Whereas the typical White Claw contains 5% ABV (alcohol by volume), White Claw Surge packs a punch with 8% ABV—making it one of the boldest options in the brand’s portfolio .
- Launched to capture fans who wanted a bigger buzz and bolder taste.
- Sold in single-serve 16 oz cans and multipacks of 12 oz cans, as variety packs or single-flavor cans.
- Comes in an array of appealing flavors, from familiar fruit options to limited editions.
White Claw Surge Nutrition Facts: Calories, Carbs, and More
The surge in alcohol comes with a slight uptick in calories and carbohydrates. Here’s how White Claw Surge stacks up nutritionally:
Serving Size | Calories | Carbohydrates | Sugar | ABV (%) | Fat | Sodium (mg) | Protein |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12 oz (355 mL) | 160 | 2g | 2g | 8% | 0g | 20-30 | 0g |
16 oz (473 mL) | 220 | 2-3g | 2-3g | 8% | 0g | 13 | 0g |
- Calories: Surge has more calories per can than classic White Claw, mostly due to the greater alcohol content .
- Carbs & Sugar: Carbohydrates range from 1.3g to 2g per 12 oz can, slightly higher than the original, but still low compared to many other alcoholic drinks .
- Fat & Protein: Surge contains zero grams of fat and protein per serving .
- Gluten-Free: Like all White Claw variants, Surge is gluten-free .
How Many Calories and Carbs Are in Each White Claw Surge Flavor?
Although Surge flavors share similar nutrition profiles, there are subtle differences between them. Below are the most popular flavors and their typical nutrition data for a 12 oz serving:
Flavor | Calories (12 oz) | Carbohydrates | Added Sugar | Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cranberry | 160 | 2g | 2g | Purified carbonated water, alcohol, natural flavors, cane sugar, citric acid, sodium citrate |
Blood Orange | 160 | 2g | 2g | Purified carbonated water, alcohol, natural flavors, cane sugar, citric acid, sodium citrate |
Strawberry | 160 | 2g | 2g | Purified carbonated water, alcohol, natural flavors, cane sugar, citric acid, sodium citrate |
Pineapple | 160 | 2g | 2g | Purified carbonated water, alcohol, natural flavors, cane sugar, citric acid, sodium citrate |
Green Apple | 160 | 2g | 2g | Purified carbonated water, alcohol, natural flavors, cane sugar, citric acid, sodium citrate |
Passion Fruit | 160 | 2g | 2g | Purified carbonated water, alcohol, natural flavors, cane sugar, citric acid, sodium citrate |
While the calorie and carb counts remain fairly standardized, flavor profiles can subtly change the taste experience. For the most accurate and updated numbers, always check each can’s label, as slight ingredient tweaks are possible .
White Claw Surge vs. Regular White Claw: What’s the Difference?
The big difference between Surge and regular White Claw is the alcohol content (8% vs. 5%). But calorie- and carb-watchers will also want to note how they compare nutritionally. Here’s a side-by-side comparison for a standard 12 oz serving:
White Claw (Standard) | White Claw Surge | |
---|---|---|
ABV | 5% | 8% |
Calories | 100 | 160 |
Carbohydrates | 2g | 2g |
Sugar | 2g | 2g |
Gluten-Free | Yes | Yes |
- The calorie increase in Surge comes entirely from the higher alcohol content.
- Carbohydrate and sugar amounts remain similar between the two lines, ensuring a relatively light profile compared to beer or many canned cocktails.
- Both are gluten-free and made with a blend of seltzer water, sugar, and natural flavors .
What Flavors Does White Claw Surge Come In?
White Claw Surge offers a rotating collection of vibrant, fruit-inspired flavors. The current lineup (as available in variety packs and single cans) includes:
- Blood Orange
- Cranberry
- Strawberry
- Pineapple
- Passion Fruit
- Green Apple
Flavor variety is a hallmark of the Surge lineup, appealing to fans who want bolder tastes and refreshing options for any season or social occasion .
Ingredients: What’s Inside White Claw Surge?
White Claw Surge’s ingredient list remains clean and simple, mirroring classic hard seltzers. Each can is crafted from:
- Purified carbonated water
- Alcohol (often derived from fermented cane sugar)
- Natural flavors (for each fruit variety)
- Cane sugar
- Citric acid (for tartness and preservation)
- Sodium citrate (for stability and subtle taste balance)
There are no artificial sweeteners or colorings. All Surge seltzers are labeled gluten-free .
How Does White Claw Surge Compare to Other Alcoholic Drinks?
White Claw Surge is marketed as a lighter—but stronger—alternative to many classic alcoholic options. Here’s how it lines up:
Beverage (12 oz) | ABV % | Calories | Carbs (g) |
---|---|---|---|
White Claw Surge | 8 | 160 | 2 |
Standard Beer | 4-5 | 150 | 13 |
Classic Margarita (canned) | 8-10 | 220 | 15 |
Regular White Claw | 5 | 100 | 2 |
Surge’s combination of higher ABV and low carbs/calories makes it a unique offering within both the seltzer and ready-to-drink cocktails market.
Where to Buy and Price Info
White Claw Surge is sold at most major retailers, liquor stores, supermarkets, and online alcohol outlets. Availability may be regional, and certain flavors or pack varieties may be limited in some markets.
- Single cans (16 oz) are the most common, usually sold for $2-4 per can depending on location.
- Variety packs (12 packs of 12 oz cans) typically retail between $15 and $18—comparable to original White Claw 12-packs .
Why Did White Claw Release Surge?
The White Claw Surge line was developed in response to customer demand for higher-ABV hard seltzers that deliver a stronger alcoholic punch—but without the heaviness or higher calories of beer or canned cocktails . The popularity of ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages continues to rise, and Surge positions White Claw to compete with both traditional and newer market entries.
Is White Claw Surge Safe? Responsible Drinking Tips
With its 8% ABV, a single Surge contains more alcohol than a typical beer or regular seltzer. Drinkers should keep the following in mind:
- Monitor your intake—one Surge can be roughly as intoxicating as 1.5–2 light beers.
- Never drink and drive. Wait until alcohol is out of your system.
- People with lower body weight or alcohol tolerance may feel the effects of Surge more quickly.
- Avoid mixing Surge with other alcoholic beverages in a short timeframe.
- Stay hydrated and always consume with food.
Who Should and Shouldn’t Drink White Claw Surge?
- Suitable for: Adults (21+) who want a gluten-free, high-ABV alternative to beer or canned cocktails.
- Not recommended for: Individuals sensitive to alcohol, pregnant women, or anyone with health conditions contraindicated with alcohol.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many calories are in White Claw Surge?
A: A 12 oz serving contains 160 calories; a 16 oz can contains about 220 calories .
Q: What is the alcohol content of White Claw Surge?
A: White Claw Surge has an ABV of 8%, significantly higher than the classic 5% White Claw .
Q: Does White Claw Surge contain gluten?
A: No. Like the original, Surge is gluten-free .
Q: How does the taste compare to regular White Claw?
A: Many say Surge flavors are bolder and more reminiscent of mixed cocktails, with a noticeable ‘boozier’ edge .
Q: Are there artificial sweeteners in Surge?
A: No. Surge is made with cane sugar and natural fruit flavors—no artificial sweeteners or colorings .
Q: Can you drink White Claw Surge if you’re on a low-carb diet?
A: Surge is low in carbs (2g per 12 oz), making it a lighter option than most beers or cocktails .
References
- SnapCalorie: White Claw Surge Nutrition Facts
- Freep: White Claw Launches Variety Pack of 8% Seltzers
- FoodsCo: White Claw Surge Variety Pack, 12pk/12oz
- WhiteClaw.com: Cranberry Surge Nutrition
- WhiteClaw.com: Blood Orange Surge Nutrition
References
- https://www.snapcalorie.com/nutrition/white_claw_surge_nutrition.html
- https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/nightlife/2021/09/02/white-claw-surge-variety-pack/5701268001/
- https://www.foodsco.net/p/white-claw-surge-variety-pack/0063598580252
- https://www.whiteclaw.com/products/cranberry-surge
- https://www.whiteclaw.com/products/blood-orange-surge
- https://www.bakersplus.com/p/white-claw-hard-seltzer-surge-blood-orange-single-can/0063598580207
- https://www.randalls.com/shop/product-details.970111338.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-_tDaIldyE
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