Kirkland Hard Seltzer vs White Claw: Which is Better? (2023)
Last Updated on August 2, 2023 by Lydia Martin
When it comes to refreshing beverages, hard seltzers have taken the world by storm, offering a low-calorie alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks.
Among the prominent players in this growing market, White Claw and Kirkland Signature hard seltzer stand out as popular choices.
In the Kirkland hard seltzer vs White Claw comparison, I’ll uncover which one truly stands out as the ultimate champion.
White Claw & Kirkland Hard Seltzer Comparison
While White Claw and Kirkland have similar alcohol-by-volume content and are gluten-free, they have a fair share of differences in taste, availability, and price point.
“Here’s to alcohol, the rose-colored glasses of life.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald, Novelist
I conducted a blind tasting to compare each brand, and it turns out that Kirkland is more carbonated and less flavorful than White Claw.
It offers a limited flavor selection and uses artificial flavorings, whereas White Claw impresses with a diverse range of all-natural flavorings.
The sweeteners and caloric content remain consistent between the two, with a hefty price advantage for Kirkland, but exclusively available at Costco.
Comparison Table of Kirkland Hard Seltzer & White Claw
| Criteria | Kirkland Signature Hard Seltzer | White Claw |
| Alcohol Content | 5% | 5% |
| Flavors | Limited Selection | Diverse Selection |
| Sweeteners | Cane Sugar | Cane Sugar |
| Caloric Content | 100 cal | 100 cal |
| Sugar Content | 2 grams | 2 grams |
| Gluten-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Artificial Flavors | Yes | No |
| Dietary Considerations | Low-Calorie | Low-Calorie |
| Availability | Exclusive to Costco | Widespread |
| Average Price | Roughly $20.99 (24 pack) | Roughly $42.99 (24 pack) |
White Claw
Flavor & Taste Profile
As someone who has enjoyed trying White Claw, I can attest to its exceptional flavor and taste profile. The Black Cherry flavor is one of my top picks, as it perfectly balances sweetness and tartness.
With its crisp and tangy notes, the natural lime flavor creates a refreshing sensation that’s hard to resist. They also offer other refreshing flavorings like ruby grapefruit, raspberry, passion fruit, and many more [1].
You can check out some of our favorite White Claw flavors here, too.
Dietary Considerations
White Claws use natural sugar cane, no artificial sugar, natural flavorings, and carbonated water/sparkling water.
The ingredients are low calories and low-carb friendly (2 grams of carbs), but since it is an alcoholic beverage with 5% alcohol by volume content, you should drink it moderately.
Availability
White Claw’s hard seltzers are one of the most popular hard seltzer brands with alcohol in the market today. Its popularity makes it conveniently stocked in most grocery and liquor stores. You may also want to check out White Claw vs Vizzy here.
Price Value
While White Claw hard seltzers may be slightly more expensive than other hard seltzer brands with alcohol, its quality and taste justify the cost, making it a worthwhile investment for an enjoyable drinking experience.
I scored a variety pack of White Claw in Drizly for roughly $42.9.
Variety Offerings
With an impressive array of flavorings that I’ve personally tried, including black cherries, mango, ruby grapefruit, and natural Lime flavor, White Claw’s hard seltzers offer something for every taste preference, making them stand out in the hard seltzer beverage market.
Total Score: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars)
Kirkland Hard Seltzer
Flavor & Taste Profile
Kirkland’s hard seltzer offers four flavors, and while drinking it, I noticed the mild taste and carbonation.
This hard seltzer’s four flavors are mango, grapefruit, black cherry, and lime flavor [2]. My favorite is the lime flavor, with a nice citrus kick from real lime and alcohol.
Dietary Considerations
Like White Claws, Kirkland’s hard seltzer contains low calories. They use carbonated water/sparkling water and low-carb ingredients (2 grams of carbs).
However, since it is an alcoholic beverage, it is best to drink it moderately.
Availability
Kirkland brand hard seltzer is exclusively available at Costco stores, making it convenient for Costco members. However, this alcohol might limit accessibility for those without membership or living far from it.
Read: Beer & Hard Seltzer Comparison
Price Value
Kirkland brand hard seltzer is notably more budget-friendly than some competitors, providing a cost-effective option.
A 24-pack of this seltzer costs around $20.99, which is almost half the price of the White Claw brand.
Variety Offerings
While the variety of flavorings may not be as extensive as some other hard seltzers, Kirkland’s seltzer still offers a decent selection.
“Sip and savor, for each seltzer tells its own tale.” -Liquor Laboratory
The alcohol brand’s focus on simplicity may appeal to individuals who prefer a more straightforward approach to their hard seltzer choices.
Total Score: ★★★☆☆ (3 out of 5 stars)
Note: The star rating was determined based on a blind test, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest rating. Each product was evaluated on its overall quality, flavor profile, complexity, smoothness, and overall enjoyment.
FAQs
Does White Claw make Kirkland hard seltzer?
No, White Claw do not make Kirkland’s hard seltzers. The drinks do not share similar manufacturers, and different companies own both.
Who manufactures Kirkland hard seltzer?
Patco Brands manufactures Kirkland’s hard seltzers. Many assume White Claw manufactures its hard seltzers because they have comparable packaging and flavorings.
Which is healthier, White Claw or Kirkland Signature hard seltzer?
White Claw is healthier than Kirkland’s seltzers. Drinking either is good because they have low calorie and sugar content. However, White Claw does not use artificial flavorings.
On A Final Note
While both hard seltzer drinks offer unique attributes, White Claw is the standout choice.
With its diverse and natural flavor options, widespread availability, popularity, and delightful taste profile, it has become a favorite among seltzer enthusiasts.
However, Kirkland Signature hard seltzer deserves recognition for its commitment to dietary considerations and pricing.
References:
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/get-ready-for-a-whole-new-wave-of-white-claw-301501599.html
- https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/costco-sells-kirkland-hard-seltzer
