Kirkland Hard Seltzer vs White Claw: What’s the Difference?

Updated March 2026.

A 12-ounce can at 5% ABV is one NIAAA standard drink — the same 14 grams of ethanol as a 12-ounce 5% beer — whether the can says White Claw or Kirkland. Original White Claw prints 5% and 100 calories on brand/product tiles. Kirkland variety-pack reviews commonly print the same 5% / ~100 cal panel; that is not a Costco PDF this run. Confirm the can. They are not the same company.

White Claw is Mark Anthony Brands. Kirkland cartons have named Patco Brands, Hood River, Oregon (and some also list MPL Brands NV). Related: who makes Kirkland hard seltzer, White Claw drinks.

Same drink math, different plant

Kirkland Hard Seltzer (typical) White Claw Original
Can / ABV 12 oz / 5% (review panels) 12 oz / 5% (brand)
Std drinks 1.00 if 12 oz / 5% 1.00
Calories ~100, not a Costco PDF 100 (brand tiles)
Maker Patco (packaging quotes); some cartons also MPL Mark Anthony Brands
Watch Kirkland Vodka + Soda is a different SKU SURGE is 8% — not Original

Four 12-ounce 5% cans are four drinks. White Claw SURGE at 8% is a different can (US brand line; size varies — do the (oz × ABV) ÷ 0.6 math). NIAAA binge pattern is a health line, not a target. Hours to buy a variety pack are state law, not a warehouse clock. No 2026 MSRP.

Sources

  • whiteclaw.com product tiles: Original 100 calories; SURGE 8% Alc./Vol. Lime nutrition 100 cal / 2 g sugar / 12 oz.
  • Kirkland 5% / 100 cal: VinePair 2025 and review panels, not a Costco spec sheet.
  • Patco Hood River brewing statement: Food Republic / The Takeout quotes. dual MPL name.
  • NIAAA 12 oz / 5% (December 2025). No invented tasting winner.

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