Nasty Beast Hard Tea is becoming a popular option for those looking to mix alcohol with refreshing tea flavors. While the name may catch your attention, many consumers are curious about its nutritional impact. What’s in this hard tea? Does it fit into a balanced diet, or is it something to be cautious about? In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the nutrition facts of Nasty Beast Hard Tea, including its calories, sugar content, and other key ingredients. Let’s dive into the specifics.
What Is Nasty Beast Hard Tea?
Nasty Beast Hard Tea is an alcoholic beverage made by blending tea and alcohol with flavors like lemon, peach, or raspberry. Unlike your average iced tea, Nasty Beast Hard Tea offers a boozy twist. It falls under the category of flavored malt beverages, much like hard seltzers or alcoholic lemonades.
The Basics of Nasty Beast Hard Tea
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of its nutritional makeup, it’s important to understand the basics. Most hard teas, including Nasty Beast Hard Tea, aim to balance taste and alcohol content. But what are you really consuming when you crack open a can of this drink?
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): Nasty Beast Hard Tea typically contains about 5% ABV, similar to most beers and hard seltzers. This makes it a mild but satisfying option for casual drinking.
- Serving Size: The standard serving size for Nasty Beast Hard Tea is a 12 oz can, though larger formats may also be available.
- Main Ingredients: The drink typically consists of brewed tea, alcohol, sugar, flavoring agents, and sometimes citric acid for that extra tang.
Now, let’s dive into the nutrition facts.
Calories in Nasty Beast Hard Tea
Calories are the first thing most people want to know when looking at any food or beverage. A standard 12 oz can of Nasty Beast Hard Tea contains around 180-220 calories, depending on the flavor.
- Lemon Flavor: Approximately 190 calories per 12 oz can.
- Peach Flavor: Around 200 calories per 12 oz can.
- Raspberry Flavor: Roughly 220 calories per 12 oz can.
To put that in perspective, a can of regular soda contains around 150 calories, while a bottle of beer typically ranges between 150-200 calories. So, Nasty Beast Hard Tea is a bit on the higher side, especially compared to hard seltzers, which often clock in at around 100 calories per can.
Sugar Content
Sugar is often the culprit when it comes to the extra calories in flavored alcoholic drinks. Nasty Beast Hard Tea contains a significant amount of sugar, especially compared to sugar-free options like hard seltzers.
- Lemon Flavor: Contains about 24 grams of sugar per 12 oz serving.
- Peach Flavor: Roughly 26 grams of sugar per can.
- Raspberry Flavor: Around 28 grams of sugar per can.
To put it in context, a can of Coca-Cola contains around 39 grams of sugar, so Nasty Beast Hard Tea isn’t too far behind. The high sugar content can lead to a quick spike in blood sugar levels, which may not be ideal if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Carbohydrates
The carbohydrate content in Nasty Beast Hard Tea is mainly derived from its sugar content, but there are other sources, such as the tea and flavoring ingredients. Each 12 oz can contains about 25-30 grams of carbs, depending on the flavor.
- Lemon Flavor: 25 grams of carbs.
- Peach Flavor: 27 grams of carbs.
- Raspberry Flavor: 30 grams of carbs.
For those on a low-carb or keto diet, Nasty Beast Hard Tea might not be the best option. The carbohydrate levels are significantly higher compared to other alcoholic beverages like spirits or hard seltzers, which typically contain 2-3 grams of carbs per serving.
Fats and Proteins
When it comes to fats and proteins, there isn’t much to report. Like most alcoholic beverages, Nasty Beast Hard Tea contains virtually no fat or protein. Its nutritional value primarily comes from its carbohydrates and alcohol content.
Sodium Content
Nasty Beast Hard Tea contains a small amount of sodium, though it’s not significant enough to cause concern for most consumers. On average, a 12 oz can contains about 15-20 milligrams of sodium. For comparison, a can of soda may contain about 30-40 milligrams, and hard seltzers typically have even less.
Sodium levels can vary depending on the flavor and whether additional citric acid or preservatives are used, but overall, the sodium content is minimal.
Alcohol Impact on Nutrition
Alcohol itself has its own caloric load. In fact, pure alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, which is almost as calorie-dense as fat (9 calories per gram). The alcohol in Nasty Beast Hard Tea contributes to its calorie count, but it doesn’t provide any nutritional value.
The 5% ABV in Nasty Beast Hard Tea means that a 12 oz can contains about 14 grams of alcohol, which equates to around 98 calories from alcohol alone. The rest of the calories come from sugar and other ingredients.
Is Nasty Beast Hard Tea Gluten-Free?
One question some consumers may ask is whether Nasty Beast Hard Tea is gluten-free. Since this beverage is typically made from malted barley (similar to beer), it contains gluten. Therefore, it is not a suitable option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, you may want to opt for hard seltzers or specially labeled gluten-free alcoholic beverages.
Is It a Healthy Choice?
While Nasty Beast Hard Tea can be a tasty and refreshing choice, it’s not exactly a health drink. The high sugar content alone makes it something you should consume in moderation, especially if you’re watching your calorie or carbohydrate intake.
For comparison:
- Beer: A light beer typically contains around 100-120 calories and 5-10 grams of carbs.
- Hard Seltzer: Usually has about 100 calories and 2-3 grams of carbs, with zero sugar.
In contrast, Nasty Beast Hard Tea contains significantly more sugar and carbs. If you’re concerned about your overall nutrition, it’s better to reserve this drink for special occasions rather than a regular part of your diet.
Alternatives to Nasty Beast Hard Tea
If you’re a fan of the idea of hard tea but are worried about the nutrition facts, you may want to explore other options. Several brands offer hard teas with lower sugar content or fewer calories. Some even offer sugar-free versions. Here are a few alternatives:
- Twisted Tea Light: Contains fewer calories and sugar than regular Twisted Tea.
- Truly Iced Tea: Combines hard seltzer with iced tea, offering a much lower calorie and carb count.
- White Claw Hard Tea: Another lower-calorie alternative with a variety of flavors.
These options may provide the same tea-based refreshment with a lighter nutritional impact.
Conclusion
Nasty Beast Hard Tea offers a flavorful, fun, and boozy experience for those who enjoy a combination of tea and alcohol. However, its high sugar and calorie content make it less ideal for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. Each 12 oz can delivers around 180-220 calories and 24-28 grams of sugar, making it a drink you should enjoy in moderation.
If you’re mindful of your nutritional intake or following a specific diet, you may want to consider alternative hard teas with fewer carbs and calories. Ultimately, Nasty Beast Hard Tea is a tasty indulgence best reserved for special occasions rather than everyday consumption.
