{{Short description|Brand of hard seltzer}} {{use mdy dates|date=July 2019}} {{Infobox beverage | name = White Claw Hard Seltzer | image = | caption = | type = Alcoholic beverage | logo = File:White Claw Hard Seltzer logo.png | abv = 5% (US & Canada) and 4.5% (International markets)<ref name="thetakeout">{{cite web | url = https://thetakeout.com/what-s-the-best-tasting-hard-seltzer-taste-test-1835089320 | title = What's the best-tasting hard seltzer? | date = 29 May 2019 | website = The Takeout | first= Kate | last = Bernot| access-date = 23 June 2019}}</ref> | style = Hard seltzer<ref name="thetakeout" /> | manufacturer = Mark Anthony Group/Mark Anthony Brewing | origin = {{Flatlist| * Canada }} | introduced = {{start date and age|2016}} | ingredients = Purified carbonated water, alcohol, natural flavors, natural cane sugar, citric acid, sodium citrate | website = [https://www.whiteclaw.com www.whiteclaw.com] | designed by = }}

'''White Claw Hard Seltzer''' is an alcoholic seltzer water beverage manufactured by Mark Anthony Group. The beverage was introduced in 2016 and is sold in 12 various flavors.

The beverage is made from a blend of seltzer water, a gluten-free malted alcohol base, and fruit flavor.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=White Claw® Hard Seltzer {{!}} Made Pure®|url=https://www.whiteclaw.com/|access-date=2019-08-06|publisher=www.whiteclaw.com|language=en}}</ref> The alcohol base (termed "beer base" in customs rulings) is composed of 51% sugar, smaller amounts of yeast and nutrients, water, and trace amounts of "malted gluten-free grains".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-23|title=Customs Bulletin Weekly, Vol. 55, March 24, 2021, No. 11|url=https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2021-Mar/Vol_55_No_11_complete.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623054400/https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2021-Mar/Vol_55_No_11_complete.pdf|archive-date=2021-06-23|access-date=2021-06-23|website=U.S. Customs and Border Protection|page=8}}</ref> The exact recipe and methods are trade secrets.

== History == White Claw was created by Mark Anthony Group, run by Vancouverite Anthony von Mandl and also known for producing Mike's Hard Lemonade.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Maloney|first=Tom|date=2019-11-08|title=Vancouverite behind Mike's Hard Lemonade becomes a multibillionaire with White Claw seltzer - BNN Bloomberg|url=https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/hard-seltzer-craze-makes-white-claw-creator-a-multibillionaire-1.1345195|access-date=2021-06-23|website=BNN}}</ref> The brand experienced tremendous growth after its introduction in 2016. Von Mandl told ''Forbes'' his U.S. business is estimated to deliver close to $4 billion in revenue in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/anthony-von-mandl/|title=Anthony von Mandl|website=Forbes|accessdate=October 24, 2020}}</ref> In the summer of 2019, it was reported that White Claw accounted for over half of all total hard seltzer sales in the United States; volume sales of White Claw grew 275% over the year prior.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thetakeout.com/why-are-people-obsessed-with-white-claw-1836670721 |title=Why are people obsessed with White Claw? |author=Bernot, Kate |work=The Takeout |date=July 26, 2019 |accessdate=July 26, 2019}}</ref>

White Claw entered the Canadian market in 2020 with limited flavours, later expanding offerings. The Canadian version is made with vodka rather than a beer base.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Szklarski|first=Cassandra|date=2020-03-01|title=B.C. founder of hard seltzer White Claw surprised by drink's success|url=https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/b-c-founder-of-hard-seltzer-white-claw-surprised-by-drink-s-success-1.4834057|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311022047/https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/b-c-founder-of-hard-seltzer-white-claw-surprised-by-drink-s-success-1.4834057|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 11, 2020|access-date=2021-06-23|website=Vancouver Island|language=en}}</ref>

New flavors were introduced in for the American market in March 2020<ref>{{Cite web|last=Noennig|first=Jordyn|title=White Claw unveils new flavor variety packs of popular hard seltzer|url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/2020/03/05/where-buy-new-white-claw-flavors-watermelon-lemon-tangerine-variety-pack-milwaukee/4968224002/|access-date=2020-03-08|website=USA Today|language=en-US}}</ref> and again in March 2021, along with iced tea seltzers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=White Claw Hard Seltzer Iced Tea Is Now Available In 4 Flavors|url=https://vinepair.com/booze-news/white-claw-hard-seltzer-iced-tea-details-flavors/|access-date=2021-06-23|website=VinePair|language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) sought to re-classify White Claw in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, when importing the product. Previously classified as "beer" (to which no tariffs apply), CBP felt the beverage belonged to the category of "other fermented beverages", to which tariffs do apply. Reasons cited were that White Claw "does not have the taste, aroma, character or appearance of beer" and "is not named beer, and importantly, is not sold or marketed as beer".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-23|title=Customs Bulletin Weekly, Vol 55, March 24, 2021, No. 11|url=https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2021-Mar/Vol_55_No_11_complete.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623054400/https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2021-Mar/Vol_55_No_11_complete.pdf|archive-date=2021-06-23|access-date=2021-06-23|website=U.S. Customs and Border Protection|page=11}}</ref> The reclassification was made final on June 2, 2021, and took effect on August 1, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-02|title=Customs Bulletin Weekly, Vol. 55, June 2, 2021, No. 21|url=https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2021-Jun/Vol_55_No_21_complete.pdf|access-date=2021-06-23|website=U.S. Customs and Border Protection|page=3}}</ref>

In December 2023, White Claw released non-alcoholic seltzers with 0% alcohol.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Hauari |first=Gabe |title=White Claw 0% Alcohol: Company launches new non-alcoholic drink available in 4 flavors |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/12/05/non-alcoholic-white-claw/71810082007/ |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Popularity in the U.S.== From 2016&ndash;2020, hard seltzer sales increased at a triple-digit annual rate.<ref name="Bryson">{{Cite web |url= https://www.thedailybeast.com/how-the-hell-is-white-claw-hard-seltzer-outselling-budweiser |title=How the Hell is White Claw Hard Seltzer Outselling Budweiser?|last=Bryson|first=Lew|date=September 11, 2019|website=The DailyBeast|access-date=March 22, 2020}}</ref> In 2019, White Claw was noted the top-selling hard seltzer in the country, with 60 percent of the category market.<ref name="Bryson"/> The same year, the surge in White Claw's popularity was met with a national shortage.<ref name="Valinsky">{{Cite web |url= https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/16/business/white-claw-shortage-trnd/ |title=Why America has a White Claw shortage|last=Valinsky|first=Jordan|date=September 16, 2019|website=CNN Business|access-date=September 18, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/06/business/white-claw-shortage-trnd/ |title=America is running out of White Claw hard seltzer|last=Valinsky|first=Jordan|date=September 6, 2019|website=CNN Business|access-date=September 18, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=How White Claw became so popular there's a nationwide shortage {{!}} Produced by Seattle Times Marketing|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/explore/shop-northwest/the-hard-seltzer-that-became-the-biggest-drink-of-summer/|date=2019-09-12|website=The Seattle Times|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-08}}</ref> Throughout 2019, White Claw's popularity grew as a result of the hard seltzer's being circulated through viral social media videos, similar to the advertising of Bang Energy Drink. In the White Claw social media videos, many included the slogan "Ain't no laws when you're drinking Claws," coined in a video by YouTube comedian Trevor Wallace which gained 4.2 million views.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hard seltzer craze turns White Claw maker into a billionaire|url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/consumer-products/hard-seltzer-craze-turns-white-claw-maker-billionaire|date=2019-11-08|website=Crain's Chicago Business|language=en|access-date=2020-04-26}}</ref><ref name="Bednarski">{{Cite web |url= https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/345176/2019-was-year-of-white-claw-seltzer-for-some-t.html |title=2019 Was Year Of White Claw Seltzer -- For Some, Trend Hard To Swallow|last=Bednarski|first=P.J.|date=December 31, 2019|website=Media Post|access-date=March 22, 2020}}</ref>

In July 2020, White Claw recorded a 246.7% increase in sales when compared to the summer months of 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2020/07/07/887660648/what-beer-sales-tell-us-about-the-recession|title=What Beer Sales Tell Us About The Recession |author=Rosalsky, Greg|date=July 7, 2020 |publisher=NPR|accessdate=July 7, 2020}}</ref>

Identifying a shift in drinking trends, in December 2023, White Claw, with a reputation for hard seltzers, released a 0% alcohol seltzer. They've noticed a trend for Gen Z and Millennial groups leaning towards more sober socials. In response, White Claw has stated their 0% products will have the taste customers have come to enjoy while maintaining the sophistication of an alcoholic beverage. They plan to bottle and can flavors consumers like, are from familiar brands with electrolytes and less sugar.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 6, 2026 |title=Hard Seltzer Market (2024 - 2030) |url=https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/hard-seltzer-market |url-status=live |access-date=January 6, 2026 |website=Grandview Research}}</ref>

== Flavors and varieties == There are 29 flavors of the White Claw, divided into five varieties. The non-alcoholic seltzers are the newest addition as of December 2023,<ref name=":1" /> with Hard Seltzer Surge having the highest alcohol content of 8%.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flavors {{!}} White Claw® Hard Seltzer |url=https://www.whiteclaw.com/flavors/ |access-date=2022-12-14 |website=www.whiteclaw.com |language=en}}</ref>

'''Varieties''' * Vodka + Soda (4.5% alcohol) ** Flavors: Watermelon, Wild Cherry, Peach, Pineapple * Hard Seltzer Surf (5% alcohol) ** Flavors: Citrus Yuzu Smash, Tropical Pomelo Smash, Watermelon Lime Smash, Wildberry Acai Smash. * Hard Seltzer “Refrshr” Lemonade (5% alcohol) ** Flavors: Limon with a hint of Calamansi, Blood Orange with a hint of Raspberry, Blackberry with a hint of Red Cherry, Strawberry with a hint of Kiwi. * “Refreshr” Hard Seltzer Ice Tea (5% alcohol) ** Flavors: Ice Tea Lemon, Ice Tea Peach, Ice Tea Mango, Ice Tea Strawberry. * Hard Seltzer (5% alcohol) ** Flavors: Black Cherry, Mango, Watermelon, Natural Lime, Ruby Grapefruit, Raspberry, Lemon, Tangerine, Strawberry, Blackberry, Pineapple, Passion Fruit, Peach, Green Apple, Grape, Cranberry, Blood Orange. * Hard Seltzer Surge (8% alcohol)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wiener-Bronner |first=Danielle |date=2021-04-13 |title=White Claw’s latest hard seltzer is even boozier {{!}} CNN Business |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/13/business/white-claw-surge/index.html |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> ** Flavors: Blackberry, Natural Lime, Blood Orange, Cranberry, Green Apple, Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Strawberry. *Non-alcoholic White Claw (0% alcohol)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Snelling |first=Grace |date=5 December 2023 |title=White Claw has a surprising new seltzer flavor |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90981014/white-claw-non-alcoholic-flavored-seltzer |access-date=9 August 2024 |website=Fast Company}}</ref> **Flavors: Black Cherry Cranberry, Mango Passion Fruit, Peach Orange Blossom, Lime Yuzu. *White Claw Tequila Smash (5% alcohol)<ref>{{Cite web |title=White Claw Just Launched a Tequila Seltzer |url=https://vinepair.com/booze-news/white-claw-tequila-smash-release/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=VinePair |language=en-US}}</ref> **Flavors: Strawberry Guava, Pineapple Passion Fruit, Mango Tamarind, and Lime Prickly Pear.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Weekly Sip: White Claw takes a shot at tequila {{!}} Pistachio brand percolates into coffee |url=https://www.fooddive.com/news/white-claw-rtd-tequila-robert-downey-jr-coffee/711610/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Food Dive |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Facilities == {{Update|section|date=February 2022}} Mark Anthony Brewing, the subsidiary company that produces White Claw in the U.S., operates a manufacturing plant in Glendale, Arizona,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fifield|first=Tirion Morris and Jen|title=A White Claw factory is opening in Arizona this summer. Here's what you need to know|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/glendale/2020/01/08/white-claw-factory-open-glendale-arizona-heres-what-to-know/2844395001/|access-date=2021-06-23|website=The Arizona Republic|language=en-US}}</ref> and a distribution center in Hillside, New Jersey.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bader|first=Emily|date=2020-04-30|title=Brewing company to house 'White Claw' distribution center at industrial campus in Phillipsburg|url=https://www.roi-nj.com/2020/04/30/real_estate/brewing-company-to-house-white-claw-distribution-center-at-industrial-campus-in-phillipsburg/|access-date=2021-06-23|website=ROI-NJ|language=en-US}}</ref> Another manufacturing plant was opened in Richland County, South Carolina, in May 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |last1= |first1= |last2= |first2= |date=2022-05-12 |title=Maker of White Claw Hard Seltzer opens new facility in Richland County |work=abc Columbia |url=https://www.abccolumbia.com/2022/05/12/maker-of-white-claw-hard-seltzer-opens-new-facility-in-richland-county/ |access-date=2023-01-11}}</ref>

== See also == * Truly (brand)

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== *{{Official|https://www.whiteclaw.com}} *[https://www.markanthonyintl.com/ Mark Anthony Brands International] *[https://www.mabrewing.com/ Mark Anthony Brewing, which manufactures White Claw] *[https://www.markanthonywineandspirits.ca/ Mark Anthony Group, parent of the above companies]

Category:American beer brands Category:Carbonated water Category:Alcopops Category:2016 establishments in Illinois