Healthy Cocktail Options To Feel Good About

It's no secret that Americans are all about living healthier lifestyles these days. From working out to changing eating habits, everyone is looking for ways to feel healthy without the compromise.

In response, food companies are adapting by removing unnatural and unwanted ingredients, and launching new "healthier" product lines for customers. Most recently, alcohol companies have introduced options that cater to demand from health-conscious consumers.

Photo: Edward Garrity for SpikedSeltzer

According to a recent survey collaboration between Harris Poll and Truly Spiked & Sparkling, 47 percent of Americans who drink expressed that there are not enough low-calorie alcoholic options out there.  Not surprising since most social events usually involve food and drink, 45 percent of people also said it's hard to be strict in these situations.

One new alternative to hit the market: spiked seltzer from brands like White Claw Hard Seltzer, Truly Spiked & Sparkling and SpikedSeltzer. The product descriptions all have the right buzzwords including gluten free, low-calorie, low-carb, natural and no artificial flavors or sweeteners.

Speaking of gluten free, there are more alternatives than ever that fit the bill, such as vodka, beer and cider. While a gluten-free drink might not necessarily be healthier, people feel like they are making healthier choices based on the ingredients.

Photo: Courtesy of White Claw Seltzer via Facebook

Some distillery companies are even going a step further to remove alcohol completely from products by rolling out a selection of nonalcoholic, all-natural, vegan and gluten-free alternatives. Diageo, the world's largest distiller, has joined forces with Seedlip, a British distillery making nonalcoholic products.

Even beer drinkers are more curious about what's in their glasses. According to another Harris Poll survey, eight in 10 beer drinkers read nutrition labels. Earlier this month, the Beer Institute announced the Brewers' Voluntary Disclosure Initiative, which is encouraging its companies to be transparent about ingredients and serving facts. The initiative calls for beer brewers to highlight these features on their labels by 2020. Is that full-flavor, low-calorie beer on the horizon? We'll have to wait and see.