# Sour Seltzers Alcohol brands are releasing seltzer beverages in sour flavors. By [Grace Mahas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Grace.Mahas), VP of Content & Insights | Published May 7, 2021 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sour-seltzers ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.7/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Sour Seltzers trend? **Sour Seltzers:** Brands in the alcohol space are launching new sour seltzer beverages to appeal to consumers looking for novel flavors. These ready-made cocktails are convenient for at-home and on-the-go consumption. ## The consumer insight behind the Sour Seltzers trend The popularity of spiked sparkling water continues to grow as consumers seek low-carb, low-sugar, and low-calorie beverages. Knowing that the hard seltzer market is a competitive one, brands are trying to set themselves apart in an increasingly crowded market with novel offerings that focus on flavor. As a result, many consumers are eager to experiment with these unconventional products that still meet their lifestyle needs. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 15, 2019 to Jul 29, 2021 - Published: May 7, 2021 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Sour Seltzers trend ### Sour Seltzers Brands are introducing novel sour flavors to appeal to consumers seeking low-carb, low-sugar, and low-calorie beverages. ### Limited-Edition Offerings Brands are capitalizing on the popularity of the hard seltzer market by introducing limited-edition flavors and high-ABV options. ### Natural and Artisanal Flavors Brands are differentiating themselves from competitors by using high-quality ingredients and offering intriguing flavors like tropical mango guava and sour candy-inspired seltzers. ## What the Sour Seltzers trend means for industry ### For Alcohol Alcohol brands are competing in a crowded market by introducing novel and intriguing seltzer offerings. ### For Beverage Brands are offering low-carb, low-sugar and low-calorie options to meet consumer needs and capitalize on the success of the hard seltzer market. ### For Packaging Brands are using sustainable and innovative packaging materials to appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers in the hard seltzer market. ## Workshop question What novelty flavor or ingredient can your brand use for its next offering? ## Trend signals for Sour Seltzers Trend score 3.7 out of 10, from popularity 55%, activity 48%, freshness 10%. - Popularity: 55% - Activity: 48% - Freshness: 10% ## Examples of the Sour Seltzers trend 5 featured examples from Aug 15, 2019 to Jul 29, 2021. - [Limted-Edition Sour Seltzers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natural-light-sour-seltzer): Natural Light Launched a Sour Seltzer Just in Time for Summer (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The release of Natural Light's sour seltzers represents an innovation opportunity in the alcoholic beverage industry, particularly for fruit-flavored and limited-edition products. - [Ready-to-Drink Summer Seltzers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/summer-seltzer-flavors): These New Summer Seltzer Flavors are Refreshing and Delicious (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for alcoholic beverage companies to expand their product line with low-calorie seltzers and sustainably packaged beverages. - [Light Zero-Sugar Hard Seltzers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funky-buddha-premium-hard-seltzer): Funky Buddha Premium Hard Seltzer is Brewed from Cane Sugar & Agave (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce innovative alcoholic beverage options that cater to changing consumer preferences. - [High-ABV Seltzers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/four-loko-selzter): The "Hardest Seltzer in the Universe" by Four Loko Boasts 14% ABV (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The beverage industry can leverage high-ABV seltzers as a disruption in the market and provide consumers with a refreshing and potent drinking experience. - [Sour Candy Seltzers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artisanal-brew-works): Artisanal Brew Works Created Hard Seltzers Inspired by Warheads (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The trend of unique and novel flavors in alcoholic beverages presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for brands in the industry. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)