When Molson Coors (NYSE: TAP) announced Vizzy – its first hard seltzer – in December of last year, the beverage company had no idea that when the drink hit stores in April it would be in the midst of a global pandemic . Yet considering that Vizzy Hard Seltzer contains the antioxidant Vitamin C, the timing wasn’t terrible.

Vizzy Hard Seltzer comes in a variety 12-pack containing four distinct flavor blends: Black Cherry Lime, Blueberry Pomegranate, Pineapple Mango, and Strawberry Kiwi. Each flavor contains 100 calories per can, one gram of sugar, two grams of carbs, five percent ABV, and of course Vitamin C. Vizzy is also gluten free.

Hard Seltzer with Acerola Cherry

In a crowded market of hard seltzers, Vizzy hopes to distinguish itself by being the first of its kind; no other seltzer has the Vitamin C that Vizzy offers consumers. The added antioxidant comes from acerola cherry, a superfruit containing approximately 30 times more Vitamin C per cup than your average orange.

Adding antioxidants is a solid strategy for setting oneself apart in the hard seltzer space, considering much of the genre’s popularity is based on its “better-for-you” profile. Most hard seltzers tend to average around 100 calories or less per 12 ounce serving and are low in both sugars and carbs.

Consumers looking for healthier yet hard options have flocked to spiked seltzer because it is lighter in calories than beer or wine, and lower in alcohol than liquor. It is a smooth session beverage that still tastes delicious, with a flavor profile closer to a flavored sparkling water than a traditional beer.

Vizzy liked the benefits of Vitamin C

While hard seltzer already tends to be better for you than the competition, Vizzy has the added bonus of increasing your Vitamin C levels, something everyone could use a bit more of – particularly in light of the on-going COVID-19 situation.

With the addition of Vizzy to its portfolio, Molson Coors aims to win the wellness category. “The hard seltzer category is becoming more crowded with many brands following the same playbook,” said Elizabeth Hitch, director of hard seltzers. “We created Vizzy to have all of the things the other hard seltzers have but with a meaningful addition that drinkers actually care about, antioxidant Vitamin C.”

Vitamins could reduce hangovers

In addition to boosting your immune system, evidence suggests that Vitamin C may reduce alcohol toxicity. Vitamin B, magnesium, and zinc showed similar results. According to Psychology Today, “taking vitamin C before drinking may increase the rate at which alcohol is cleared from the blood. Taking 2 grams of Vitamin C one hour before alcohol consumption increases the rate at which alcohol is cleared from the blood, and may reduce acute toxic effects on the liver.”

Furthermore, taking antioxidant vitamins – such as Vitamin C – “close to the time of alcohol consumption may reduce or prevent hangover symptoms by neutralizing metabolites of alcohol that cause oxidative damage to the body and brain.” In other words, the Vitamin C from Vizzy could help prevent or reduce the effect of hangovers.

As we move into cooler months and face seasonal colds in addition to COVID-19, Vizzy and its extra Vitamin C will likely be more needed than ever.

Erin Grafton
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