Twisted Tea is a popular hard iced tea brand found throughout the United States. The beer is often found in stores and grocery centers throughout the country and is typically sold in 12-packs for barbecues, events and parties, as well as for personal consumption and stockpiling in home refrigerators. So how much does a 12 pack of Twisted Tea cost?
This contrasts with most other grocery items for which there is typically little price variation between retailers who carry the same brand and size of product. As with any other product, the final price that a consumer pays for a 12-pack of Twisted Tea in a store will be determined by a number of factors, including state and local alcohol taxes, store local regulations, retailer’s pricing strategy, promotions and seasonal demand.
Because of the many variables in pricing that affect hard iced tea, it is difficult for a consumer to know the price of a 12 pack of Twisted Tea in advance of purchasing a case. After conducting a price comparison for a case of 12 at various retailers across the country that sell hard iced tea, it appears that, on average, there is a range in which this product is typically sold.
Short Answer
For most consumers the price for a 12 pack of Twisted Tea will fall between $15 and $21 before adding on any taxes or deposit. As a rule of thumb most consumers can expect to pay $17 to $19 for a 12 pack of Twisted Tea at a grocery store or package liquor store.
The price of a 12 pack of Twisted Tea at a convenience store or through an alcohol delivery service can be higher than typical prices found at other retailers, due to higher retail markups and additional fees for delivery.
Why Doesn’t Every Store Charge the Same Price?
You might have noticed that some stores sell the same 12 pack of beer for a different price. Often people assume that packaged goods are priced the same at every store that sells them, but this is not the case with alcohol.
For instance, a store in a state with a low excise tax on alcohol will probably charge less for a 12 pack of Twisted Tea than a store in a state with a higher excise tax. This is because the retailer must pay the higher tax in states with higher excise taxes. These taxes are then passed on to the consumer in the form of higher prices for the alcohol.
Why is there such a variance in price between retailers? While grocery stores compete with one another to keep prices down, they still do not receive the same wholesale prices from distributors as warehouse retailers such as Costco. That is because warehouse clubs purchase such massive quantities of merchandise, that the distributors are motivated to offer them deep discounts in order to sell as much product as possible. In contrast, independent retailers purchase in much smaller quantities and thus pay higher wholesale prices for the exact same products. The difference is then passed on to the consumer in the form of higher retail prices at the independent store.
Some items, such as alcohol, can cost more depending on the location of the store because of the added cost of transportation to get the product to the retailer. This is especially true for retailers that are far from the distribution centers for alcohol. Also, there are some locations where there are few distributors of alcohol. This can cause the retailer to pay more to get the products that they need to stock on their shelves.
Average Price of a 12 Pack of Twisted Tea
While prices may vary based on location, here is an approximate idea of what consumers can expect to pay for a 12-pack of Twisted Tea, averaged by retailer type.
| Retailer | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Warehouse Clubs | $15–$17 |
| Grocery Stores | $16–$19 |
| Liquor Stores | $17–$20 |
| Convenience Stores | $18–$21 |
The average price of a 12-pack of Twisted Tea in Original flavor is listed below. Prices for Limited Edition flavors may vary. It is common for these varieties to be on sale for a short time, and sometimes as much as several dollars off for a promotion.
What Has the Biggest Impact on the Price?
Price factors: a number of factors can determine the final price which the consumer pays for a product in retail stores. Some of the most important factors include the State Alcohol taxes, the retailer’s pricing strategy and Seasonal demand for the product. In addition the retailer may offer the product on promotion from time to time, and the consumer may also be able to obtain a rebate from the manufacturer.
State Taxes
The taxes on alcohol can vary greatly from state to state, and can even be higher within a state for different types of alcoholic beverages. These excise taxes get added into the price of a product immediately. Additionally, the sales tax on a product can vary greatly from state to state and even within a state from city to city. This sales tax can add significantly to the final price of the product.
Retailer Pricing Strategy
The retail price of a product is influenced by the individual price strategy that a retailer adopts. Large retailers, such as supermarkets and warehouse clubs, sell products at very low profit margins because they are sold in high volume. Small liquor stores, on the other hand, are typically priced to cover their costs of doing business.
Seasonal Demand
Twisted Tea is more popular during the warmer months. Therefore, summer holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day often will cause a spike in demand for the product. In some instances, but not all instances, these higher points in demand will be met with special pricing for a limited time. As with typical pricing scenarios, the price will revert back to normal after the special promotion ends.
Promotions and Manufacturer Rebates
Retailers frequently run limited-time discounts throughout the year. These promotions may include:
- Weekly sale prices
- Buy-more-and-save offers
- Digital coupons
- Store loyalty discounts
- Holiday promotions
We also review weekly sales to look for promotions on a 12 pack that can save you several dollars for a short time. These sales may be in the form of a one time coupon or store promotion that can last from a few days to a week or so.
Does the Flavor Change the Price?
For the most part, no.
For the most part, no. The Original flavor, Half & Half, Peach, Raspberry, and the rest of the Twisted Tea flavors that are considered part of the core flavor line-up typically are going to be priced similarly at most retailers. The main reason for this is because the production cost for the flavors is essentially the same. There are times, however, when the retailer may charge more for certain flavors, typically seasonal flavors or limited-edition flavors, but that difference typically is not by a lot and usually is only at certain retailers.
On the odd occasion that a retailer may offer other flavors, such as seasonal flavors or limited edition flavor variety packs, the prices may be higher due to the lower production quantity and higher demand. But as a rule, the difference is minimal and only offered by certain retailers.
Does a 12 Pack Buy More than Individual Cans of Twisted Tea?
Twisted Tea cans individually are purchased by consumers who occasionally want a single beer or are looking for a convenience item. These cans are the worst value when purchasing in quantities. For example, the 12 pack is purchased for $18, or $1.50 per can. Purchasing single Twisted Tea cans at retail stores such as convenience stores will cost $2.50-$3.50 per can. That would mean that purchasing 12 single cans would cost much more than the 12 pack.
For example, $18 for a 12-pack would mean a $1.50 price per can. In contrast, buying individual cans at a retail store like a convenience store could cost as much as $2.50-$3.50 per can. Thus, the total for 12 individual cans could be much, much higher than $18 for a 12 pack.
In addition to a better value, the 12 pack offers the consumer the advantage of fewer shopping trips and better availability of the product for social functions.
How Does a 12 Pack Compare With Other Package Sizes?
There are several varieties of packages that Twisted Tea is sold in including 6-packs, 12-packs and 24-packs. Each of these sizes are intended for different consumers and will help meet their particular needs. The 6-pack is the best size for those who want to purchase beer in smaller quantities. These packages cost less up front than 12-packs or 24-packs but the cost per can is more than the larger packages of Tea.
For many, the 12-pack is the best balance between affordability and value.
Where Can You Usually Find the Best Prices?
Pricing for Twisted Tea typically remains constant throughout the year at most retailers but changes from retailer to retailer. Typically, the best value can be found at Warehouse clubs (i.e. Costco, Sam’s Club) and large grocery store chains. Large grocery stores often run weekly specials that can be found online or through their mobile apps.
Warehouse clubs, such as Costco, typically have the lowest everyday price on Twisted Tea. Large grocery stores, like Kroger and Safeway, regularly run weekly specials on Twisted Tea, especially in the summer. To find the best price, research prices online before you head out to shop. Most online retailer sites and many store’s mobile apps will list the store’s weekly promotions. Some of the best places to look for great prices on Twisted Tea are: Warehouse retailers, Large grocery stores, Beverage superstores, Liquor store weekly specials and Holiday sales.
It is wise to compare prices for an item before purchasing it, especially if you are buying it to save money. Many retailers list their weekly sales on their websites and even in their mobile apps. Grocery stores, such as warehouse clubs and large grocery stores, frequently hold sales on beverages, including beer and wine, especially during the summer months. Also, it is wise to check the weekly liquor store specials as well as any holiday sales for especially low prices.
Some of the best places to look include:
- Warehouse retailers
- Large grocery chains
- Beverage superstores
- Liquor store weekly specials
- Holiday promotional sales
Checking prices for a product before you head out to buy it can save you several dollars for the same product.
Is Online Ordering More Expensive?
Ordering alcohol online may save you cash but it’s not always a bargain, especially when you look at the total cost to you including a delivery fee, service charge, local tax and even a gratuity for the driver.
Once a customer locates the product online and looks at the price, they will be surprised to find that even if the listed online price looks competitive to similar products, the price to have it delivered to their front door is a much higher number. Often there are additional charges such as delivery fees, service charges, local and other municipal taxes, and lastly the driver would appreciate a tip for bringing the product to the customers front door. These added costs can drive the final delivered cost of a 12 pack of beer to a price of several dollars per can higher than buying the same 12 pack in a retail store.
Those willing to spend extra money on delivering products will find it worthwhile. For those who want the cheapest beer possible, then purchasing from local store is better.
Is a 12 Pack Worth Buying?
For most consumers, the answer is yes.
If you ever find yourself hosting a party or gathering with friends and family, like a cookout, beach party or just watching a ball game, then a 12 pack of your favorite Twisted Tea is the best way to go. Not only will you get the best value, most retailers run 12 packs as a seasonal promotion. And, as an occasional drinker, buying a 12 pack of your favorite beverage will save you money in the long run. For example, as an occasional drinker, if you were to buy a single can of your favorite beverage every now and then, you just aren’t going to save as much money as you would if you were to purchase a 12 pack of 12 oz. cans of your favorite beverage on a regular basis. So, by buying a 12 pack, you will be saving money in the long run.
This information can be especially useful for the occasional drinker. Because the occasional drinker purchases a single can of beer every few weeks, they won’t save as much money by purchasing a 12-pack of Twisted Tea as a regular drinker will. However, as a regular drinker, the information can help you save money in the long run by purchasing the largest package of cans available for sale.
Ways to Save Money When Buying Twisted Tea
Save money on Twisted Tea by altering your shopping habits.
- Compare prices between grocery stores and liquor stores.
- Save by Buying a 12 Pack During Holidays like Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day when many retailers offer special promotions on 12 packs.
- Use retailer loyalty programs whenever available.
- Check weekly digital ads before shopping.
- Buy larger multipacks if you’ll use them.
- Avoid purchasing from convenience stores unless necessary.
- Watch for manufacturer rebates and limited-time discounts.
Final Thoughts
The average price for a 12 pack of Twisted Tea is around $15-$21 before tax. Most consumers pay around $17-$19 for a 12 pack of Twisted Tea before tax. Prices for Twisted Tea can vary greatly from state to state, from city to city, and from retailer to retailer. Generally, a consumer can expect to pay the highest price at a convenience store and the lowest price at a warehouse club or a large grocery store. Purchasing a case of Twisted Tea during a retailer’s special promotion during holidays such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day can help a regular consumer of Twisted Tea save money throughout the year. By researching prices at local retailers, a consumer can ensure that they are receiving the best price for the product that they want.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many states charge the same price for a 12 pack of Twisted Tea?
No. Prices for a 12-pack of Twisted Tea vary from state to state due to the different alcohol taxes, and also because of different distribution methods and laws of each state.
Do bottle deposits increase the total cost?
Yes. In the states that require container deposits (bottle deposits) the cost of the deposit is added to the cost of the product. However when the container is returned to a return center or other approved return location the deposit is refunded.
Are variety packs more than regular Twisted Tea?
Yes. While generally a little more expensive, some of the beer varieties found in a mixed package can be priced a few dollars more than the typical 12-pack case of a single flavor of beer.
Can I buy a 12pack of Twisted Tea online?
Yes. Many retailers allow you to buy online and have delivered to you when allowed by local law. Additionally, you will be charged a fee for delivery as well as other service charges.
When is the cheapest time to buy Twisted Tea?
The best time to look for deals on Twisted Tea is during the major summer holidays, including Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. There are also many sales on Twisted Tea throughout the year as part of retailer’s weekly ads and other seasonal beer sales.
