SLIM PICKINGS

WHAT: Angry Orchard Hard Cider, Easy Apple flavor

STATS: One 12-ounce bottle contains 150 calories and zero fat, 19 carbohydrate, 1 fiber, 15 sugar and zero protein grams. More information at angryorchard.com.

THE SKINNY: It’s the time of year known as PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) season. It’s also AC season — not air conditioning (though it’s still blowing), but apple cider!

If you prefer your cider to be the adult variety, there are plenty of hard kinds out there, many with a good deal of calories and sugar. Angry Orchard is helping to make skinny jeans less angry with gluten-free Easy Apple; one bottle has at least 50 fewer calories and considerably less sugar than other hard ciders. But less sugar does mean less sweetness. It tasted to me, an admitted beer sissy, more like a fruity lager than a cider (it contains 4.2 percent alcohol by volume, the same as Bud Light With Lime).

Still, those seeking a lighter autumn refreshment will find that Easy goes down easy. — Photo and story by

Jennifer Christman Slim Pickings is a weekly review of light foods. Email:

jchristman@arkansasonline.com