For many people, drinking beer results in a high calorie intake. With some brews, this can certainly be the case, but, there are many ways to shave a few calories off. There are lower calorie beers and alternatives that are typically lower in calorie content. In this blog post, our beer experts help you to understand beer calories, including what creates and reduces them, and what to look out for if you want to lose weight but still enjoy a nice beer.

In its simplest definition, beer is a blend of water, hops, barley and yeast. Calories in beer come primarily from two components: alcohol and carbohydrates. The balance of these elements not only defines the character of the beer but also its caloric content.

Alcohol is formed during the fermentation process, as yeast converts sugars from malted barley into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Generally, the higher the alcohol content (ABV - alcohol by volume), the higher the calorie count. The efficiency of the yeast in converting sugars to alcohol can also affect the calorie content. Some sugars are non-fermentable, and their presence will add to the beer's calorie count as residual sweetness. This is why beers like stouts and IPAs, often richer in alcohol, can be more calorific.

Carbohydrates in beer mostly come from the residual sugars that aren’t fermented into alcohol. These sugars add sweetness and body to the beer, but they also add calories. The type of malt used and the extent of its fermentation will influence the carbohydrate content and, consequently, the calorie count.

Different brewing techniques and ingredients also play an important role in the beer's calorie content. For instance, adding fruit or sweeteners to flavoured beers can increase the calorie count. Similarly, the use of different grains, like wheat or corn, can alter the caloric composition compared to the traditional barley.

If you're mindful of calorie intake, you can make informed choices that satisfy both your palate and your dietary preferences.

While every beer is unique, with its own profile and character, understanding the average calorie content across different beer types can help you make choices that align with your dietary preferences. Here, we compare the average calorie counts in a pint (approximately 568ml) of various beer types:

Standard lagers typically range from 180 to 200 calories per pint, so around 115 calories per 330ml can. Bach95 has just 99 calories per can, saving 10%  These are popular, easy-drinking beers with a clean, crisp taste.

Bitters, ales, and IPAs can be high in calorie count, averaging over 200 calories per pint, due to their higher alcohol content and the generous use of hops during their brewing process. For pale ales, you can expect around 180 to 200 calories per pint. Pale Ales are known for their balance and slightly fruity notes from the use of different hops and malts.

Stouts and porters are darker, richer beers that typically have calorie counts ranging from 200 to 250 per pint. Their robust flavour comes from the use of roasted malts, which contribute to the calorie content more than lighter malts.

Flavoured beers vary significantly in calorie content, usually ranging from 200 to 300 calories per pint, depending on the type and amount of additional ingredients, like fruits, spices, or chocolate.

Remember, these figures are averages and can vary based on the specific brew and brewing process. It’s always a good idea to check the label or ask the brewery if you’re watching your calorie intake.

●     Opt for lighter beers: if calorie content is a concern, consider lighter beer options like low ABV, session lagers or table or session ales, which offer flavour without the high-calorie count.

●     Check the ABV: be mindful of the alcohol content. Choosing beers with a lower ABV can significantly reduce calorie intake.

●     Mind the serving size: sometimes it's not just about what you drink but how much. Opting for a smaller serving can help manage calorie intake.

If keeping an eye on calorie and carb intake is important to you, we'd recommend Bach 95. A brewery close to us that creates some great, flavourful beers, which are not only gluten free but lower in calories.