Lucy Palmer
India Pale Ales, or IPAs, are a popular style of beer, accounting for about 25% of all domestic craft beer sales. They are known for their high alcohol content and strong aroma, often exploring fruity flavours. While beer in moderation is generally considered good for health, IPAs are high in calories, with regular IPAs ranging from 200 to 300 calories per serving. This high-calorie content is due to their high alcohol and, to a lesser extent, carb content. Thus, IPAs can be considered fattening, especially when consumed in large quantities.
Are IPA Beers Fattening?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | Regular IPAs, double or imperial IPAs, and Belgian-style Trippels pack 200 to 300 calories. A lower-alcohol “session” IPA cuts that to 140 or so. Newer "lo-cal" IPAs go as low as 100 calories. |
| Alcohol Content | Regular IPAs have 7% to 11% alcohol. Session IPAs are below 5% ABV. |
| Health Benefits | A German study found that mice that drank hoppy beer had the least amount of fat buildup in their livers compared to mice that drank regular beer or hard liquor. |
What You'll Learn
IPAs have a high calorie count
Regular IPAs, double or imperial IPAs, and Belgian-style Trippels are considered heavy hitters when it comes to alcohol content, typically ranging from 7% to 11% alcohol. As a result, these beers also pack a punch in terms of calories, ranging from 200 to 300 calories per serving. That's significantly higher than a typical 12 oz. beer, which has around 140 calories, similar to a can of Coke.
It's worth noting that "session" IPAs, which have a lower alcohol content, typically below 5%, will also have a lower calorie count, usually around 140 calories or even less. Some newer "lo-cal" IPAs can go as low as 100 calories, providing an option for those conscious of their calorie intake.
When it comes to draft pours, the calorie count can add up even more. A 16 or 20 oz. glass of an average beer can contain 200 to 250 calories, making it even easier to consume a significant number of calories without realizing it.
While IPAs have their benefits and are enjoyable for many, it's important to be mindful of their calorie content and consume them in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle.
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Alcohol is responsible for many deaths
While IPAs have been found to have certain health benefits, such as reduced fat buildup in the liver, alcohol consumption in general is linked to a number of negative health outcomes and is responsible for many deaths worldwide.
Alcohol is a toxic and psychoactive substance that can cause dependence, and alcohol consumption is associated with significant health risks and harms. The World Health Organization estimates that alcohol kills around 3 million people worldwide every year, making it the cause of about 5.3% of all human deaths annually. This means that about 1 in 20 deaths worldwide is the result of an alcohol-related disease, injury, accident, murder, or suicide. To put this in perspective, the rate of alcohol-related deaths is greater than that caused by HIV, which accounts for less than 2% of deaths worldwide.
Alcohol consumption plays a causal role in more than 200 diseases, injuries, and other health conditions. It is linked to an increased risk of developing liver disease, heart disease, and different types of cancers, including breast, liver, head and neck, oesophageal, and colorectal cancers. Alcohol is also a contributing factor in mental health and behavioural conditions such as depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorders.
The negative consequences of alcohol consumption extend beyond the individual drinker. Alcohol-related injuries, such as road traffic accidents, often involve other people and can result in fatalities. In 2019, out of a total of 298,000 deaths from alcohol-related road crashes globally, 156,000 deaths were caused by someone else's drinking. Alcohol is also a factor in intentional injuries, including violence, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and suicide.
In the United States alone, there are approximately 261 alcohol-related deaths every day. Drunk driving fatalities, while on the decline since 1991, still result in tragic losses, with an average of 28 to 30 lives lost every day in accidents involving drunk driving. Alcohol is also the number one substance tied to homicides, with 7,334 homicides annually having alcohol as a contributing factor.
The impact of alcohol consumption on mortality varies across demographics. Men are more likely to drink heavily and develop alcoholism, and they account for a higher proportion of alcohol-related deaths. Worldwide, 2 million out of the 2.6 million alcohol-attributable deaths in 2019 were among men, and this trend is reflected in national statistics as well. Additionally, younger people are disproportionately affected by alcohol consumption, with the highest proportion of alcohol-attributable deaths occurring in individuals between the ages of 20 and 39.
While the specific health consequences of IPA consumption may differ from other alcoholic beverages due to their unique characteristics, it is important to remember that excessive alcohol consumption in any form can have severe negative consequences on health and safety.
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Beer's calories depend on alcohol content
Beer is a popular alcoholic drink, with IPAs accounting for about 25% of all domestic craft beer sales. But are these beers fattening?
The answer is: it depends. A typical 12 oz. beer has about 140 calories, which is comparable to a can of Coke. However, some beers can have twice that amount. The calorie content of beer depends mostly on its alcohol content and, to a lesser extent, its carbohydrate content.
For example, very low-alcohol beers (2% to 3% alcohol) start at around 60 calories in 12 oz., while most light beers (4% alcohol) have about 100 calories. Regular beers with an average alcohol content of 5% have around 150 calories.
IPAs, on the other hand, tend to have higher alcohol content (7% to 11%) and pack 200 to 300 calories. However, there are also lower-alcohol "session" IPAs with around 140 calories, and newer "lo-cal" IPAs that can go as low as 100 calories.
It's important to note that alcoholic drinks, including beer, have empty" calories, meaning they provide little to no nutritional value. These empty calories can contribute to weight gain, especially if consumed in excess. Additionally, alcohol can increase your appetite, leading to the consumption of more food and subsequent weight gain. Therefore, watching your alcohol intake and choosing lower-calorie options can be important for maintaining a healthy weight.
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Hazy IPAs may have more calories
The calorie content of beer depends mostly on its alcohol content and, to a lesser extent, its carbohydrate content. A typical 12-ounce beer has about 140 calories, which is comparable to a can of Coke. The calorie count can vary significantly, ranging from 60 to over 2000 calories per serving.
IPAs, or India Pale Ales, are a popular style of beer that accounts for about 25% of all domestic craft beer sales. Within the IPA category, there are various styles, including West Coast IPAs, New England IPAs, and Belgian IPAs, each with distinct characteristics.
Hazy IPAs, also known as New England IPAs, are unfiltered and have extremely low bitterness due to the use of specific hop blends. They tend to be fermented with lower carbonation, resulting in a hazy appearance and a fruit-forward flavour profile. While hazy IPAs are known for their intense fruity flavours and aromas, they may also contain more calories than other styles of IPAs.
The calorie content of hazy IPAs can vary depending on several factors, including the alcohol content, which is typically around 7% to 11% for regular IPAs. The higher alcohol concentration in IPAs contributes to a higher calorie count, with heavy hitters like regular IPAs, double or imperial IPAs, and Belgian-style Trippels packing 200 to 300 calories per serving.
Additionally, the brewing process and ingredients used in hazy IPAs can influence their calorie content. The use of specific yeast strains, hops, and adjuncts can all impact the final calorie count. While hazy IPAs may have more calories than some other beer styles, it's important to remember that the overall calorie content of any beer depends on multiple factors and can vary significantly between different brands and styles.
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German scientists found IPAs reduced fat buildup in mice livers
German scientists recently conducted a study on the health benefits of IPAs. They split female mice into three groups, with one group consuming hoppy beer, another group drinking beer without hops, and the third group consuming straight-up ethanol. After 12 hours, the scientists analysed the mice's livers and found that those who drank the hoppy beer had the least amount of fat buildup, while the groups that consumed regular beer and hard liquor had more.
The researchers suggested that the hops content in beer may protect the liver from the harmful effects of alcohol. However, it is important to note that the study was funded by the German brewing industry, and the results may not directly apply to humans. Nonetheless, the findings provide interesting insights into the potential health benefits of IPAs.
While IPAs may have some potential health benefits, it is important to remember that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Alcoholic beverages, including IPAs, typically contain a significant number of calories, and excessive consumption can contribute to an unhealthy diet and weight gain. Therefore, it is crucial to practise moderation when consuming IPAs or any other alcoholic beverage.
In conclusion, while German scientists found that IPAs reduced fat buildup in mice livers, it is important to interpret these findings with caution and maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
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Frequently asked questions
All alcoholic drinks contain calories, and IPAs are no exception. A typical 12 oz. beer has around 140 calories, which is the same as a can of Coke. A regular 5% alcohol brew, like Budweiser, has around 150 calories. IPAs tend to be stronger, with alcohol content ranging from 7% to 11%, and can contain 200 to 300 calories. However, newer "lo-cal" IPAs, like Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty, have around 100 calories.
The calorie content in beer depends mainly on alcohol content and, to a lesser extent, on carbohydrates. Therefore, IPAs with higher alcohol content tend to have more calories. Additionally, some IPAs may have higher carbohydrate content, which can also increase the calorie count.
While alcohol consumption is generally not considered healthy, some studies suggest that IPAs may offer certain benefits. For example, a German study found that female mice who consumed hoppy beer had less fat buildup in their livers compared to those who drank beer without hops or straight-up ethanol. However, it is important to note that the results of animal studies may not directly translate to humans, and alcohol consumption is associated with various health risks.
