Calories In Beer: A Guide For Kiwis

Beer is a popular drink in New Zealand, but many people are unaware of the calorie content. The number of calories in beer varies depending on the type and serving size. For example, a can or bottle of beer typically contains around 155 calories, while a small bottle (330 ml) of Waikato Draught has 112 calories. The calorie content also depends on the alcohol content, with higher ABV beers tending to have more calories. For instance, a 12 oz lager with 4.5% ABV has approximately 135 calories, while a 12 oz barrel-aged stout with 10.5% ABV can have up to 315 calories.

Calories in non-alcoholic beer

While beer is not packed full of sugars, as is commonly thought, it does contain alcohol, which has almost seven calories per gram. This means that alcoholic drinks can be high in calories. For example, a 330ml bottle of 5% Lager (Steinlager) contains 132 calories.

Non-alcoholic beer, on the other hand, has significantly fewer calories than its alcoholic counterpart. On average, non-alcoholic beer has 22.6 calories per 100ml, which is up to 80% less than regular soft drinks and 83% less than traditional craft beer.

The calorie content of non-alcoholic beer varies depending on the brand and type, with some containing as little as 10 calories per can. For example, Big Drop Paradiso has only 16.2 calories per 100ml, while Beavertown's Lazer Crush has 27 calories per 100ml.

Non-alcoholic beer is a good option for those looking to reduce their calorie intake, as it has fewer calories than alcoholic drinks and can help to reduce the number of 'junk' or 'empty' calories consumed. These are calories that provide very little to no nutritional benefit and can hinder your ability to meet your daily nutritional goals.

Calories in Waikato Draught

Alcohol contains 27kJ, or almost seven calories, per gram. These calories are metabolised in the liver before the nutrients from food are processed. This means that the calories from any snacks consumed alongside alcoholic drinks are more likely to be stored, which is what links drinking to weight gain.

Waikato Draught contains 112 calories per 330ml serve. This is comparable to other beers, such as Speight's Summit Ultra Low Carb Lager, which contains 87 calories per 330ml bottle, and Steinlager, which contains 132 calories per 330ml bottle.

To put this in context, a 330ml bottle of Waikato Draught contains slightly fewer calories than a bottle of Carlton Draught, which has 138.75 calories per 375ml bottle.

It's worth noting that the calorie content of beer can vary depending on the brand, style, and serving size. For example, a 330ml bottle of lager typically contains around 132 calories, while a pint (568ml) of ale may contain closer to 210 calories.

Calories in Steinlager

Steinlager Classic is an internationally award-winning beer with a robust hop nose of fresh-cut green grass and a full flavour delivered by the Green Bullet hop, grown in Nelson, New Zealand. But how many calories does it have?

Well, the number of calories in Steinlager depends on the volume of the bottle or can. A 330ml bottle of Steinlager Lager contains 132 calories, with no fat or protein and 9.9 grams of carbohydrates. In comparison, a 355ml bottle contains 150 calories, and a 12 fl. oz can or bottle contains 142 calories.

To put this into perspective, a 35-year-old female who is 5'7" tall and weighs 144 lbs would need to exercise for about 39 minutes to burn off the 142 calories in a 12 fl. oz serving of Steinlager.

It's important to note that the recommended daily intake of calories is typically around 2,000 calories for an average adult. However, individual energy needs may vary, and it's always a good idea to consult a physician or nutritionist for personalised advice.

Calories in Speight's beers

The number of calories in Speights beers varies depending on the type of beer and the serving size. Here's a breakdown of the calorie content for different Speights beers:

Speight's Summit Ultra Beer Low Carb Lager

Speight's Summit Ultra Beer is a low-carb lager with 87-88 calories per 330ml bottle or 326g serve. It has 75% less carbs than the average leading NZ beer brands, making it a good option for those watching their carb intake. It also contains approximately 0.2g of fat, 1g of protein, and 1-1.9g of carbohydrates per bottle.

Speight's Gold Medal Ale

Speight's Gold Medal Ale has around 108-109 calories per 330ml bottle. It is known for being one of the least sweet New Zealand beers, allowing the flavours of malt and hops to come through. This beer has an alcohol by volume of 4.0%.

Speight's Summit Ultra Lower Carb Lager

This variation of the Speight's Summit Ultra Beer has slightly different nutritional values. While it still has low carbohydrates, it contains 92 calories per serve. It also has an alcohol by volume of 4.2%.

It's important to note that the calorie content may vary slightly depending on the specific brewing process and serving size. Additionally, the nutritional information provided is specific to the sources available and may not cover all variations of Speights beers.

Calculating calories in beer

The number of calories in beer varies depending on the style of beer and the brewer. The calorie content of beer depends on the hops, boiling and fermenting time, the flavours used, and the flavouring time.

Factors Affecting Calorie Content

The two main factors that affect the calorie content of beer are the alcohol content and the carbohydrate content. The higher the alcohol content, the higher the calories. The carbohydrates in beer come from the grains used in the brewing process.

Calculating Calories

To calculate the calorie content of beer, you need to know the original gravity (OG) and final gravity (FG) of the beer. OG and FG are density readings of the wort/beer taken during the initial phase of the brewing process before fermentation (OG) and after fermentation has ended and before bottling (FG). The final gravity is always lower than the original gravity as yeast converts sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide during fermentation, resulting in higher carbohydrate and calorie levels in the OG than the FG.

Once you have the OG and FG measurements, you can calculate the approximate number of calories using the following equation:

> Approximate calories = (ABV% x 2.5) x fl oz

For example, for a Budweiser beer with an ABV of 5%, the calculation would be: 5% x 2.5 = 12.5 x 12 fl oz = 150 calories.

Alternatively, you can use an online calculator or a mobile app to calculate the calorie content of beer. Simply input the required values, such as OG and FG, and the calculator will provide the approximate calorie content of the beer.

Calories and Weight Gain

It is important to note that drinking beer or any other alcoholic beverage can contribute to weight gain. Alcohol contains approximately 27kJ per gram, which is almost seven calories. These calories are metabolised in the liver, and as the body prioritises burning alcohol over stored fat, regular drinking can lead to weight gain. Additionally, drinking alcohol can increase appetite and lead to consuming more food, further contributing to weight gain.

Frequently asked questions