Beer Vs Wine: Which Drink Is Lower Calorie?

Alcoholic drinks are often loaded with calories, and different drinks contain varying amounts. Beer and wine are two of the most popular alcoholic drinks, and many people wonder which of the two contains more calories. While wine has more alcohol by volume (ABV) than beer, beer is usually served in larger volumes. So, which is it? Is beer or wine lower in calories?

Beer has more calories per ounce

When it comes to calories, beer or wine, which is worse? Well, it's not quite as simple as that. It depends on what type of beer or wine you're drinking, and how much of it you're drinking.

Firstly, it's important to note that pure alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, which is more than protein and carbs (4 calories per gram) but less than fat (9 calories per gram). So, generally speaking, the beverage with the higher alcohol content will have more calories. However, this is not the whole story, as the total volume of the beverage and the presence of carbohydrates and sugars also play a role.

Beer is usually served in larger volumes than wine. While a glass of wine is typically around 150ml, a pint of beer is 570ml. So, despite wine having a higher alcohol content (wine ranges from 10-15% ABV while beer is usually between 3.5-6% ABV), when you take serving sizes into account, the calorie difference from alcohol content isn't that different between the two. A 150ml glass of wine has 80-140 calories from alcohol, and a 425ml schooner of beer has 80-140 alcohol calories.

However, beer is made from grains and is therefore significantly higher in carbohydrates. The yeast used in the brewing process is unable to ferment all the carbohydrates in the beer, so these leftover carbohydrates contribute to the overall calorie count. A 425ml schooner of beer contains 6-18 grams of carbs, or 24-72 calories from carbs. On the other hand, wine is pretty low in sugar content, with generally between 0.5-2 grams per 150ml glass, which provide 2-8 calories from carbs.

So, while a serving of wine (5oz) has 118 calories, and a serving of beer (12oz) has 147 calories, when it comes to calories per ounce, beer has more, with 13 calories per ounce compared to wine's 24.

If you're watching your weight, it's important to remember that alcohol doesn't provide nutritious calories, and consuming it can make it more challenging to lose weight. So, it's best to choose your drinks wisely and drink in moderation.

Wine has more calories per serving

However, it is important to note that the type of wine and beer makes a difference. For example, a typical glass of red wine contains 3.8 grams of carbohydrates, which equates to 125 calories, while a glass of dessert wine can contain up to 17.2 grams of carbohydrates, resulting in 200 calories. Similarly, a pint of standard lager contains approximately 170 calories, whereas a high ABV stout can contain up to 210 calories.

The reason for the variation in calories between different types of wine and beer lies in their alcohol and carbohydrate content. Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, while carbohydrates contain 4 calories per gram. Therefore, beverages with higher ABV or higher residual sugar levels will have more calories.

In summary, while wine generally has more calories per serving than beer, the specific type and serving size of the beverage also play a significant role in determining the overall calorie count.

Low-calorie beers exist

If you're watching your calorie intake, you don't have to give up beer. There are plenty of low-calorie options available, from lagers to stouts, that are both refreshing and tasty.

Low-calorie beers are produced by adding an additional enzyme during the brewing or fermentation process. This enzyme breaks down starch molecules into simple sugars, leaving no remaining carbohydrates. They also have a relatively low alcohol content to keep the total calorie count low.

• Budweiser Select: 55 calories per 12 ounces (354 ml)
• Molson Ultra: 70 calories per 12 ounces (3.5% ABV)
• Coors Light: 102 calories per 12 ounces (4.2% ABV)
• Corona Light: 99 calories per 12 ounces (3.7% ABV)
• Yuengling Light Lager: 99 calories per 12 ounces (3.8% ABV)
• Amstel Light: 95 calories per 12 ounces (4% ABV)
• Heineken Light: 97 calories per 12 ounces (4.2% ABV)
• Dogfish Head Slighty Mighty: 95 calories per 12 ounces (4% ABV)
• Lagunitas DayTime: 98 calories per 12 ounces (4.1% ABV)
• Guinness Extra: 126 calories per 12 ounces (5.6% ABV)

Low-calorie beers are among the lowest-calorie alcoholic drinks available, making them a great alternative to higher-calorie options like cocktails and wine. For example, a serving of wine (5 oz) typically has about 118 calories, while a low-calorie beer can have 90 calories or less.

So, if you're looking to cut down on calories but still want to enjoy a beer, there are plenty of delicious low-calorie options to choose from!

Wine has more alcohol by volume

While beer and wine have distinct differences in flavour, nutritional values, and ingredients, the question of which has more alcohol by volume is more complex.

On the one hand, wine generally has a higher alcohol content than beer. The alcohol content of beer ranges from 4-7%, with an average of 5%, whereas wine typically ranges from 11-13% ABV, with an average of 12%. However, some wines, such as red wines, can have an even higher alcohol content, ranging from 12-15% ABV. For example, a California zinfandel or Australian shiraz can have an ABV as high as 16-18%.

On the other hand, when comparing standard serving sizes, a 12-ounce beer at 5% ABV equals 0.6 ounces of alcohol per serving, while a standard serving of wine is 5 ounces at 12% ABV, also equalling 0.6 ounces of alcohol. So, when comparing equal volumes, beer and wine contain similar amounts of alcohol.

It is worth noting that the type of wine and beer also play a role. For instance, Moscato white wines have a lower alcohol content, typically ranging from 5-7%, while pinot grigio wines may contain 12-13% alcohol. Similarly, the colour of beer can make a difference, with lighter beers having a lower alcohol content than their darker counterparts.

In summary, while wine generally has a higher alcohol percentage, when comparing standard serving sizes, beer and wine contain comparable amounts of alcohol. The specific type of wine or beer will also influence the alcohol content.

Beer has more carbohydrates

When it comes to the age-old debate of beer versus wine, there are several factors to consider in terms of their nutritional profiles. While both drinks contain calories, the type of calories they provide differs. Beer has more carbohydrates, which can impact weight loss goals and overall health.

Beer is typically made from grains, such as barley, wheat, and rye, and the fermentation process involves breaking down starch molecules into simple sugars. However, the yeast used in brewing is unable to ferment all the carbohydrates, resulting in leftover carbs. These remaining carbohydrates contribute to the higher calorie content found in most beers. On average, a pint of 5% ABV beer contains around 240 calories, with darker beers being more carbohydrate-heavy and ranging from 100 to 300 calories.

In contrast, wine tends to have a lower carbohydrate content. The alcohol in wine comes from the fermented sugar in grape juice, and any remaining carbohydrates in wine consist of small amounts of sugar. Unless it's a dessert wine, the sugar content in wine is generally low and does not significantly contribute to its calorie count. A standard 175ml glass of 12% ABV wine contains around 133 calories, with red wines having slightly higher calorie counts due to their higher alcohol content.

The serving size also plays a role in the calorie intake. Beer is usually served in larger volumes, with a schooner or pint being 425ml and 570ml, respectively. Wine, on the other hand, is typically served in smaller portions, with a standard glass being around 150ml. When comparing similar serving sizes, the calorie difference between wine and beer narrows due to wine's higher alcohol content.

However, it's important to note that the impact of alcohol on weight gain is not solely due to its calorie content. Alcohol is treated as a toxin by the body, and its consumption can pause the body's fat-burning process, especially when consumed on an empty stomach. Additionally, drinking can lead to increased food intake, resulting in excess calories that contribute to weight gain.

In summary, while both beer and wine contain calories, beer tends to have a higher carbohydrate content, which contributes to its overall calorie count. This doesn't mean that wine is necessarily the healthier option, as excessive consumption of either drink can lead to weight gain and negatively impact overall health. Moderation and mindful consumption are key when it comes to enjoying alcoholic beverages while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

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