Cider Vs Beer: Calorie Comparison

Cider and beer are both popular alcoholic drinks, but which has fewer calories? On average, cider contains 47 calories per 100ml, whereas beer contains 40 calories per 100ml. This means that cider typically has a few more calories than beer, but the difference is not significant. The calorie content of alcoholic drinks depends on the level of alcohol and the amount of sugar and carbohydrates. Beer is sugar-free, whereas cider is made from fruit and therefore contains more sugar.

Cider has more calories than beer

Cider typically has more calories than beer. This is due to the higher sugar content in cider, as it is made from fruit, usually apples, which are naturally high in sugar. Beer, on the other hand, is fermented from low-sugar grains such as hops and barley.

The calorie content of alcoholic drinks is largely dependent on the sugar/carbohydrate content and alcohol percentage. Alcohol has more calories per gram than sugar (7g compared to 4g). So, even though the alcohol content of cider and beer is often similar, the higher sugar content of cider means it usually has more calories.

For example, a pint of average-strength beer (ABV 4%) contains 182 calories, whereas a pint of cider of a similar ABV (4.5%) contains 215 calories. This is due to the higher sugar content of the cider.

But it's not always the case

However, it's important to note that the number of calories in a drink depends on various factors, including the level of alcohol and the amount of sugar/carbohydrates. So, while cider generally contains more calories than beer, this is not always the case.

For instance, a 500ml bottle of Magners Original cider contains 210 calories, whereas a 500ml bottle of Strongbow Original cider contains 175 calories. Similarly, a 500ml bottle of Bulmers Original cider has 263 calories, whereas a 500ml bottle of Aspall Draught Suffolk Cyder has only 249 calories.

Low-calorie options

If you're looking for a low-calorie cider, there are some options available. For example, the lowest-calorie cider in the UK is Alska 28, which has just 123 calories per can. This is over 50% fewer calories than many other ciders on the market.

Another option for a lower-calorie cider is to go for a dry cider, which has less sugar. While these ciders may have a higher alcohol content, they will generally be lower in calories. For example, Strongbow Dry, Kopparberg, and Magners Light all contain less than 4g of sugar per 100ml, making them good choices if you're looking for a cider with fewer calories.

Calories and health

While cider generally has more calories than beer, it's important to remember that the health impact of any alcoholic drink depends on a variety of factors, including the amount you drink, your overall diet, and your individual health.

Both beer and cider contain nutrients and can have some health benefits. For example, cider is an excellent source of polyphenols, which are compounds that act as antioxidants and can help protect the body from inflammation and fight off infections. Beer also contains antioxidants, most prominently flavonoids, which can provide similar health benefits.

In addition, drinking in moderation can have positive effects on your health. Research has shown that moderate consumption of alcohol can help reduce the risk of heart disease. For example, a study by the Mediterranean Neurological Institute found that moderate drinking can reduce the risk of heart disease by 42%.

However, excessive drinking can lead to weight gain and other negative health consequences. It's always important to drink responsibly and in moderation.

Beer has fewer carbohydrates

When it comes to the cider versus beer debate, there are a few key things to consider. While both drinks have their pros and cons in terms of nutritional content, the general consensus is that beer has fewer carbohydrates.

Beer is typically made from water, wheat or barley, fermenting yeast, and flavouring agents like hops. It is usually not gluten-free, although there are gluten-free options available. On the other hand, cider is made by fermenting fruit, usually apples, with sugar and yeast. This fermentation process results in a higher sugar content in cider compared to beer.

The higher sugar content in cider leads to a higher number of carbohydrates. Beer has approximately 3.55g/100g of carbohydrates, while cider contains about 5.92g/100g, a difference of around 67%. This means that, despite having similar calorie counts, cider is often slightly higher in calories than beer due to its higher carbohydrate content.

However, it is important to note that the specific nutritional content of beer and cider can vary depending on the brand, type, and ingredients used. For example, dryer ciders will have less sugar and higher alcohol content, while commercial ciders often add extra sugar to appeal to sweeter palettes. Similarly, beer can vary in its carbohydrate content depending on the type of grains used and whether sugar is added during the brewing process.

In conclusion, while both drinks have their advantages and disadvantages, beer generally contains fewer carbohydrates than cider due to its lower sugar content. However, the overall nutritional value of each drink depends on a variety of factors, and it is important to consider the specific brands and ingredients when making a comparison.

Cider is gluten-free

However, it is important to be cautious when choosing a cider. Some cider ranges add flavourings that may contain gluten, and some ciders are produced in facilities that also brew beer, which could result in cross-contamination. It is therefore worth choosing a brand of cider from a dedicated cider-making company that only brews cider and other drinks made from fruit juices. For example, Ace, Old Mout, Angry Orchard, and Brothers are all cider companies that produce gluten-free cider.

Beer is not gluten-free

While cider is often lower in calories than beer, beer is not gluten-free. Beer is typically made from malted barley and hops, and sometimes wheat is also used in the beer-making process. As barley and wheat contain gluten, beers made from either of these are not gluten-free.

Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Many people have gluten sensitivities or allergies and are unable to comfortably or safely consume food products that contain these grains. For those with coeliac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, the only treatment is to remove gluten from the diet.

Some breweries have started brewing gluten-free or gluten-reduced beers to cater to those with gluten sensitivities and allergies. Gluten-free beers are made with grains that don't contain gluten, such as sorghum, buckwheat, rice, corn, or millet. Gluten-reduced beers contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten, and an enzyme is added during the brewing process to break down the gluten. However, people with coeliac disease or high gluten sensitivity may still react to gluten-reduced beers due to the small amount of gluten present.

Gluten-free and gluten-reduced beers tend to taste different from regular beers, with a thinner mouthfeel and less richness on the palate. They are also more expensive to produce due to the extra steps required to prevent cross-contamination and the additional time and money invested in the production process.

Cider has more vitamins and minerals

While cider and beer are not the first drinks that come to mind when considering healthy beverages, some research indicates that drinking these beverages in moderation can minimise the impacts of alcohol on the body.

Cider is an excellent source of polyphenols, which are compounds that act as antioxidants. Polyphenols are thought to help protect the body from inflammation and fight off infections. Cider is also a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. The vitamin content found in cider may help improve overall health and boost the immune system.

Beer is also quite rich in vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins. However, beer does not contain vitamin C, which cider contains due to its fruit base.

Both cider and beer have their own sets of vitamins and minerals, and it is important to remember that excessive drinking of any alcoholic beverage can lead to weight gain and other negative health consequences.

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