Low-Calorie Living: 70-Calorie Beer And Beyond

Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain, typically barley and grains, or wheat. The sugar extracted from these grains is what causes the beer to ferment, and the more sugar present, the more alcohol there will be, and therefore the more calories. Generally, beer is considered to be high in calories, but there are many low-calorie options available. For example, Athletic Brewing Co.'s Run Wild IPA has just 70 calories per 12-ounce serving, while a Budweiser Select (2.4% ABV) contains 55 calories and a Molson Ultra (3% ABV) contains 70 calories.

Low-calorie beers

Beer is a refreshing drink, but it can be a source of empty calories. The good news is that there are now many low-calorie options available that don't compromise on taste. Brewers achieve this by reducing the number of carbohydrates and alcohol content.

Lagers

Lagers are the most popular type of beer. They are known for their light, clean, and crisp taste. Here are some low-calorie lagers:

• Budweiser Select (2.4% ABV): 55 calories
• Molson Ultra (3% ABV): 70 calories
• Amstel Light (4% ABV): 95 calories
• Miller Lite (4.2% ABV): 96 calories
• Heineken Light (4.2% ABV): 97 calories
• Corona Light (3.7% ABV): 99 calories
• Coors Light (4.2% ABV): 102 calories
• Bud Light (4.2% ABV): 103 calories

Ales

Ales are typically produced in colder countries like Canada, Germany, and Belgium. They have a fruity taste and a stronger, bitter flavor. Here are some low-calorie ales:

• Le Petit Prince (2.9% ABV): 75 calories
• Dogfish Head Slighty Mighty (4% ABV): 95 calories
• Lagunitas DayTime (4% ABV): 98 calories
• Kona Kanaha Blonde Ale (4.2% ABV): 99 calories
• Harpoon Rec League (3.8% ABV): 120 calories

Stouts

Stouts are a type of ale that use roasted barley to create a rich, dark color. While they are typically higher in calories, the roasting process does not affect the calorie count significantly. Here are some low-calorie stouts:

• Guinness Extra (5.6% ABV): 126 calories
• Young’s Double Chocolate Stout (5.2% ABV): 150 calories
• Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout (5% ABV): 190 calories

Non-Alcoholic Beers

Non-alcoholic beers are a great option for those who want to avoid alcohol but still enjoy a cold beverage. They tend to be much lower in calories than traditional beers. Here are some low-calorie non-alcoholic beers:

• Heineken 0.0 (0.0% ABV): 69 calories
• Bavaria 0.0% Beer (0.0% ABV): 85 calories
• Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild Non-Alcoholic IPA (0.0% ABV): A non-alcoholic IPA with a crisp, not too hoppy appeal.

Gluten-Free Beers

Gluten-free beers are made from grains like millet, sorghum, and rice, making them suitable for those following a gluten-free diet. Here are some low-calorie gluten-free beers:

• Glutenberg Blonde (4.5% ABV): 160 calories
• Green’s IPA (6% ABV): 160 calories

Tips for Choosing Low-Calorie Beers

When selecting a low-calorie beer, consider the overall carbohydrate content and added sugars, especially in flavored varieties. Additionally, keep in mind that low-calorie beers may still have a high alcohol content, so it's best to stick to moderate consumption.

Alcohol-free beers

When it comes to alcohol-free beers, it's important to note that they may still contain trace amounts of alcohol. In the United States and the UK, for example, non-alcoholic beers can legally contain up to 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). This is similar to the percentage of alcohol found naturally in some foods and drinks, such as orange juice, ripe bananas, and certain types of bread.

While alcohol-free beers have fewer calories than their full-strength counterparts, they may not always be low in calories or sugar. The calorie content can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brewing process used. For instance, some brewers may halt fermentation early or use a specific type of yeast, resulting in a beer with less alcohol but more sugar. Wheat-based beers also tend to be higher in calories and sugar.

• Infinite Session "Pale" Pale Ale: 11 calories per 100ml (36 per 330ml bottle)
• Furstenberg "Alkoholfrei" Lager: 11 calories per 100ml (55 per 500ml bottle)
• Mikkeller "Racing Beer" Lager: 10 calories per 100ml (33 per 330ml can/bottle)
• Fitbeer Lager: 20 calories per 100ml (66 per 330ml bottle)
• Nirvana Brewery "Karma" Pale Ale: 9 calories per 100ml (30 per 330ml bottle)

So, if you're looking for a beer that's low in calories and alcohol, these alcohol-free options are a great choice. Just remember to check the nutritional information and be mindful of the overall carbohydrate and sugar content.

Calories in beer

Beer is made from fermented grain, and the calories in beer come mainly from carbohydrates and alcohol. The number of calories in a beer depends on its alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage and the volume of the beer.

Calculating Calories in Beer

A simple formula to calculate the number of calories in a beer is:

> ABV% x 2.5 x volume of beer in ounces

For example, a 16-ounce beer with 6% ABV has about 240 calories.

Low-Calorie Beers

There are several low-calorie beers available, with some of the lowest being non-alcoholic or low-alcohol options. For example, Coors Edge (0.5% ABV) has 45 calories, and Heineken 0.0 (0.0% ABV) has 69 calories.

Among beers with alcohol, Budweiser Select (2.4% ABV) has 55 calories, and Molson Ultra (3% ABV) has 70 calories. Other low-calorie options include Le Petit Prince (2.9% ABV, 75 calories), Dogfish Head Slighty Mighty (4% ABV, 95 calories), and Lagunitas DayTime (4% ABV, 98 calories).

Calories in Popular Beers

Some popular beers and their calorie counts are:

• Miller Lite: 96 calories
• Heineken Light: 97 calories
• Corona Light: 99 calories
• Coors Light: 102 calories
• Bud Light: 103 calories

Strategies for Moderating Intake

To moderate beer intake, one can drink a glass of water between alcoholic beverages, use pre-measured cups, and opt for non-alcoholic beers. Adding fruit to beer can also provide a kick of nutrients.

Calculating calories in beer

Beer is a refreshing drink, but it can be high in calories. The good news is that there are now many low-calorie options available, and brewers have numerous tools to reduce the calorie content of their beers.

How to Calculate Calories in Beer

To calculate the calories in beer, you need to know the original gravity (OG) and final gravity (FG) of the beer. OG and FG refer to the density of the wort/beer, with the former measured before fermentation and the latter after. The FG is always lower than the OG because yeast converts sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide during fermentation, thereby reducing the calorie levels.

To measure the OG and FG, you will need a hydrometer or refractometer.

The formula for calculating the total calories in beer is:

Total Calories = Calories from Alcohol + Calories from Carbohydrates

The formula for calculating the calories from alcohol is:

Calories from Alcohol = 1881.22 * Final_Gravity * (Original_Gravity – Final_Gravity)/(1.775 – Original_Gravity)

The formula for calculating the calories from carbohydrates is:

Calories from Carbohydrates = 3550 * Final_Gravity * ((0.1808 * Original_Gravity) + (0.8192 * Final_Gravity) – 1.0004)

However, if you don't know the original and final gravity of the beer, you can use the following formula to approximate the calorie content:

Approx. Calories = (ABV% * 2.5) * oz

Low-Calorie Beers

Low-calorie beers typically have fewer carbohydrates and a lower alcohol content.

• Molson Ultra (3% ABV, 70 calories)
• Moosehead Cracked Canoe (3.5% ABV, 90 calories)
• Sleeman Light (4% ABV, 90 calories)
• Busch Light (4.1% ABV, 91 calories)
• Labatt Premier (4% ABV, 92 calories)
• Amstel Light (4% ABV, 95 calories)
• Miller Lite (4.2% ABV, 96 calories)
• Heineken Light (4.2% ABV, 97 calories)
• Corona Light (3.7% ABV, 99 calories)
• Yuengling Light Lager (3.8% ABV, 99 calories)
• Coors Light (4.2% ABV, 102 calories)
• Bud Light (4.2% ABV, 103 calories)
• Brava Light (4% ABV, 112 calories)
• Le Petit Prince (2.9% ABV, 75 calories)
• Dogfish Head Slighty Mighty (4% ABV, 95 calories)
• Lagunitas DayTime (4% ABV, 98 calories)
• Lakefront Eazy Teazy (3.4% ABV, 99 calories)
• Kona Kanaha Blonde Ale (4.2% ABV, 99 calories)
• Southern Tier Swipe Light (4% ABV, 110 calories)
• Mural Agua Fresca Cerveza (4% ABV, 110 calories)
• Guinness Extra (5.6% ABV, 126 calories)
• Odell Brewing Cutthroat (5% ABV, 145 calories)

Low-calorie beer recommendations

If you're watching your calorie intake but don't want to give up beer, there are plenty of low-calorie options to suit your preferences. Here are some recommendations for low-calorie beers, including both popular brands and craft beers:

Lagers

• Budweiser Select (2.4% ABV): 55 calories.
• Molson Ultra (3% ABV): 70 calories.
• Coors Light (4.2% ABV): 102 calories.
• Yuengling Light Lager (3.8% ABV): 99 calories.
• Amstel Light (4% ABV): 95 calories.

Ales

• Le Petit Prince (2.9% ABV): 75 calories. This dry, unspiced table beer is brewed in Texas and offers a well-balanced, fruity taste.
• Dogfish Head Slighty Mighty (4% ABV): 95 calories. A fruity brew with notes of pineapple, coconut, and citrus.
• Lagunitas DayTime (4% ABV): 98 calories. A laid-back IPA created in Northern California, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
• Kona Kanaha Blonde Ale (4.2% ABV): 99 calories. Founded in Hawaii, Kona Brewing Co. refers to all its beers as "liquid aloha."

Stouts

• Guinness Extra (5.6% ABV): 126 calories. This rich-tasting Irish stout is surprisingly light and creamy, with notes of coffee and chocolate.
• Young's Double Chocolate Stout (5.2% ABV): 150 calories.

Gluten-Free Beers

• Glutenberg Blonde (4.5% ABV): 160 calories.
• Green's IPA (6% ABV): 160 calories.

Non-Alcoholic Beers

• Heineken 0.0 (0.0% ABV): 69 calories. A non-alcoholic beer with refreshingly fruity notes that tastes similar to the original Heineken.
• Coors Edge (0.5% ABV): 45 calories.
• Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild Non-Alcoholic IPA (0.0% ABV): A nonalcoholic IPA with a crisp, not-too-hoppy appeal and the same level of carbonation as a regular beer.

Frequently asked questions