Cider Beers: Which Have The Least Calories?

Cider is a popular alcoholic drink made by fermenting fruit with sugar and yeast. Beer, on the other hand, is typically made with yeast, hops, water, and cereals. When it comes to calories, cider and beer can vary depending on the specific drink. However, on average, cider contains 47 calories per 100ml, while beer contains 40 calories per 100ml. So, generally, cider has more calories than beer. But which cider beers have the least calories?

Cider has more calories than beer, but less alcohol content

Cider generally has more calories than beer, but less alcohol content. On average, cider contains 47 calories per 100ml, while beer contains 40 calories per 100ml. This is due to the higher levels of sugar content in cider, which is fermented with fruits such as apples, peaches, and pears, which have a naturally high degree of sugar. Beer, on the other hand, is fermented with low-sugar grains such as hops and barley.

However, it is important to note that the calorie content of cider and beer can vary depending on the brand and the specific product. For example, Rekorderlig Strawberry & Lime cider contains 330 calories per 500ml, while a Strongbow Original Cider contains only 175 calories per 500ml. Similarly, the alcohol content of cider and beer can vary, but they are typically within the same range. Most popular cider brands, such as Strongbow, Magners, and Bulmers, have an ABV of around 4% to 5%, which is similar to popular beer brands such as Stella Artois, Heineken, and Budweiser.

In terms of health benefits, both cider and beer have their advantages. Cider contains polyphenols, which are natural compounds that can improve blood pressure and cholesterol, and may also protect against certain types of cancer. Beer, on the other hand, is typically lower in sugar and carbs, and contains vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins.

When it comes to the lowest-calorie options, Alska 28 cider is the lowest-calorie cider in the UK, with just 123 calories per can. For beer, very low-alcohol beers such as Miller 64 start at around 60 calories per 12 oz, while light beers typically have about 100 calories.

So, while cider generally has more calories than beer, the two drinks have similar alcohol content and offer different health benefits. The specific brand and type of cider or beer can also make a difference in the calorie and alcohol content, so it's important to check the labels if you're looking for a lower-calorie or lower-alcohol option.

Cider has more sugar than beer

Cider and beer are two of the most popular alcoholic beverages worldwide, but which one has more sugar? The answer is cider.

The Sugar Content

Cider is made by fermenting fruit with sugar and yeast, and the fruits used are often apples, which are naturally full of sugar. Beer, on the other hand, is typically sugar-free, with brewers adding only small amounts of sugar to balance the sourness. As a result, cider has a much higher overall sugar content than beer.

The Calorie Content

The higher sugar content in cider leads to a higher number of calories. On average, cider contains 47 calories per 100ml, compared to 40 calories per 100ml for beer. This means that a 500ml bottle of cider will contain around 234 calories, while the same amount of beer will have about 180 calories.

The Carbohydrate Content

Ciders are also typically higher in carbohydrates due to the larger amounts of sugar. Few cider varieties have “light” options, so they will usually be higher in calories and carbs than beer.

The Healthier Choice

When it comes to health, both beer and cider contain nutrients and have some benefits, but moderation is key. While cider has more sugar and calories, it is gluten-free and packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents. Beer, on the other hand, is lower in sugar and calories but provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

So, while cider has more sugar than beer, the overall healthier choice depends on individual dietary needs and preferences.

Beer is sugar-free

While cider and beer are both calorie-rich drinks with high levels of carbohydrates, beer is sugar-free. The sugar content in cider or beer depends on the level of alcohol and the amount of sugar or carbohydrates. Alcohol has nearly twice the energy of sugar, with one gram of alcohol providing seven calories compared to one gram of sugar, which has four calories.

Beer is made with yeast, hops, water, and cereals, and is typically sugar-free. Brewers may add small amounts of sugar to balance the sourness, but the sugar content in beer is usually extremely low. The final sugar content in beer depends on the "Final Gravity", or the amount of sugar left over after the fermentation process. The lower the final gravity number, the less sugar in your glass.

Beer is made through a process called "mash", where grain is mixed with hot water to extract the sugars. The boiling water breaks down the grain and extracts as much sugar as possible. Yeast is then added to the mix, which consumes the sugar and excretes alcohol.

Some beers may have higher sugar content due to added ingredients like honey or corn syrup. However, the sugar content in beer is generally very low, with a 330ml bottle of beer containing one gram or less of sugar in many cases.

When it comes to cider, the sugar content is much higher due to the fruit it contains. The most popular brands of hard cider have a wide range of sugar contents, from Crispin Rose's 10 grams (2 teaspoons) per serving to Angry Orchard Crisp Apple's 20 grams (5 teaspoons). The varying sugar content in hard cider is a result of the fermentation process, with sweeter ciders being slowly fermented and then repeatedly racked to strain the yeast that feeds on the cider's natural sugars.

So, while beer does contain some sugar, it is generally considered sugar-free due to the extremely low amounts present in the drink. The sugar content in beer is primarily dependent on the style of beer and the brewing method.

Cider is gluten-free

Cider is a popular alcoholic drink made by fermenting fruit with sugar and yeast. The fruit used is often apples, which are naturally gluten-free. This makes cider a gluten-free drink, and a great option for those who are gluten intolerant or have coeliac disease. Coeliac disease is an inflammatory health condition where the immune system attacks the body after consuming gluten, causing damage to the small intestine and making it difficult to absorb nutrients from food and drink.

Cider is a good alternative to beer, which is typically made using gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley and rye. However, it's important to note that some ciders may contain flavourings or additives that include gluten. Additionally, some ciders may be processed in facilities or with equipment that is also used for brewing or bottling beer or other gluten-containing drinks, which could result in cross-contamination. Therefore, it is important to check the label for a gluten-free certification, or choose a brand of cider from a dedicated cider-making company.

In terms of calories, cider typically contains 47 calories per 100ml, or around 200 calories per bottle. Beer, on the other hand, contains an average of 40 calories per 100ml, or around 150 calories for a 5% alcohol brew. So, while cider is a good gluten-free alternative to beer, it does tend to be slightly higher in calories.

Beer has more polyphenols than cider

When it comes to polyphenols, beer has more of these antioxidants than cider. Polyphenols are natural compounds that improve blood pressure and cholesterol, and are found in both beer and cider. However, during the beer-making process, brewers often remove naturally occurring polyphenols to prevent cloudiness, which decreases the total polyphenol content. Cider, on the other hand, is made by fermenting fruit with sugar and yeast, often apples, which provide antioxidants like vitamin C and polyphenols. The polyphenol levels can vary significantly depending on the apple variety used.

While cider may have more polyphenols, beer has fewer calories. On average, cider contains 47 calories per 100ml, while beer contains 40 calories per 100ml. The lowest-calorie cider on the UK market is Alska 28, with just 123 calories per can.

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