Calorie Comparison: Beer, Wine, Spirits — Which Booze?

Alcoholic drinks can be high in calories, and it's easy to quickly rack up 500 or more extra calories in a couple of drinks. Pure alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, which is almost as many as a gram of fat. The calorie content of alcoholic drinks varies depending on the alcohol content, the volume of the drink, and the presence of carbohydrates and sugars. Generally, beer has more calories than wine, but wine can also be high in calories, especially if it's sweetened. Spirits, such as vodka and whisky, tend to be lower in calories, but this can change if they are mixed with sugary drinks.

Beer calories depend on alcohol content and, to a lesser extent, carbs

Regular beers with an alcohol content of 5% (like Budweiser) contain around 150 calories. Beers with a higher alcohol content (7% to 11% alcohol) like IPAs, double or imperial IPAs, and Belgian-style Trippels contain 200 to 300 calories. However, a lower-alcohol "session" IPA contains around 140 calories. Newer "lo-cal" IPAs like Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty contain as few as 100 calories.

The number of calories in beer can also be affected by the amount served. A typical 12 oz beer has around 140 calories, which is similar to a can of Coke. However, when served in larger glasses, such as 16 or 20 oz, the calorie count can increase to 200 or 250.

In addition to alcohol content, the number of calories in beer can also be influenced by the amount of carbohydrates it contains. Beers are made by fermenting grains such as barley and wheat, which naturally contain carbohydrates. The fermentation process determines how much of these carbohydrates remain in the final product.

People who are watching their carbohydrate intake may want to consider light beers, which tend to be lower in both calories and carbohydrates compared to their full-flavored counterparts. However, it is important to note that beer may not be suitable for diets that severely restrict carbohydrates.

Light beers have around 60-100 calories

Light beers typically have a lower calorie content than regular beers. A typical 12-ounce beer has around 140 calories, which is comparable to a can of Coke. However, light beers usually contain only about 60-100 calories per 12 ounces. For example, Miller 64, a very low-alcohol beer with 2% to 3% alcohol content, has approximately 60 calories in a 12-ounce serving. Bud Light Next is another low-calorie option with 80 calories, achieved by reducing both the alcohol and carb content.

The calorie content of light beers can vary slightly depending on the brand and the specific type of light beer. Most light beers with 4% alcohol have around 100 calories. For instance, Bud Light contains 110 calories per 12 ounces, while Busch Light has 95 calories in the same serving size. Michelob Ultra and Miller Lite are also low-calorie options, with 95 and 96 calories per 12-ounce serving, respectively.

When comparing light beers to other alcoholic beverages, they generally have a lower calorie count. For instance, a glass of red or white wine typically contains around 150 calories for a 6-ounce pour, which is more than most light beers. However, lighter wines with lower alcohol content can have as few as 70-80 calories per 5-ounce glass.

Hard seltzers are another option for those seeking lower-calorie alcoholic beverages. Most hard seltzers have no more calories than light beer and typically contain a maximum of half a teaspoon of sugar. However, it is important to note that high-alcohol hard seltzers can have twice the calories of regular hard seltzers.

Regular beers have around 150 calories

Regular beers typically contain around 150 calories. This can vary depending on the type of beer, with lighter beers containing fewer calories and heavier beers containing more. For example, a typical 12 oz. beer, such as Budweiser, has around 150 calories, which is similar to the number of calories in a can of Coke. However, some beers can have twice as many calories.

The calorie content of beer depends mainly on its alcohol content and, to a lesser extent, its carbohydrate content. Very low-alcohol beers (2% to 3% alcohol) typically start at around 60 calories for a 12 oz. serving. Most light beers (4% alcohol) have about 100 calories, while regular beers with 5% alcohol have around 150 calories. Heavy hitters (7% to 11% alcohol), such as regular IPAs, double or imperial IPAs, and Belgian-style Trippels, can pack 200 to 300 calories into a 12 oz. serving.

The brewing process also affects the calorie content of beer. Beer is made from grain, which stores carbohydrates in the form of starch. During brewing, enzymes in malted barley break down the starch into smaller sugar molecules. The smallest sugar molecules are converted into alcohol by yeast, but some larger molecules remain, contributing to the overall calorie count. Low-calorie beers have an additional enzyme added during brewing or fermentation that breaks down all the starch molecules into simple sugars, leaving no remaining carbohydrates. These beers also have a relatively low alcohol content, keeping the total calorie count low.

When it comes to weight loss and maintenance, it's important to consider not only the food you eat but also the beverages you drink. Alcoholic drinks, like beer, can quickly add 500 calories or more to your daily intake. While you don't have to give up beer completely to maintain a healthy diet, moderation is key. Additionally, drinking in moderation has health benefits beyond weight management, and regularly drinking more than the recommended amount can lead to health problems.

Red and white wine have roughly 150 calories for 6 ounces

When it comes to alcoholic drinks, it's important to be mindful of what you're drinking to avoid gaining weight. While you don't have to give up your favourite drinks entirely, it's good to be aware of the calorie content and make low-calorie choices whenever possible.

Lighter wines, such as Barefoot Bright & Breezy or Cupcake Light Hearted, cut the calories to 70 to 80 per 5-ounce glass by reducing the alcohol content to around 6% to 8%.

If you're looking for a lower-calorie option, choose a glass of white wine over red. On average, a 4-ounce glass of red table wine contains 100 calories, while a glass of white wine typically contains around 90 calories or less. The drier the wine, the better, as sweetened wines have significantly more calories in every serving.

It's worth noting that a standard glass of wine can contain up to 158 calories, so the calorie count can vary depending on the specific wine and the serving size.

Spirits like vodka and whisky have 97-120 calories per 1.5 oz shot

That being said, the calorie count of spirits can vary depending on their alcohol content. For example, 80-proof vodka contains 97 calories per 1.5-ounce serving, while 90-proof vodka contains 110 calories, and 100-proof vodka has the highest calorie concentration with 124 calories. Whisky calories, like vodka, also vary based on alcohol content, with 80-, 90-, and 100-proof whiskies providing the same number of calories as vodka per 1.5-ounce serving.

It's important to note that cocktails mixed with soda, juice, cream, or other additives can significantly increase the calorie count of your drink. For example, a margarita or pina colada can have close to 500 calories per drink, depending on the size and preparation. If you're mindful of your calorie intake, it's best to stick to straight spirits or mix them with low-calorie options.

Additionally, drinking in moderation is crucial. According to the American Heart Association, men should limit themselves to two drinks daily, while women should have no more than one. One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 4 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits. Remember, alcohol contains calories that can quickly add up, and it's generally not considered nutritious. Therefore, if you're trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, it's essential to watch how much you drink.

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