Low-Calorie Microbrews: Best Light Craft Beers

Beer is often enjoyed as a refreshing, tasty beverage, but it can be a source of empty calories. The good news is that there are plenty of low-calorie options available, including microbrew beers. The calorie content of beer depends mainly on alcohol content and, to a lesser extent, on carbohydrates. Light beers tend to have the fewest calories, with regular beers containing up to 170 more calories per 12 oz. When it comes to microbrews, the calorie count can vary depending on the type of beer and the brewing process. For example, a 12 fl. oz serving of Troegg's Microbrew Beer has 179 calories, while a 1-ounce serving has only 15.

Light beers are lowest-calorie

If you're looking for a low-calorie beer, light beers are the way to go. Regular beers contain 130 to 170 more calories per 12 oz than light beers, so switching to lite can make a big difference if you're trying to cut down.

Light beers typically have just 99 calories per 12 oz can, compared to 150-160 calories for regular ales or stouts and 190 calories for a milkshake IPA. That's a significant difference, especially if you're watching your weight.

But not all light beers are created equal. Some of the lightest options include Budweiser Select with 55 calories per 12 oz, Molson Ultra with 70 calories, and Moosehead Cracked Canoe with 90 calories. These beers achieve their low-calorie counts by reducing the number of carbohydrates that come from malt and grains, as well as lowering the alcohol content.

When it comes to taste, you might be surprised to find that light beers can be just as satisfying as their higher-calorie counterparts. Some people even prefer the lighter, crisper taste of a low-calorie brew. And with so much innovation in the brewing industry, you don't have to sacrifice flavour to save on calories.

So, if you're looking for a beer that won't blow your diet, reach for a light beer. With their lower calorie counts and satisfying taste, they're a great option for anyone looking to cut back without giving up the occasional drink.

Just remember, even light beers can have different calorie counts, so always check the label if you're watching your intake. And as with any alcoholic beverage, it's important to drink in moderation.

Regular beers contain 130-170 more calories than light beers

When it comes to beer, calories are largely dependent on two factors: alcohol content and, to a lesser extent, carbohydrate content. A typical 12 oz beer has around 140 calories, which is comparable to a can of Coke. However, the calorie count can vary significantly depending on the style and brand of beer.

Regular beers typically contain 130-170 more calories per 12 oz serving than light beers. For example, an average 5% alcohol brew like Budweiser has around 150 calories, while light beers usually have about 100 calories. This difference in calorie content is due to light beers having lower alcohol and carbohydrate levels.

Some specific examples of low-calorie beers include Budweiser Select 55, with only 55 calories per serving, and Miller MGD 64, with 64 calories. Other light beers with fewer than 100 calories per serving include O'Doul's, Amstel Light, Anheuser-Busch Light Pale Lager, Michelob Ultra, and Natural Light.

It is worth noting that the term "light beer" can have different meanings for different brands. In some cases, it may refer to a lower alcohol content, while in others, it may indicate fewer calories or carbohydrates. Additionally, drinkers of light beer tend to consume more beers overall than those who choose regular varieties, potentially negating the calorie-saving benefits.

When it comes to microbrews, several options have lower calorie counts. Jester King's Le Petit Prince, a dry, unspiced table beer, has 75 calories per can. Allagash River Trip Pale Ale is another light option with crisp notes of citrus and melon. Harpoon American Flyer Light is a recent addition to the low-cal lineup, offering a crisp, summery flavor. Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty Lo-Cal IPA is a flavorful option with notes of pineapple, coconut, and citrus, while also being made with monk fruit to reduce sugar content.

Ales and stouts take longer to drink

Ales and stouts have a lower water content than other beers, which means they take longer to drink. Despite this, they will still give you that happy buzz feeling when drinking on an empty stomach, which can be dangerous if not done responsibly.

Stouts are a type of ale with a rich, dark, and roasty flavour. Ales are fermented at warmer temperatures, usually at the top of the fermentation vessel. This process makes ales more complex and full-bodied, with fruity, spicy, and floral notes.

Stouts are typically thicker than traditional ales due to the use of malt and smoked barley in their brewing process. They are often referred to as a 'meal in a glass' due to their thick texture and rich, strong taste. However, a strong taste does not mean a bitter taste. Instead, it is often compared to flavours like coffee and chocolate.

The brewing process for stouts is complex and time-consuming, requiring skill and attention to detail. It involves combining crushed grains with water in a large vessel, heating the mixture, and then allowing it to rest so that the enzymes can break down the starches into sugars. The sweet liquid is then transferred to a kettle, boiled, and cooled before yeast is added to begin the fermentation process.

Stouts are often enjoyed during the colder months, as they are heavier beers. They are also served slightly chilled to enhance their flavours and aromas.

Some popular types of stouts include:

• Dry or Irish stouts, which are known for their dark colour and dry, bitter taste.
• Milk stouts, which are sweeter and creamier due to the addition of lactose.
• Imperial stouts, which have a higher alcohol content and a full-bodied, rich, and complex flavour.

Lagers and pilsners are great low-cal alternatives to light beers

Lagers are the most popular type of beer, and for good reason. They are versatile, coming in three main colours: pale, amber, and dark. They are also low in calories, with some of the lightest lagers on the market, such as Budweiser Select, containing as few as 55 calories per 12 ounces (354 ml).

Pilsners, a style of lager, are also a fantastic low-calorie option, with just 65-95 calories per 12 ounces. They tend to be light-bodied and have a crisp finish, making them a great choice for those who want a beer that is both refreshing and low in calories.

So, if you're looking for a low-calorie beer that doesn't compromise on taste, lagers and pilsners are excellent choices. They offer a crisp, clean, and refreshing drinking experience while still being mindful of your calorie intake.

Dark beers are less nutritious than light beers

When it comes to choosing a beer that's light on calories, it's a common misconception that opting for a light-coloured beer is the best choice. However, this isn't always the case, and dark beers can be just as nutritious and low in calories as their lighter-coloured counterparts.

The belief that dark beers are heavier and denser than light beers is widespread, but it's simply not true. Dark beers are made from heavily roasted grains, and a heavier roast does not equate to a higher alcohol content. In fact, the colour of a beer has little to do with its alcohol content or calorie count.

Stouts, porters, and black lagers, for example, typically have an alcohol content of around four to five per cent by volume, which can result in fewer calories than a light pilsner. A serving of Guinness, for instance, contains 125 calories, while a Bud Light has 110. So, if you're looking for a beer that's light and refreshing, don't be fooled by its colour—a dark beer might be the perfect choice.

That being said, not all dark beers are low in calories. A Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, for instance, has 175 calories, while an IPA can have up to 300 calories. So, if you're watching your waistline, it's important to pay attention to the alcohol content rather than the colour of the beer.

When it comes to nutrition, dark beers may even have an edge over their lighter cousins. Research from the University of Wisconsin suggests that dark beer may be better for heart health as it helps prevent blood clots. Additionally, dark beers contain higher concentrations of xanthohumol, a powerful antioxidant that can help stop the early stages of tumour growth. So, while light beers may be lower in calories, dark beers offer their own set of health benefits.

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