Pale Ale Beers With Fewest Calories: A Comparison

Beer is often associated with empty calories, but it is possible to be healthy and still enjoy a drink. The calorie content of beer depends on its alcohol and carbohydrate content. Lagers tend to have fewer calories than ales, and ales fewer than stouts, but there are exceptions.

Pale ales are the most popular type of beer and have around 120 calories, making them a lower-calorie option than stouts or regular ales.

If you're looking for a low-calorie pale ale, the Allagash River Trip Pale Ale is a light-bodied option with crisp notes of citrus and melon. It's been described as refreshing and light but still has some hop character and perfect for summer porch drinking.

Low-calorie pale ales

Pale ales are the most popular type of beer and typically have around 120 calories, making them a lower-calorie option than stouts or ales.

If you're looking for a refreshing, low-calorie pale ale, the Allagash River Trip Pale Ale is a light-bodied brew with crisp notes of citrus and melon. It's the perfect beer for a hot day, with reviewers describing it as "refreshing and light but still has some hop character".

Another great option is the Beavertown Neck Oil Session IPA, which is available in bars and grocery stores. This Indian Pale Ale has 36 calories per 100ml, 122 calories per can, and 4.3% alcohol.

The Brooklyn Pilsner Lager Beer is another excellent choice, offering light, toasty flavours and a subtle citrus hop. This naturally low-calorie beer has 125 calories per bottle and 4.6% alcohol.

If you're looking for a low-calorie beer with a unique twist, try the Jubel Beer Cut with Peach. This craft lager is perfect for those who want the crispness of beer with the fruitiness of cider. It has 125 calories per can, 37 calories per 100ml, and an ABV of 4%.

For a classic option, the Budweiser beer is a traditional American pale lager with 129 calories per bottle and 4.5% ABV.

When it comes to low-calorie beers, it's important to remember that light beers tend to have fewer calories than regular beers. Additionally, beers with a lower alcohol content usually have fewer calories. So, if you're watching your calorie intake, opt for beers with a lower ABV and choose light options when possible.

Pale ales vs. stouts and ales

When it comes to beer, there are many varieties to choose from, each with its unique characteristics. Two of the most well-known types are pale ales and stouts. So, what are the key differences between these two popular drinks?

Flavour Profiles

Pale ales and stouts offer distinct flavour experiences. Pale ales, including India Pale Ales (IPAs), tend to have fruity, citrusy, and floral notes, with a touch of bitterness. They are often described as refreshing and crisp, making them ideal for summer days. In contrast, stouts are known for their rich, decadent flavours, such as coffee, chocolate, licorice, and even hints of hazelnut. These beers are like dessert in a glass, with their creamy, silky, and full-bodied texture.

Colour

Another noticeable difference between pale ales and stouts is their colour. Pale ales typically have a lighter caramel or amber hue, while stouts are known for their dark, almost black, appearance, resembling coffee in colour. This difference in colour is due to the use of roasted barley or other chocolate-coloured malts in stouts, giving them their distinctive dark shade.

History

Stouts and pale ales also have different origins. Stouts first appeared in London pubs in the late 1600s and became popular among the "porters", leading to the term "stout porter". On the other hand, India Pale Ales were created in the late 1700s as an export beer for the British in India. The heavy hopping in IPAs made them more suitable for the journey, while regular pale ales did not survive the voyage.

Alcohol Content

In terms of alcohol content, stouts tend to have a higher percentage than pale ales. Historically, the term "stout" was used for beers with an alcohol content of over 7%, although this is no longer the case. Pale ales, including IPAs, can vary in alcohol content, with some being lower in alcohol, such as session IPAs, while others may have a higher alcohol content, like double or triple IPAs.

Signature Ingredients

The distinct flavours of stouts and pale ales can be attributed to their signature ingredients. Stouts rely on roasted barley malt, giving them their rich, dark flavour, while pale ales, especially IPAs, are characterised by their heavy use of hops, resulting in a bitter, edgy flavour.

Food Pairing

The carbonation in pale ales, especially IPAs, makes them a good pairing with food as they help cleanse the palate. Their fruity and bitter notes can complement a variety of dishes, making them a versatile choice for beer drinkers. Stouts, with their darker, richer flavours, can also be enjoyed with food, although their heavier mouthfeel may make them more suitable for certain types of cuisine.

In conclusion, while both pale ales and stouts have their unique characteristics and appeal, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you're craving the refreshing bitterness of a pale ale or the decadent, dessert-like flavours of a stout, there's a beer out there to suit every taste and occasion.

Popular low-calorie pale ales

If you're looking for a refreshing pale ale that won't compromise your health goals, there are several options to choose from. Here are some popular low-calorie pale ales to consider:

Allagash River Trip Pale Ale

This light-bodied pale ale is a perfect choice for a hot day, with crisp notes of citrus and melon. It's refreshing and light, yet still packs some hop character. With only 128 calories per 12 ounces, it's a great option if you're counting calories.

Beavertown Neck Oil Session IPA

Beavertown's Neck Oil Session IPA is an Indian Pale Ale (IPA) with a citrusy twist. It has 36 calories per 100ml, 122 calories per can, and an alcohol percentage of 4.3%. You can find it in bars and grocery stores, making it a convenient option.

Brooklyn Pilsner Lager Beer

The Brooklyn Pilsner Lager is a naturally low-calorie option, offering 125 calories per bottle and an alcohol content of 4.6%. It features light, toasty flavours with a subtle citrus hop. You can find it in the US and 30 other countries worldwide.

Budweiser

The traditional Budweiser beer is a low-calorie option, with 129 calories per bottle and an ABV of 4.5%. While it doesn't have as few calories as Bud Light, it's more widely available. Budweiser is a light American pale lager.

Corona Extra

Corona Extra is one of the bestselling low-calorie beers globally. As a pale lager, it's light and refreshing, often served with a slice of lime. It has 44 calories per 3.5oz (100ml), 148 calories per bottle (350ml), and an alcohol content of 4.5%.

Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty

This IPA from Dogfish Head is a light beer with a fruity twist. It has notes of pineapple, coconut, and citrus. Made with monk fruit, it cuts down on sugar content while delivering the punch of a traditional IPA. With only 100 calories, it's a great low-calorie option.

In addition to these popular options, there are several other low-calorie pale ales to explore, such as Skinny Brands Beer, Bud Light, and Lucky Saint. Remember to enjoy these beers in moderation and always drink responsibly.

Calculating calories in beer

Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage made from four primary ingredients: grain, hops, yeast, and water. While it is enjoyed by many, beer is also associated with weight gain due to its high calorie and carbohydrate content.

Factors Affecting Calorie Content

The calorie content of beer depends on several factors, including the style of beer, the brewer, and the ingredients used. The boiling and fermenting time, as well as the addition of flavours and their respective times, can also influence the final calorie count.

Calorie Calculation Formulas

To calculate the calorie content of beer, you need to know the original gravity (OG) and final gravity (FG) of the beer. These are density readings taken during the initial phase of brewing before fermentation (OG) and after fermentation ends (FG). The final gravity is always lower than the original gravity as yeast converts sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide, resulting in lower carbohydrate and calorie levels in the final product.

Using the original and final gravity values, you can calculate the approximate number of calories in a beer using the following formula:

> Approximate calories = (ABV% x 2.5) x fl oz

For a more accurate calculation, you can use the Beer Calories Calculator formula:

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

>

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

>

> Total Calories = Calories From Alcohol + Calories From Carbohydrates

Calories in Popular Beers

• River Trip Pale Ale: 128 calories
• Le Petit Prince: 75 calories
• Dogfish Head Slighty Mighty: 95 calories
• Lagunitas DayTime: 98 calories
• Lakefront Eazy Teazy: 99 calories
• Kona Kanaha Blonde Ale: 99 calories
• Southern Tier Swipe Light: 110 calories
• Mural Agua Fresca Cerveza: 110 calories
• Harpoon Rec League: 120 calories
• Boston Beer 26.2 Brew: 120 calories
• Firestone Walker Easy Jack: 120 calories
• Oarsman Ale: 137 calories
• Southern Tier 8 Days a Week Blonde Ale: 144 calories
• Fat Tire Amber Ale: 160 calories

Low-Calorie Beers

If you're looking for low-calorie options, light beers typically have the fewest calories, with only 99 calories per 12 oz can. Regular beers contain 130 to 170 more calories per 12 oz serving compared to light beers.

Some specific low-calorie beers include:

• Budweiser Select 55: 55 calories
• Coors Edge: 45 calories
• Beck's Non-Alcoholic Beer: 60 calories
• Heineken 0.0: 69 calories
• Budweiser Select: 99 calories
• Corona Light: 99 calories
• Yuengling Light Lager: 99 calories
• Coors Light: 102 calories
• Bud Light: 110 calories

High-Calorie Beers

On the other hand, high-calorie beers, typically those with over 150 calories, can lead to weight gain and other health issues if consumed regularly. Examples of high-calorie beers include:

• Sierra Nevada Bigfoot: 330 calories
• Dogfish Head, 120 Minute IPA: 450 calories
• Natty Daddy: 181 calories
• Miller Fortune: 186 calories
• Sierra Nevada India Pale Ale: 231 calories

Calories and Health Considerations

It is important to note that excessive alcohol intake is linked to an increased risk of liver disease, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and early death. Additionally, drinking large quantities of beer can lead to unwanted hangover symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and dehydration. Therefore, it is recommended to consume alcohol in moderation, with a limit of one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

Strategies for reducing calorie intake

Opt for low-calorie beers:

Choose beers with lower alcohol content, as alcohol contains 7 calories per gram. Some low-calorie options include:

• Budweiser Select (2.4% ABV): 55 calories
• Le Petit Prince (2.9% ABV): 75 calories
• Allagash River Trip Pale Ale: 128 calories
• Coors Light: ~100 calories
• Amstel Light: 95 calories
• Yuengling Light Lager: <100 calories
• Dogfish Head Slighty Mighty (4% ABV): 95 calories
• Lagunitas DayTime (4% ABV): 98 calories

Drink in moderation:

Moderate drinking is defined as 1-2 drinks per day for men and up to one drink per day for women. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to weight gain and negatively impact your health.

Choose lower-carb beers:

Beers with lower carbohydrate content can help reduce calorie intake. Some lower-carb options include Michelob Ultra, Budweiser Select 55, and Corona Premier.

Reduce portion sizes:

Opt for smaller glasses or cans (12-ounce) instead of larger bottles (16-ounce). This simple switch can significantly reduce your calorie intake.

Drink less frequently:

Consider limiting your drinking to weekends or special occasions. This will not only reduce your overall calorie intake but also give your body a break from processing alcohol.

Pair drinking with healthy eating:

When drinking, make sure to eat a nutritious meal beforehand. Choose foods with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, such as Greek yogurt with berries or almond butter with an apple. This will help stabilize your blood sugar levels and prevent impulsive eating later.

Frequently asked questions