How does ABV impact the calories in beer?

Do you love beer but hate the calories? The good news is you can still enjoy your favorite beverage while carefully monitoring your diet to limit caloric intake. Some styles of beer are usually less than others. Of all the factors that impact the calories in beer, the alcohol content, or ABV, is the most significant. You’ll be able to select styles of beer that will meet your dietary needs by understanding the relationship between alcohol content and calories.

Why does the calorie content of beer correspond with the alcohol content?

Beer comprises four main ingredients: water, malt, hops, and yeast. During the brewing process, these ingredients are combined and fermented to create various beer styles, each with its unique flavor, aroma, and alcohol content.

One of the primary factors that determines the alcohol content of a beer is the amount of fermentable sugars in the wort. Wort is the liquid created by steeping malted barley in hot water, which extracts the sugars from the grains. The wort is then boiled with hops to add bitterness and flavor before being cooled and fermented with yeast. During fermentation, the yeast consumes the sugars in the wort and converts them into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

The more fermentable sugars there are in the wort, the more alcohol the yeast will be able to produce. This means that beers that are brewed with a higher percentage of malt or with malt that has a higher percentage of fermentable sugars will have a higher alcohol content than beers that are brewed with less malt or with malt that has fewer fermentable sugars.

Higher ABV = More Calories

Alcohol contains calories; in fact, each gram of alcohol contains about seven calories. This means the more alcohol a beer contains, the more calories it will have. For example, a 12-ounce serving of a beer with 5% alcohol by volume (ABV) will contain around 150 calories, while a 12-ounce serving of a beer with 8% ABV will contain about 200 calories.

Other factors that impact the calories in beer.

The alcohol content is not the only factor that affects the calorie content of beer. Other factors that impact the calories in beer include residual sugars, the type and amount of malt used, and the overall brewing process.

Residual sugars.

Residual sugars are the sugars that remain in the beer after fermentation is complete. Beers brewed with more residual sugars will have a higher calorie content, even if their alcohol content is the same as a beer with fewer residual sugars. This is because sugars contain calories, with each gram of sugar containing about four calories.

Malts.

The type and amount of malt used can also impact the calorie content of beer. Darker malts tend to have a higher calorie content than lighter malts, as they contain more unfermentable sugars and other compounds that contribute to the beer’s flavor and body. Beers brewed with a higher percentage of malt will also have a higher calorie content, as more residual sugars will be left in the beer after fermentation.

Brewing process.

Finally, the overall brewing process can also impact the calorie content of beer. Some beer styles, such as light beer or session IPA, are designed to be lower in calories and carbohydrates, regardless of their alcohol content. These beers are often brewed with a lower percentage of malt and fewer residual sugars, resulting in a beer with fewer calories overall.

What types of beer are usually lower in calories?

Generally speaking, beers that are lower in alcohol content and carbohydrates tend to be lower in calories. Here are some beer styles that are typically lower in calories:

1. Light beer: Light beers are designed to be lower in calories and carbohydrates than their regular counterparts. They typically have around 100 calories per 12-ounce serving.
2. Pilsner: Pilsners are light-colored, crisp, and refreshing beers that are typically lower in calories than other beer styles. They usually have around 120-150 calories per 12-ounce serving.
3. Wheat beer: Wheat beers, also known as witbiers or hefeweizens, are typically made with wheat instead of barley and are often lighter in body and alcohol content. They usually have around 120-180 calories per 12-ounce serving.
4. Session IPA: Session IPAs are lower in alcohol content than regular IPAs and are designed to be more drinkable. They typically have around 120-180 calories per 12-ounce serving.

Learn more about beer with The Growler Guys.

Explore the growing variety of beers in one taproom at The Growler Guys. Each location carries the best local varieties, from the palest ales to the darkest stouts, along with ciders and kombucha. Our friendly staff is happy to walk you through the characteristics of every style to help you discover your personal favorites. Take home the beers you love best in a growler to share with family and friends. View our online tap list to learn about the available selections at a location near you!