We don’t mean to be a buzzkill, but have you ever wondered how many calories are in a bottle of beer?
Before pouring yourself another one, remember that the average calories in a beer range from 100 to 200 per bottle. If you have at least five drinks, that comes out to almost 1000 calories. Beer isn’t exactly healthy, but that hasn’t stopped us from enjoying pints of it!
RELATED: You can now buy Nutella Beer
Why do we love beer?
It’s more than just a refreshing drink – it’s an essential part of the laid-back Aussie culture. Whether you’re chilling by the beach, socialising at a pub, enjoying a BBQ, or just relaxing at home, there’s no denying that a nice cold one just makes you feel better.
What makes beer high or low in calories?
Made from carbohydrates like sugar or starch found in hops and malt, beer contains at least seven calories per gram – that’s almost as much as there is in fat!
Believe it or not, alcohol is one of the biggest factors to consider in beer calories. Regardless of how many calories or carbs there are, it won’t do you much good if you use it to justify drinking more!
The truth about low-calorie beers & low carb beer
No matter how many carbohydrates are in your drink, the real culprit is the alcohol itself: the higher the percentage, the more calories it has. So just because you’re drinking beer that’s ‘advertised’ as being low in calories or carbs doesn’t really mean that you’re being healthy!
Do they work?
Despite these beers being described as “healthier options”, a study from the Cancer Council of Victoria has shown that there is very little difference between regular beer and low-carb beets. Your best bet is self-control!
One serving of beer is equal to about two standard drinks, so try to limit yourself to just one beer in the first hour.
Most popular beers in Australia & their beer calories
Does healthy beer even exist? Let’s top up with a list of the best beers in Australia to find out which ones are the healthiest choices!
Balter XPA
(355ml) ABV 5.0% / 118 calories/ 6.7g carbs
Brewed in Queensland, this pale beer is strong with tropical and fruity notes.
Bulmers Original Cider
(330ml) ABV 4.7% / 137calories / 14.2 carbs
This authentic Irish beer has become popular in pubs for its apple and citrus flavours.
Carlton Dry
(330ml) ABV 4.5% / 118 calories / 6.7gs carbs
Light golden, this crisp lager has significantly less sugar without being bitter.
Carlton Draught
(375ml) ABV 4.6%/ 138 calories / 10gs carbs
This best-seller is a strong lager that always tastes like it’s fresh from the brewery!
Carlton Mid-Strength
(375ml) ABV 3% / 135 calories / 15 carbs
This award-winning beer is milder and more carbonated. It has citrus-biscuit flavour with added carbs.
XXXX Gold
(330ml) ABV 3.5% / 109 calories / 7.1g carbs
Known as the perfect tap beer, it’s a favourite for its balanced sweetness and bitterness with a lightly roasted finish.
Coopers Pale Ale
(375ml) ABV 4.5% / 155 calories / 7.9 carbs
Cloudy and foamy, this ale is an old-timers fave, organically stored in a keg for the best taste.
Coopers Sparkling Ale
(375ml) ABV 5.8% / 207 calories / 11.9g carbs
This sparkling version of the classic Coopers has more alcohol, yeast, and carbonation, just as it was first brewed in 1862.
Corona Extra
(330ml) ABV 4.5% / 159 calories / 14.8g carbs
Corona is famous worldwide for its light, malty flavour. This golden beer is best served with ice and a slice of lime!
Crown Lager
(375ml) ABV 4.9% / 153 calories / 12g carbs
Made with the best hops an Australian malt, this premium lager is full-bodied, fruity and creamy.
Great Northern
(330ml) ABV 4.2% / 88 calories / 5.3 carbs
This lager is light and clean. Despite its fruity aroma, its taste is very mild and refreshing.
Heineken
(330ml) ABV 5% / 139 calories / 11 carbs
Famous worldwide for its distinct, simple profile, this Netherlands brew is one of the world’s top premium beers.
Little Creatures Pale Ale
(330ml) ABV 5.2% / 156 calories/ 14g carbs
The hops used for this pale ale originate from America. It has a bitter finish that isn’t too overpowering.
Mountain Goat Steam Ale
(330ml) ABV 4.5% / 141 calories/ 8g carbs
This organic ale is perfect for any season with its dry and foamy mouthfeel.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro
(330ml) ABV 5.1% / 142 calories/ 11g carbs
Brewed in Italy, this pale lager has a subtle citrus taste to complement its bitterness.
Pure Blonde Ultra Low Carb
(330ml) ABV 4.6% / 93 calories / 1g carb
The ‘Golden Ale’ is a medium lager with 80% fewer carbs and no artificial preservatives.
Stone And Wood Pacific Ale
(330ml) ABV 4.4% / 132 calories / 14g carbs
Inspired by their Bryon brewery near the Pacific ocean, this breezy ale has passionfruit and citrus notes.
Tooheys Extra Dry
(345ml) ABV 4.4% / 112 calories / 5.2g carbs
Best served in a tall glass, this aromatic extra dry brew is light-bodied and 99.9% sugar-free!
Tooheys New
(375ml) ABV 4.6% / 142 calories / 9g carbs
Proudly Australian, this lager is smooth and delicate, making it very easy to drink.
Victoria Bitter
(375ml) ABV 4.9% / 146 calories / 12gs carbs
This full-strength beer is popular for its strong bitter taste and has become an Aussie favourite over the years.
Choose the better booze
Now that you know exactly how many calories there are in your favourite beer, you can choose better booze the next time you drink with your mates! You can still have your fair share of drinks, but try to avoid consuming the liquid-equivalent of half a dozen doughnuts. As cliche as it sounds, alcohol is truly best enjoyed responsibly!
RELATED: Bizarre ways to use beer