Decoding Your Brew: How Many Calories Are in a High Five IPA?

October 24, 2025 •

3 min read

According to brewing experts, the average IPA can contain between 180 and 200 calories per 12-ounce serving. For those wondering specifically, 'How many calories are in a high five IPA?', the answer depends on which brewery's version you are enjoying, with different products showing different calorie counts.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a High Five IPA varies by brewer, with some session versions being lighter. Alcohol content and residual sugars are the primary factors affecting beer calories. Understanding these nutritional details can help balance enjoyment with health goals.

Key Points

Specific Brand Matters: The calorie count for 'High Five IPA' depends on the specific brewery, with Founders All Day IPA being lower (140 calories) and Fort Myers High Five IPA being higher (180 calories).
Alcohol is the Main Calorie Source: The alcohol by volume (ABV) is the biggest factor determining a beer's calories, contributing 7 calories per gram.
Residual Sugars Add Calories: Carbs from unfermented sugars, particularly in hazy or malt-heavy IPAs, also increase the calorie count.
Session IPAs are Lower in Calories: For a lighter option, Session IPAs typically have fewer calories (120-150) due to their lower ABV.
Mindful Consumption is Key: To fit beer into a healthy diet, practice moderation, choose smaller portions, and consider balancing with other food choices.
Use Nutritional Resources: Online tools and brewery information can provide accurate calorie estimates for specific beers based on their ABV and style.

The Calorie Confusion: Unpacking the High Five IPA

When seeking specific nutritional information for a niche craft beer, such as a 'High Five IPA', the results are not always straightforward. This is because multiple breweries might produce a beer with a similar name. Our research indicates two prominent examples: Founders Brewing Co. and Fort Myers Brewing Co. The key takeaway is that the specific calorie count hinges on the particular brand and its unique brewing process.

Breaking Down the Specifics: Founders vs. Fort Myers

For those who enjoy a Founders All Day IPA, which is often associated with the 'high five' theme due to its popular and accessible nature, the nutritional information is more readily available. This session IPA, known for its lower alcohol by volume (ABV), is a lighter option for craft beer lovers.

A standard 12-ounce serving of Founders All Day IPA contains approximately 140 calories.
This is accompanied by about 10.6 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of protein.

Conversely, a product like the Fort Myers High Five IPA, an American IPA, offers a different profile.

A serving of Fort Myers High Five IPA has a higher calorie count, totaling 180 calories.
This beer features a higher ABV of 5.9% compared to the session style from Founders.

The Science Behind Beer Calories: ABV is Key

Understanding what makes beer calorific is crucial for making informed choices. The two primary contributors to a beer's calorie count are alcohol and carbohydrates. Alcohol, which contains 7 calories per gram, is a denser source of calories than carbohydrates (4 calories per gram). This is why the alcohol by volume (ABV) is the single biggest driver of a beer's calorie content.

The remaining calories come from residual sugars and carbohydrates that are not fully fermented by the yeast. In more full-bodied or hazy IPAs, for example, the use of grains like oats or wheat can leave behind more unfermented sugars, boosting the calorie count.

Navigating IPAs in a Balanced Nutrition Diet

Incorporating alcohol, particularly craft beer, into a diet requires a mindful approach. The calories in beer, sometimes called 'empty calories,' provide energy but offer little to no nutritional value. However, this does not mean you have to abandon your favorite hoppy beverage. The key lies in moderation and smart choices.

Different IPA Styles and Their Calorie Impact


IPA Style	Typical ABV Range	Approximate 12-oz Calorie Range
Session IPA	4–5%	120–150 calories
Classic/Standard IPA	6–7%	180–200 calories
Hazy IPA	6–8%	200–250 calories
Double/Imperial IPA	8%+	250–300+ calories

Smart Strategies for the Health-Conscious Beer Lover

Opt for Session IPAs: If you love the hop-forward flavor but want fewer calories, choosing a Session IPA is the most straightforward solution. Their lower ABV directly translates to fewer calories.
Practice Portion Control: Instead of a full pint, consider a smaller glass or a tasting flight to enjoy the flavor without overindulging. This simple trick can drastically reduce your calorie intake.
Use a Beer Calorie Calculator: If you have specific brand information, using an online calorie calculator can help you track your intake more accurately based on ABV and volume.
Balance with Food: Remember that beer adds to your total daily calorie budget. If you plan to have a beer, consider adjusting your food choices to maintain a healthy balance. Pairing your beer with lighter fare can help.
Stay Active: Regular exercise helps offset some of the extra calories from occasional drinks. An active lifestyle can help you enjoy your treats guilt-free.

Conclusion

While the answer to 'how many calories are in a High Five IPA?' is not a single number, the information is accessible once you identify the specific brewer. As demonstrated, Founders All Day IPA offers a lower-calorie option at 140 calories, while the Fort Myers High Five IPA has a higher count of 180 calories due to its higher ABV. Ultimately, understanding that alcohol content is the main driver of calories in beer allows consumers to make conscious choices. By opting for session versions, practicing moderation, and balancing with other healthy habits, you can continue to enjoy your favorite craft IPAs as part of a sensible and balanced nutrition diet.

For more detailed nutritional breakdowns, resources like New Trail Brewing Co.'s blog offer comprehensive guides on IPA calories and what influences them.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count in an IPA is mainly influenced by its alcohol by volume (ABV) and the amount of residual sugar left after fermentation. Higher ABV beers and those with more unfermented carbohydrates will have more calories.

Yes, session IPAs are a great lower-calorie option. They are brewed with a lower ABV, typically 4-5%, resulting in a lower calorie count of 120-150 per 12-ounce serving while still delivering a hoppy flavor.

IPAs tend to be higher in calories than most light beers (typically 90-120 calories) but are comparable to or sometimes lower than rich stouts and double IPAs, which can exceed 300 calories.

Yes, you can include IPAs in a healthy diet, but moderation is key. Being mindful of the calorie content and balancing it with other aspects of your nutrition and exercise routine will allow you to enjoy beer without hindering your health goals.

Empty calories refer to the calories from alcohol that provide energy but offer little to no essential vitamins or minerals. While beer does contain some carbohydrates, the calories from alcohol are considered empty.

Not always directly, but richer, more complex, or sweeter IPAs (like certain hazy or imperial varieties) often have higher calorie counts due to a higher ABV and more residual sugars.

A standard 12-ounce serving of Founders All Day IPA, a session IPA, contains approximately 140 calories.

A standard 12-ounce serving of Fort Myers High Five IPA contains 180 calories.