Do IPAs have more calories than beer? Unpacking the Craft Brew Calorie Myth

October 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to brewing science, approximately 60% of the calories in beer come directly from its alcohol content. The answer to "Do IPAs have more calories than beer?" is that many do, primarily because their bold flavor profiles often require a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) and more residual sugars. Understanding where these calories come from is key to making informed choices about your beverage consumption.

Quick Summary

The calorie content in beer is primarily determined by its alcohol by volume (ABV) and residual carbohydrates. IPAs, particularly higher-ABV craft varieties, typically contain more calories per serving compared to standard lagers or light beers. The difference is influenced by the brewing process and ingredients, which result in higher alcohol and sugar content for a bolder flavor. Session IPAs, however, offer a lower-calorie option with less alcohol, providing a hoppy flavor with fewer calories.

Key Points

Higher ABV Means Higher Calories: IPAs typically contain more alcohol by volume (ABV) than standard lagers, and since alcohol is calorie-dense, this leads to a higher calorie count.
Residual Sugars Add Up: Leftover carbohydrates and sugars from the brewing process contribute significantly to an IPA's calories, especially in richer, hazier styles.
Session IPAs Offer a Lighter Alternative: For those watching their calories, a Session IPA provides a lower-ABV and lower-calorie option while still delivering a hop-forward flavor.
Serving Size Matters: The portion size is critical; a 16-ounce pint of IPA contains significantly more calories than a 12-ounce can of the same beer.
Dark Color is Not a Calorie Indicator: Contrary to popular belief, a beer's color does not correlate with its calorie count; some dark stouts can have fewer calories than certain IPAs.
Mindful Drinking is Key: Managing your overall beer intake and choosing lower-calorie options is the best strategy for balancing enjoyment with your dietary goals.

The Science Behind Beer Calories: ABV and Residual Sugars

Calories in beer originate from two main sources: alcohol and carbohydrates. Alcohol itself is quite calorie-dense, containing about 7 calories per gram—only slightly less than the 9 calories found in a gram of fat. Carbohydrates, including residual sugars left over after fermentation, contribute the rest.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV) is the Biggest Factor

For most beers, the most significant driver of calorie count is the alcohol by volume (ABV). The process of fermentation involves yeast converting sugars from malted grains into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The higher the percentage of alcohol, the more sugar was originally present and fermented, leading to a higher calorie count. IPAs are known for their bold, complex flavors, which brewers often achieve with a higher ABV than a typical light lager, pushing their calorie count upwards.

Residual Sugars and Malts

Beyond alcohol, the brewing ingredients and process also play a major role. The amount of residual sugars—the unfermented carbohydrates left in the finished beer—is a notable contributor.

Malt Bill: IPAs often use a more substantial malt bill, particularly for hazy or double IPAs, which provides more sugar for the yeast to work on. This can lead to a richer flavor but also a higher calorie count, as not all sugars are converted.
Yeast Attenuation: The type of yeast and fermentation process can affect how many sugars are left behind. Some brewers intentionally stop fermentation earlier to leave more residual sugars, which can contribute to a fuller body and sweeter flavor profile—and more calories.
Added Adjuncts: Certain craft IPAs use adjuncts like oats, lactose, or fruit puree to enhance mouthfeel and flavor. These additives can introduce extra carbohydrates and sugars that further increase the beer's overall calorie load.

Comparison: IPAs vs. Other Beer Styles

While a standard IPA might have more calories than a typical light beer, it's important to remember that there's a wide spectrum within the world of beer. The term "beer" is broad, encompassing styles ranging from low-calorie light lagers to dense, high-ABV stouts.

The Rise of Lower-Calorie IPAs

Recognizing the demand for flavorful but less calorically dense options, many craft breweries now offer Session IPAs and low-cal IPAs. These beers are specifically brewed with lower alcohol content (often in the 4-5% ABV range) to reduce calories while preserving the signature hop-forward character. This innovation provides a delicious middle-ground for beer lovers who are more mindful of their nutritional intake.

Calorie Comparison Table (12-ounce serving)


Beer Type	Typical ABV	Approximate Calorie Range	Why the Calorie Count?
Light Beer	4-5%	90-120 calories	Lower ABV and reduced residual carbohydrates.
Standard Lager	~5%	~150 calories	Moderate ABV and carbohydrate content.
Standard IPA	6-7.5%	180-200 calories	Higher ABV and often more residual sugars from a fuller malt profile.
Hazy IPA	6-8%	200-250 calories	Higher ABV and significant residual carbohydrates from less yeast attenuation and adjuncts like oats.
Double/Imperial IPA	8-10%+	250-300+ calories	Higher ABV and more malt used in the brewing process.

Navigating Your Diet with Beer in Mind

For those watching their weight, understanding the caloric impact of their favorite brew is essential. It's not just about the type of beer, but also mindful consumption.

Prioritize Lower ABV: When choosing an IPA, look for a "session" or "low-cal" version, which will inherently contain fewer calories than their imperial or double counterparts.
Watch Serving Sizes: Remember that larger servings, such as a 16-ounce pint, will have significantly more calories than a standard 12-ounce can. Being aware of portion sizes is crucial for managing your total intake.
Balance Your Choices: Consider your beer a treat and adjust your food intake accordingly. Pairing a higher-calorie IPA with a lighter meal can help maintain a balanced diet.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking water between beers can slow consumption, increase feelings of fullness, and help manage your total calorie and alcohol intake.

Conclusion

In conclusion, IPAs generally do have more calories than lighter beer varieties, and the primary reason lies in their typically higher alcohol content and residual carbohydrates from the brewing process. However, the variation in craft beer means that not all IPAs are created equal. Session IPAs and low-cal options are a testament to brewers' ability to deliver big flavor with a smaller calorie impact. By understanding how ABV and ingredients affect the final calorie count, consumers can make informed choices that allow them to enjoy a flavorful beer without compromising their nutritional goals. The key to incorporating any beer into a healthy diet is moderation and mindful selection.

For additional nutritional insights and a database of beer facts, the American Homebrewers Association provides valuable resources on the science behind brewing and beer composition.

Frequently Asked Questions

IPAs typically have more calories than light beers because they generally have a higher alcohol by volume (ABV), and alcohol is a major source of calories in beer. Additionally, IPAs often contain more residual sugars from a more complex malt bill, which also increases the calorie count.

Yes, generally speaking, a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) in beer is the strongest indicator of a higher calorie count. Since alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, beers with a higher alcohol concentration will naturally have more calories per serving.

No, not all IPAs are high in calories. While many standard and double IPAs are, the emergence of Session IPAs and low-cal IPAs provides options with lower alcohol content and fewer calories, allowing for a hop-forward flavor with less caloric impact.

A Session IPA is a type of IPA brewed to have a lower alcohol content, typically in the 4-5% ABV range, while retaining a strong hop flavor. This lower ABV means it is a significantly lower-calorie alternative to standard and double IPAs.

No, the color of a beer is not a reliable indicator of its calorie content. The color comes from the type of malt used, not necessarily the amount of residual sugar or alcohol. Some dark beers, like certain stouts, can be lower in calories than some lighter-colored beers.

You can get a rough estimate of a beer's calories using its alcohol by volume (ABV). A common formula is ABV% multiplied by 2.5, then multiplied by the number of ounces. For example, a 6% ABV, 16-ounce beer has approximately 240 calories (6 x 2.5 x 16).

To reduce your calorie intake from beer, you can choose lower-ABV options like light lagers or Session IPAs, be mindful of serving sizes, and limit your overall consumption. Drinking water between beers can also help slow your intake.