How many calories are in 1 can of IPA beer? Your Guide to IPA Nutrition

December 7, 2025 •

4 min read

While a typical light beer might have around 100 calories per 12-ounce can, the count for an IPA can vary dramatically, often ranging from 120 to over 300 calories. Understanding how many calories are in 1 can of IPA beer depends heavily on its style and alcohol content.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a can of IPA depends on its specific style and alcohol by volume (ABV), ranging from lower-calorie session IPAs to rich, high-ABV imperial versions.

Key Points

Variable Calories: A can of IPA has a calorie count that varies significantly based on its specific style and ABV, from around 120 to over 300 calories.
ABV is Key: The alcohol by volume (ABV) is the primary determinant of an IPA's calorie count, with higher ABV beers containing more calories.
Residual Sugars Matter: Carbohydrates and leftover sugars from the brewing process also contribute significantly to the total calories, especially in hazy or dessert-style IPAs.
Session vs. Imperial: Session IPAs are lower in calories (approx. 120-150 per 12 oz), while Double or Imperial IPAs are much higher (approx. 250-300+ per 12 oz).
Check the Label: For an exact count, always refer to the nutritional information printed on the can or the brewery’s website.
Choose Low-Calorie Options: For those monitoring their intake, a growing number of low-calorie and session IPAs are available on the market.

What Factors Influence the Calorie Count in an IPA?

Several key factors determine the final calorie count in a can of India Pale Ale. Unlike a standard lager, the brewing process for an IPA involves more ingredients and often results in a higher alcohol content, both of which increase the caloric density. The most significant contributors are alcohol by volume (ABV), the amount of residual sugar, and the hop additions.

The Role of Alcohol (ABV)

Alcohol itself is a dense source of calories, providing roughly 7 calories per gram, which is nearly as many as a gram of fat. Since IPAs often have a higher ABV compared to other beer styles, the alcohol content is the primary driver of their calorie count. A regular IPA with an ABV of 6-7% will naturally have more calories than a light beer with a lower ABV. For instance, a double or imperial IPA, which can exceed 8% ABV, will contain significantly more calories than a session IPA with an ABV of 4-5%.

Residual Sugars and Carbohydrates

Besides alcohol, the other major source of calories comes from the carbohydrates and residual sugars left over after fermentation. While a brewer’s yeast consumes the sugars from malted barley to produce alcohol, it doesn't always ferment every last bit. In some styles, like hazy or milkshake IPAs, extra ingredients like oats, wheat, and lactose are added. These ingredients create the desired texture and flavor profile but also leave behind more unfermented sugar, further contributing to the total calorie count. Even in traditional IPAs, a higher malt backbone for balancing the intense hops can result in more residual carbohydrates.

The IPA Spectrum: A Calorie Comparison

The IPA category is vast, with different sub-styles offering a wide range of flavor and potency. This diversity means the calorie count can vary dramatically from one can to the next. Below is a comparison table to help illustrate the typical caloric differences between the main IPA styles based on a standard 12-ounce serving.


IPA Style	Typical ABV Range	Estimated Calories (12 oz)	Key Characteristics
Session IPA	4-5%	120-150	Lower alcohol, lighter body, and moderate hop flavor. Designed for prolonged drinking sessions.
Standard IPA	6-7%	180-200	The classic IPA experience, with a balanced hop profile and moderate alcohol content.
Double/Imperial IPA	8%+	250-300+	Higher alcohol, intense hop bitterness, and often a more substantial malt backbone.
Hazy/New England IPA	6-8%	200-250	Features a cloudy appearance, lower bitterness, and prominent juicy, fruity flavors from hops.

How to Determine the Exact Calories in Your IPA Can

While the table above provides a useful estimate, the best way to know the exact calorie count for your beer is to check the nutritional information printed on the can or packaging. Many craft breweries now include this information, similar to packaged food products. Alternatively, some breweries provide detailed nutritional facts on their websites.

If you don't have access to this information, a rough estimate can be made using the ABV. A common rule of thumb is that more alcohol equals more calories. For example, Founders All Day IPA, a session IPA with a 4.7% ABV, clocks in at 140 calories per 12-ounce can. In contrast, a higher ABV IPA like the Beavertown Lupuloid (6.7% ABV) is approximately 201 calories for a 330ml can. This difference highlights how a moderate increase in ABV can lead to a significant jump in calories.

Enjoying IPAs Responsibly While Monitoring Calorie Intake

For those who enjoy the flavor of a hop-forward beer but are mindful of their calorie consumption, there are several strategies. Exploring low-ABV options like session IPAs is an excellent start. In recent years, a growing number of breweries have also been innovating with low-calorie IPA versions that minimize both alcohol and residual sugar without sacrificing flavor.

Seek Out Low-ABV IPAs: These are brewed specifically to keep the alcohol content low while preserving hop flavor. Brands like Founders All Day IPA or Beavertown Neck Oil are good examples.
Consider Low-Calorie Alternatives: Some breweries now offer IPAs that have been specifically crafted to be low in calories. For example, brands like SkinnyBrands offer an IPA at just 89 calories per 330ml can.
Mindful Drinking: Simply drinking less or opting for smaller serving sizes, like a 12-ounce can instead of a 16-ounce can, can help manage calorie intake. You can find more information on mindful consumption from resources like Upstream Brewing Company.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the number of calories in a can of IPA beer is not a single, fixed number but a variable influenced by the beer's style, ABV, and specific ingredients. While a standard IPA contains around 180-200 calories per 12 ounces, heavier imperial styles can push past 300 calories. By paying attention to the alcohol content and exploring newer low-calorie and session options, beer drinkers can make informed choices to balance their flavor preferences with their dietary goals. The craft beer world offers a diverse range of choices, ensuring that everyone can find a delicious IPA that fits their lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 12-ounce can of IPA typically contains between 180 and 200 calories, but this can vary depending on the specific recipe and ABV.

Yes, many breweries now produce low-calorie and 'session' IPAs with lower alcohol content. Some can contain fewer than 100 calories per can, while others are in the 120-150 calorie range.

Imperial or double IPAs have a higher calorie count primarily due to their higher alcohol by volume (ABV). Since alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, more alcohol results in a more calorically dense beer.

Hazy IPAs often have a slightly higher calorie count than regular IPAs of a similar ABV. This is due to the additional carbohydrates and residual sugars from ingredients like oats and wheat used to create their cloudy appearance and smooth texture.

Approximately 60% of the calories in beer come from alcohol, with the remaining 40% coming from carbohydrates and residual sugars left after fermentation.

You can roughly estimate based on ABV, as it's the biggest factor. A higher ABV means more calories. A general formula is often cited: multiply the ABV% by 2.5 and the ounces of beer to get a ballpark figure.

IPAs are typically higher in calories than light beers or standard lagers, but they can be comparable to or even less than some stouts and porters, depending on the specific style and ABV.