How many calories are in a 16 oz Coors beer?

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

The calorie content of beer is influenced heavily by its alcohol by volume (ABV), with alcohol providing nearly double the calories per gram compared to carbohydrates. For a 16 oz Coors beer, the exact calorie count depends on the type, with Coors Light containing fewer calories than Coors Banquet. Understanding this difference is key for managing your caloric intake.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a 16 oz Coors beer varies significantly between its light and standard versions, with the alcohol content being the main factor.

Key Points

Coors Light: A 16 oz Coors Light has approximately 136 calories, calculated from its 102 calories per 12 oz serving.
Coors Banquet: A 16 oz Coors Banquet has around 196 calories, based on its 147 calories per 12 oz serving.
Alcohol and Carbs: The majority of calories in beer come from alcohol, which is calorie-dense, and residual carbohydrates from fermentation.
ABV and Calories: Higher alcohol by volume (ABV) directly correlates with a higher calorie count, as alcohol is a concentrated source of calories.
Serving Size Matters: A larger 16 oz serving naturally contains more calories than a standard 12 oz serving, so portion size is a key consideration.
Weight Management: Excessive and frequent beer consumption, regardless of type, can contribute to weight gain, particularly visceral or 'belly' fat.

Coors Light: The Light Option

Coors Light is known for its refreshing taste and lower calorie count. A standard 12 oz serving of Coors Light contains 102 calories and 5 grams of carbohydrates. Therefore, for a larger 16 oz serving, you can expect an increase in both calories and carbs due to the larger volume. Here is the breakdown for a 16 oz can:

Calories: 136 (102 calories per 12 oz * 16/12 = 136).
Carbohydrates: Approximately 6.7 grams (5g per 12 oz * 16/12 = 6.7g).
ABV: 4.2%.

Coors Banquet: The Standard Lager

Coors Banquet is the classic, full-bodied lager in the Coors family. Its higher alcohol content and richer flavor profile mean a higher calorie count. According to Coors, a 12 oz serving of Coors Banquet has 147 calories and 11.7 grams of carbohydrates. Here is the calorie breakdown for a 16 oz serving based on that data:

Calories: 196 (147 calories per 12 oz * 16/12 = 196).
Carbohydrates: Approximately 15.6 grams (11.7g per 12 oz * 16/12 = 15.6g).
ABV: 5%.

Where Do Beer Calories Come From?

The calories in beer originate from two main sources: the alcohol and the residual carbohydrates leftover from the fermentation process. While both contribute, alcohol is the more calorie-dense component, with 7 calories per gram compared to 4 calories per gram for carbohydrates and protein. This is why beers with a higher ABV, like Coors Banquet, typically have more calories than a lower-ABV brew like Coors Light.

Your body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over burning other energy sources, including fat. This means that when you consume alcohol, your body's fat-burning process is temporarily suppressed while it works to process the alcohol. For those watching their weight, understanding this metabolic process is just as important as knowing the raw calorie numbers.

Comparison Table: Coors vs. Other Beers

Here is a simple table comparing the estimated calories of a 16 oz Coors Light and Coors Banquet with other common beer types, based on average serving sizes.


Beer Type	Serving Size	Approximate ABV	Approximate Calories
Coors Light	16 oz	4.2%	136
Coors Banquet	16 oz	5.0%	196
Standard Lager (e.g., Budweiser)	16 oz	5.0%	200
Michelob Ultra	16 oz	4.2%	127
Craft IPA (High ABV)	16 oz	7.0%+	240+

Factors Influencing Your Total Calorie Intake

Beyond the specific beer you choose, several other factors can influence your overall calorie consumption from drinking:

Serving Size: As demonstrated, a larger 16 oz serving contains more calories than a standard 12 oz can. Draft pours are often larger than cans and bottles, so it's important to be mindful of the portion size.
Beer Type: Light beers are generally lower in both carbs and alcohol, making them the lowest-calorie option. Heavier craft beers and stouts, with higher alcohol content and more residual sugars, can contain significantly more calories.
Consumption Habits: Binge drinking and frequent consumption are directly linked to increased caloric intake and higher risks of weight gain. The added inhibition-lowering effects of alcohol can also lead to poorer food choices alongside drinking, such as greasy snacks.
Lifestyle: Overall physical activity and diet quality are crucial. Moderate drinkers with healthy lifestyles often see better outcomes than heavy drinkers with poor habits.

Conclusion

When it comes to the question of how many calories are in a 16 oz Coors beer, the answer depends on which Coors you're drinking. A 16 oz Coors Light contains roughly 136 calories, while a 16 oz Coors Banquet comes in at approximately 196 calories. The key takeaway for anyone monitoring their calorie intake is that the higher the ABV and the larger the serving size, the more calories you're consuming. Opting for a lighter beer or being mindful of portion sizes are effective strategies to manage your intake. For more general information on alcohol and health, consult reputable resources like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's nutrition source.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference in calories is due to the alcohol content and ingredients; Coors Light has a lower ABV and fewer carbohydrates, resulting in a lower calorie count per serving compared to Coors Banquet.

No, beer contains virtually no fat or cholesterol. Most of its calories come from alcohol and carbohydrates.

You can use an approximate formula: Calories = (ABV% 2.5) ounces of beer. Keep in mind this is an estimate, as it doesn't account for all residual carbohydrates.

Yes, generally, beers with a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) contain more calories because alcohol is a calorie-dense compound. The higher the ABV, the higher the calorie count will be.

Yes, many health professionals consider calories from alcohol to be 'empty calories' because they provide energy but offer minimal nutritional value, such as vitamins or minerals.

While often called a 'beer belly', excessive consumption of any alcohol, not just beer, can contribute to weight gain and the accumulation of abdominal fat. The risk is higher with frequent or binge drinking.

To reduce your calorie intake from beer, you can choose a light beer, opt for a smaller serving size, or consume alcohol less frequently. Pairing beer with a healthy diet and exercise is also recommended.