How many calories are in a pint of Carlsberg?

December 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to recent nutritional data, a standard UK pint of Carlsberg Lager contains approximately 182 calories. However, this figure is not universal across the brand, as the calorie content can vary significantly depending on the specific Carlsberg variant and its alcoholic strength.

Quick Summary

The number of calories in a pint of Carlsberg depends on the variant, ranging from around 182 kcal for standard lager to 420 kcal for Special Brew, due to differing alcohol content.

Key Points

Standard Carlsberg Calories: A standard imperial pint (568ml) of Carlsberg Lager (3.4% ABV) contains around 182 calories.
Special Brew is High in Calories: A pint of Carlsberg Special Brew (7.5% ABV) is significantly higher in calories, containing 420 kcal.
Export Lager is Mid-Range: Carlsberg Export (4.8% ABV) contains approximately 227 calories per pint, more than the standard lager but less than Special Brew.
Alcohol is the Key Factor: The alcohol content (ABV) is the primary determinant of a Carlsberg variant's calorie count, with higher ABV correlating directly to more calories.
Low-Calorie Alternative: Carlsberg 0.0 offers a much lower-calorie alternative, with a pint-equivalent containing around 125 calories.
Zero Fat: All major Carlsberg variants contain virtually no fat, with calories coming from alcohol and carbohydrates.

The Calorie Count for Standard Carlsberg

When most people refer to a pint of Carlsberg, they are thinking of the standard Danish Pilsner, which is widely available in the UK. The calorie content for this brew is a key concern for many who are monitoring their intake. An imperial pint (568ml) of standard Carlsberg Lager contains roughly 182 calories. This number is based on the current UK formulation, which has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 3.4%. Previously, a version with a 3.8% ABV was more common in the UK and would have contained slightly more calories. This shows how changes in ABV directly impact a beer's energy content.

The calories in standard Carlsberg are primarily derived from two sources: alcohol and carbohydrates. As an alcoholic beverage, beer's energy comes mainly from the alcohol itself, which contains approximately 7 calories per gram. The fermentation process leaves behind residual sugars and other carbohydrates, which also contribute to the overall calorie count. The standard Carlsberg has zero fat and minimal protein.

Carlsberg Export: A Premium Option with More Calories

For those who prefer a more full-bodied flavour, Carlsberg offers its Export lager. This premium pilsner, with a higher ABV of 4.8%, contains more calories than its standard counterpart. Based on a nutritional value of 40 kcal per 100ml, an imperial pint of Carlsberg Export contains approximately 227 calories (40 kcal * 5.68). This is a good example of how a stronger beer translates to a higher energy intake, a general rule of thumb for all alcoholic beverages.

Carlsberg Special Brew: A High-Strength, High-Calorie Choice

On the other end of the Carlsberg spectrum is Special Brew, known for its high alcohol content. As expected, this also means it is significantly higher in calories. A pint of Carlsberg Special Brew contains a substantial 420 calories. At 7.5% ABV, it is one of the strongest widely available lagers on the market. The link between higher alcohol content and more calories is extremely evident here, as Special Brew contains more than double the calories of a standard pint of Carlsberg.

The Low-Calorie Alternative: Carlsberg 0.0

For individuals seeking to reduce their calorie consumption without forgoing the taste of beer entirely, Carlsberg offers an alcohol-free option. A 330ml bottle of Carlsberg 0.0 contains only 73 calories. For a pint (568ml) equivalent, this works out to around 125 calories, making it a much lighter choice. The primary reason for this lower calorie count is the absence of alcohol, which is the most energy-dense component of beer.

Comparison of Carlsberg Product Calories


Product	ABV	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Calories per 100ml
Standard Carlsberg (UK)	3.4%	1 pint (568ml)	182 kcal	32 kcal
Carlsberg Export	4.8%	1 pint (568ml)	227 kcal	40 kcal
Carlsberg Special Brew	7.5%	1 pint (568ml)	420 kcal	74 kcal
Carlsberg 0.0	0.0%	1 pint (568ml)	125 kcal	22 kcal

Factors Influencing Beer Calories

Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

Alcohol is a major contributor to a beer's calorie count. Higher ABV means more alcohol, and thus more calories. This is why Special Brew has so many more calories than the standard lager.

Carbohydrates

Residual sugars and other carbohydrates left over from the brewing process also provide energy. Even alcohol-free beers contain some carbohydrates and, therefore, some calories.

Serving Size

All calorie figures are dependent on the volume consumed. A pint contains significantly more calories than a standard 330ml bottle or a half pint.

Conclusion

The number of calories in a pint of Carlsberg is not a single fixed figure. It is heavily dependent on the specific product variant you choose. While a standard Carlsberg Lager (3.4% ABV) contains approximately 182 calories per pint, stronger versions like Export and Special Brew contain significantly more, with Special Brew topping the scale at 420 calories per pint. Conversely, the non-alcoholic Carlsberg 0.0 is a lower-calorie alternative. By understanding these differences, consumers can make more informed choices based on their dietary goals. For the most accurate nutritional information, it is always best to check the official product details on the Carlsberg website or packaging.

Optional link to Carlsberg nutritional info: Carlsberg Nutritional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

A 500ml can of Carlsberg Danish Pilsner contains approximately 155-185 calories, depending on the specific formulation and market. For instance, some formulations list 185 kcal for a 500ml can.

Yes, Carlsberg Special Brew has significantly more calories. A pint of Special Brew contains 420 kcal, while a pint of standard Carlsberg Lager contains around 182 kcal, due to Special Brew's much higher alcohol content.

The calories in Carlsberg beer primarily come from the alcohol and carbohydrates. Alcohol itself is very energy-dense, containing 7 calories per gram, while residual sugars from the brewing process also contribute.

Carlsberg's calorie count is comparable to many other standard lagers. A pint of standard Carlsberg is around 182 kcal, similar to the average of around 180 kcal for many 4% ABV lagers, though it can vary.

No, standard Carlsberg is not considered a low-calorie beer compared to specific low-calorie brands. However, the alcohol-free Carlsberg 0.0 is a much lower-calorie alternative.

The calorie count per pint is typically consistent between draught and canned versions of the same product, assuming the same ABV. However, variations exist between different product types (e.g., standard vs. export).

A 330ml bottle of Carlsberg 0.0 contains 73 calories. This makes it a much lower-calorie option compared to alcoholic Carlsberg varieties.

Yes, absolutely. The ABV is a primary factor. As seen with Carlsberg Lager (3.4% ABV, 182 kcal) and Special Brew (7.5% ABV, 420 kcal), a higher ABV results in a significantly higher calorie count.

Carlsberg Export contains more calories due to its higher alcohol content. A pint of Export (4.8% ABV) has approximately 227 calories, while a pint of the standard Lager (3.4% ABV) has around 182 calories.