How Many Calories Are in an NA IPA?

December 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Most regular IPAs contain between 180 and 200 calories per 12-ounce serving, but many popular NA IPAs boast significantly lower counts. This substantial difference stems from the absence of alcohol, a calorie-dense compound, making the calorie content of an NA IPA a welcome surprise for many health-conscious consumers.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of an NA IPA varies, but it is typically much lower than a regular IPA due to the lack of alcohol. Specific counts depend on the brand and brewing process, which influences the final carbohydrate and sugar content.

Key Points

Significant Calorie Reduction: NA IPAs have substantially fewer calories than their alcoholic counterparts, primarily because alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, which is removed during the brewing process.
Variable Calorie Counts: The specific number of calories in an NA IPA varies widely by brand, depending on the residual sugar and carbohydrate content left after brewing.
Carbohydrate Content is Key: While low in alcohol, NA IPAs still contain carbohydrates from malted barley. Some brewers focus on keeping these carbs extremely low, while others retain more for a fuller body and flavor.
Diverse Brewing Methods: Brewers use specialized yeast, vacuum distillation, or reverse osmosis to create NA IPAs, with each method influencing the final nutritional profile.
Added Nutritional Benefits: Beyond just lower calories, some NA beers are enriched with B vitamins, electrolytes, and antioxidants, aiding hydration and recovery.
Variety of Low-Calorie Options: The market offers a wide range of NA IPAs, from super-low-calorie options like Partake (10 kcal) to richer alternatives like Lagunitas IPNA (80 kcal), allowing consumers to choose based on their preferences.
Mindful Drinking Trend: The rise of flavorful, low-calorie NA beers is a direct response to the growing consumer movement towards mindful drinking and healthier lifestyle choices.

The Surprising Truth About NA IPA Calories

For many years, non-alcoholic (NA) beer was relegated to a niche market, often associated with a watery taste and uninspired flavor profile. However, the modern NA beer landscape, particularly within the IPA category, has undergone a revolution. Craft brewers have perfected techniques that allow for bold, hoppy flavors to shine through without the alcohol, attracting a new generation of health-conscious consumers. A central question for these drinkers is: how many calories are in an NA IPA? The answer is not a single number but rather a range that, in almost every case, offers a compelling advantage over traditional alcoholic IPAs.

Why NA IPAs Are Lower in Calories

The primary reason NA IPAs contain fewer calories is simple: alcohol is the most calorically dense macronutrient in traditional beer. At roughly 7 calories per gram, alcohol provides almost as many calories as fat (9 calories per gram). A standard alcoholic IPA can be quite high in calories, with many surpassing 200 calories for a 12-ounce can. By removing the alcohol, non-alcoholic brewers eliminate the bulk of these calories. The remaining calories come from carbohydrates, and to a lesser extent, residual sugars from the brewing process.

Brewers use several methods to create NA beer with minimal alcohol. Some use a special yeast that limits fermentation, while others use advanced techniques like vacuum distillation or reverse osmosis to remove alcohol after brewing. These processes allow for more control over the final nutritional profile. However, it is crucial to remember that calorie and carbohydrate content will vary by brand, as some brewers might leave more residual sugar to enhance flavor and mouthfeel. This is why reading the label is essential for those monitoring their intake closely.

Comparing NA IPAs to Regular IPAs

To illustrate the difference in calorie counts, let's compare some popular non-alcoholic IPAs to a typical alcoholic IPA. A standard alcoholic IPA with an ABV of 6-7% often contains 180-200 calories per 12 oz. In contrast, many of today's craft NA IPAs offer a much lighter profile.


Brand	Style	Serving Size	Calories	Carbs	Sugars
Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild	IPA	12 fl oz	70	16 g	0 g
Partake Brewing IPA	IPA	12 fl oz	10	0 g	0 g
BrewDog Hazy AF	Hazy IPA	12 fl oz	20	2.3 g	N/A
Lagunitas IPNA	IPA	12 fl oz	80	18 g	3 g
Samuel Adams Just the Haze	IPA	12 fl oz	98	22 g	N/A
Standard Regular IPA (6.5% ABV)	IPA	12 fl oz	~200	~18 g	N/A

As the table shows, the caloric savings of an NA IPA can be significant. The variation in carbohydrate and sugar content is also notable, demonstrating the different brewing philosophies. For example, Partake focuses on minimizing carbs and calories entirely, while other brands prioritize replicating a fuller mouthfeel, which sometimes means a slightly higher sugar count.

The Rise of Health-Conscious Brewing

This shift towards lower-calorie, high-flavor NA options is a testament to the growing demand for healthier lifestyle choices. Brewers are innovating to deliver the craft beer experience without the negative health impacts of alcohol. This means focusing on premium ingredients and sophisticated brewing methods to achieve a balanced and robust flavor profile. The rise of the mindful drinking movement has made NA IPAs a viable and appealing option for a wider audience, including athletes, health enthusiasts, and anyone looking to reduce their alcohol intake.

Beyond Just Calories

While low calories are a major draw, many non-alcoholic beers offer additional nutritional benefits. Some NA beers are fortified with B vitamins and electrolytes, which can aid in post-workout recovery. These beverages can be a refreshing and hydrating alternative to alcoholic drinks, which have a diuretic effect. Furthermore, the polyphenols and antioxidants found in hops and barley, which are retained during the non-alcoholic brewing process, may provide certain health benefits, such as reducing inflammation. This holistic approach makes NA IPAs a smart choice for those prioritizing overall well-being. Ultimately, understanding how many calories are in an NA IPA allows consumers to make informed choices that align with their health and wellness goals.

Low-Calorie NA IPA Examples

Partake Brewing IPA: At just 10 calories and 0 carbs per 12-ounce can, this is one of the lowest-calorie NA IPAs available.
BrewDog Hazy AF: This juicy hazy IPA offers a low 20 calories and 2.3 grams of carbs per 12-ounce can.
Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild IPA: A well-known and respected option, this beer contains 70 calories and 16 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving.
Lagunitas IPNA: This version offers a moderate 80 calories and 18 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving, providing a richer profile.
Surreal Brewing Company Juicy Mavs: With 25 calories and 4.9 grams of carbs per serving, this hazy IPA balances flavor and a low-calorie count.
Go Brewing Tropical IPA: An option under 100 calories, this brand provides a variety of flavor-forward, low-calorie choices for NA IPA drinkers.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

The non-alcoholic craft beer market has grown exponentially, and the IPA category is leading the charge with innovative, flavorful, and low-calorie options. The core reason NA IPAs have fewer calories is the absence of alcohol, but the final caloric count depends on the residual carbohydrates and brewing techniques used. Comparing options like the super-low-calorie Partake IPA to the slightly higher but still moderate Athletic Run Wild shows the variety available. For those seeking the bold, hoppy taste of an IPA without the high calorie count of alcohol, today's NA IPAs offer an excellent and increasingly sophisticated alternative. Consumers can now enjoy the craft beer experience while staying aligned with their health goals, proving that zero compromise on flavor can also mean zero compromise on wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

NA IPAs have fewer calories primarily because they contain minimal to no alcohol. Since alcohol is very calorie-dense (7 calories per gram), removing it significantly reduces the overall calorie count of the beverage.

The calories in a typical 12-ounce NA IPA can range from as low as 10 to around 98 calories, depending on the brand and brewing style. The average is often between 50 and 80 calories.

No, most NA IPAs are not carb-free. The carbohydrates come from the malted barley used in the brewing process. While some brands like Partake have zero carbs, many others contain 2 to 22 grams of carbs per serving.

Not all NA beers are created equal. While many are lower in calories than their alcoholic counterparts, some can be just as high, or even higher in carbohydrates and sugars, depending on the brewing process.

To find the lowest-calorie NA IPA, always check the nutrition label on the can or bottle. Some brands, like Partake Brewing, explicitly market themselves as ultra-low-calorie options.

Yes, some non-alcoholic beers may have added sugars to compensate for the loss of flavor and body when alcohol is removed, which can increase the overall calorie and carb content.

Some NA IPAs are suitable for a keto diet, particularly those with very low carbohydrate counts. You must read the nutritional information on the label to ensure it fits within your daily carb limits.

Beyond being a low-calorie alternative to alcoholic beer, some NA IPAs contain B vitamins, electrolytes, and beneficial antioxidants from hops and barley that can aid hydration and post-exercise recovery.