The Ambiguity of "One Blue Ribbon"
When someone asks "how many calories are in one blue ribbon?", the question is impossible to answer without further context. Unlike a banana or an apple, a "blue ribbon" is not a single food item. The term can refer to several different consumer products, most prominently Pabst Blue Ribbon beer and Nestle Blue Riband chocolate wafer biscuits. It is also used by other companies, such as Blue Ribbon Classics ice cream and Blue Ribbon Bread in South Africa. The term originated from the prestigious blue ribbon award given for excellence, but today, its nutritional value depends entirely on the product you hold in your hand.
Calories in a Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR) Beer
Pabst Blue Ribbon is a classic American lager and one of the most common products associated with the name, particularly in the United States. Its nutritional content is relatively consistent for a standard 12-ounce serving.
Nutritional Information for a 12 oz PBR:
- Calories: 144–153 kcal, depending on the source.
- Fat: 0 grams.
- Carbohydrates: 12–13 grams.
- Protein: 0–1.6 grams.
- ABV (Alcohol by Volume): Typically 4.7%.
For those seeking a lighter option, Pabst also offers a light beer. A standard 12-ounce serving of Pabst Blue Ribbon Light contains only about 113 calories, with lower carbs as well.
Calories in a Nestle Blue Riband Biscuit
In the UK and other parts of the world, "Blue Riband" most often refers to a chocolate-covered wafer biscuit produced by Nestle. This treat has a significantly different calorie profile than the beer.
Nutritional Information for a single Nestle Blue Riband bar:
- Calories: Approximately 92-99 kcal per bar, depending on the flavor and source.
- Fat: Around 4.5 grams.
- Saturated Fat: About 2.5-2.8 grams.
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 9.8-12.6 grams.
- Sugars: Around 6.6-8.5 grams.
The most common variant is the milk chocolate bar, though dark chocolate and coffee cream versions also exist, with slightly varying nutritional values.
Calories in Other "Blue Ribbon" Products
The name "Blue Ribbon" is used for numerous other food items, each with its own calorie count. Here are a few examples:
Blue Ribbon Classics Ice Cream
- Fudge Bar: A Blue Ribbon Classics Fudge Bar (59g) contains 170 calories.
- Cookies 'n Cream: A 2/3 cup serving of Cookies 'n Cream ice cream from Blue Ribbon Classics contains 160 calories.
Blue Ribbon Bread (South Africa)
- Sliced White Bread: Around 245 kcal per 100g.
- Wholewheat Brown Bread: Approximately 109 kcal per slice (40g).
Blue Ribbon Chicken Products
- Grilled Chicken Nuggets: 7 nuggets contain 110 calories and are relatively high in protein.
- Chicken Luncheon Meat: One serving has around 180 calories.
Comparison Table: Blue Ribbon Nutritional Profiles
To illustrate the calorie variation, here is a comparison of common "blue ribbon" items per serving.
| Product | Serving Size | Calories (approx.) | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer | 12 fl oz can | 144–153 | 0 | 12–13 | 0–1.6 |
| Nestle Blue Riband Biscuit | 1 bar | 92–99 | 4.5–5 | 9.8–13 | 0.9–1 |
| Blue Ribbon Fudge Bar | 1 bar (59g) | 170 | 10 | 17 | 2 |
As the table clearly shows, a "blue ribbon" can have a wide range of calories, from less than 100 to over 150, depending on the specific food item.
Choosing a "Blue Ribbon" Wisely
If you are tracking calorie intake, it is essential to read the nutritional label on the specific product. The term "blue ribbon" is a brand name and a marketing phrase, not a consistent descriptor of a food's nutritional content. For beer, check the label for exact calories, which can vary slightly depending on the brewing process. For other products like biscuits, ice cream, and bread, a quick scan of the packaging is the most reliable way to get accurate information.
Note: The concept of a "blue ribbon" as a mark of excellence predates its use as a brand name. For more on its history, you can read the Wikipedia entry on the Blue ribbon.
Conclusion
In short, the calorie count of "one blue ribbon" is not a fixed number. It depends entirely on whether you are referring to a can of beer, a chocolate wafer bar, a serving of ice cream, or another food item altogether. The most common interpretations point to either a Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, with roughly 144 calories, or a Nestle Blue Riband biscuit, with around 92 calories. For accurate health and diet information, it is always best to check the label of the specific product you are consuming.
