How Many Calories Does a Stone IPA Have? Your Guide to Calorie Counts

A 12-ounce serving of the classic Stone IPA contains approximately 180 calories. To understand how many calories does a stone IPA have, it's essential to look beyond the flagship brew and explore how varying alcohol content and brewing techniques impact the caloric count across the entire Stone Brewing lineup.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a Stone IPA varies by specific brew, with the original offering 180 calories for a 12-ounce serving. This is influenced primarily by alcohol and residual sugar content, differing significantly from lighter or stronger variants.

Key Points

• Standard Stone IPA Calories: A 12-ounce serving of the classic Stone IPA contains approximately 180 calories.

• ABV is Key: The alcohol by volume (ABV) is the biggest factor determining calorie count, with higher ABV beers containing more calories.

• Varies by Stone Beer: Different Stone IPAs have different calorie counts; for example, the Delicious IPA is about 195 calories while the low-cal Features & Benefits has only 95.

• Not Just Alcohol: Residual sugars and the type of grains used in brewing also contribute to the final calorie total.

• Mindful Choices: Opting for a lower-ABV session IPA or controlling serving size are effective strategies for managing calorie intake.

The Classic: How Many Calories in a Stone IPA?

For fans of the original West Coast style, a 12-ounce serving of the classic Stone IPA contains about 180 calories. Brewed with a signature mix of hops for its bold, citrusy, and piney flavor, this brew has a 6.9% Alcohol by Volume (ABV). The calorie count is primarily driven by the alcohol and carbohydrates, which we will explore further below. As a point of comparison, this puts the flagship Stone IPA in a moderate range for craft India Pale Ales, which typically fall between 180 and 220 calories per 12 ounces.

Factors Influencing Beer Calories

Several key elements in the brewing process determine the final calorie count of any beer, particularly a craft brew like an IPA. A beer's calorie content is a result of the alcohol produced during fermentation and the residual sugars or carbohydrates that remain unfermented.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

This is often the most significant predictor of a beer's calorie content. Alcohol contains approximately seven calories per gram, which is nearly double the four calories per gram found in carbohydrates. Therefore, a higher ABV brew will almost always have a higher calorie count. Stone's higher-ABV beers like the Ruination Double IPA showcase this principle perfectly, packing significantly more calories per serving than a session IPA.

Residual Sugars and Malt

The fermentable sugars in malted grains are what the yeast consumes to produce alcohol. However, not all sugars are fully fermented. The remaining, more complex carbohydrates contribute to the final calorie count and the beer's body. This is why hazy IPAs, often brewed with additional grains like oats and wheat for a creamy mouthfeel, can sometimes be higher in calories despite a moderate ABV. Furthermore, brewing with rich, dark malts in other styles like stouts also leaves a higher residual sugar content, increasing calories.

Brewing Process

Specialized brewing techniques can be used to control calorie and carbohydrate levels. For instance, Stone's brewers created the Features & Benefits IPA by carefully adjusting ingredients and fermentation, resulting in a low-calorie, low-carb, and flavorful beer. Other techniques might focus on maximizing hop flavor and aroma while minimizing the alcohol and sugar, a common approach for session IPAs.

A Closer Look at Stone's IPA Family

Stone Brewing offers a diverse lineup of IPAs, each with a different calorie profile. By comparing a few popular examples, you can see how style influences nutrition.

Stone IPA vs. Delicious IPA

While the flagship Stone IPA lands at around 180 calories (12 oz), its gluten-reduced sibling, Stone Delicious IPA, checks in slightly higher at approximately 195 calories for the same serving size. The Delicious IPA also has a higher ABV at 7.7% compared to the original's 6.9%. This demonstrates how even minor differences in ABV and ingredient formulation can affect the final nutritional information. Despite the higher calorie count, Delicious IPA remains a popular choice for those with gluten sensitivities.

Stone Features & Benefits vs. Other Low-Calorie IPAs

Stone Features & Benefits IPA is a standout example of a flavorful, low-calorie craft beer. At just 95 calories per 12-ounce serving and 4% ABV, it is a truly sessionable and diet-friendly option. This beer challenges the misconception that low-calorie craft beers must compromise on flavor, proving that innovative brewing can deliver both. Compared to other low-cal IPAs, it offers a great balance of hop character and drinkability without the higher calorie count of standard IPAs.

Hazy vs. Clear: The Calorie Impact

Some versions of Stone's Hazy IPAs have higher calorie counts than their clearer counterparts. This is often due to the residual sugars and proteins from grains like oats and wheat used to achieve the hazy appearance and smooth texture. The Stone Delicious Hazy IPA, for instance, has around 220 calories per 12 oz. In contrast, the classic Stone IPA is clear and relies on a more straightforward malt bill, contributing to its slightly lower calorie figure.

Calorie Comparison: A Stone IPA Table

Stone IPA Variety	Serving Size	ABV	Approx. Calories	Notes	Source
Stone IPA (Classic)	12 fl oz	6.9%	180	The flagship West Coast IPA	MyFoodDiary
Stone Delicious IPA	12 fl oz	7.7%	195	A citrusy, gluten-reduced IPA	MyFoodDiary
Stone Delicious Hazy IPA	12 fl oz	7.2%	220	Juicy and hazy, with a higher calorie count	Beerboard
Stone Ruination Double IPA 2.0	12 fl oz	8.5%	252	High ABV means significantly more calories	MyFoodDiary
Stone Go To IPA (Session)	12 fl oz	4.7%	130	A session IPA, lower in calories and alcohol	Beerboard
Stone Features & Benefits IPA	12 fl oz	4.0%	95	A low-cal, low-carb, gluten-reduced option	Stone Brewing

Navigating Calories for Mindful Drinking

For those who enjoy craft beer but are mindful of their calorie intake, understanding these differences is key. Choosing lower-ABV options like the Stone Features & Benefits IPA or the Go To IPA can significantly reduce caloric consumption without sacrificing flavor. Another approach is to simply opt for smaller servings. Instead of a 22-ounce pour, sticking to a 12-ounce bottle or splitting a drink can help manage calorie intake effectively.

Conclusion

The number of calories in a Stone IPA is not a single, universal figure, but rather varies depending on the specific product. While the classic Stone IPA sits at 180 calories per 12-ounce serving, the brand offers everything from a 95-calorie Features & Benefits IPA to higher-calorie Double IPAs. The primary drivers of this are the beer's ABV and residual carbohydrate content, which are factors to consider when selecting a brew. Whether you prioritize flavor, lower calories, or a higher ABV, Stone Brewing offers a wide range of options to fit your preferences. To explore their latest releases and nutritional info, visit the official Stone Brewing website [https://www.stonebrewing.com].

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Low-Calorie Beer Alternatives

• Session IPAs: Enjoy the hoppy flavor with lower alcohol and calories, like the Stone Features & Benefits IPA.
• Light Lagers: Many craft and macro breweries produce lighter lagers with significantly fewer calories than IPAs.
• Low-ABV Sours: Some tart and fruity sours are lower in calories, but always check for added sugars.
• Pilsners: These tend to be light-colored, crisp, and refreshing with lower calorie counts.
• Non-Alcoholic Beer: Many options exist with very low calories, though some can contain higher sugar levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a higher ABV mean more calories in a Stone IPA?

Yes, a higher ABV is strongly correlated with a higher calorie count. Alcohol contains seven calories per gram, so a stronger Stone IPA like the Ruination Double IPA will have significantly more calories than a lower-ABV option like the Features & Benefits IPA.

How do Stone IPA calories compare to a light beer?

The classic Stone IPA at 180 calories per 12 ounces is considerably higher in calories than most light beers, which typically range from 90 to 110 calories per serving. A low-calorie option like Stone Features & Benefits IPA (95 calories) is much closer to a light beer's caloric content.

Why does Stone Features & Benefits IPA have so few calories?

Stone Features & Benefits IPA is specifically brewed to be low-calorie. It achieves its low count (95 calories, 4% ABV) through a careful brewing process that reduces both alcohol content and carbohydrates without compromising on flavor.

Are all Stone IPAs higher in calories than lagers?

Not necessarily. While many Stone IPAs are higher in calories due to their higher ABV and ingredients, a session IPA like Stone's Go To IPA (130 calories) can be comparable to or even lower in calories than some heavier lagers.

Does the Stone Delicious IPA contain fewer calories than the classic Stone IPA?

No, the Stone Delicious IPA actually contains slightly more calories, at 195 per 12-ounce serving, compared to the classic Stone IPA's 180 calories. This is due to its higher 7.7% ABV.

Where do the calories in a Stone IPA come from?

Calories in a Stone IPA, like in all beer, primarily come from two sources: the alcohol and the residual carbohydrates (sugars) left after fermentation. Alcohol is the larger contributor, providing seven calories per gram.

Can the calorie count of a Stone IPA differ depending on the serving size?

Yes. While calorie information is typically based on a 12-ounce serving, larger pours common at craft breweries can result in a higher total calorie intake. For example, a 16-ounce pour would increase the calories by a third.