How many calories are in a 12 oz Shock Top?

December 16, 2025 •

3 min read

A 12 oz bottle of Shock Top Belgian White has around 167 to 170 calories. This places the beer in the moderate-to-high range for a typical 12-ounce beer, with the exact number varying slightly depending on the specific source or brewing batch.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a 12 oz Shock Top Belgian White is typically 167-170, with carbohydrates contributing the most significant portion of energy. Macronutrient details include about 15 grams of carbs and 2 grams of protein, with no fat. Higher alcohol content can increase overall calorie density.

Key Points

Calories in a Shock Top: A 12 oz serving of Shock Top Belgian White contains approximately 167 to 170 calories.
Main Calorie Sources: The calories primarily come from alcohol (7 kcal/g) and carbohydrates (4 kcal/g).
Carbohydrate Count: Each 12 oz bottle provides about 14.6 to 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Protein and Fat: Shock Top contains a small amount of protein (around 2g) and virtually no fat.
ABV and Calories: The 5.2% ABV contributes significantly to the total calorie count, as is typical with all beer.
Comparative Perspective: Shock Top is higher in calories than light lagers but lower than many heavier craft beers, like Imperial Stouts.
Nutrient Content: The calories in beer are largely considered empty, as they provide little to no essential vitamins or minerals.

Shock Top Calorie Breakdown: What You Need to Know

The primary contributors to Shock Top's calorie count are carbohydrates and alcohol. Alcohol provides about 7 calories per gram, while carbohydrates offer 4 calories per gram. The specific recipe for Shock Top Belgian White includes orange, lemon, and lime peels, adding to its distinct flavor but potentially influencing its carbohydrate content.

Comparing Shock Top to Other Beers

To understand where Shock Top's calorie count fits, it's helpful to compare it to other common beer types. Its 167-170 calorie range puts it slightly higher than standard light beers but on par with or lower than many other craft ales and stouts.


Beer Type (12 oz)	Estimated Calorie Range	Shock Top (12 oz)	Calorie Comparison
Light Lager	90-110 calories	167-170 calories	Higher in calories
Regular Lager	~150 calories	167-170 calories	Slightly higher in calories
IPA	180-220 calories	167-170 calories	On the lower end
Stout/Porter	200-300+ calories	167-170 calories	Considerably lower

The Impact of Alcohol on Calories

Alcohol by Volume (ABV) plays a significant role in determining a beer's total calories. Shock Top Belgian White has a 5.2% ABV, which is a major factor in its caloric density. The higher the alcohol percentage, the more calories the beer will generally contain. This is why lighter beers with lower ABV have fewer calories, and higher-ABV craft beers like Imperial Stouts can have significantly more.

Nutritional Information Beyond Calories

Beyond the calorie count, the nutritional profile of a 12 oz Shock Top Belgian White includes:

Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 14.6 to 15g
Protein: Around 2 to 2.1g
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g (often noted as such, but residual sugars can exist)

It is important to remember that beer offers minimal nutritional value in terms of vitamins and minerals. The calories it provides are often referred to as "empty calories" because they don't provide essential nutrients for health.

Making Informed Choices

For those watching their weight or health, understanding the calorie information allows for better-informed decisions. While a single Shock Top is a manageable part of a balanced diet, consuming multiple beers can quickly add up. Consider alternating alcoholic drinks with water, choosing smaller serving sizes, or opting for lower-calorie alternatives if calorie counting is a priority. Ultimately, moderation is key when it comes to enjoying any alcoholic beverage.

How to Burn Off a Shock Top

To put the 167-170 calorie count into perspective, consider the physical activity required to burn it off. A 150-pound person might need to engage in activities such as:

Walking: Approximately 30-40 minutes of brisk walking.
Jogging: Around 15-20 minutes of jogging at a moderate pace.
Cycling: Roughly 20-25 minutes of casual biking.
Swimming: About 15 minutes of leisurely swimming.

These are estimations and can vary based on individual metabolism and intensity of the activity. Knowing the energy required to counteract the intake can aid in balanced lifestyle planning.

Conclusion

A 12 oz Shock Top Belgian White contains approximately 167 to 170 calories, with the majority derived from its alcohol content and carbohydrates. For those concerned with nutrition, it’s beneficial to be aware of the calorie and macronutrient breakdown to make informed choices that fit within a balanced lifestyle.

Outbound Link

For more detailed information on comparing beer calories and other nutritional data, consult resources like the USDA's FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions

Compared to other Belgian White ales like Blue Moon, which has around 164-168 calories per 12 oz, Shock Top's calorie count is very similar and in the same general range.

No, Shock Top is not considered a low-calorie beer. Low-calorie or light beers typically contain between 90 and 110 calories per 12 oz, placing Shock Top significantly higher in comparison.

Reliable calorie information can be found on nutritional tracking websites like CalorieKing and Eat This Much, or retailer pages like Kroger, which often list the nutrition facts. Some variations may occur due to slightly different batch recipes or calculation methods.

Yes, different Shock Top varieties often have different calorie counts. For instance, the Raspberry Wheat ale can have around 179 calories, while a Honeycrisp Apple Wheat ale might have 180 calories per 12 oz. The flavorings and sugars used can change the final calorie count.

No, the packaging (can or bottle) does not affect the calorie content of the beer itself. The nutritional value is based on the beer's formulation, not its container.

For the most part, yes, beer calories are considered empty calories. While beer contains some carbs and trace minerals, it lacks the nutritional density of most food, meaning it provides energy without significant vitamins or other essential nutrients.

The primary contributors to beer's calorie content are alcohol and residual carbohydrates. During fermentation, yeast converts sugars into alcohol. The more alcohol produced, the higher the ABV and typically the higher the calories. Remaining sugars also contribute to the final count.