How many calories in a 330ml IPA? The surprising facts revealed

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

According to brewing experts, the number of calories in a 330ml IPA can vary dramatically depending on its alcohol content and specific brewing process. While a standard 5% ABV beer might contain around 140–150 calories, a stronger IPA can easily exceed that, with some heavier types reaching up to 180–200 calories or more per can.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of a 330ml IPA is not fixed, with figures influenced heavily by ABV, residual sugars, and beer style. Typical IPAs fall into a moderate-to-high calorie range, though options exist for lower-calorie versions.

Key Points

Average Calorie Range: A 330ml IPA typically contains between 140 and 220 calories, with the precise number dependent on the alcohol by volume (ABV).
Higher ABV Means More Calories: The single largest factor determining calories in an IPA is its ABV, as alcohol contains nearly 7 calories per gram.
Residual Sugars Add Up: Unfermented sugars left in the beer after brewing also contribute to the final calorie and carbohydrate count.
Session IPAs are Lower in Calories: For a lower-calorie alternative, choose a session IPA, which typically has a lower ABV and fewer calories.
Double IPAs are Highest in Calories: Imperial or double IPAs, with their high ABV, have a significantly higher calorie count, sometimes exceeding 300 calories per 330ml.
Check Labels or Calculators: For the most accurate calorie information, look for nutritional labels on the can or use an online beer calculator based on the beer's ABV.
Hazy IPAs Have More Carbs: The use of wheat and oats in hazy IPAs can lead to a higher calorie and carbohydrate count than clear IPAs.

What Determines the Calorie Count in Your IPA?

Understanding the calorie content of an India Pale Ale (IPA) involves more than just glancing at a generic figure. The final number is influenced by several key factors in the brewing process. Primarily, calories in beer come from two main sources: the alcohol and the carbohydrates (or residual sugars) that remain after fermentation.

The Role of Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

The single most significant factor in a beer's calorie count is its alcohol by volume (ABV). Alcohol contains approximately 7 calories per gram, which is nearly as calorically dense as fat (9 calories per gram). Therefore, a higher ABV brew will naturally contain more calories than a lower one. Many traditional IPAs feature a moderate to high ABV, ranging from 5-7%, while imperial or double IPAs can push ABV to 8% or more, resulting in a substantial increase in calories. This is why a session IPA, with its lower ABV, is a popular choice for those seeking a lower-calorie alternative.

Residual Sugars and Brewing Ingredients

The carbohydrate content in an IPA also adds to its calorie total. During fermentation, yeast consumes sugars from the malted grains to produce alcohol and carbonation. The amount of sugar left unfermented, known as residual sugar, adds carbohydrates and sweetness to the final beer. Certain brewing styles and ingredients can leave more of these sugars behind. For example, a hazy IPA often uses adjuncts like wheat or oats, which leave more proteins and residual carbs, contributing to its creamy mouthfeel and higher calorie count. Conversely, dry-hopped IPAs might be lower in calories if their fermentable sugar content is low.

Comparison: 330ml IPA Calories vs. Other Beer Styles

To put a 330ml IPA's calorie count into perspective, it helps to compare it with other common beer styles. This reveals why hop-forward brews often carry a heftier calorie tag.


Beer Style (per 330ml)	Average Calorie Range	Why it differs from IPA
Light Lager	80–110 calories	Lower ABV and fewer carbohydrates due to a simplified malt bill.
Standard Lager (approx. 5% ABV)	~140–150 calories	Less alcohol content than many IPAs, with fewer residual sugars.
Session IPA (approx. 4.5% ABV)	~120–150 calories	Brewed with a lower ABV to keep calories down while retaining hop flavor.
Standard IPA (approx. 6-7% ABV)	~180–220 calories	Higher ABV is the main driver of increased calories, plus more residual sugars from malts.
Double/Imperial IPA (8%+ ABV)	250–300+ calories	Significantly higher ABV and more malt content for a bolder flavor profile.
Stout/Porter	200–300+ calories	Uses darker malts which add more sugar and carbs, but not always higher ABV.

Practical Ways to Manage IPA Calorie Intake

For those who love the distinctive hoppy flavor of an IPA but are conscious of their calorie consumption, several strategies can help.

Tips for Reducing Calorie Intake:

Choose a Session IPA: Opting for a Session IPA with a lower ABV (typically below 5%) is the most effective way to reduce calories without sacrificing the hoppy taste. Breweries now offer many flavor-packed, low-ABV options.
Drink in Moderation: Higher ABV beers should be enjoyed in smaller quantities. Savoring a single 330ml can of a higher-calorie IPA can be more satisfying and healthier than consuming multiple, lower-quality alternatives.
Check the Label: Some craft breweries now include nutritional information on their labels, making it easier to compare options. Always look for the ABV, as this is the biggest indicator of calorie content.
Use an Online Calculator: If nutritional info isn't available, online beer calorie calculators can provide a rough estimate based on ABV and volume, helping you make informed decisions.
Pair with Lighter Foods: If enjoying a calorically rich IPA, consider pairing it with lighter food options to balance your overall meal calories.

Conclusion

While there is no single answer to "how many calories in a 330ml IPA," the figure generally falls between 140 and 220 calories, depending heavily on the beer's ABV and specific brewing recipe. As a craft beer enthusiast, you can make informed decisions by being mindful of these factors. By choosing a session IPA or simply enjoying a moderate portion of your favorite brew, you can balance flavor and health goals. The key is recognizing that alcohol content is the biggest calorie contributor, followed by residual sugars, and selecting your beer accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

IPAs are typically higher in calories than light beers because they usually have a higher alcohol content (ABV) and more residual sugars left from the brewing process. Light beers are specifically brewed to have lower alcohol and carbohydrates.

Yes, you can approximate the calories using a simple formula. A common estimation is to multiply the ABV percentage by 2.5 and then multiply that result by the ounces of beer. For a 330ml can (approx. 11.2 oz), a 6% ABV IPA would be roughly (6 x 2.5) x 11.2, or 168 calories.

A Session IPA is a lower-alcohol version of a standard IPA, typically with an ABV around 4-5%. A 330ml Session IPA would generally have fewer calories, often in the 120–150 calorie range, making it a lighter option for hop lovers.

Yes, hazy IPAs often contain slightly more calories than standard IPAs. This is because they use adjuncts like oats and wheat, which increase the residual carbohydrates left in the beer, contributing to both its haziness and calorie count.

A 330ml IPA (at 6-7% ABV) with 180-220 calories is generally more calorific than a standard 175ml glass of wine, which contains about 159 calories. However, the comparison varies depending on the specific IPA style and wine type.

No, the calorie count varies widely across different types of IPAs. A Session IPA has fewer calories than a standard IPA, while a Double or Imperial IPA has significantly more due to higher ABV and malt content.

The calories in beer are derived primarily from alcohol and, to a lesser extent, from carbohydrates. The brewing process converts sugars from grains into alcohol, and any leftover sugars add to the final count.