The Two Different 'Flying Fish' Brands
One of the main reasons for the varied calorie information is that the name "Flying Fish beer" is associated with two entirely different breweries in separate parts of the world. One brand is the popular flavoured beer from South African Breweries (SAB), while the other is an American craft brewery called Flying Fish Brewing Co. based in New Jersey. To find an accurate calorie count, it is crucial to first identify which beer you are discussing.
SAB Flying Fish Flavoured Beer
Popular in South Africa, this brand offers a range of flavoured beers that are known for their fresh and often fruity taste. Calorie counts for these products can be sourced from nutritional tracking websites and promotional materials.
- Pressed Lemon Flavoured Beer: One 330ml bottle contains 185 calories. This product includes sucrose and lemon juice, which contribute to its overall calorie content.
- Standard SAB Flying Fish (per 100ml): Contains 135 calories per 100 ml. This provides a useful base for calculating the calories for other serving sizes, such as a 330ml bottle, which would be approximately 445.5 calories, though specific product variations exist.
- Chill Lite Flavoured Beer: At 118 calories for a 330ml serving, this is a lower-calorie option compared to its counterparts.
Flying Fish Brewing Co. (USA) Craft Beers
For those in the United States, Flying Fish Brewing Co. produces a range of craft beers, with calorie information often available on beer-specific databases. As with all craft beers, the calorie count varies widely based on the specific style and ingredients.
- Red Fish (American Amber/Red Ale): This year-round craft ale contains 210 calories for a standard serving.
- Farmhouse Summer Ale: This lighter option is around 160 calories. Its lower alcohol content contributes to a lower calorie count.
- Extra Pale Ale: While one database showed a '0 cal' figure, this is likely incorrect data, as all alcoholic beers contain calories. Extra Pale Ales, like other American Pale Ales, generally fall into the 150-180 calorie range for a 12 oz serving, depending on the ABV.
The Role of ABV and Ingredients in Beer Calories
Regardless of the brewery, the number of calories in beer is primarily influenced by two factors: alcohol content and residual carbohydrates. Alcohol contains approximately 7 calories per gram, making it a very calorie-dense component. This is why beers with a higher Alcohol by Volume (ABV) will almost always contain more calories. The remaining calories come from residual sugars and carbohydrates left over after fermentation. Specialty ingredients, like the sucrose in the SAB flavoured beers, can also significantly boost the final calorie total.
Comparison Table of Flying Fish and Other Beer Styles
| Beer Style/Brand | ABV | Calories (approx. per 12 oz/330ml) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAB Flying Fish Chill Lite | Varies | 118 | Flavoured beer, lower calorie |
| SAB Flying Fish Pressed Lemon | Varies | 185 | Flavoured beer, includes added sugar |
| Flying Fish Brewing Co. Red Fish | 5.5% (est.) | 210 | American Amber/Red Ale |
| Flying Fish Brewing Co. Farmhouse Summer Ale | 4.6% | ~160 | Sessionable craft ale |
| Light Beer (Generic) | 4.0% | ~100 | Often brewed with fewer carbs |
| Regular Lager (Generic) | 5.0% | ~150 | Standard 12 oz serving |
| IPA (Average) | 6-7% | 180-220 | Higher ABV and malt content |
| Double/Imperial IPA | 8%+ | 250-300+ | Very high ABV and malt |
The Bottom Line on Flying Fish Calories
The most accurate way to know the calorie content is to check the brewer's official website or the product label if available. The term "Flying Fish" alone is not enough to determine the calorie count, as it encompasses a variety of products across different breweries and styles. While the SAB flavoured beers often fall within a moderate calorie range (especially the "lite" versions), the craft ales from the US brewery typically have higher calorie counts due to their higher ABV and malt content. For those conscious of calorie intake, opting for a lighter style or a sessionable version is always the safest bet. For more information on general beer calories, you can visit a craft beer resource such as Beavertown Brewery's informational blog post on beer calories.
What are empty calories?
Calories from alcohol and most carbohydrates in beer are often referred to as "empty calories." This is because they provide energy but offer very little to no nutritional value in terms of essential vitamins and minerals. The body prioritizes burning alcohol as fuel, which means the energy from carbohydrates in the beer and from any other food you consume may be more likely to be stored as fat.
The Impact of Brewing Style
Different brewing styles and techniques have a major impact on the final calorie count. For example, some breweries use enzymes to break down more sugars during fermentation, resulting in a drier beer with fewer residual carbohydrates and, therefore, fewer calories. Lagers tend to be lighter in body and colour than ales and often have a lower calorie count. However, the most significant factor remains the ABV. Higher alcohol means higher calories.
How to Manage Beer Calories
If you are a fan of Flying Fish or other craft beers but want to watch your calorie intake, there are several strategies. Opt for lower ABV beers, which will naturally have fewer calories per serving. Consider drinking smaller serving sizes, such as a bottle instead of a pint, or sharing a larger beer with a friend. Being mindful of how much you drink and making informed choices about the style can help you balance your enjoyment of beer with your health goals. It is also important to remember that context matters; pairing a beer with a low-calorie meal will have a different impact than pairing it with heavy, high-calorie food.
