How many calories in a Paradise beer? A breakdown of popular variants

October 31, 2025 •

4 min read

Urban South's Paradise Park American Lager contains approximately 120-130 calories per 12-ounce serving, but other 'Paradise' variants exist with different calorie counts. This detailed guide breaks down how many calories in a Paradise beer depends on the specific brew, from the low-calorie options to the standard lager, helping you understand what you're drinking.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for 'Paradise' beer varies significantly by style, ranging from 96 calories for the Light Lager to around 130 for the standard American Lager. Factors like alcohol content and residual carbohydrates influence the final number. This breakdown covers the different versions to provide clarity on their nutritional value.

Key Points

Variable Calories: 'Paradise' beer calories vary significantly based on the specific variant and brewery, with Urban South offering several different options.
Urban South Paradise Park 100: This low-calorie lager contains just 100 calories per 12-ounce can, making it a diet-friendly choice.
Urban South Paradise Light: With only 96 calories and 2.6 carbs per serving, this is the lightest and lowest-calorie option among Urban South's 'Paradise' beers.
Standard Lager vs. Light: The standard Urban South Paradise Park American Lager contains around 120-130 calories, a notable difference from its lighter cousins.
Calorie Source: Beer calories primarily come from two components: alcohol and carbohydrates, with higher ABV beers generally having more calories.
Check the Label: To be certain of the exact calorie count, always verify the specific brand and variant, as 'Paradise' refers to multiple products.

Calorie Breakdown for Urban South's Paradise Series

Urban South Brewery in New Orleans produces several beers under the 'Paradise' name, each with a distinct calorie count. It is crucial to check the specific variant, as the calories can differ significantly. Understanding the differences is key for those monitoring their intake.

Urban South Paradise Park American Lager

The flagship Paradise Park American Lager is a popular option known for its drinkability. For a standard 12-ounce serving, the calorie count is typically between 120 and 130 calories. Its 4.4% ABV and 12 grams of carbohydrates contribute to this nutritional profile. This is a moderate calorie count for a full-flavored lager and positions it as a sessionable beer for many consumers.

Urban South Paradise Park 100

For those seeking a lower-calorie alternative, Urban South offers the Paradise Park 100. As the name suggests, this lo-cal lager contains only 100 calories per 12-ounce can. The reduction in calories is achieved through lower alcohol and carbohydrate content. It is brewed with flaked rice and pale malt to maintain a light, snappy flavor profile despite its lower nutritional load. This version is ideal for calorie-conscious individuals who still want a flavorful beer.

Urban South Paradise Light

Further down the calorie scale is the Urban South Paradise Light, which contains just 96 calories per serving along with only 2.6 carbs. This makes it one of the most diet-friendly options in the Paradise family. The careful selection of malts and brewing process ensures it remains a refreshing and enjoyable beer without a high calorie cost.

Urban South Paradise Park Lo-Cal IPA

Adding an IPA to the low-calorie lineup, the Paradise Park Lo-Cal IPA has 120 calories and a 4% ABV. It uses Citra and Centennial hops to deliver a hazy, juicy profile that is flavorful and aromatic, proving that a craft IPA doesn't need to be heavy on calories. This variant targets the consumer who wants the complex taste of a craft IPA in a lighter package.

Theakston Paradise Ale

It is also worth noting another brewer offers a 'Paradise' beer, which can cause confusion. Theakston's Paradise Ale is a UK-based brew with different metrics. For a 100ml serving, it contains 38 kcal. This translates to approximately 135 calories for a standard 12-ounce serving, a higher amount than many of Urban South's lighter offerings due to its different brewing method and ABV.

Factors Influencing Beer Calories

The primary contributors to a beer's calorie count are alcohol and carbohydrates. Alcohol contains about 7 calories per gram, nearly as much as fat, making it a significant factor. The amount of residual sugar and carbohydrates left after fermentation also plays a role. Higher ABV beers, especially those with more complex sugars or flavorings, tend to have a higher calorie count. Lowering one or both of these factors is how 'light' or 'low-cal' beers achieve their reduced calorie numbers.

Here are some of the key factors that affect a beer's final calorie content:

Alcohol Content (ABV): Higher alcohol percentage is the single biggest indicator of a higher calorie count. The formula Calories ≈ ABV × 2.5 × ounces provides a reliable estimate.
Carbohydrates: Residual carbohydrates and unfermentable sugars contribute directly to calories. Beers like stouts and IPAs can have higher carb content.
Added Ingredients: Some craft beers include added fruits, spices, or other flavorings which can increase the total sugar and calorie content.
Brewing Process: The fermentation process can be manipulated to reduce the final alcohol and carb content, resulting in a lighter beer.

Calorie Comparison Table: Paradise Beer Variants


Beer Variant	Brewery	Serving Size	Calories (approx.)	ABV	Carbohydrates	Notes
Paradise Park Lager	Urban South	12 oz	120–130	4.4%	12g	Flagship American Lager
Paradise Park 100	Urban South	12 oz	100	N/A	Low	Lo-cal lager
Paradise Light	Urban South	12 oz	96	N/A	2.6g	Lightest option
Paradise Park Lo-Cal IPA	Urban South	12 oz	120	4.0%	N/A	Hazy, juicy IPA
Paradise Ale	Theakston (UK)	12 oz	~135	N/A	3.4g/100ml	UK Pale Ale variant

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Diet

The calorie content of a Paradise beer is not a single number but depends entirely on the specific product from the brand you choose. For those counting calories, Urban South's Paradise Light and Paradise Park 100 are the clearest winners, offering flavorful brews with minimal caloric impact. For a richer, more traditional experience, the standard Paradise Park Lager provides a moderate calorie option. If you prefer the hoppy taste of an IPA, the Lo-Cal IPA keeps the count reasonable. Always check the label or the brewery's website for the most accurate nutritional information. By understanding the variations and what drives calorie content, you can confidently choose the right beer for your taste and health goals.

For more information on the brewery's full lineup, visit the official Urban South Brewery website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urban South's standard Paradise Park American Lager contains approximately 120 to 130 calories per 12-ounce serving, with 4.4% ABV and 12 grams of carbohydrates.

The Urban South Paradise Light is the lowest calorie option, with just 96 calories and 2.6 grams of carbs per serving.

Paradise Park 100 contains a lower calorie count of 100 calories per 12-ounce can, whereas the regular Lager has between 120 and 130 calories per serving.

Yes, Urban South offers the Paradise Park Lo-Cal IPA, which has 120 calories per serving with a 4% ABV, providing a hoppy flavor with fewer calories.

Generally, yes. Alcohol is a major source of calories in beer, so beers with a higher Alcohol By Volume (ABV) tend to have more calories than beers with a lower ABV.

The difference in calories is mainly due to the alcohol and carbohydrate content. IPAs, especially higher-ABV ones, often have more residual sugars and alcohol, leading to a higher calorie count than a typical lager.

No, they are different products from different breweries. Theakston is a UK brewer, and their Paradise Ale has a different calorie profile than Urban South's products. It is important to distinguish between the two.