How Many Carbs Are in 1 Guinness?

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

Despite its famously rich and creamy texture, a 12-ounce serving of Guinness Draught contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates. This fact often surprises those who assume the dark color and full body of a stout mean it is loaded with carbs, but Guinness is actually comparable to many light lagers in terms of carbohydrate content.

Quick Summary

A standard 12-ounce serving of Guinness Draught has about 10 grams of carbohydrates. This is significantly lower than a full pint, which contains around 18 grams, due to the larger volume. The perceived heaviness comes from the nitrogenation process, not from an excessive carbohydrate load.

Key Points

10 Grams of Carbs per 12oz Can: A standard 12-ounce serving of Guinness Draught contains about 10 grams of carbohydrates.
Pints Have More Carbs: Due to a larger volume, a UK pint (16.9 oz) of Guinness will have a higher carb count, around 18 grams.
Appearance is Deceiving: The dark color and creamy texture of Guinness are not indicators of high carbs; they result from roasted barley and nitrogenation, respectively.
Comparatively Lower Carbs: Guinness is often lower in carbs and calories than many people assume and compares favorably to some heavier lagers and craft beers.
Calories Come from Alcohol: Most of the calories in Guinness (approx. 62% in a 12oz serving) come from its alcohol content, which is 4.2% ABV.
Moderation is Key: While a relatively lower-carb option, responsible consumption is crucial, as with any alcoholic beverage.

Understanding the Carbohydrate Count in Guinness

The number of carbohydrates in a single serving of Guinness can vary depending on the specific product and serving size. While a 12-ounce (355ml) can of Guinness Draught typically contains around 10 grams of carbs, a full UK pint (568ml) of draught Guinness served at a pub will have a higher carbohydrate total due to the larger volume. It's crucial to be aware of the serving size when tracking your intake, as the difference between a 12oz can and a pint can be substantial for those monitoring their carbohydrate consumption closely.

The Nutritional Profile of a Standard Guinness

Beyond just the carbohydrates, a typical 12-ounce serving of Guinness Draught offers a more detailed look into its macronutrient composition:

Carbohydrates: 10 grams
Calories: 125
Protein: 1 gram
Fat: 0 grams
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 4.2%

This nutritional breakdown reveals that a significant portion of Guinness's calories comes from its alcohol content rather than carbohydrates. At 7 calories per gram, the alcohol in a 12oz serving (11.2g) contributes approximately 78 calories, or over 60% of the total. The remaining calories come from the carbs and protein.

Why Guinness Tastes Rich but Isn't Carb-Heavy

The common misconception that Guinness is a heavy, high-carb beer stems from its appearance and texture. The dark color is derived from roasted barley, not from a higher concentration of sugars. The smooth, velvety feel and creamy head are the result of Guinness's unique nitrogenation process, where the beer is infused with a mix of nitrogen and carbon dioxide. This gives it a silky texture without adding extra calories or carbohydrates, distinguishing it from many other full-bodied stouts.

Comparison Table: Guinness vs. Other Popular Beers

To put Guinness's carb and calorie content into perspective, the following table compares a standard 12-ounce serving of Guinness Draught with other common beer types:


Beer Type	Serving Size	Calories	Carbohydrates	ABV	Notes
Guinness Draught	12 oz	125	~10g	4.2%	Nitrogenated for creamy texture.
Bud Light	12 oz	110	~6.6g	4.2%	Traditional light lager.
Heineken Lager	12 oz	142	~11g	5%	Premium lager, higher in carbs.
Samuel Adams Cream Stout	12 oz	189	~18g	4.9%	Significantly higher in calories and carbs than Guinness.
Corona Extra	12 oz	148	~13g	4.5%	Similar to lagers in its calorie profile.

This comparison highlights that Guinness Draught, with its moderate carbohydrate count, is a reasonable choice for those who want a flavorful brew without the high carb load. Many other dark stouts, or even some higher-ABV lagers, pack more carbohydrates into a standard serving.

Making an Informed Decision

For those watching their carb intake, knowing the precise nutritional information is key. The number of carbohydrates in a Guinness is not as high as its dark, rich appearance suggests, thanks to its relatively low ABV and the unique brewing process that uses nitrogen for its creamy texture. Enjoying a Guinness in moderation as part of a balanced diet can certainly be an option. However, as with any alcoholic beverage, excessive consumption can lead to weight gain due to the high caloric density of alcohol itself, and it can disrupt normal metabolic processes.

Health Considerations and Alternatives

While Guinness does contain some antioxidants from its barley and hops, the old advertising slogan claiming it's "good for you" should be taken with a grain of salt. Health organizations advise against relying on beer for any health benefits, and alcohol should be consumed responsibly. For those seeking an even lower-carb or non-alcoholic alternative that mimics the stout experience, many options are now available, such as Guinness 0.0 or other craft non-alcoholic stouts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a 12-ounce serving of Guinness Draught has approximately 10 grams of carbs, while a full pint contains about 18 grams, making it a surprisingly moderate option among many craft and premium beers. The stout's iconic velvety texture and perceived richness come from its unique nitrogenation process and roasted barley, not from a high carbohydrate or calorie count. For those on a carb-conscious diet, enjoying a Guinness in moderation is a viable choice, though it's important to differentiate between the smaller can size and a full-size draught pint. Ultimately, responsible consumption is key, regardless of the beverage's carb content.

Additional Resources

For more information on the nutritional content of alcoholic beverages and responsible drinking guidelines, consult reputable health organizations and resources.

Official Guinness Website: The Guinness website provides information on their various products, though detailed nutritional information may be regional.
Healthline Article: A comprehensive article covering the ABV, types, and nutrition facts for various Guinness products.
UK Brewery Tours Article: Offers insight into the calories of a pint of Guinness and compares it to other popular beers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Guinness Draught is naturally lower in carbs than many other stouts, but for those seeking a zero-alcohol or very low-carb alternative, Guinness 0.0 is an option that retains a similar taste profile without the alcohol and associated carbs.

Guinness Draught can be a better option than many heavier beers like IPAs and some lagers. However, light beers generally contain fewer carbohydrates. It is a moderate choice that offers more flavor than typical light beers for a comparable carb count.

The carb count is proportional to the serving size. A standard 12oz can of Guinness has fewer carbs simply because it's a smaller volume than a full UK pint, which is larger at 16.9oz.

Approximately 60% of the calories in a Guinness come from the alcohol itself, with the remaining calories primarily from carbohydrates originating from the malted barley.

Yes, like any alcoholic beverage, drinking too much Guinness can contribute to weight gain. Alcohol contains calories, and excessive intake can lead to a caloric surplus and hinder your body's fat-burning process.

While Guinness contains some beneficial antioxidants and B vitamins, it is not a health food. Any claims of it being 'good for you' are part of old marketing, and consumption should be moderate. Responsible drinking is always recommended.

The use of nitrogen instead of traditional carbon dioxide creates the famous smooth, creamy texture and smaller bubbles without adding any carbs or calories. It creates a rich 'mouthfeel' without the nutritional cost.