Demystifying Just the Haze Calories
When you ask "how many calories are in just the haze beer?", the answer depends entirely on which beer you mean. The search results highlight a popular non-alcoholic version, Samuel Adams Just the Haze, which is intentionally brewed to be low-calorie. Containing only 98 calories per 12-ounce serving, its nutritional profile is more aligned with a light beer than a typical IPA. This is because it has a low alcohol by volume (ABV) of less than 0.5%, meaning the primary source of calories—alcohol—is nearly eliminated.
For the discerning beer drinker, this product offers the bold, juicy flavor profile of a hazy IPA, complete with citrus, mango, and tropical notes, without the caloric and alcoholic impact. The residual sugars and carbohydrates, which contribute a portion of the calories, are also managed to keep the overall count low. For those monitoring their calorie intake, this non-alcoholic version is a significantly lighter alternative to its alcoholic counterparts.
The Calorie Difference in Alcoholic Hazy IPAs
In contrast to the non-alcoholic version, alcoholic hazy IPAs, such as those brewed by craft legends like Tree House Brewing Company, carry a much higher calorie count. The main factors driving this difference are the alcohol content and the residual sugars. Alcohol provides approximately 7 calories per gram, nearly as much as fat, so beers with a higher ABV will naturally have more calories.
A typical alcoholic hazy IPA, with an ABV ranging from 6% to 8%, can contain between 200 and 250 calories per 12-ounce serving. For a double or imperial IPA, which can have an ABV of 8% or more, the calorie count can soar well over 300 calories for a 16-ounce pour, as seen with Tree House's Haze.
How Brewing Affects Calorie Count
The brewing process itself is key to understanding the calorie disparity. The signature cloudy, juicy profile of a hazy IPA often comes from the addition of oats or wheat to the grain bill. These ingredients contribute to the beer's creamy mouthfeel and also increase the carbohydrate content. While yeast ferments most sugars into alcohol, some residual carbohydrates remain, adding to the total calorie load. In non-alcoholic versions like Samuel Adams Just the Haze, the fermentation process is either stopped or managed differently to prevent significant alcohol production, leaving less alcohol and fewer calories.
Comparison Table: Hazy IPAs by the Numbers
This table illustrates the significant nutritional differences between various hazy IPA options, with a standard 12-ounce serving size for comparison where possible.
| Feature | Samuel Adams Just the Haze (NA) | Typical Hazy IPA (alcoholic) | Tree House Haze (Double IPA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories (per 12oz) | 98 | 200-250 | ~250* (based on 16oz at ~330 kcal) |
| ABV | <0.5% | 6-8% | 8.2% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 15-20g | Higher than standard IPA |
| Residual Sugars | Lower than NA beers with high residual sugar | Some residual sugars remain | Likely higher residual sugars due to high ABV |
| Key Takeaway | Ideal for low-calorie diets and those avoiding alcohol. | A classic craft beer choice, but requires moderation for diet control. | A high-calorie, high-alcohol craft beer that should be savored in smaller quantities. |
*Note: The Tree House Haze calorie estimate is based on converting the 16oz estimate from the search result. Double IPAs generally have higher calories than regular hazy IPAs.
Navigating Beer Calories on a Diet
For those on a nutritional diet plan, understanding the calorie sources in beer is crucial. The primary takeaway is that the higher the ABV, the higher the calorie count will generally be. The next major contributor is carbohydrates, particularly unfermented residual sugars, which can be higher in some styles, including many hazy IPAs and non-alcoholic versions that don't ferment out all the sugars.
If weight management or calorie restriction is a primary goal, here are a few tips:
- Choose Lower ABV Options: Opt for lighter lagers, session IPAs, or even the non-alcoholic Just the Haze to reduce calorie intake from alcohol.
- Mind Portion Sizes: Savoring a smaller, 12-ounce pour of a higher-ABV IPA instead of a full pint can significantly reduce calorie consumption.
- Consider NA Alternatives: Non-alcoholic beers have come a long way in flavor and are an excellent option for enjoying the taste of beer without the calories from alcohol.
- Balance with Food: Pairing a beer with a meal? Account for the liquid calories and consider lighter, healthier food options to maintain overall balance.
Conclusion
In summary, the specific non-alcoholic Samuel Adams Just the Haze contains 98 calories per 12-ounce can, a fact that can be misleading if applied to all hazy IPAs. The calorie count for an IPA is fundamentally tied to its alcohol by volume (ABV) and its carbohydrate content, both of which are significantly lower in the non-alcoholic version. When enjoying a craft beer, especially a high-ABV variety like a double IPA, a higher calorie count is to be expected. By understanding the factors that influence beer calories, drinkers can make informed choices that fit their nutritional goals without sacrificing flavor. Whether you choose a non-alcoholic Just the Haze or a traditional IPA, mindful consumption is always key to a balanced diet.
References
Samuel Adams Non-Alcoholic IPA Craft Beer - Just The Haze. Walmart. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Samuel-Adams-Just-The-Haze-Non-Alcoholic-IPA-Craft-Beer-Alcohol-Free-6-Pk-12-fl-oz-Aluminum-Cans/275601820. How Many Calories in a Hazy IPA?. New Trail Brewing Co.. https://newtrailbrewing.com/how-many-calories-in-a-hazy-ipa/. Tree House Brewing Company Haze - Premier Hop - Beerizer. https://beerizer.com/shop/premierhop/haze--405860.
