Nutrition Diet: What IPA has the lowest calories? A Guide to Guilt-Free Hoppy Brews

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

While a standard 12-ounce IPA can contain between 180 and 200 calories, some innovative craft brewers have successfully developed low-calorie versions that often clock in under 100 calories. Answering the question, 'What IPA has the lowest calories?' requires exploring the science of brewing and the rising popularity of Session and 'lo-cal' India Pale Ales.

Quick Summary

Several brands offer low-calorie India Pale Ales, with some options containing as few as 95 calories per 12-ounce serving due to reduced alcohol content (ABV) and fewer residual sugars. These diet-friendly alternatives retain the signature hoppy flavor profile of traditional IPAs by using creative brewing techniques and specific hop varieties.

Key Points

Lowest Calorie Contenders: Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty (95 calories) and New Belgium The Purist (95 calories) are among the lowest-calorie IPAs available in the market.
ABV is Key: The primary factor determining an IPA's calorie count is its alcohol by volume (ABV), as alcohol contains 7 calories per gram.
Session vs. Lo-Cal: Session IPAs are naturally lower-calorie due to lower ABV (typically 3-5%), while dedicated 'lo-cal' IPAs are specifically engineered to drop below 100 calories.
Read the Label: Check the ABV and carbohydrate content on the label to make an informed choice, as both contribute significantly to the total calories.
Moderation is Essential: Even low-calorie IPAs should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet for overall health and well-being.
Brewing Techniques Matter: Brewers achieve lower calories by reducing fermentable sugars or using alternative ingredients like monk fruit to enhance flavor without adding calories.

The Science Behind Low-Calorie Brews

To understand what IPA has the lowest calories, it is crucial to first understand where a beer's calories come from. The two main culprits are alcohol content and residual carbohydrates. Alcohol itself is dense in calories, providing 7 calories per gram, which is more than carbohydrates (4 kcal/g) or protein (4 kcal/g). This is why beers with a higher Alcohol By Volume (ABV) tend to be more caloric. Regular IPAs often have a higher ABV, leading to a typical calorie range of 180 to 200 calories per 12-ounce serving.

To create a beer with fewer calories, brewers must reduce either the alcohol or the residual carbohydrates, or both. This is achieved through specific brewing methods:

Lowering ABV: Brewers can use less fermentable grain or introduce specialized enzymes to limit the alcohol produced, without sacrificing the hoppy aroma and flavor.
Removing Carbs: Some brands, like SkinnyBrands in the UK, explicitly remove residual carbohydrates during the process, resulting in a very low-carb and low-calorie IPA.
Introducing Alternatives: Innovative techniques include the use of natural sweeteners like monk fruit extract, which adds sweetness without contributing to the calorie count, as seen in Dogfish Head's Slightly Mighty IPA.

Leading Contenders for the Lowest-Calorie IPA

Several craft brewers have embraced the low-calorie trend, offering excellent options that don't compromise on flavor. For those tracking their caloric intake, these brands are often the best place to start. The absolute lowest calorie IPAs typically hover around the 95-100 calorie mark for a standard 12-ounce can or bottle.

Top Low-Calorie IPA Options

Here are some of the most recognized and widely available low-calorie IPAs:

Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty: A trailblazer in the lo-cal IPA space, Slightly Mighty is well-known for its vibrant tropical and citrus fruit flavors, despite containing only 95 calories per 12 oz can. Its secret lies in the use of monk fruit to help round out the flavor.
New Belgium The Purist: At 95 calories and 3.8% ABV, The Purist is another strong contender. It offers a light, crisp profile with a hint of citrus and a minimal calorie count, making it a great choice for mindful drinkers.
Firestone Walker Flyjack: With 96 calories and a 4% ABV, Flyjack provides intense tropical fruit aromas, mimicking a hazy IPA's profile. Reviewers have praised its balance and refreshing character.
Abita Hop 99: This Louisiana brewery's offering contains 99 calories and 4.2% ABV, with a very low carb count of just 2.7 grams per serving. It delivers crisp, citrusy hop flavors with a light-bodied finish.
Summit Triumphant: Clocking in at 95 calories and 4.0% ABV, Triumphant is a Session IPA that successfully delivers on flavor without the heavy grain bill.

Session IPAs vs. 'Lo-Cal' IPAs

There is a subtle but important distinction between Session IPAs and dedicated 'lo-cal' IPAs. The term 'session' originally referred to beers low enough in alcohol (typically 3-5% ABV) to be enjoyed over a long social session without significant impairment. Naturally, this lower ABV translates to fewer calories than a standard IPA (5-7% ABV). However, a dedicated 'lo-cal' IPA, like the aforementioned Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty, is specifically engineered to reduce calories even further, sometimes dropping below the 100-calorie threshold, whereas many Session IPAs fall into the 120-150 calorie range. Both are excellent choices for reducing calorie intake while enjoying a hop-forward flavor.

Comparing Top Low-Calorie IPA Options


Brand	Style	Calories (per 12 oz)	ABV	Carbs (per 12 oz)	Tasting Notes	Special Features
Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty	Lo-Cal IPA	95	4.0%	3.6g	Tropical, citrus, dry finish	Uses monk fruit sweetener
New Belgium The Purist	Lo-Cal IPA	95	3.8%	3g	Light, crisp, citrusy	Focus on simplicity
Firestone Walker Flyjack	Hazy IPA	96	4.0%	5g	Intense tropical fruit, juicy	Hazy, tropical profile
Abita Hop 99	Lo-Cal IPA	99	4.2%	2.7g	Crisp, citrusy, light-bodied	Very low carb count
Summit Triumphant	Session IPA	95	4.0%	Not specified	Complex malt profile, experimental hops	Blend of classic and experimental hops
Oskar Blues One-y	Hazy IPA	100	4.0%	5g	Soft, juicy, orange and lemon zest	Miniaturized hazy IPA profile
Lagunitas DayTime	Session IPA	98	4.0%	3g	Bright, crisp, classic citrus hops	Widely available

Reading Nutrition Labels and Choosing Mindfully

When choosing a lower-calorie beer, the label is your best tool. Always check the Alcohol By Volume (ABV), as this is the biggest indicator of a beer's caloric density. A lower ABV almost always means a lower calorie count. Pay attention to the serving size, which is typically 12 ounces for cans and bottles, but can be larger for pint pours at a brewery, which increases the total calories. Beyond calories, some labels now list carbohydrates, which are the second major source of calories and can be high in malt-forward or hazy IPAs.

For those who don't want to compromise on flavor, consider ordering a smaller pour of a higher-ABV beer or opting for a tasting flight to enjoy a variety of flavors without consuming as many total calories. Moderation is always key to a healthy diet when consuming alcohol. Low-calorie options simply make it easier to enjoy a flavorful beer with less impact on your overall calorie count.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Hoppy Brew Guilt-Free

Thanks to brewing innovation, a dedicated and growing segment of low-calorie IPAs ensures that health-conscious consumers don't have to sacrifice flavor for fitness. With options consistently delivering under 100 calories, such as Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty and Firestone Walker Flyjack, finding a diet-friendly IPA is easier than ever. By choosing Session or Lo-Cal IPAs, paying attention to ABV, and practicing moderation, you can enjoy a crisp, hoppy beverage without guilt. The best low-calorie IPA is the one that fits your taste and lifestyle goals, proving that a lighter choice doesn't mean a less flavorful one. For more information on the brewing of Session IPAs, visit maltese.beer's guide.

Note: Specific nutritional information can vary slightly by batch and location. Always check the product label for the most accurate data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Session IPAs are generally lower in calories than standard or double IPAs because they are brewed with a lower alcohol content (ABV), typically between 3% and 5%. Dedicated 'lo-cal' IPAs are even lower, often under 100 calories.

Yes, brewers use specialized techniques and a variety of hops to retain the bold, hoppy flavor and aroma characteristic of IPAs, ensuring that a lower calorie count doesn't mean a sacrifice in taste.

A regular IPA (5-7% ABV) can have between 180 and 200 calories per 12-ounce serving, while a session IPA (4-5% ABV) is typically in the 120-150 calorie range.

Yes, some low-calorie IPAs are also gluten-free. For example, the UK-based SkinnyBrands offers a gluten-free IPA that is certified through a process of enzyme filtration.

No, while high-ABV and imperial IPAs can be very high in calories, the emergence of session and low-calorie IPA styles means there are now many options with lower calorie counts.

The amount of residual carbohydrates (unfermented sugars) left in the beer and the addition of adjuncts like fruit or lactose can also increase the calorie count.

A low-calorie IPA can be a more diet-friendly option than a high-calorie IPA or other heavy beers, but it is not inherently 'healthy.' Like all alcohol, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle.