Understanding How Many Calories Are in a 500 ml Can of Guinness Draught

January 6, 2026 •

3 min read

A 500 ml can of Guinness Draught contains approximately 175 calories, a surprisingly moderate amount compared to many other beers. This fact challenges the common misconception that this creamy, dark stout must be heavy and high in calories.

Quick Summary

A standard 500 ml can of Guinness Draught has about 175 calories. This figure is lower than many would expect for a dark beer, largely due to its relatively low alcohol by volume and unique nitrogenation process.

Key Points

Calorie Count: A 500 ml can of Guinness Draught contains approximately 175 calories, lower than many people assume for a dark stout.
Misconception: The myth that Guinness is heavy and high in calories is false; its rich flavor and dark color come from roasted barley, not excessive sugar or alcohol.
Lower ABV: With a 4.2% ABV, the Guinness Draught's lower alcohol content is the primary reason for its moderate calorie total, as alcohol is the main calorie source in beer.
Nitrogenation: The iconic creamy head and smooth texture of Guinness are produced by nitrogen bubbles, which make the beer feel substantial without adding extra calories.
Comparison: When compared to other popular beers like Heineken or IPAs, Guinness often has a lower or comparable calorie count, making it a relatively lighter choice.
Nutritional Breakdown: The calories in Guinness are primarily from its alcohol and moderate carbohydrate content, with very little fat.

The Surprising Truth Behind Guinness Calories

For years, Guinness has battled a common myth that its rich, dark color and creamy texture signify a high-calorie count. The truth is quite the opposite. The characteristic dark color comes from roasted barley, and the famous smooth mouthfeel is produced by nitrogen bubbles, neither of which significantly impacts the caloric load. The main contributor to a beer's calories is its alcohol content, and with an ABV (alcohol by volume) of just 4.2%, Guinness Draught is surprisingly moderate.

A Detailed Look at the Calorie Breakdown

Most of the calories in a 500 ml can of Guinness come from a combination of its low alcohol content and carbohydrates. Unlike many beers, it is virtually fat-free. A typical 500 ml can has:

Energy: 175 kcal (740 kJ)
Carbohydrates: Approximately 14g, of which about 1.2g are sugars
Protein: Around 1.6g
Fat: Less than 0.5g

This breakdown reveals why Guinness is not the 'heavy' beer it is often perceived to be. Its creamy, full-bodied sensation is a result of the nitrogen bubbles, which are smaller and produce a smoother texture than the larger bubbles from standard carbon dioxide.

Guinness vs. Other Popular Beers

Comparing Guinness to other popular beers highlights just how moderate its calorie count is. This helps put the 175-calorie figure into context for those watching their intake.


Beer (500 ml)	ABV	Calories (approx.)
Guinness Draught	4.2%	175 kcal
Heineken	5%	180 kcal
Budweiser	5%	185 kcal
Peroni	5.1%	235 kcal (per pint, ~568ml)
BrewDog Punk IPA	5.4%	292 kcal (per pint, ~568ml)

As the table shows, a can of Guinness has fewer calories than many common lagers. The discrepancy is even more pronounced when compared to higher-ABV craft IPAs.

The Role of Alcohol and Brewing Process

Calories in beer are derived primarily from alcohol and residual carbohydrates. Alcohol contains approximately 7 calories per gram, nearly as dense as fat (9 calories per gram). The lower ABV of Guinness is the primary reason for its relatively low calorie count. In addition to a lower alcohol content, Guinness has a few key factors that contribute to its nutritional profile:

Roasted Barley: The distinct dark color and roasty flavor come from a small amount of roasted, unmalted barley. This ingredient adds flavor without a significant caloric impact.
Nitrogenation: A mix of carbon dioxide and nitrogen is used during the canning process. This creates the cascade effect and the famous creamy head, making the beer feel rich and satisfying without adding extra calories or a heavy, carbonated feel.
Water Content: Like all beers, a significant portion is water, which contains no calories. The lower density of a Guinness compared to a lager, due to its composition, contributes to it being a less caloric option per ounce than many perceive.

A Hearty Beer That's Not Heavy

For those who enjoy beer but are conscious of their calorie intake, a 500 ml can of Guinness Draught is an excellent choice. It offers a rich, complex flavor profile and a satisfying texture without the excessive calories often associated with dark beers. Its place as a moderate-calorie option makes it a mindful choice for many drinkers.

It's important to remember that responsible consumption is key to enjoying any alcoholic beverage, regardless of its calorie content. The moderate nature of Guinness allows for enjoyment without derailing a balanced diet, proving the long-held myth about its calorie load to be entirely false. For more information on general nutritional guidance for beverages, sources like BBC Good Food offer useful insights.

Conclusion

In summary, a 500 ml can of Guinness contains approximately 175 calories. This is a moderate number for a beer, especially when compared to many lagers and craft beers. The perception of it being heavy is a myth, influenced by its dark color and creamy texture, which are actually derived from roasted barley and nitrogenation, not high-calorie ingredients. For those seeking a full-flavored experience without a heavy calorie cost, Guinness remains a smart and satisfying option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, while not a 'light beer', a 500 ml can of Guinness Draught is surprisingly low in calories compared to many standard lagers and IPAs, making it a moderate-calorie option.

The rich, dark flavor comes from roasted barley, which is used in small amounts and does not add significant calories. The creamy texture is from nitrogen bubbles, not additional sugar or fat.

A standard pint of Guinness (568 ml) has approximately 210 calories, meaning a 500 ml can is slightly less due to its smaller volume. A pint is roughly 20% more volume than a 500ml can.

No, the plastic widget inside the can, which releases nitrogen to create the creamy head, does not add any calories or change the nutritional value of the beer.

No, Guinness Draught is not marketed as a 'light beer' and maintains its full flavor profile. However, its lower ABV results in a calorie count that is comparable to or lower than many other beers, including some branded 'light' lagers.

The calorie count can vary greatly. A 175 ml glass of wine can contain anywhere from 120 to 160 calories or more. A 500 ml can of Guinness, with 175 calories, is comparable to roughly two standard glasses of wine in total calories.

The calories in Guinness primarily come from its alcohol content (4.2% ABV) and residual carbohydrates, with its fat content being less than 0.5g per can.