What Has More Calories, Pepsi or Beer? A Full Nutritional Breakdown

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

When consumed in the same quantity, a standard 12-ounce can of Pepsi and a regular 12-ounce beer have comparable caloric content, with Pepsi averaging about 150 calories and regular beer averaging around 150 calories. However, the source of these calories and their impact on your body differ significantly, making the simple calorie count only part of the story.

Quick Summary

A side-by-side nutritional breakdown reveals that standard servings of Pepsi and beer have a similar number of calories, but their composition of sugar, alcohol, and trace nutrients are vastly different.

Key Points

Similar Standard Calorie Count: A 12-ounce serving of both Pepsi and regular beer typically contains around 150 calories.
Different Calorie Sources: Pepsi's calories come entirely from sugar, while beer's calories are from both alcohol and carbohydrates.
Beer Calorie Variation: The calorie count for beer is highly variable and depends on the alcohol content (ABV), with stronger beers having more calories.
Different Health Risks: Pepsi's risks are linked to high sugar intake (diabetes, obesity), while beer's risks are associated with alcohol (liver damage, weight gain).
Empty Calories in Pepsi: Pepsi offers no nutritional value, whereas beer contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, though these are not a health benefit of drinking.
Moderation is Key: Regular, excessive consumption of either beverage carries significant health risks, emphasizing the importance of mindful intake.

Calorie Breakdown: Where the Energy Comes From

To accurately determine what has more calories, Pepsi or beer, it's crucial to understand where the energy in each beverage originates. For Pepsi, the calories come almost exclusively from sugar. A typical 12 fl oz can of Pepsi contains around 41 grams of sugar, which accounts for its 150 calories. In contrast, a 12 fl oz regular beer also has approximately 150 calories, but these calories are split between alcohol and carbohydrates. Alcohol itself is very energy-dense, contributing 7 calories per gram, nearly as much as fat. This difference in energy source is key to understanding the metabolic effects of each drink.

Alcohol's Role in Beer Calories

The alcohol content, or ABV (Alcohol by Volume), is the primary driver of calorie variation in beer. Light beers with lower ABV will have fewer calories, often around 100 per 12 oz serving. In contrast, heavier, higher-ABV craft beers or IPAs can contain well over 200 to 300 calories per serving. For example, a non-alcoholic beer naturally has fewer calories because the bulk of the alcohol-derived energy is removed. This means that while a standard regular beer might be on par with a Pepsi, a strong craft beer can easily have significantly more calories.

The Impact of Sugar in Pepsi

Pepsi offers no nutritional value beyond its sugar-based calories, which are considered "empty calories". The high sugar content leads to a rapid spike in blood sugar levels and can contribute to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic issues. Unlike beer, which contains negligible amounts of sugar after fermentation, Pepsi is packed with added sugar. The body's processing of this concentrated sugar is very different from its metabolism of alcohol, each carrying its own distinct health risks.

Nutritional and Health Considerations Beyond Calories

Looking beyond just the calorie count provides a more complete picture of which beverage is a healthier choice. Neither is considered a healthy option for regular consumption, but their individual impacts on the body differ significantly.

Health Impacts of Sugary Drinks (Pepsi)

Weight Gain and Obesity: High intake of sugary drinks is a major contributor to weight gain and the accumulation of harmful visceral fat around internal organs.
Type 2 Diabetes: The high glycemic index of sugary sodas can significantly reduce insulin sensitivity over time, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Liver Disease: Excessive sugar intake, particularly from high-fructose corn syrup, can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Dental Health: The combination of sugar and high acidity can contribute to tooth decay and enamel erosion.

Health Impacts of Alcoholic Beverages (Beer)

Liver Damage: Regular, excessive beer consumption can lead to liver issues, including fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
Weight Gain: The term "beer belly" is well-known, as the body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol, which can inhibit the burning of other fats and lead to weight gain.
Other Health Risks: Heavy drinking is linked to a higher risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular issues, and can impair cognitive function.
Diuretic Effect: The alcohol in beer has a diuretic effect, which can lead to dehydration if not balanced with water.

Minor Nutritional Benefits of Beer

It is worth noting that beer, unlike Pepsi, does contain some trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium. However, these small amounts do not outweigh the negative health consequences of excessive alcohol consumption.

Comparison Table: Pepsi vs. Regular Beer


Feature	Pepsi (12 fl oz)	Regular Beer (12 fl oz)
Calories (Average)	~150 kcal	~150 kcal
Primary Calorie Source	Added Sugar (High Fructose Corn Syrup)	Alcohol and Carbohydrates
Sugar Content	Very High (~41g)	Very Low (<1g)
Alcohol Content	0%	Varies (e.g., 5% ABV)
Nutritional Value	None (Empty calories)	Trace vitamins and minerals
Primary Health Risk	High sugar intake leading to metabolic disease	Alcohol toxicity leading to liver damage
Glycemic Index	High	Lower

Conclusion: It's More Than Just a Number

While a standard can of Pepsi and a regular beer may have a similar calorie count, the source of those calories and their overall health implications are fundamentally different. The high sugar content of Pepsi makes it a source of empty calories linked to obesity, diabetes, and liver disease. The calories in beer, largely from alcohol, also contribute to weight gain and pose risks to liver health and cognitive function with excessive intake. Ultimately, the healthier choice is determined not by comparing the raw calorie number, but by examining the overall nutritional profile and prioritizing moderation for both. For overall health, opting for water or other non-caloric beverages is always the most beneficial choice.

To make truly informed dietary decisions, consulting authoritative resources on nutrition and health can be helpful. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides global recommendations on healthy eating patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a regular beer (around 5% ABV) and a standard Pepsi (12 oz) have a very similar calorie count, averaging around 150 calories each. Stronger craft beers, however, can have significantly more calories than a can of Pepsi.

Yes, light beers typically have fewer calories than a standard can of Pepsi. Many light beers contain around 100 calories per 12 oz, whereas Pepsi has about 150 calories.

The calories in a can of Pepsi come almost entirely from high fructose corn syrup and sugar, which provides no nutritional value.

The calories in beer are derived from two main sources: alcohol and carbohydrates. The alcohol itself is a concentrated source of energy, contributing 7 calories per gram.

Both can negatively impact liver health in excess. Regular, high alcohol intake from beer can lead to cirrhosis, while high sugar intake from Pepsi can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Both can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess without accounting for total caloric intake. Pepsi's empty calories from sugar and beer's energy from alcohol and carbs both add up quickly.

Water is the best alternative. Other healthier options include unsweetened iced tea, sparkling water with a splash of citrus, or non-alcoholic beverages low in sugar.