What is the lowest calorie beer per pint?

According to NHS data, a standard 5% ABV pint contains around 215 calories, often more than a regular-sized chocolate bar. This guide reveals what is the lowest calorie beer per pint, covering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties to help you make the smartest choice for your diet.

Quick Summary

This guide details the lowest calorie beer choices per pint, distinguishing between low-alcohol and alcohol-free options. It outlines how brewing methods and alcohol content impact calories, presenting a comparison of top brands for mindful consumption.

Key Points

• Lowest Overall Calories: Non-alcoholic beers like Ghost Ship 0.5% and Budweiser Zero offer the fewest calories per pint, as most beer calories come from alcohol.

• Lowest Alcoholic Calories: For an alcoholic option, Budweiser Select 55 has one of the lowest calorie counts per pint due to its low ABV.

• ABV is Key: The alcohol by volume (ABV) is the most significant factor determining a beer's calorie count, with higher ABV beers containing more energy.

• Mind the Measure: Calories in beer are dependent on the serving size. Always check if a calorie count is for a bottle/can (often 330ml or 12oz) or a full pint (568ml).

• Brewing Matters: Modern 'skinny' beers like Skinny Lager are designed to reduce calories by removing residual sugars and carbs, not by lowering the ABV.

• Taste vs. Calories: Low-calorie does not have to mean low-flavor. Brands like Ghost Ship and Skinny Lager prioritize taste while keeping the calorie count low,.

Understanding the Calories in Your Pint

Before diving into specific brands, it's crucial to understand where a beer's calories come from. The two main culprits are alcohol and residual carbohydrates. Alcohol contains approximately 7 calories per gram, making it the most significant contributor to a beer's total energy count. In contrast, carbohydrates from unfermented grains add extra calories. This is why lower ABV beers generally contain fewer calories, and why specially brewed 'skinny' or 'light' beers reduce carbs and residual sugars to keep the calorie count down, often without reducing the alcohol content too much.

The Lowest Calorie Non-Alcoholic Beers

For the absolute lowest calorie count, non-alcoholic (NA) beers are the clear winner. By definition, they contain little to no alcohol, drastically reducing their energy content. This makes them an ideal choice for those focused purely on minimizing calories while still enjoying the taste of beer.

• Ghost Ship 0.5% (Adnams): Brewed and then de-alcoholized, this pale ale has a low 0.5% ABV. At just 12kcal per 100ml, a full UK pint (568ml) comes in at a remarkably low 68 calories. It offers a fruity flavour with citrus and gooseberry notes.
• Budweiser Zero: This 0.0% ABV lager contains just 46 calories per 330ml can, which translates to approximately 79 calories per pint. It boasts zero sugar and a smooth, classic Budweiser flavour profile.
• Heineken 0.0%: Offering a refreshing taste with fruity notes, this alcohol-free lager has 21 kcal per 100ml. A UK pint would therefore contain approximately 119 calories.

The Lowest Calorie Alcoholic Beers

If you prefer an alcoholic pint but still want to minimize your calorie intake, several brands are specially brewed to be lighter. These options balance a reduced calorie count with a moderate ABV.

• Budweiser Select 55: At 55 calories per 12oz bottle (355ml) and a very low 2.4% ABV, this translates to around 87 calories per pint. This is one of the lightest full-strength options available, though the lower ABV may not appeal to all.
• Tennents Light: This 3.5% ABV lager is a fantastic low-calorie option, clocking in at only 114 calories per draught pint. Its low calorie count is achieved through a special brewing process using Scottish-grown cereals and Highland water.
• Michelob Ultra: A popular 4.2% ABV option, Michelob Ultra contains 95 calories per 12oz serving. For a full UK pint, this works out to approximately 152 calories.
• Skinny Lager: This 4.0% ABV lager focuses on removing residual sugars to lower the calories, not the alcohol. With 89 calories per 330ml bottle, a pint will contain around 153 calories.

Comparison of Lowest Calorie Beers (Per Pint)

Beer	Style	ABV	Approx. Calories per Pint (568ml)	Notes
Ghost Ship 0.5%	NA Pale Ale	0.5%	68 kcal	Very low calories, citrusy notes.
Budweiser Zero	NA Lager	0.0%	79 kcal	Zero sugar, clean taste.
Budweiser Select 55	Light Lager	2.4%	87 kcal	Lowest calorie alcoholic option.
Tennents Light	Light Lager	3.5%	114 kcal	Brewed with Scottish cereals.
Michelob Ultra	Light Lager	4.2%	152 kcal	Popular low-carb option.
Skinny Lager	Premium Lager	4.0%	153 kcal	Full flavour, low sugar.
Heineken 0.0%	NA Lager	0.0%	119 kcal	Well-known zero-alcohol brand.

How to Choose the Right Low-Calorie Pint for You

Choosing the best low-calorie beer depends on your personal priorities. Are you looking for the absolute minimum calories, or is retaining some alcohol content important? Here are some tips to guide your decision:

1. Define your goal: If your goal is to eliminate alcohol entirely for dietary or lifestyle reasons, the non-alcoholic options like Ghost Ship 0.5% or Budweiser Zero are your best bets. If you still want alcohol but fewer calories, stick to the light lagers.
2. Read the label carefully: For bottled or canned beer, the nutritional information is often readily available. Check both the calorie count and the ABV, as a higher ABV almost always means more calories.
3. Mind the pint size: Be aware of different serving sizes. The UK pint is 568ml, while many bottles or US cans are 330ml or 12oz (355ml). Always calculate for the correct size if the data provided is for a smaller quantity.
4. Prioritize flavor: Don't sacrifice taste. Many modern light and non-alcoholic beers offer a full-bodied, satisfying taste experience. Try a few different brands to find one you genuinely enjoy. For example, some may prefer the richer, darker flavor of a Guinness Draught, which is surprisingly lower in calories than many people think.
5. Control consumption: Even with lower-calorie options, moderation is key. A single low-cal pint is a great way to be mindful, but drinking several can quickly add up.

Conclusion

While a standard pint can pack on the calories, modern brewing techniques have made it possible to enjoy a crisp, refreshing beer with a significantly lower calorie count. For the absolute lowest calorie beer per pint, a non-alcoholic option like Ghost Ship 0.5% leads the pack. If you prefer a moderate alcoholic content, Tennents Light and Budweiser Select 55 offer excellent low-calorie options. By paying attention to ABV and sugar content, you can easily find a beer that fits your dietary needs without sacrificing enjoyment. For more information on how calories are calculated in different beers, see this guide on BeerHunter.co.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which beer has the fewest calories?

Non-alcoholic beers like Adnams Ghost Ship 0.5% (approx. 68 calories per pint) and Budweiser Zero (approx. 79 calories per pint) have the lowest calorie counts overall,.

Is non-alcoholic beer always low in calories?

Generally, yes, because alcohol is a major source of calories in beer. However, some sweeter non-alcoholic beers might contain more residual sugars, so it's always best to check the label for calorie information.

How many calories are in a standard pint of beer?

On average, a standard pint of 5% ABV lager contains between 180 and 250 calories, but this can vary significantly by brand and style,.

What is the lowest calorie alcoholic beer?

One of the lowest calorie alcoholic beers widely available is Budweiser Select 55, which contains only around 87 calories per UK pint due to its low 2.4% ABV.

Does light beer mean low-calorie?

Not always. While the term 'light' often implies fewer calories, especially in the US, it can sometimes refer to a lower ABV in the UK. Always check the nutrition label, as some 'light' beers can still have significant calories.

Are dark beers higher in calories?

Not necessarily. While stouts like Guinness may look and feel heavier, they are not always higher in calories. Guinness Draught, for example, has a lower calorie count per serving than many standard lagers.

Can I drink beer on a diet?

Yes, but moderation is key. By choosing lower calorie beers and controlling your portion sizes, you can incorporate beer into a calorie-controlled diet without compromising your health goals. Pairing it with a healthy meal and staying active is recommended.