Calories Q & A

A 12 ounce serving of beer has about 100-150 calories.*

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While 100-150 calories per 12 ounce beer may sound moderate, remember to factor in how much you consume compared to the serving sizes listed. A larger 500 mL can or pint (16 ounces) of beer will have more calories, as would a beer with a higher percentage of alcohol by volume.

*Source: Health Canada. Canadian Nutrient File, 2016 version. These serving sizes are considered “a drink” according to Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines.¹

References

1. Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines, 2012. Available at: http://www.ccsa.ca/Eng/topics/alcohol/drinking-guidelines/Pages/default.aspx. Accessed February 20, 2017.

Tip: To curb calories, make a “shandy” with half beer and half diet lemonade or diet ginger ale. 

A serving of wine has about the same number of calories as a serving of regular beer.*

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*Source: Health Canada. Canadian Nutrient File, 2016 version. These serving sizes are considered “a drink” according to Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines.¹

References

1. Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines, 2012. Available at: http://www.ccsa.ca/Eng/topics/alcohol/drinking-guidelines/Pages/default.aspx. Accessed February 20, 2017.

Tip: Whether you drink beer or wine you can curb calories (and alcohol) by alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. A no fuss club soda with lime slices offers a little fizz and flavour, but no calories. Mix half a cup of club soda with half a cup of low-sugar cranberry juice and plenty of ice for a 24 calorie non-alcoholic drink.

There is nothing about beer itself that makes the calories more “fattening” than other beverages you might choose.

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With no chewing required, it can be easy to consume beverages (and calories) quickly. The result can be that you take in more calories and alcohol than you realize.  And yes, this applies equally to beer, wine, cocktails, spirits, soda, juice and other sweetened drinks. However, there is nothing special about the calories in beer that makes them more “fattening”.

Bottom line: too many calories from any source can make you gain weight.

Tip: It’s easy to drink too much, too fast when you are thirsty. Quench your thirst by reaching for water first. If you choose to have a beer afterwards, it will be easier to drink it slowly and savour it.

Healthy adults can enjoy beer as part of a healthy lifestyle when they drink responsibly by staying within the limits set by Canada’s Low Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines.¹

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It takes some planning to make room in your calorie budget for extra calories like beer while still getting the good nutrition adults need to stay healthy. In addition to staying within the limits set by the Guidelines¹, here are some tips:

• Cook mostly at home using food closest to its natural or least processed state;
• If you choose to drink at a social function, alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Build a healthy plate with ½ vegetables and/or fruit, ¼ lean protein and ¼ whole grain; 
• Limit how much and how often you eat “empty” calorie foods and beverages like alcohol, chips, candy, cookies, sweetened drinks and cakes.
• If you choose to drink beer and want help planning a healthy diet a registered dietitian can help.

References

1. Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines, 2012. Available at: http://www.ccsa.ca/Eng/topics/alcohol/drinking-guidelines/Pages/default.aspx. Accessed February 20, 2017.

Note: Drinking alcohol is a personal choice. If you choose to drink, stay within the limits set in Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines.¹ The Guidelines also list when not to drink alcohol such as when you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or if you are operating machinery or making important decisions. If you have questions about alcohol and your health, talk to your medical doctor.