How many calories in an IPA? Your guide to beer calories
India Pale Ales (IPAs) are among the most popular types of beer, known for their distinct hoppy flavor and variety of styles.
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you’re probably curious about the calorie count in your favorite IPA. We’re here to give you a comprehensive guide to understanding the calories in IPA beer.
Several things determine the calorie content in beer, including the alcohol by volume (ABV), residual sugars, and the ingredients used in the brewing process. Let’s dive in.
What Contributes to Calories in an IPA?
So, where do all those calories come from? It’s a combination of factors, but alcohol content and carbohydrates are the big players.
Alcohol Content (ABV) and Calories
There’s a pretty direct relationship between the ABV (alcohol by volume) of a beer and its calorie count. Generally speaking, the higher the ABV, the more calories you’re looking at. That’s because alcohol itself contains calories – about 7 calories per gram. So, an IPA with an ABV of 7% is going to pack more of a caloric punch than one that’s only 5%.
Think of it this way: a session IPA with a lower ABV (say, around 4-5%) might clock in around 140 calories, while a double IPA pushing 8-9% ABV can easily reach 250 calories or more. Chemically, the ethanol produced during fermentation is what contributes those calories.
Carbohydrates and Residual Sugars
Beyond alcohol, carbohydrates play a role. During the brewing process, not all the sugars from the grains are converted into alcohol. Some remain, contributing to the beer’s overall calorie count. A typical IPA can have around 15-20 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving.
How a brewer handles the fermentation process can affect the amount of leftover sugar. Different yeast strains, for example, have different appetites for sugar. Some fermentation processes are designed to leave more residual sugar behind, resulting in a sweeter, higher-calorie beer.
Brewing Ingredients and Their Impact
The type of malts used also makes a difference. Different malts contribute different amounts of sugars and carbohydrates, which will affect the final calorie count. Hops, on the other hand, don’t contribute significantly to calories, but they do play a role in flavor. Brewers can use hops to create complex flavor profiles that allow for lower sugar content without sacrificing taste.
Finally, any adjuncts (additional ingredients) the brewer adds will have an impact. Adding fruit or lactose, for example, can significantly increase the calorie count.
The Caloric Range of a 12-oz IPA
The number of calories in an IPA depends mostly on its alcohol content and how much sugar is left over after fermentation. Here’s a look at the average calorie counts for the main types of IPAs.
Regular IPAs: 180–200 Calories
Regular IPAs typically have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 5.5% to 7.5%. A 12-ounce serving of a regular IPA will usually contain between 180 and 200 calories.
Keep in mind that the exact calorie count can vary, depending on the specific ingredients and brewing techniques. Some brewers may use more malt, which can increase the sugar content and, therefore, the calorie count.
Double and Imperial IPAs: 250–300+ Calories
Double IPAs (sometimes called Imperial IPAs) are known for their higher alcohol content and more intense hop flavor. These beers generally have an ABV of 7.5% or higher.
A 12-ounce serving of a double or Imperial IPA can pack a punch, with calorie counts ranging from 250 calories to over 300.
So, if you’re watching your calorie intake, keep in mind that these IPAs are significantly more caloric than your average brew.
Session IPAs: 120–150 Calories
Session IPAs are designed to be lighter in both alcohol and body, making them a more sessionable option. These beers typically have an ABV of around 3% to 5%.
A 12-ounce serving of a session IPA usually contains between 120 and 150 calories. For example, Founders All Day IPA has 140 calories per 12-ounce can and an ABV of 4.7%.
If you’re looking for a lower-calorie alternative without sacrificing the hoppy flavor you love, a session IPA might be just the ticket.
How Do IPAs Compare to Other Beers?
The calories in beer depend on its alcohol content and carbohydrate levels. Light beers are the lowest in calories, while heavier beers such as stouts tend to have the most.
- Light Beers: Most light beers contain between 90 and 120 calories per 12-ounce serving. IPAs almost always have more calories than light beers.
- Lagers and Pilsners: These popular beers contain between 100 and 150 calories. IPAs generally have more calories than lagers and pilsners.
- Stouts and Porters: These dark, heavy beers typically weigh in at 200 calories or more. IPAs tend to have fewer calories than stouts and porters.
So, where does that leave IPAs? They generally have more calories than light beers, lagers, and pilsners but fewer calories than stouts and porters. That puts them somewhere in the middle of the pack.
How to enjoy IPAs without overdoing it on calories
Love IPAs but watching your waistline? Here are some tips that can help you enjoy your favorite brew responsibly:
- Try session IPAs. Session IPAs typically have a lower ABV, which translates to fewer calories.
- Pace yourself. Drink slowly and savor each sip. You’ll likely feel more satisfied, and you’ll naturally consume fewer calories.
- Use a beer calorie calculator. Several websites offer beer calorie calculators. These tools can help you estimate the calorie content of different beers based on their ABV and style.
Closing Thoughts
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the calorie content of IPAs, and you can see that calories can vary quite a bit from one IPA to the next.
The ABV, the amount of residual sugar, and the ingredients used to brew a particular beer will all play a role in how many calories it contains. So, if you’re keeping an eye on your calorie intake, take these factors into account.
There are many different styles of IPAs, so explore your options and find the ones that you enjoy and that work with your dietary needs. And, as always, drink responsibly!