Yuengling Hershey porter is a chocolate flavored beer from the Pennsylvania brewery D. G. Yuengling & Son. As a full-bodied dark beer with robust chocolate flavors, it tends to be higher in calories and carbohydrates than regular Yuengling lager.
Calories Per Bottle
According to the nutritional information on the Yuengling website, a 12 oz bottle of Yuengling Hershey Porter contains the following calories and macronutrients:
| Serving Size | Calories | Carbohydrates (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 fl oz | 240 | 18 | 2 |
So a standard 12 ounce bottle of Yuengling Hershey Porter contains 240 calories.
Calories Compared to Regular Beer
To put those 240 calories per bottle into context, here is how it compares to regular Yuengling Traditional Lager and other mainstream beers:
| Beer | Calories (12oz) |
|---|---|
| Yuengling Traditional Lager | 132 |
| Budweiser | 145 |
| Coors Light | 102 |
| Yuengling Hershey Porter | 240 |
As you can see, Yuengling Hershey Porter contains significantly more calories per bottle than regular domestic lagers like Budweiser or Coors Light. It has over 100 more calories per bottle than traditional Yuengling lager.
Calories Compared to Other Beers
Here is how the calorie count of Yuengling Hershey Porter compares to some other popular beer styles:
| Beer Style | Calories (12oz) |
|---|---|
| Light Beer | 100-150 |
| Pale Ale | 150-200 |
| IPA | 200-250 |
| Stout | 200-300 |
| Chocolate/Cream Porter | 230-260 |
While not as high in calories as a rich, high-gravity stout, Yuengling’s chocolate porter still packs significantly more calories than a light lager, pale ale or IPA. The calorie count is typical for the chocolate/cream porter style.
What Ingredients Lead to the Higher Calorie Count?
So what ingredients in Yuengling Hershey Porter result in the higher calorie count versus regular Yuengling lager?
There are a few key factors:
- Higher alcohol content – Porter styles tend to have higher ABV than light lagers.
- More carbs from malted barley – The grist contains specialty malts for richer flavor and color.
- Lactose – Some chocolate porters contain lactose (milk sugar) to add creaminess.
- Chocolate – Actual cocoa nibs or chocolate extracts add flavor and richness.
The combination of higher alcohol content (6% ABV), more carbs from the malt bill, and the addition of chocolate and sometimes lactose all contribute to the higher calorie count compared to lighter beers.
Tips for Consuming Yuengling Hershey Porter
Here are some tips for enjoying Yuengling Hershey Porter while keeping an eye on your calorie intake:
- Savor it Slowly – Sip and savor each bottle slowly. Don’t gulp it down.
- Share a Bottle – Split a bottle with a friend instead of drinking a full bottle yourself.
- alternate with low calorie beers – Balance it out by drinking light beers in between.
- Account for Calories – Be mindful of extra calories and adjust food intake accordingly.
- Watch Mixers – Avoid adding high calorie mixers like chocolate syrup or ice cream.
Nutritional Pros of Yuengling Hershey Porter
While it is higher in calories than light beer, Yuengling Hershey Porter does have some nutritional advantages:
- Higher protein than most beers due to chocolate additions.
- Contains compounds that may act as antioxidants.
- Derived from natural ingredients like malted barley, hops, yeast and chocolate.
- Lower in calories than many cocktails, wines or dessert beverages.
So while it shouldn’t be an everyday beer choice for those watching their waistline, consumed responsibly Yuengling Hershey Porter can be enjoyed as an occasional indulgence by most beer lovers.
Conclusion
Yuengling Hershey Porter is a delicious chocolate-infused beer, but does come with a higher calorie cost than lighter beers. A standard 12oz bottle contains 240 calories, compared to around 100-150 calories for a light lager. This is typical for the style. The higher calories come from greater alcohol content, more carbs from specialty malts, and ingredients like chocolate and sometimes lactose sugar.
While enjoyable as an occasional treat, those watching their weight should be mindful of the extra calories in this beer. Savor it slowly, split bottles when possible, and balance it out with lower calorie choices. Ultimately, consumed in moderation, Yuengling Hershey Porter can be incorporated into most beer lover’s diets.
