Mike’s Hard Mango is a flavored malt beverage made by Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co. It contains mango juice and has an alcohol content of 5% ABV (alcohol by volume). The 11.2 oz bottle contains 138 calories per serving.
Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for Mike’s Hard Mango 11.2 oz:
| Serving Size | 11.2 fl oz (335ml) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 138 |
| Fat | 0g |
| Carbs | 32g |
| Protein | 0g |
As you can see, there are 138 calories in 11.2 oz of Mike’s Hard Mango. The calories come entirely from the carbohydrates (sugar). There is no fat or protein.
Calorie Breakdown
Now let’s break down the calorie content in more detail:
- There are 138 calories per 11.2 oz bottle
- The bottle contains 32g of carbohydrates
- Since there are 4 calories per gram of carbohydrate, 32g of carbs equals 128 calories (32 * 4)
- The remaining 10 calories are from the alcohol content
In summary:
| Source | Calories |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates (32g) | 128 |
| Alcohol | 10 |
| Total | 138 |
The carbohydrates make up the majority of the calories at 128, while the alcohol contributes 10 calories.
Daily Calorie Needs
To put 138 calories into context, let’s look at recommended daily calorie intakes:
| Gender | Recommended Calories/Day |
|---|---|
| Women | 2000-2400 |
| Men | 2400-3000 |
As you can see, 138 calories is only around 5-7% of the recommended daily intake for most adults. A 11.2 oz Mike’s Hard Mango provides some calories but is relatively low in calories on its own. However, the calories can add up quickly if you drink multiple servings.
Alcohol Calories
It’s important to note that the 10 calories from alcohol in Mike’s Hard Mango are “empty” calories. That is, alcohol provides calories but no nutritional value. It lacks vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients.
Alcohol is metabolized differently than carbs and does not require insulin to be metabolized. Therefore, the calories from alcohol are more likely to be stored as fat if consumed in excess.
Weight Loss
When trying to lose weight, alcohol calories can present an obstacle. Here are some tips for enjoying Mike’s Hard Mango as part of a weight loss diet:
- Count the 138 calories from one bottle toward your daily calorie goal
- Be mindful of portion sizes – stick to one 11.2oz bottle
- Drink plenty of water before and after to stay hydrated
- Avoid drinking on an empty stomach
- Make sure to account for alcohol calories by reducing calories from food
- Limit to 1-2 drinks max per day for women and 2-3 for men
As long as you account for the calories by making smart food choices for the rest of the day, you can enjoy an occasional Mike’s Hard Mango without sabotaging your weight loss efforts.
Comparison to Other Drinks
Here’s how Mike’s Hard Mango compares to other popular alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in terms of calories:
| Beverage (12 oz serving) | Calories |
|---|---|
| Mike’s Hard Lemonade | 220 |
| Bud Light Beer | 110 |
| Red Wine | 125 |
| Sweet White Wine | 165 |
| Piña Colada (alcoholic) | 490 |
| Coca-Cola | 140 |
| Gatorade | 130 |
| Orange Juice | 110 |
Mike’s Hard Mango is moderate in calories compared to other alcoholic beverages. It has slightly fewer calories than the average beer, wine, or cocktail. But it contains more calories than most non-alcoholic drinks like soda, juice, or sports drinks.
Tips for Drinking Responsibly
If you choose to drink alcohol, here are some tips for drinking responsibly and minimizing negative health impacts:
- Drink plenty of water – alternate alcoholic drinks with water
- Eat before and while drinking to slow absorption
- Limit alcoholic drinks to 1-3 per day max
- Don’t binge drink – space out drinks over time
- Don’t drink and drive – arrange alternate transportation
- Monitor your drinks – keep track to avoid overconsumption
Following these tips can help you enjoy Mike’s Hard Mango and other alcoholic beverages safely and in moderation.
Nutritional Pros & Cons
Here are some of the main pros and cons of Mike’s Hard Mango from a nutritional perspective:
Pros:
- Relatively low in calories for an alcoholic beverage
- Does not contain fat or protein
- Contains some liquid carbohydrates for energy
- Has a refreshing mango flavor
Cons:
- High in sugar – contains 32g per bottle
- Most calories come from sugar rather than beneficial nutrients
- Alcohol provides empty calories without nutrition
- Low in fiber, vitamins, minerals
Overall, Mike’s Hard Mango is not the most nutritious beverage choice. But it can be incorporated into a healthy diet in moderation by accounting for the calories and limiting intake to 1-2 servings max per day.
Healthier Alternatives
For those looking to reduce their sugar and alcohol intake from Mike’s Hard Mango, here are some healthier drink alternatives:
- Sparkling water – adds bubbles without sugar or calories
- Infused water – water infused with fruit is naturally flavored
- Kombucha – provides probiotics and has only 2-6g sugar per serving
- Coconut water – natural electrolytes for hydration without added sugar
- Smoothies – use yogurt and fruit for a nutrient-dense, lower-sugar option
- Green tea – provides antioxidants without calories or sugar
Mixing half Mike’s Hard Mango with half seltzer or soda water can also dilute the sugar content. Overall, sticking to unsweetened beverages like water and tea is healthiest, but an occasional Mike’s Hard Mango in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.
The Bottom Line
To summarize key points:
- Mike’s Hard Mango 11.2 oz contains 138 calories
- The calories come mostly from 32g carbohydrates/sugar and 5% alcohol
- It provides empty calories without significant nutrition
- Mike’s Hard Mango is moderate in calories compared to other alcoholic drinks
- You can enjoy it in moderation within your calorie needs, but should account for alcohol calories
- Healthier alternatives include sparkling water, tea, kombucha, and mixed drinks with soda water
Understanding the calorie content allows you to enjoy Mike’s Hard Mango responsibly. Just be mindful of portion sizes and balance with nutritious foods and non-alcoholic beverages for your best health.