Hard coffee, also known as caffeinated or alcoholic coffee, has become an increasingly popular drink option over the past few years. One of the more well-known hard coffee brands is PBR hard coffee, made by the Pabst Brewing Company. With its combination of coffee, milk, and alcohol, PBR hard coffee provides an indulgent drinking experience. But like many indulgent drinks, one question consumers often ask is: how many calories are in PBR hard coffee?
An Overview of PBR Hard Coffee
PBR hard coffee is a ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage made with Arabica and Robusta coffee beans, milk, cream, and either vodka or whiskey. It has a 5% ABV (alcohol by volume). PBR hard coffee comes in a variety of flavors, including:
- Original Black
- Vanilla Cream
- Mocha Latte
- Caramel Macchiato
- Hazelnut
- Toasted Marshmallow
It is sold in slim cans containing 8 ounces of liquid. PBR positions its hard coffee drinks as a way to indulge in an alcoholic coffee beverage without having to go to the cafe. It’s marketed as a satisfyingly sweet and creamy drink with a kick of alcohol.
Nutrition Facts for PBR Hard Coffee Drinks
So how many calories are actually in a PBR hard coffee? The number of calories can vary slightly depending on the flavor:
Original Black
The Original Black PBR hard coffee contains 230 calories in one 8 ounce can.
Vanilla Cream
The Vanilla Cream PBR hard coffee contains 280 calories per 8 ounce can.
Mocha Latte
The Mocha Latte PBR hard coffee has 250 calories per 8 ounce serving.
Caramel Macchiato
The Caramel Macchiato PBR hard coffee has 300 calories in each 8 ounce can.
Hazelnut
The Hazelnut PBR hard coffee contains 260 calories per 8 ounce can.
Toasted Marshmallow
The Toasted Marshmallow PBR hard coffee has 270 calories per 8 ounce serving.
As you can see, calorie counts range from 230 to 300 calories in each can of PBR hard coffee. The vanilla cream, caramel macchiato, and hazelnut flavors tend to be slightly higher in calories, while the original black has the fewest calories.
Comparing Calories to Other Alcoholic Drinks
Now that we know how many calories are in PBR hard coffee, how does it compare to other alcoholic beverage options? Here is a look at calorie counts for some comparable drinks:
| Beverage | Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| PBR hard coffee (average) | 8 oz | 260 |
| Craft beer (average) | 12 oz | 150 |
| Red wine | 5 oz | 125 |
| Vodka soda | 12 oz | 100 |
| Light beer | 12 oz | 100 |
Based on these comparisons, we can see that PBR hard coffee is higher in calories than most other mixed drinks, wine, and beer. The only drink with significantly more calories per serving is a craft beer. So while PBR hard coffee is lower in alcohol than craft beer, the calorie count is similar. PBR hard coffee has about twice as many calories as light beer, regular beer, wine, and simple mixed drinks like vodka soda.
What About Other Hard Coffee Brands?
PBR isn’t the only ready-to-drink hard coffee option on the market these days. Other major brands include High Brew, Social Hard, Cafe Agave Spiked Cold Brew, and more. Here’s how PBR stacks up against some other hard coffee beverages:
| Beverage | Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| PBR hard coffee (average) | 8 oz | 260 |
| High Brew Mexican Vanilla double espresso | 8 oz | 220 |
| Social Hard Cold Brew Coffee | 12 oz | 187 |
| Cafe Agave Vanilla Spiked Cold Brew | 12 oz | 280 |
As you can see, the calorie counts are fairly comparable across most hard coffee brands. PBR hard coffee is toward the higher end but still falls right around that 200-300 calorie range for an 8-12 ounce can. So if you’re looking for a lower calorie option, brands like High Brew and Social Hard may be your best bet.
Should You Drink PBR Hard Coffee if You’re Counting Calories?
At the end of the day, should you drink PBR hard coffee if you’re watching your calorie intake? Here are a few things to consider:
- One can of PBR hard coffee contains about 260 calories on average. That’s a significant percentage if you’re on a 2,000 calorie per day diet.
- There are lower calorie alcoholic beverage options. Light beer, wine, and simple vodka or gin drinks will save you calories compared to PBR hard coffee.
- However, PBR hard coffee has a unique indulgent taste combining coffee, cream, sugar, and alcohol. If this flavor profile appeals to you, it may be worth the extra calories.
- Moderation is key. You can work PBR hard coffee into your diet in small amounts or only occasionally if you are monitoring calorie intake.
Overall, while PBR hard coffee is higher in calories than many other alcoholic drinks, it can still fit into your diet in moderation. Just be mindful of your calorie limits for the day and balance it out with lighter food and drink options.
Tips for Lightening Up Your PBR Hard Coffee
If you want to enjoy PBR hard coffee but make it a bit lighter, here are some easy tips:
- Dilute it with seltzer or club soda to cut down on calories.
- Order a small size rather than the 8 ounce can.
- Skip the flavored varieties and stick to Original Black, which is lower in calories.
- Make your own lighter version at home using cold brew coffee, milk of choice, and vodka or rum.
- Sip your PBR hard coffee slowly to make it last and prevent overconsumption.
While already pre-made, you can still customize your PBR hard coffee to better suit your calorie goals. Just getting creative with how you drink it can help slash some calories without sacrificing too much flavor.
The Bottom Line
PBR hard coffee contains approximately 230-300 calories per 8 ounce can, depending on the flavor. This gives it a higher calorie count than many other popular alcoholic drinks. But it also provides a unique, indulgent coffee drinking experience that some find worth the extra calories. If you are counting calories, enjoy PBR hard coffee in moderation and balance it out with lower calorie foods and beverages for the day. Or, make simple tweaks like diluting it or sipping slowly to lighten it up. Ultimately, PBR hard coffee can be incorporated into your diet in a moderate, mindful way, even if you are watching your calorie consumption.