When it comes to light beers, Bud Light Platinum is one of the more popular choices. Marketed as an “extra bold” light lager, Bud Light Platinum has a slightly higher alcohol content and calorie count compared to regular Bud Light. For health-conscious beer drinkers watching their calorie intake, it’s important to know the calorie content of different beer options. This article will provide a detailed look at the calorie count of a 12 oz serving of Bud Light Platinum beer.
Calorie Count for 12 oz Bud Light Platinum
According to the official nutrition facts label, a 12 oz serving of Bud Light Platinum contains 137 calories. This calorie count remains constant regardless of whether the beer is served from a bottle or can.
Here is a summary of the calorie count for a 12 oz Bud Light Platinum:
- Total calories: 137
- Calories from fat: 0
- Total fat: 0g
- Total carbohydrates: 5.7g
- Protein: 1.3g
Bud Light Platinum has 0 grams of fat per serving and gets nearly all of its calories from carbohydrates. As a light lager style beer, Bud Light Platinum is relatively low in calories compared to full-strength regular beers. However, it is higher in calories compared to other light beer brands. This higher calorie count is due to the increased alcohol content of Platinum.
Alcohol Content and Calorie Count
One of the defining features of Bud Light Platinum is its higher alcohol content compared to regular Bud Light. While regular Bud Light contains 4.2% alcohol by volume (ABV), Bud Light Platinum has an ABV of 6%.
The higher 6% ABV translates into more calories. Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, compared to 4 calories per gram for carbohydrates and protein. So the additional alcohol content in Platinum accounts for the increased calorie count versus regular Bud Light.
Here is a calorie comparison between 12 oz servings of Bud Light versus Bud Light Platinum:
| Beer Type | ABV | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Bud Light | 4.2% | 110 |
| Bud Light Platinum | 6% | 137 |
The difference of 0.8% higher alcohol content translates into an added 27 calories per 12 oz serving between regular Bud Light and Bud Light Platinum.
Calorie Count Compared to Other Beer Brands
While Bud Light Platinum has more calories than regular Bud Light, it still contains fewer calories than many other full-strength beer options. Here is a calorie comparison between Bud Light Platinum and some other popular domestic beer brands in 12 oz servings:
| Beer Brand | Calories (12oz) |
|---|---|
| Budweiser | 145 |
| Coors Light | 102 |
| Miller Lite | 96 |
| Bud Light Platinum | 137 |
| Michelob Ultra | 95 |
As a light lager, Bud Light Platinum contains fewer calories than heavier beers such as Budweiser. But it does contain more calories than other leading light beer brands like Miller Lite, Coors Light, and Michelob Ultra.
Factors Affecting Calorie Count
When looking at the calorie content of beer, there are a few important factors to consider:
Alcohol Content
As mentioned earlier, alcohol contains more calories per gram compared to carbs and protein. So higher alcohol percentage beers contain more calories.
Grain Bill and Fermentable Sugars
The types and amount of malt and grains used to make beer contribute to its carbohydrate and calorie content. More fermentable sugars from the grains result in higher calorie counts.
Serving Size
The nutrition facts label is based on a standard 12 oz serving size. Consuming larger servings like pints or tall cans will increase the calorie intake.
Beer Style
Full-strength beer styles like IPAs, stouts, and lagers generally have higher calorie counts than light beers. Stylistic factors like more hops or malt lead to more calories.
Tips for Consuming Bud Light Platinum on a Diet
Here are some tips for enjoying Bud Light Platinum as part of a healthy diet:
Limit Servings
While a single 12 oz Bud Light Platinum is a reasonable 137 calories, multiple servings can quickly increase calorie intake. Limit consumption to one or two beers.
Alternate with Low-Calorie Drinks
Alternate between Bud Light Platinum and drinks like water, unsweetened iced tea, or other low/zero calorie beverages.
Account for Calories
Account for the 137 calories from a Bud Light Platinum within your daily calorie budget. You may need to balance it out with lower calorie foods and snacks.
Eat a Nutritious Meal
Enjoy your Bud Light Platinum with a balanced, fiber and protein rich meal to help slow absorption and prevent overconsumption.
The Bottom Line
A 12 oz serving of Bud Light Platinum contains 137 calories, which is moderately low for a full-flavored beer yet higher than other light beer options. Moderating servings, alternating with other low/zero calorie beverages, accounting for calories within daily intake goals, and eating a balanced diet can make Bud Light Platinum work within the context of an overall healthy lifestyle.
