Angry Orchard is a popular brand of hard cider produced by The Boston Beer Company. With a variety of flavors like Crisp Apple, Rose, and Green Apple, Angry Orchard has become a go-to cider option for many drinkers.
But with the popularity of Angry Orchard, many people wonder just how many calories are in a 12 oz serving. This article will provide a detailed breakdown of the calorie and nutrition information for a 12 oz Angry Orchard cider.
Calories in 12 oz Angry Orchard
The number of calories in a 12 oz Angry Orchard cider can vary slightly depending on the specific flavor:
- Angry Orchard Crisp Apple: 180 calories
- Angry Orchard Traditional Dry: 180 calories
- Angry Orchard Rose: 190 calories
- Angry Orchard Elderflower: 200 calories
- Angry Orchard Green Apple: 210 calories
As you can see, the calories range from 180-210 per 12 oz serving, depending on the variety. The Crisp Apple and Traditional Dry flavors are lowest in calories, while the Green Apple contains the most.
Nutrition Facts for 12 oz Angry Orchard
In addition to calories, here is the nutrition breakdown for a 12 oz serving of Angry Orchard cider:
Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 180
- Carbs: 13g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
Angry Orchard Rose Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 190
- Carbs: 14g
- Sugar: 11g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
Angry Orchard Green Apple Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 210
- Carbs: 16g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
As you can see from the nutrition labels, the ciders are very low in protein, contain 0g of fat, and most of the calories come from carbohydrates and sugar.
Calories from Alcohol vs Other Sources
Since Angry Orchard is a hard cider, a good portion of the calories come from the alcohol content. Here is a breakdown of where the calories come from:
- Calories from alcohol: Around 110-130 calories per 12 oz
- Calories from carbs/sugar: Around 60-90 calories per 12 oz
So in a 12 oz Angry Orchard cider, roughly 60-70% of the calories come from the alcohol itself. The remaining calories are from natural sugar and carbohydrates in the cider.
Angry Orchard Alcohol Content
The reason Angry Orchard ciders contain a significant amount of alcohol calories is because they contain 5% alcohol by volume (ABV). This works out to:
- 5% ABV
- 0.6 oz of alcohol per 12 oz serving
Since alcohol contains around 100 calories per ounce, the 0.6 ounces of alcohol contributes approximately 60 calories, which accounts for a good portion of the total calories.
Comparing Angry Orchard Calories to Other Ciders
How does Angry Orchard compare to other ciders in terms of calories and carbs? Here is a comparison of the nutrition facts for some popular ciders:
| Cider (12 oz serving) | Calories | Carbs (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Angry Orchard Crisp Apple | 180 | 13 |
| Strongbow | 200 | 15 |
| Woodchuck Amber | 210 | 19 |
| Magners | 190 | 14 |
As you can see, Angry Orchard is very comparable to other popular ciders in terms of calories and carbs. It is slightly lower in calories than Woodchuck and Strongbow.
Tips for Drinking Angry Orchard Cider
Here are some tips for enjoying Angry Orchard cider in a calorie-conscious way:
- Stick to 1 serving (12 oz) to limit alcohol and calorie intake
- Alternate with water to pace yourself and stay hydrated
- Avoid sugary mixers like apple juice or soda that will add calories
- Pair with a healthy meal or snacks to help balance out the calories
- Select lower calorie flavors like Crisp Apple or Traditional Dry
Apple Cider vs Angry Orchard Nutrition
How does the nutrition of Angry Orchard hard cider compare to regular apple cider? Here is a comparison:
| Beverage (12 oz) | Calories | Carbs | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Cider | 180 | 13g | 10g |
| Apple cider | 112 | 28g | 24g |
As you can see, while apple cider is lower in calories, it contains over 2x more sugar and carbs compared to Angry Orchard. The alcohol content of Angry Orchard replaces some of the natural sugar in regular cider.
Low Calorie Angry Orchard Alternatives
If you are looking for even lower calorie Angry Orchard options, here are some ideas:
- Angry Orchard Rosé Cider – 10 calories less than Crisp Apple per 12 oz
- Angry Orchard Easy Apple (lower alcohol) – 140 calories per 12 oz
- Mix Angry Orchard Crisp Apple with sparkling water
- Request a smaller 8-10 oz pour to reduce calories
While Angry Orchard is already reasonably low in calories for a cider, these tips can help reduce the calories even further.
Is Angry Orchard Considered Healthy?
While Angry Orchard does contain more calories than some other alcoholic beverages, in moderation it can be part of a healthy diet.
Some of the potential health benefits of Angry Orchard in moderation include:
- Provides antioxidants from apple cider
- May promote heart health when consumed in moderation
- Contains no fat, cholesterol, or protein
- Gluten-free
However, there are also some potential downsides to consuming Angry Orchard to consider:
- Alcohol content can lead to intoxication and addiction
- Empty calories and sugar without much nutritional value
- May contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess
Overall, Angry Orchard can be part of a healthy lifestyle if consumed in moderation, but too much can lead to excess calories and other problems.
Conclusion
Angry Orchard ciders contain between 180-210 calories per 12 oz serving depending on the flavor, with Crisp Apple on the lower end and Green Apple containing the most. Around 60-70% of the calories come from the alcohol content itself. While higher in calories than some other alcoholic drinks, Angry Orchard remains relatively low in calories compared to other ciders.
Enjoying Angry Orchard in moderation, opting for lower calorie varieties, and pairing with healthy meals are some of the best ways to keep Angry Orchard as part of a balanced diet. Be mindful of limiting yourself to 1-2 servings at a time to keep calories in check.
