Steel Reserve is a popular brand of high gravity lager that is sold in distinctive silver bullet-shaped cans. With its higher alcohol content and affordable price point, Steel Reserve has developed a reputation as a go-to choice for budget beer drinkers looking to maximize their buzz.
But for those watching their calorie intake or following a diet, the question often arises: Just how many calories are in a Steel Reserve tall boy can? The answer depends on a few key factors.
Steel Reserve Alcohol Content
One of the defining characteristics of Steel Reserve is its high alcohol content compared to regular domestic lagers like Budweiser or Coors. While most domestic lagers have around 4-5% alcohol by volume (ABV), a Steel Reserve tall boy can contains a robust 8.1% ABV.
This higher alcohol percentage means there are more calories coming from the alcohol itself in each Steel Reserve can. Alcohol provides 7 calories per gram, compared to just 4 calories per gram from carbohydrates and proteins. So the more alcohol content, the more calories.
Steel Reserve Can Sizes
Steel Reserve is sold in a variety of can sizes, which affects the total calorie count. The standard tall boy can contains 24 ounces (oz) of beer. But Steel Reserve is also sold in 16 oz cans, as well as larger 32 oz “pounder” cans and up to 40 oz bottles.
Obviously the larger steel reserve container, the more total beer and therefore more calories.
Here is an overview of the common Steel Reserve container sizes:
| Container Size | Ounces |
|---|---|
| Standard Can (Tall Boy) | 24 oz |
| Pint Can | 16 oz |
| Pounder Can | 32 oz |
| 40 oz Bottle | 40 oz |
Steel Reserve Nutrition Facts
To get the exact calorie count, we need to look at the nutrition facts label on Steel Reserve cans. According to the label, here are the key specs for a 24 oz tall boy can of Steel Reserve:
- Serving size: 1 can (24 oz)
- Calories: 296
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 2.8 g
So a standard 24 oz tall boy of Steel Reserve contains 296 calories.
Given the higher 8.1% alcohol content, the majority of those calories (around 180 calories) come from alcohol. The rest come from carbohydrates and a small amount of protein.
Calculating Steel Reserve Calories
Based on the nutrition info for a 24 oz can, we can calculate the calories for other Steel Reserve container sizes:
| Container Size | Total Calories |
|---|---|
| 24 oz Can (Tall Boy) | 296 calories |
| 16 oz Can (Pint) | 198 calories |
| 32 oz Can (Pounder) | 395 calories |
| 40 oz Bottle | 494 calories |
So as you can see, the more steel reserve you drink, the more calories you consume. A 16 oz pint can has around 198 calories, while a 40 oz bottle has 494 calories.
Comparing Steel Reserve Calories to Other Beers
Now that we know a 24 oz Steel Reserve tall boy has 296 calories, how does that compare to other regular domestic beers?
Here is a calorie comparison of some popular domestic lagers in 24 oz servings:
| Beer Brand | Calories (24 oz) |
|---|---|
| Steel Reserve 8.1% ABV | 296 calories |
| Budweiser 5% ABV | 227 calories |
| Miller High Life 5% ABV | 238 calories |
| Coors Banquet 5% ABV | 240 calories |
| Pabst Blue Ribbon 4.7% ABV | 221 calories |
As you can see, Steel Reserve has significantly more calories than typical domestic lagers, due to its substantially higher alcohol content per serving. For comparison, a Steel Reserve 24oz can has nearly 30% more calories than a Budweiser.
Tips for Consuming Steel Reserve on a Diet
If you’re watching your calorie intake or following a diet like keto, here are some tips for drinking Steel Reserve in moderation:
- Opt for the 16oz can, which has around 100 fewer calories than the 24oz tall boy.
- Split a larger can with a friend to reduce calories per serving.
- Drink over ice to make it last longer and pace yourself.
- Avoid drinking Steel Reserve daily and treat it more as an occasional indulgence.
- Drink plenty of water before, during, and after to stay hydrated.
- Eat a lighter meal beforehand so you don’t go over your calorie budget.
While Steel Reserve does have significantly more calories than typical light beers, it can be integrated into a balanced diet in moderation by following healthy habits like the ones above.
The Bottom Line
So how many calories are in a Steel Reserve? Here’s a quick recap:
- A 24 oz tall boy can of Steel Reserve has 296 calories
- This is due to its higher 8.1% alcohol content
- Smaller Steel Reserve cans and bottles have fewer calories
- Steel Reserve has around 30% more calories than typical domestic lagers
Armed with this nutrition information, you can enjoy an ice cold Steel Reserve while keeping calories in check if you follow smart moderation strategies. Just be sure to compensate for the extra alcohol calories in your daily diet if weight loss is your goal.
