Budweiser is one of the most popular beers in the United States. With its light, refreshing taste, Budweiser has become a staple at backyard barbecues, sports games, and other social events. But like most beers, Budweiser does contain calories and alcohol. So how many calories are actually in a Budweiser beer?
In a 12-ounce serving, Budweiser contains 145 calories, 10.6 grams of carbohydrates, 0.9 grams of protein, and 0 grams of fat. Budweiser is considered a light lager-style beer. It has an alcohol content of 5% ABV (alcohol by volume).
The calories in Budweiser mainly come from the carbohydrates used to brew the beer, especially the malted barley. During the brewing process, the starches in the grains are converted into fermentable sugars. The yeast ferments these sugars, producing alcohol and carbonation. So the majority of calories in Budweiser come from the alcohol and carbs.
Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutrition information for a 12-ounce serving of Budweiser:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 |
| Carbohydrates | 10.6 g |
| Protein | 0.9 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
As you can see, a 12-ounce Budweiser contains 145 calories, which mainly come from the carbohydrates. It contains no fat and minimal protein. The alcohol content provides some additional calories as well.
Calories Compared to Other Beers
Compared to other major domestic lagers like Coors Light and Miller Lite, Budweiser has slightly more calories and carbs:
| Beer (12 oz serving) | Calories | Carbs (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Budweiser | 145 | 10.6 |
| Coors Light | 102 | 5 |
| Miller Lite | 96 | 3.2 |
Coors Light contains 102 calories and 5 grams of carbs, while Miller Lite has just 96 calories and 3.2 grams of carbs. So Budweiser has around 50 more calories and over twice the carbohydrates compared to these light lagers.
However, Budweiser is lower in calories than craft beers and ales. For example, a 12-ounce serving of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale has 175 calories. And a Sam Adams Boston Lager contains 160 calories. So among full-calorie beers, Budweiser is on the lighter end for calories.
Low-Calorie Beer Options
If you are looking for lower-calorie beer options, here are some good choices:
– Bud Select 55: 55 calories per 12 oz
– Budweiser Select: 99 calories per 12 oz
– Bud Light: 110 calories per 12 oz
– Michelob Ultra: 95 calories per 12 oz
– Natural Light: 95 calories per 12 oz
These low-calorie and light beers have significantly fewer calories than regular Budweiser, while still offering a similar light lager taste. Michelob Ultra and Natural Light are the lowest in calories among major light beer brands.
Calories in Different Serving Sizes
Here are the calorie amounts in different serving sizes of Budweiser:
| Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|
| 12 ounces (1 can or bottle) | 145 |
| 16 ounces (pint) | 193 |
| 20 ounces | 241 |
| 25 ounces | 301 |
| 40 ounces (1 liter) | 484 |
A 12-ounce serving is considered one standard beer. A 16-ounce pint and 20-ounce draft are other common serving sizes. As you can see, the calories scale up linearly with the serving size. A 40-ounce “quart” has over three times the calories and carbs compared to a 12-ounce bottle.
Typical Serving Sizes
Some typical serving sizes and calorie amounts:
– 12 oz bottle or can: 145 calories
– 16 oz draft beer: 193 calories
– 20 oz draft beer: 241 calories
– 25 oz draft beer: 301 calories
– 40 oz beer pitcher: 484 calories
So if you are having multiple beers, keep the serving size in mind, as the calorie count can quickly add up.
Budweiser Calories Compared to Other Drinks
Compared to other alcoholic drinks, Budweiser is moderate in calories:
| Drink (5 oz serving) | Calories |
|---|---|
| Table wine (red) | 125 |
| Table wine (white) | 121 |
| Light beer | 103 |
| Budweiser | 145 |
| Craft beer (IPA) | 180 |
| Vodka (80 proof) | 100 |
| Whiskey (80 proof) | 100 |
Budweiser has more calories than light beer, table wine, and distilled spirits. But it has less calories than higher alcohol craft beers and ales.
Compared to non-alcoholic drinks:
| Drink (12 oz serving) | Calories |
|---|---|
| Cola | 140 |
| Ginger ale | 125 |
| Sweet iced tea | 115 |
| Budweiser | 145 |
| Orange juice | 165 |
| Cranberry juice cocktail | 195 |
| Energy drink | 110 |
Surprisingly, the calories in Budweiser are comparable to many non-alcoholic beverages like cola, juice, and sweet tea. But the calories are consumed in lower volumes with beer.
Tips for Drinking Budweiser with Fewer Calories
Here are some tips if you want to enjoy Budweiser but also watch your calorie intake:
Count Your Drinks
– Stick to just 1 or 2 beers max to limit calorie consumption. The calories scale up quickly the more you drink.
Pace Yourself
– Sipping your drinks slowly gives your body more time to register feelings of fullness. This prevents overdrinking.
Alternate with Water
– Drinking water between beers helps you stay hydrated so you drink fewer calories overall.
Avoid Sugary Mixers
– Skip high-calorie sodas, juices, and blended drinks. Enjoy Budweiser on its own or with sparkling water instead.
Eat Before and While Drinking
– Eating healthy snacks helps control hunger and prevents overindulging in beers.
Check Calories in Menu Items
– Bar appetizers and fried foods can add hundreds more calories to your meal.
Health Concerns with Beer
While drinking in moderation poses minimal health risks, excessive beer drinking does have some potential downsides:
Weight Gain
– Beer packs nearly as many calories as sugary sodas, which can lead to increased belly fat over time.
Liver Damage
– Heavier alcohol consumption stresses the liver, increasing risk for fatty liver disease.
Alcoholism
– Long-term heavy drinking raises the risk for alcohol abuse and addiction.
Heart Disease
– Excessive drinking can raise blood pressure and contribute to strokes and heart failure.
Certain Cancers
– Alcohol consumption is linked to increased risk of liver, breast, colon, mouth, and esophagus cancers.
To avoid these risks, limit Budweiser drinking to 1-2 servings daily as part of an overall healthy diet. People with certain medical conditions or a history of addiction should avoid alcohol consumption.
Conclusion
In summary, a 12-ounce serving of Budweiser beer contains about 145 calories, mostly from alcohol and carbohydrates. This is moderate compared to other beers, wine, liquor, and even many non-alcoholic drinks. Enjoying Budweiser in moderation as part of an active, balanced lifestyle is unlikely to lead to weight gain or other adverse health effects in most healthy adults. Just be mindful of serving sizes, and alternate with non-caloric beverages like water. Sticking to 1-2 beers maximum is ideal for limiting excess calorie intake. While no alcohol consumption is completely risk-free, the potential benefits of moderate beer drinking may outweigh the risks for many individuals. So the next time you have a Budweiser, you can relax and enjoy it guilt-free knowing the calorie count!