How many calories is in 12 oz hazy little thing IPA?

IPA (India Pale Ale) beers have become increasingly popular in recent years, with breweries making IPAs with intense hoppy and citrusy flavors. One such IPA is Hazy Little Thing by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. This New England-style IPA is known for its hazy, unfiltered appearance and juicy, tropical fruit flavors. But with craft beers packing more bold flavors, some drinkers may be wondering – how many calories are actually in one can of this trendy IPA? Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional facts on Hazy Little Thing IPA to find out.

Calorie and Carb Count in 12oz Hazy Little Thing IPA

According to Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, a 12oz can of Hazy Little Thing IPA contains the following nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 198
  • Carbohydrates: 16.8g
  • Protein: 2.2g

So in a 12oz can, Hazy Little Thing contains 198 calories and 16.8 grams of carbohydrates.

Compared to a regular domestic light beer, Hazy Little Thing IPA packs nearly twice as many calories and carbs. For example, Bud Light has 110 calories and 6.6g carbs per 12oz serving.

The higher calorie and carb count in Hazy Little Thing can be attributed to it being an Imperial or Double IPA. These styles tend to have higher alcohol content and use more malts and hops in the brewing process, which results in more calories and carbs per serving.

Calorie Count of Other Popular IPA Beers

To understand how Hazy Little Thing’s calorie count compares to other popular IPA beers, here is a nutritional comparison of a few top national brands in 12oz servings:

IPA Beer Brand Calories Carbohydrates
Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing IPA 198 16.8g
Lagunitas IPA 195 17.7g
Bell’s Two Hearted Ale 192 16.7g
Founders All Day IPA 140 12g
Goose Island IPA 210 21g

As you can see, most IPAs range from 140-210 calories per 12oz serving. So Hazy Little Thing lands right in the middle calorie-wise. Goose Island IPA is slightly higher at 210 calories, while Founders All Day IPA is on the lighter side at 140 calories.

In terms of carbs, Hazy Little Thing aligns closely with the 16-21g carb range for a typical IPA. While IPAs are heavier in calories and carbs than light beers, Hazy Little Thing is pretty standard compared to other popular craft IPA options.

Does Drinking IPAs Lead to Weight Gain?

With the higher calorie and carb content in IPAs compared to light beers, some people may be hesitant to drink them too often out of fear of weight gain. However, enjoying IPAs occasionally or in moderation is unlikely to lead to significant weight gain for most drinkers.

Here are some points to consider:

  • At 198 calories per 12oz can, Hazy Little Thing supplies close to 10% of your daily calorie intake per serving (based on a 2,000 calorie diet). While not insignificant, one IPA still fits into most healthy diets.
  • Pay attention to your portion size – stick to the standard 12oz serving, don’t go overboard and drink multiple cans or pints which exponentially increases calorie intake.
  • Balance out your IPA intake by selecting lighter beer styles or alcoholic drinks like wine or spirits on other occasions.
  • Focus on an overall healthy diet and active lifestyle. Don’t view one type of beverage as making or breaking your diet.
  • Check the ABV (alcohol by volume). Higher ABV beers pack more calories, so opt for IPAs with ABV of 6-7% to limit calorie intake.

Following healthy habits like these allows you to enjoy flavorful craft beers without going overboard on calories. Ultimately it comes down to moderation, balance, and finding ways to incorporate higher calorie foods and beverages into your lifestyle in sustainable ways.

Tips for Drinking IPAs on a Diet

If you’re trying to lose weight or eat healthy, here are some pro tips for enjoying IPAs like Hazy Little Thing as part of your diet:

Slow down and savor it

Instead of gulping down your IPA, sip it slowly so you can appreciate all the complex hop flavors. Taking your time allows you to get satisfaction from less beer.

Share or split

Many craft beer pubs will allow you to order half-pours or small taster sizes. You can also easily split a 12oz can with a friend. This lets you try new IPAs without going overboard on calories.

Make it your one drink

When out at dinner or having drinks, choose your favorite IPA but stick to just one beer. Avoid piling on extra drinks which add up calorie-wise.

Pair with a healthy meal

Enjoy your IPA with a nutritious dinner or lunch like a salad, fish, or lean meat. The IPA can satisfy your craving for bold flavor without derailing your meal goals.

Work it into your exercise routine

If you are more active on certain days, make that your designated “IPA day” so the extra calories are balanced out by increased calorie burn. Or reward yourself with an IPA after a tough workout.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water before, during, and after drinking to avoid dehydration and overconsumption of empty calories. Alternate each beer with a glass of water.

By being mindful about how and when you drink IPAs, you can still enjoy their great taste as part of a healthy lifestyle. Moderation and balance is key.

Conclusion

To sum up, a 12oz can of Sierra Nevada’s Hazy Little Thing IPA contains 198 calories and 16.8 grams of carbs. This puts it right around the average calorie count for popular India pale ales, which tend to range from 140-210 calories per 12oz serving.

While IPAs like Hazy Little Thing are higher in calories than light beers, enjoying them occasionally should not lead to significant weight gain for most drinkers. Focus on practicing portion control, balancing with lighter drinks, keeping an overall healthy diet, and incorporating physical activity. Be mindful of your drinking habits and learn how to work flavorful beers like IPAs into your lifestyle in moderation. With the right habits, you can still satisfy your hop cravings as part of a calorie-conscious diet.

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