Quick Answer
A 16 ounce can of Coors Light has 5 grams of carbohydrates. This is a relatively low amount of carbs for a beer. The low carb and calorie content is one of the main selling points of Coors Light.
What Are Carbs?
Carbohydrates, commonly known as carbs, are one of the three main macronutrients found in foods, along with protein and fat. Carbs are the body’s main source of energy and play an important role in a balanced diet.
Carbs are found in many common foods, including:
- Breads
- Pasta
- Rice
- Potatoes
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Milk
- Yogurt
When you eat carbs, your body breaks them down into glucose. Glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream and provides energy for the cells in your body. Any glucose not needed right away is stored in your liver and muscles as glycogen to be used for energy later.
Types of Carbs
There are three main types of carbohydrates:
- Sugars – Such as sucrose (table sugar), lactose (milk sugar), and fructose (fruit sugar). Sugars are simple carbs that are digested and absorbed quickly.
- Starches – Found in foods like bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes. Starches are long chains of glucose molecules that take longer to digest.
- Fiber – Found in plant foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains. Fiber is indigestible and passes through the body undigested.
When looking at carb content, it’s important to consider the source and type of carbs. Complex carbs from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy provide more nutrients and fiber. Refined and processed carbs like white bread, sugary snacks, and soda provide empty calories and spikes in blood sugar.
Carb Content in Beer
Beer contains carbs from the grains, mainly malted barley, used in the brewing process. The main sources of carbs in beer are:
- Maltose – A sugar produced during the malting process
- Dextrins – Starchy molecules produced when the malted grain is mashed
- Glycogen – A complex starch found in the yeast
The carb content can vary greatly among different styles of beer:
| Beer Style | Carbs (grams per 12oz serving) |
|---|---|
| Light beer | 5-10 |
| Regular lager | 10-15 |
| Craft lagers/pilsners | 15-30 |
| Wheat beers | 15-25 |
| Porters/stouts | 15-25 |
| IPAs | 15-30 |
As shown, light beers tend to be lower in carbs, while craft beers and dark beers tend to be higher.
Nutrition Facts for Coors Light
Here are the nutrition facts for a 16oz can of Coors Light:
| Serving Size | 1 can (16 fl oz) |
|---|---|
| Amount Per Serving | |
| Calories | 102 |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 0g |
As you can see, a 16oz can of Coors Light contains 5 grams of total carbohydrates. This carb amount includes 0g of fiber and 5g of sugar.
The calorie content is also low at just 102 calories per 16oz can. This light carb and calorie profile is what makes Coors Light a popular choice among low-carb beer drinkers.
Coors Light Carb Content Compared to Regular Beer
To put the carb content of Coors Light into perspective, let’s compare it to regular lager-style beer:
| Beer (12oz serving) | Carbs (grams) | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Coors Light | 5 | 102 |
| Regular lager (e.g. Budweiser) | 10-15 | 140-150 |
As you can see, Coors Light contains significantly fewer carbs and calories compared to regular American-style lagers like Budweiser. Regular lager has roughly 2-3 times more carbs than Coors Light.
This makes Coors Light a good option if you’re watching your carb or calorie intake but still want to enjoy an occasional beer.
Tips for Drinking Coors Light on a Low-Carb Diet
Here are some tips for enjoying Coors Light as part of a low-carb diet:
- Stick to the 12oz recommended serving size to keep carbs low
- Drink it straight from the can or bottle instead of a glass to monitor portions
- Avoid mixing with sugary soda or juice to prevent added carbs
- Drink plenty of water before and after to stay hydrated
- Account for the 5g carbs when tracking your total daily carb intake
- Pair it with low-carb foods like wings, cheese, nuts for balance
- Limit yourself to 1-2 servings max per day
Moderation is key – you can certainly fit light beers like Coors Light into a low-carb lifestyle, but be mindful of overall carb and alcohol intake.
The Bottom Line
To summarize key points:
- A 16oz can of Coors Light contains 5g of carbohydrates and 102 calories
- This is significantly fewer carbs and calories compared to regular lager beers
- The main sources of carbs in beer are maltose, dextrins, and glycogen from the grains and yeast
- Light beers are brewed to be lower in carbohydrates and calories than full-calorie beers
- Coors Light can fit into a low-carb diet when consumed in moderation and accounted for in total carb intake
So in answer to the original question – there are 5 grams of carbohydrates in a 16oz can of Coors Light. This light beer can be a relatively low-carb option when limiting carbs and calories. As with any beer, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall healthy low-carb diet.
