No Alcohol No Sweat

Let’s talk calories.

Calories are a measure of the energy content in food (and drink). One calorie is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1 degree Celsius. Despite that liquid-y conception, it’s also a unit of measurement for the energy our bodies get from consuming food. However, not all calories are created equal. The source of the calories matters.

For example, 100 calories of broccoli will have a different impact on your body compared to 100 calories of candy. The body processes and uses calories differently depending on the macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) and other factors present in the food. Did you know that on average, an adult human body contains roughly 81,500 to 85,900 calories of energy. This means that if you were to somehow burn all the calories stored in your body, you could potentially power a standard light bulb for a few days.

Impressive.

But calories are, of course, also part of the beverages we consume, including beer. Now, non-alcoholic beer is growing in popularity. Obviously, in large part, that’s due to people wanting to reduce their alcohol intake.

It’s a common question: by removing the alcohol from beer, do you remove some or even all of its calories?

Let’s find out.

So, first up, does non-alcoholic beer have calories?

Simple answer: yes. Although non-alcoholic beer has little or no alcohol content, it still contains the same ingredients as regular beer, such as hops, malt and water. These ingredients all contain calories, and therefore, non-alcoholic beer has a caloric content.

However, the caloric content of non-alcoholic beer is generally lower than standard, alcoholic beer. On average, you can expect a non-alcoholic beer to contain around 60 to 100 calories per 12-ounce (350-millilitres) serving. A traditional beer will typically contain around 150 to 200 calories.

It is worth noting, though, that some non-alcoholic beers may have slightly more calories than others, depending on the brewing process and the ingredients used. For example, non-alcoholic beers that are brewed using more malt may have a higher calorie content than those that go easier on it in the production phase.

Are non-alcoholic beers nutritious?

Simple answer: no. It is beer, after all. You don’t drink it to top up your essential vitamins and minerals, boost your protein or get a dose of fibre. It’s drunk for pleasure. For the taste.

Are there some beneficial compounds in non-alcoholic beer? Sure. You will imbibe some antioxidants and polyphenols, which are found in the hops used to make the beer. And these compounds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. But the levels are pretty low in non-alcoholic beer, so it’s not a patch on the likes of fruit and vegetables for getting the nutritional components that you need to stay healthy.

Is non-alcoholic beer a good choice for weight loss?

Simple answer: not really.

True, it does have slightly fewer calories than alcoholic beer, but it really isn’t going to cut the mustard as part of a diet focused on weight loss. Indeed, drink a lot of non-alcoholic beer and you’ll put on some pounds. However, there is an up side. Non-alcoholic beer is primarily composed of water, and it can contribute to your daily fluid intake – without the dehydrating effects of alcohol. Staying hydrated can be useful if you are trying to lose weight, as it makes you feel fuller, helps control appetite and can prevent overeating. Drinking a non-alcoholic beer is certainly a better option for this than, say, sugary soda. But plain water is probably best.

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Non-alcoholic beer does have calories. But it contains fewer calories than regular, alcoholic beer. It is not, sadly. considered a nutritious beverage. But it does contain some beneficial compounds. Non-alcoholic beer may be a good choice for those looking to reduce their calorie intake. But it should not be relied upon as a weight loss tool.

Boringly perhaps, but sensibly, moderation is key.

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