In recent years, non-alcoholic beers have gained popularity, with brands like Athletic Brewing leading the way. Known for its great taste and refreshing quality, Athletic Brewing beer offers an alternative for those who want to enjoy beer without the alcohol. But if you’re watching your calorie intake, you might be wondering, “How many calories are in Athletic Brewing beer?”
In this article, we’ll break down the calories in Athletic Brewing beer, examine the nutritional information, and compare it to other types of beers. We’ll also explore the health benefits of choosing a non-alcoholic beer like Athletic Brewing and how it fits into a balanced lifestyle.
What is Athletic Brewing Beer?
Athletic Brewing Company is known for crafting non-alcoholic beers that are not only flavorful but also low in calories. Unlike traditional beers that go through the fermentation process and contain alcohol, Athletic Brewing uses a special technique that eliminates alcohol while retaining the taste and refreshing qualities of beer.
Athletic Brewing offers a range of styles, including IPAs, lagers, and stouts, all brewed with high-quality ingredients and carefully crafted to provide beer enthusiasts with the same satisfying experience as traditional alcoholic beer. The main difference? It has less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), making it a suitable option for those avoiding alcohol or looking to reduce their intake.
How Many Calories Are in Athletic Brewing Beer?
The calorie content of Athletic Brewing beers varies slightly depending on the specific style, but in general, they are much lower in calories than their alcoholic counterparts. Here’s a breakdown of the calorie content for some of the most popular Athletic Brewing beers:
1. Athletic Brewing Upside Dawn Golden Ale
- Calories: 50 calories per 12 oz bottle
This is one of the most popular options from Athletic Brewing, and it offers a light, crisp taste with a clean finish. The 50 calories per bottle makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a refreshing, low-calorie beer option.
2. Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA
- Calories: 70 calories per 12 oz can
Run Wild IPA is a non-alcoholic IPA that features hoppy flavors and a slight bitterness typical of IPAs. Despite being full of flavor, it only contains 70 calories, making it a lighter option compared to traditional IPAs, which often have more than 150 calories per serving.
3. Athletic Brewing Free Wave Hazy IPA
- Calories: 70 calories per 12 oz can
Another IPA in the Athletic Brewing lineup, Free Wave Hazy IPA provides a fruit-forward flavor with less than 0.5% alcohol by volume. At 70 calories per serving, it’s a great alternative to higher-calorie alcoholic hazy IPAs.
4. Athletic Brewing All Day Long IPA
- Calories: 70 calories per 12 oz can
This is another low-calorie, non-alcoholic IPA option from Athletic Brewing. With its refreshing flavor and just 70 calories, it’s designed to be enjoyed all day long without packing on extra calories.
5. Athletic Brewing Stout
- Calories: 80 calories per 12 oz can
Athletic Brewing’s non-alcoholic stout is rich and smooth, offering the deep flavors of roasted malt and chocolate. While stouts are often higher in calories, this non-alcoholic option contains just 80 calories, making it a good choice for those who love dark beers.
What Affects the Calories in Athletic Brewing Beer?
The calorie count in Athletic Brewing beer is affected by several factors, including the type of beer and its ingredients. Let’s break down what influences the calorie content of these beers:
1. Alcohol Content
Alcohol contributes significantly to the calorie count in most beers. Since Athletic Brewing beers contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), their calorie content is much lower than traditional beers. Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, which is a substantial source of calories in alcoholic beers. By eliminating most of the alcohol, Athletic Brewing is able to reduce the overall calorie count.
2. Ingredients
Like all beers, the ingredients used in the brewing process affect the calorie content. The base ingredients in Athletic Brewing beers typically include barley, hops, water, and yeast. However, non-alcoholic beers like those from Athletic Brewing may use different techniques and ingredients to reduce alcohol production while still maintaining flavor. These techniques often involve using fermentation control and flavor additives that don’t add extra calories.
3. Flavor Additives and Sweeteners
While Athletic Brewing beers are relatively low in calories, some non-alcoholic beers may include artificial sweeteners or flavorings that can contribute additional calories. However, Athletic Brewing keeps the calorie count low by using natural ingredients and avoiding excess sugars or sweeteners that might increase the calorie load.
How Does Athletic Brewing Compare to Other Beers?
Athletic Brewing beers are much lower in calories than most regular, alcoholic beers. To put things in perspective, let’s compare the calorie content of a 12 oz serving of Athletic Brewing beer to some other popular beer options:
| Beer | Calories (per 12 oz) |
|---|---|
| Athletic Brewing Upside Dawn Golden Ale | 50 calories |
| Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA | 70 calories |
| Budweiser | 145 calories |
| Coors Light | 102 calories |
| Heineken | 150 calories |
| Corona Extra | 148 calories |
| Sierra Nevada IPA | 220 calories |
Comparison Summary:
- Athletic Brewing beers are much lower in calories compared to standard alcoholic beers, with most options containing 50-80 calories per 12 oz serving.
- Traditional beers like Budweiser and Heineken have 145-150 calories per 12 oz serving, which is roughly twice the calories of an Athletic Brewing beer.
- IPAs, in particular, tend to have higher calories, but Athletic Brewing’s non-alcoholic IPAs only contain about 70 calories, making them a more calorie-conscious choice compared to regular IPAs, which can have 200+ calories.
Health Benefits of Choosing Athletic Brewing Beer
Choosing non-alcoholic beer like those from Athletic Brewing offers several potential health benefits, especially when compared to traditional alcoholic beers. Here’s why you might want to consider including Athletic Brewing beer in your routine:
1. Fewer Calories
As we’ve seen, Athletic Brewing beers are much lower in calories than traditional beers. This makes them a good option if you’re trying to reduce your calorie intake while still enjoying a refreshing beverage.
2. No Alcohol
If you’re looking to enjoy the taste of beer without the effects of alcohol, Athletic Brewing provides an excellent option. These beers contain less than 0.5% ABV, which means you can enjoy the flavor without the intoxicating effects. This is ideal for:
- Designated drivers
- People looking to reduce alcohol consumption
- Pregnant women
3. Probiotic Benefits
Though Athletic Brewing beers don’t have the same probiotic benefits as fermented foods like yogurt, the process of fermentation in non-alcoholic beers can still result in some beneficial bacteria. However, the impact of this is minimal compared to other probiotic-rich foods.
4. Supports Hydration
Since Athletic Brewing beers are non-alcoholic, they don’t cause dehydration like traditional alcoholic beers can. This makes them a better option for staying hydrated, especially after physical activities like exercise.
How Can You Enjoy Athletic Brewing Beer Without Overdoing Calories?
Athletic Brewing beers are already low in calories, but there are still ways to enjoy them without going overboard on your calorie intake:
1. Drink in Moderation
While Athletic Brewing beers are low in calories, it’s still important to consume them in moderation. Drinking too many, even of low-calorie beers, can still add up and impact your overall health and diet goals.
2. Pair with Lighter Foods
Pair your Athletic Brewing beer with healthier, lower-calorie foods like grilled chicken, salads, or veggie-based dishes to keep your meal balanced. Avoid pairing with heavy, calorie-dense foods like fried snacks or cheese-laden dishes.
3. Consider Other Non-Alcoholic Beverages
If you’re looking for a refreshing, low-calorie beverage option but not necessarily a beer, consider non-alcoholic options like sparkling water, kombucha, or flavored water. These drinks are even lower in calories and can keep you hydrated without any alcohol content.
FAQ: How Many Calories in Athletic Brewing Beer?
1. How many calories are in an Athletic Brewing beer?
A 12 oz serving of Athletic Brewing beer typically contains 50-80 calories, depending on the type. For example, the Upside Dawn Golden Ale has 50 calories, while the Run Wild IPA has 70 calories.
2. Is Athletic Brewing beer lower in calories than regular beer?
Yes, Athletic Brewing beer is much lower in calories compared to regular beer. Traditional beers like Budweiser and Heineken contain about 145-150 calories per 12 oz serving, while Athletic Brewing’s non-alcoholic options contain only 50-80 calories per serving.
3. Is Athletic Brewing beer alcohol-free?
Yes, Athletic Brewing beer contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), which qualifies it as a non-alcoholic beer. This makes it a great option for those avoiding alcohol or looking to reduce their intake.
4. Are there any health benefits to drinking Athletic Brewing beer?
Athletic Brewing beer offers benefits like fewer calories, no alcohol, and hydration. It’s a good choice for those looking to reduce alcohol consumption while still enjoying a refreshing drink. The non-alcoholic nature also means it doesn’t contribute to dehydration.
5. How does Athletic Brewing compare to other non-alcoholic beers?
Athletic Brewing offers one of the lowest calorie non-alcoholic beers on the market, with most options containing 50-80 calories per 12 oz serving. Other non-alcoholic beers tend to have similar calorie counts, but Athletic Brewing is especially noted for its flavorful options without the high calorie content of traditional beers.
Conclusion
If you’re wondering how many calories are in Athletic Brewing beer, the answer is simple: most varieties contain between 50-80 calories per 12 oz serving, making it a great choice for those who want a low-calorie, non-alcoholic alternative to traditional beer. Whether you’re looking to cut back on calories, reduce alcohol intake, or just enjoy a refreshing beverage, Athletic Brewing offers a healthy and flavorful option.
With its range of styles—from IPAs to golden ales—Athletic Brewing has something for every beer lover, all while keeping your calorie count in check. Enjoying non-alcoholic beers responsibly can help you stay on track with your health goals without sacrificing the enjoyment of a cold beer.