One of the most common questions we get: "How many calories are in non-alcoholic beer?" The short answer: it varies wildly—from 10 to 150+ calories per serving. The longer answer involves understanding why NA beer calories differ so much, and how to find the lowest-calorie options that still taste great.
How Many Calories in Non-Alcoholic Beer?
Non-alcoholic beer typically contains 20-100 calories per 12oz serving, though some options go as low as 10 calories and others exceed 150. For comparison, a typical regular beer contains 150-200 calories.
The calorie count depends on several factors:
- Beer style: Lighter styles (lagers, light ales) have fewer calories than heavier styles (stouts, IPAs)
- Residual sugars: Some NA beers retain more unfermented sugars, adding calories
- Brewing method: How the alcohol is removed affects final calorie content
- Serving size: A 16oz can has more calories than a 12oz can (obviously)
Quick Answer
Most NA beers contain 50-80 calories per 12oz serving. The lowest-calorie options are around 20-35 calories, while heavier styles can reach 100-150 calories.
NA Beer Calorie Comparison Chart
Here's how popular non-alcoholic beers stack up on calories:
| Beer | Calories | Carbs | Serving | Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WellBeing Match Day Light Lowest | 35 | 7g | 12oz | English Pale Ale |
| Heineken 0.0 | 69 | 15g | 11.2oz | Lager |
| Athletic Run Wild IPA | 70 | 16g | 12oz | IPA |
| WellBeing Heavenly Body | 68 | 14g | 16oz | Golden Wheat |
| Budweiser Zero | 50 | 11g | 12oz | Lager |
| WellBeing Hellraiser | 80 | 17g | 16oz | Dark Amber |
| Guinness 0.0 | 70 | 14g | 14.9oz | Stout |
| WellBeing Intentional IPA | 122 | 25g | 16oz | IPA |
| Clausthaler Original | 96 | 18g | 12oz | Lager |
The Lowest Calorie NA Beer: Match Day Light
If you're counting calories, Match Day Light at just 35 calories is one of the lowest-calorie non-alcoholic beers on the market—while still tasting like actual beer.
Match Day Light
English Pale Ale • 0.3% ABV
A classic, bready pale ale with balanced malt character and a light mouthfeel. Crisp with a slight roasted malty aftertaste—brewed to drink all game long without the guilt.
Calories Per Can: WellBeing Lineup
NA Beer vs. Regular Beer: Calorie Comparison
How does non-alcoholic beer compare to regular beer in calories? Here's the breakdown:
| Type | Typical Calories | Calorie Range |
|---|---|---|
| NA Beer (Average) | 50-80 | 20-150 |
| Light Beer | 90-110 | 55-110 |
| Regular Lager | 140-150 | 130-170 |
| IPA | 180-220 | 150-300+ |
| Craft/High ABV | 200-300 | 180-400+ |
The calorie savings can add up quickly. If you typically drink 3 regular beers on a game day (roughly 450 calories), switching to Match Day Light saves you 345 calories—without giving up the ritual of cracking open a cold one.
The Math
Switching from 3 regular beers (450 cal) to 3 Match Day Lights (105 cal) saves 345 calories per session. Do that once a week for a year and you've cut nearly 18,000 calories—equivalent to about 5 pounds of body weight.
Why Do NA Beer Calories Vary So Much?
You might wonder why some NA beers have 35 calories while others have 150+. Here's what's going on:
1. Alcohol Content Removal Method
Different de-alcoholization processes retain different amounts of residual sugars and carbohydrates. Vacuum distillation tends to produce lower-calorie results than other methods.
2. Beer Style
Heavier styles like IPAs, stouts, and amber ales naturally have more grain, which means more carbohydrates and calories. Light lagers and pale ales are inherently lower in calories.
3. Serving Size
A 16oz can has 33% more liquid (and calories) than a 12oz can. Always check the serving size when comparing—our Intentional IPA at 122 calories is a 16oz pour, which is actually quite reasonable per ounce.
4. Brewing Intention
Some NA beers are brewed specifically to be low-calorie (like Match Day Light). Others prioritize flavor fidelity over calorie count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is non-alcoholic beer good for weight loss?
NA beer can be a useful tool for weight management. At 35-80 calories per serving (compared to 150-200 for regular beer), it significantly reduces your calorie intake while still letting you enjoy beer. However, it's not a magic solution—total calorie balance still matters.
Does NA beer have less carbs than regular beer?
Generally, yes. Most NA beers have 7-20g of carbs compared to 10-20g for regular beer. The lowest-carb NA beers (like Match Day Light at 7g) are comparable to or lower than light beers.
Why do some NA beers have more calories than light beer?
Some NA beers prioritize flavor over calorie count, using more malt and specialty grains. The alcohol removal process can also leave behind residual sugars. Always check the label if you're counting calories.
Is NA beer keto-friendly?
Most NA beers aren't ideal for strict keto due to their carb content (7-25g per serving). However, Match Day Light at 7g carbs can fit into some low-carb diets in moderation. Check with your dietary plan.
What's the lowest calorie non-alcoholic beer?
Among widely available NA beers, Match Day Light at 35 calories and BrewDog Punk AF at 37 calories are among the lowest. Some ultra-light options from smaller brands go even lower, but often sacrifice flavor.
Try Our Lowest Calorie NA Beer
Match Day Light: just 35 calories and 7g carbs. All the flavor, fraction of the guilt.
