Different calories in beer.

Dewymorning

How come 500 mls of cider has over 200 calories, but 500 mls of alcoholic ginger beer has only 120 calories?

I actually thought the entries in MFP must be wrong, so I did some research, found the brand I had today, and the entries were correct. Started looking through the different beers on the website, and there is a lot of variation between the different types of beer and calorie content.

I do know the cider has a high sugar content, but I though alcoholic ginger beer would too.

And sweetness did not seem to be the deciding factor.

Someone who knows something about beer explain this to me.

I am not much of a beer drinker, in fact I don't drink beer.

I usually have cider, but I found that my first cider today just didn't quite hit the spot, and since it was my shout I decided to try the alcoholic ginger (it is kind of on the expensive side).

I am not complaining, not at all.

Just intrigued.

What factors influence the calorie content of beer and other alcoholic beverages?

Dewymorning

I can also testify that it was not the alcohol content, because according to the same website both drinks had an alcohol content of 4.5%, and they were both made by the same brand.

Edit: and both 5% carbs.

Snow3y

It depends on how many carbs/protein/fats in the drink, but also on how much alcohol is in it.. Alcohol is 7 calories per 1g if i'm not mistaken?

Snow3y

I can also testify that it was not the alcohol content, because according to the same website both drinks had an alcohol content of 4.5%, and they were both made by the same brand.

What does 4.5% mean? 4.5% of the liquid is alcohol? or 4.5% potency of alcohol? What might be 4.5% alcohol for a 500ml bottle, might not be the same as 4.5% of a 2 liter bottle.. I dno, just a thought ^^,

Dewymorning

I can also testify that it was not the alcohol content, because according to the same website both drinks had an alcohol content of 4.5%, and they were both made by the same brand.

What does 4.5% mean? 4.5% of the liquid is alcohol? or 4.5% potency of alcohol? What might be 4.5% alcohol for a 500ml bottle, might not be the same as 4.5% of a 2 liter bottle.. I dno, just a thought ^^,

This is the exact same brand, same website, both types were 4.5% alcohol and 5% carbs, the same size bottle (though when I bought the cider at the pub it was on tap), but huge difference in total calorie content.

I suppose whether the carbs are sugar or not might have an impact.

Dewymorning

Don't mind me, I just drank 1 litre or 300 calories worth of alcoholic beverages.

But it is ok, I came under my calorie count (though a bit high on the carbs today) :P

eldamiano

Isnt this like asking why there are different calories in a carrot cake to a chocolate cake?

Different ingredients, sugar levels, etc..