Consumers demand low-calorie beer options
Many argue that beer is a healthier option than many other alcoholic drinks on the market.
Dea Latis, the group that promotes beer to women, aims to dispel view that beer is calorific, gassy and gives drinkers a ‘beer belly’.
“For many women, beer’s supposedly high calorie content is the main reason why they don’t drink it,” said Dea Latis organiser Lisa Harlow.
“In fact, beer is lower in alcohol content, and therefore in calories, than wine – so for anyone who wants to reduce their alcohol content but can’t face complete abstinence, beer’s a great option.”
Beer has a lower ABV, typically 4% to 5%, than wine, generally at between 12% and 14%. According to the group, a 175ml glass of white wine at 12% ABV contains 131 calories whereas a half pint of standard beer at 3.8% abv contains only 85 calories.
Beers in the low calorie sector
Bud Light
In February, ABInBev launched its American pale ale Bud Light to the UK. It is the second time the beer has entered the market after it was withdrawn in 2000 with the company citing the UK as unready for the drink. The 3.5% ABV beer is on draught and in 440ml aluminium cans and 500ml stock keeping units for wholesalers. It uses the same packaging design and branding as the American version. It has 127 calories per 440ml can.
Coors Light
While Molson Coors does not market Coors Light as a low-calorie beer it does use Jean Claude Van Damme in its adverts for the brand. The 4% ABV beer that saw sales rise 28% in 2015. New iced fonts in the on-trade have helped steer more people towards the brands. The beer comes in at 102 calories in every 12fl oz can.
Foster’s Radler
Foster’s Radler is an exciting, new 2% ABV Foster’s lager, cut with natural lemon juice. The combination of Foster’s lager with the natural refreshment of lemons creates an easy-drinking lager ideal for occasions where consumers want something lighter. It comes in at 42 calories per 100ml.
Carlsberg Citrus
In 2013, Carlsberg Citrus was launched to the UK market. The 2.8% ABV product gained another variant, Blackcurrant, in 2014. The brand boasts 29 calories per 100ml.
