A standard pint of Guinness Draught contains approximately 210 calories. This number often surprises people who expect more from such a rich, dark beer. In fact, it’s comparable to or even less than many popular lagers you’ll find at your local pub.
The exact calorie count varies by the specific type of Guinness and the serving size. Whether you’re enjoying a pint at the bar or cracking open a can at home, knowing these numbers can help you make informed choices about your drink.
Quick start guide
Just want the number?
- Guinness Draught Pint: 210 calories
- Guinness Can (440ml): 154 calories
- Guinness 0.0 Can: 75 calories
Planning your evening?
- 2 pints = 420 calories (equivalent to a light meal)
- 3 pints = 630 calories (about 25% of daily intake for average adult)
- 4 pints = 840 calories (approaching half daily intake)
Comparing options?
- Guinness 0.0 (75 cal/can) – Best for calorie watchers
- Guinness Draught (210 cal/pint) – Classic choice
- Light lagers (180 cal/pint) – Slightly lower alternative
Guinness calories by serving size
| Serving Type | Volume | Calories | Common Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half Pint | 284ml | 105 kcal | UK pubs, tasting |
| Bottle | 330ml | 125 kcal | Restaurants, home |
| Can | 440ml | 154 kcal | Supermarkets, home |
| Pint | 568ml | 210 kcal | Pubs, bars |
| Large Can | 500ml | 175 kcal | Some European markets |
This table helps you calculate exactly what you’re drinking, no matter where you enjoy your Guinness.
Quick-glance calorie comparison: Guinness vs. other beers
| Beer Type | Serving Size (Pint / 568ml) | ABV % | Calorie Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guinness Draught | 568ml | 4.2% | 210 kcal |
| Guinness Extra Stout | 568ml | 4.2% | 215 kcal |
| Guinness Foreign Extra Stout | 568ml | 7.5% | 330 kcal |
| Guinness 0.0 (Non-Alcoholic) | 568ml | 0.0% | 97 kcal |
| Budweiser | 568ml | 5.0% | 245 kcal |
| Heineken | 568ml | 5.0% | 250 kcal |
| Stella Artois | 568ml | 5.2% | 260 kcal |
| BrewDog Punk IPA | 568ml | 5.6% | 285 kcal |
| Coors Light | 568ml | 4.2% | 180 kcal |
| Corona | 568ml | 4.5% | 230 kcal |
This table shows that Guinness Draught sits comfortably in the middle range. It’s not the lowest-calorie option, but it’s far from the highest either.
Beer style calorie comparison
| Beer Style | Average ABV | Calories per Pint | Calorie Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Lagers | 3.5-4.2% | 160-200 | 140-220 |
| Standard Lagers | 4.5-5.5% | 220-280 | 200-300 |
| Stouts (including Guinness) | 4.0-6.0% | 200-300 | 180-350 |
| IPAs | 5.0-7.0% | 250-350 | 220-400 |
| Wheat Beers | 4.5-5.5% | 200-250 | 180-280 |
| Belgian Ales | 6.0-9.0% | 300-450 | 280-500 |
Guinness fits perfectly into the lower end of the stout category, making it a smart choice for dark beer lovers.
Calorie breakdown for every type of Guinness
Different types of Guinness have different calorie counts. Here’s what you need to know about each variety.
Guinness Draught (4.2% ABV)
This is the classic Guinness most people know and love. The creamy, smooth texture comes from nitrogen gas, not extra calories.
- Calories per Pint (568ml): ~210 kcal
- Calories per Can (440ml): ~154 kcal
- Calories per Bottle (330ml): ~125 kcal
Guinness Extra Stout (4.2% ABV)
Extra Stout has a sharper, more bitter taste than Draught. It’s slightly higher in calories but not by much.
- Calories per Bottle (330ml): ~115 kcal
- Calories per Pint (568ml): ~215 kcal
- Calories per Can (440ml): ~158 kcal
Guinness Foreign Extra Stout (7.5% ABV)
This is the strongest regular Guinness variety. The higher alcohol content means more calories per serving.
- Calories per Bottle (330ml): ~194 kcal
- Calories per Pint (568ml): ~330 kcal
- Calories per Can (440ml): ~250 kcal
Guinness 0.0 (0.0% ABV)
The non-alcoholic version gives you the Guinness taste with far fewer calories. It’s perfect for those watching their intake.
- Calories per Can (440ml): ~75 kcal
- Calories per Pint (568ml): ~97 kcal
- Calories per Bottle (330ml): ~58 kcal
Regional variations: Guinness around the world
| Region | ABV | Calories per Pint | Taste Profile | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 4.2% | 210 | Rich, creamy | Original recipe |
| United Kingdom | 4.1% | 205 | Slightly lighter | Lower ABV version |
| Nigeria | 7.5% | 330 | Stronger, sharper | Foreign Extra Stout |
| Malaysia | 6.0% | 280 | Medium strength | Tropical climate recipe |
| Export (Global) | 4.2% | 210 | Standard | International markets |
These differences matter if you’re traveling or buying imported versions.
Where do the calories in Guinness come from?
Understanding the source of calories in beer helps explain why Guinness isn’t as heavy as it seems. Beer calories come from two main sources: alcohol and carbohydrates.
Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram. This means higher ABV beers pack more calories. Since Guinness Draught has a moderate 4.2% ABV, it stays in the middle range for calories.
Carbohydrates from the malt provide the remaining calories. Despite its dark color and rich taste, Guinness has relatively low sugar content. The color comes from roasted barley, not added sugars.
The creamy texture that makes Guinness feel substantial comes from nitrogen gas, not fat or high carbohydrate content. This is why it can taste rich while staying moderate in calories.
How brewing affects calories
The Guinness brewing process actually reduces calories compared to other dark beers:
- Roasted Barley: Creates color and flavor without adding fermentable sugars
- Lower Sugar Content: Less residual sugar means fewer carbohydrate calories
- Nitrogen Process: Creates creamy texture without adding calories
- Fermentation: Yeast converts most sugars to alcohol, not stored as carbs
Full Guinness nutritional information
| Nutrient | Amount per Pint | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Protein | 1.9g | 4% |
| Fat | 0.3g | 0% |
| Iron | 0.5mg | 3% |
| Folate | 12.8mcg | 3% |
| Niacin (B3) | 1.6mg | 10% |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.14mg | 11% |
*Based on 2000 calorie daily diet
Guinness has been vegan-friendly since 2017, when they stopped using fish bladder (isinglass) in their filtering process. This makes it suitable for those following plant-based diets.
Calories in context: what 210 calories really means
| Food Item | Calories | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Pint of Guinness | 210 | Baseline |
| Large banana | 120 | 57% of Guinness |
| Slice of pizza | 285 | 36% more than Guinness |
| Large apple | 95 | 45% of Guinness |
| Chocolate bar (40g) | 200 | 95% of Guinness |
| Bag of chips (25g) | 130 | 62% of Guinness |
| Can of Coke | 140 | 67% of Guinness |
This puts Guinness calories into perspective. It’s about the same as a light snack or small meal.
Exercise equivalents: burning off your Guinness
| Activity | Time Needed (Average Person) | Calories Burned |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk Walking | 40 minutes | 210 |
| Jogging | 20 minutes | 210 |
| Cycling (moderate) | 25 minutes | 210 |
| Swimming | 18 minutes | 210 |
| Dancing | 35 minutes | 210 |
| Gardening | 45 minutes | 210 |
These times are based on a 150-pound person. Heavier people burn calories faster, lighter people need more time.
Daily intake percentage by demographics
| Group | Daily Calorie Needs | Guinness % of Daily Intake |
|---|---|---|
| Sedentary Women | 1600-2000 | 10.5-13% |
| Active Women | 2000-2400 | 8.7-10.5% |
| Sedentary Men | 2200-2400 | 8.7-9.5% |
| Active Men | 2400-2800 | 7.5-8.7% |
| Athletes | 2500-3500 | 6-8.4% |
One pint represents a reasonable portion of daily calories for most adults when consumed in moderation.
Guinness through the years: recipe changes
| Year | Change | Calorie Impact | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 | Reduced gravity | -10 calories | Cost reduction |
| 1988 | Widget invention | No change | Improved texture |
| 2006 | Recipe tweak | -5 calories | Consistency |
| 2017 | Vegan process | No change | Ethical sourcing |
| 2020 | 0.0 launch | New low option | Health trends |
The calorie content has remained relatively stable, with minor reductions over time.
Historical context
From the 1920s to 1960s, Guinness marketed itself as healthy. While we now know alcohol isn’t health food, some claims had merit:
- Iron Content: Guinness does contain iron, though not enough to treat anemia
- B Vitamins: Contains folate and B vitamins from yeast
- Antioxidants: Roasted barley provides some antioxidants
- Lower Calories: Always been moderate in calories compared to other beers
Modern science shows these benefits are minimal compared to the alcohol content.
Low calorie Guinness alternatives
If you’re watching calories but love dark beer, consider these options:
| Beer | Calories per Pint | ABV | Taste Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guinness 0.0 | 97 | 0.0% | Similar to regular Guinness |
| Murphy’s Stout | 190 | 4.0% | Creamy, slightly sweet |
| Young’s Double Chocolate Stout | 180 | 5.2% | Rich, dessert-like |
| Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout | 280 | 7.0% | Strong, complex |
| Founders All Day IPA | 150 | 4.7% | Light, hoppy |
Guinness 0.0 offers the closest experience with the biggest calorie savings.
Quick reference summary
Key Numbers to Remember:
- Guinness Draught Pint: 210 calories
- Guinness 0.0 Can: 75 calories
- Exercise needed: 40 minutes walking
- Daily intake: 8-13% for most adults
Smart Choices:
- Choose cans over pints for portion control
- Try Guinness 0.0 for half the calories
- Account for calories in your daily planning
- Consider food pairings to balance nutrition
Bottom Line: Guinness Draught is a moderate-calorie beer choice that fits well into a balanced lifestyle when consumed responsibly.
Conclusion
Guinness Draught is a moderate-calorie beer choice at approximately 210 calories per pint. The idea that it’s a “heavy” beer is largely a myth based on its dark color and creamy texture. In reality, it sits comfortably in the middle range when compared to other popular beers.
Whether you choose regular Guinness Draught, opt for the zero-alcohol version, or explore other varieties, you now have the complete picture to make informed decisions. The key takeaway is that Guinness offers a satisfying drinking experience without excessive calories, making it a reasonable choice for those who want to enjoy beer while maintaining awareness of their caloric intake.
FAQs
Is Guinness fattening?
Like any alcoholic drink, Guinness can contribute to weight gain if you drink too much. However, pint-for-pint, it contains fewer calories than many other beers. The key is moderation.
Why does Guinness seem “lighter” in calories than other beers?
Its lower ABV compared to many premium lagers and IPAs is the main reason. The rich, creamy texture comes from nitrogenation, not fat or high sugar content. Don’t let the dark color fool you into thinking it’s heavier.
Which Guinness has the fewest calories?
Guinness 0.0 has the fewest calories at about 75 per can, followed by regular Guinness Draught. If you want the full Guinness experience with fewer calories, stick with the classic Draught.
How many calories in a Guinness can vs bottle?
A 440ml can contains 154 calories, while a 330ml bottle contains 125 calories. The can has more total calories but similar calories per 100ml.
Does Guinness have more calories than lager?
Standard lagers typically have 220-280 calories per pint, while Guinness has 210. So Guinness actually has fewer calories than most lagers.
Guinness calories vs Coke – which has more?
A pint of Guinness (210 calories) has about 50% more calories than a can of Coke (140 calories). However, the pint is also 568ml vs 330ml for Coke.
Can diabetics drink Guinness?
Diabetics should consult their doctor about alcohol consumption. Guinness has 18g of carbs per pint, which affects blood sugar. The alcohol can also interact with diabetes medications.
Is Guinness good for weight loss?
Guinness isn’t specifically good for weight loss, but it’s not the worst alcoholic choice either. At 210 calories per pint, it’s moderate. The key is fitting it into your daily calorie goals.
How does Guinness compare to wine in calories?
A pint of Guinness (210 calories) has about the same calories as a large glass of red wine (175ml at 12% ABV). Wine typically has more calories per unit of alcohol due to its higher ABV.
Does Guinness have more calories than Heineken?
No, Heineken has about 250 calories per pint compared to Guinness’s 210. Guinness is actually the lighter option between these two.
What’s the glycemic index of Guinness?
Beer typically has a glycemic index of 60-70, considered moderate. The exact GI for Guinness isn’t published, but it’s probably similar to other beers.
Does Guinness Extra Stout have more calories than regular Guinness?
Only slightly – about 215 calories per pint vs 210 for Draught. The difference is minimal despite the stronger taste.
How many calories in Guinness Foreign Extra Stout?
Foreign Extra Stout has about 330 calories per pint due to its higher 7.5% ABV. That’s 57% more than regular Guinness.
Can you drink Guinness on keto?
Guinness has 18g of carbs per pint, which would use most of a day’s carb allowance on keto (typically 20-50g). It’s not keto-friendly.
Is Guinness healthier than other beers?
Guinness contains some B vitamins and antioxidants, but it’s still alcoholic. Any health benefits are outweighed by the need for moderation. It’s neither significantly healthier nor less healthy than other beers.