Calories in Cider vs Beer: Which Has More?

Cider typically contains more calories than beer. Across the most popular UK brands, cider averages around 47 kcal per 100ml; mainstream lager averages around 40 kcal per 100ml. The difference comes down to sugar content — cider is fermented from naturally high-sugar fruits, leaving more residual carbohydrates even after fermentation. Here's the full comparison.

Calories in popular ciders (per 500ml)

• Rekorderlig Strawberry & Lime — 330 kcal
• Kopparberg Strawberry & Lime — 275 kcal
• Bulmers Original — 210 kcal
• Strongbow Original — 175 kcal

Why cider has more calories than beer

Beer is brewed from malted grain. Even after fermentation, grain-based carbohydrates remain — but in lower quantities than in cider. Fruited ciders contain naturally high fruit sugars, a significant proportion of which survives fermentation as residual sugar. The trend toward sweeter, flavoured ciders (dark fruits, strawberry and lime, passionfruit) has pushed sugar content in the category even higher over recent years.

Dry ciders ferment more completely and contain less residual sugar — but the extended fermentation produces higher ABV, which in turn increases calorie content from alcohol. There's no simple lower-calorie cider option on the mainstream market.

Lower-calorie alternatives to cider at DrinkWell

If you enjoy the refreshing character of a cold cider but want fewer calories and less sugar, dry wine and low-carb lager are better choices.

• TRACES Sauvignon Blanc — 78 kcal per 125ml, 0g sugar, crisp and refreshing, £9.99
• Tennents Light Lager — 60 kcal per 330ml, 0.7g carbs, 3.5% ABV, £34.99 for 24
• Lean Brew IPA — 99 kcal per 330ml, 3g carbs, 4.5% ABV, from £17.99

• Full low calorie beer range
• Low calorie wine collection

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