Skip to content

Does a darker beer mean more alcohol and calories?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: No — color comes from roasted malt

No — color comes from roasted malt ✓ — Correct! Color comes from how much the malt was roasted, not from alcohol or sugar. Guinness Draught is only about 4.2% and ~210 calories a pint — lighter than many 5% pale lagers. Its creamy texture comes from nitrogen bubbles, which add zero calories.

Yes, dark beer is always stronger — Wrong. Dark beer isn't always stronger. Plenty of dark beers are low in alcohol, and many pale beers are strong. Color and strength are independent.

Yes, dark beer has more sugar — Wrong. Dark color is roasted malt, not extra sugar. A stout can actually have fewer calories than a pale lager.

Play today's quiz — new questions daily

More Food & Nutrition questions