Peroni is one of the UK’s favourite premium lagers, known for its crisp taste and stylish Italian branding. It’s the beer of choice in many pubs and restaurants, but how does it measure up calorie-wise? If you're watching your intake or simply want to stay informed, here's the breakdown on what a pint of Peroni really delivers.

Calories in a Standard Pint of Peroni

A standard pint (568ml) of Peroni Nastro Azzurro contains approximately 235 to 240 calories. This is based on its 5.1% alcohol by volume (ABV) and higher carbohydrate content compared to lighter lagers.

A half pint delivers roughly 117 to 120 calories, while a 330ml bottle contains around 139 calories. This makes Peroni one of the more calorie-dense mainstream lagers on the market.

Calories by Comparison

Peroni sits at the top end of the calorie range when compared with other popular lagers. For example:

  • Carling: ~189 calories per pint
  • Madri: ~232 calories per pint
  • Moretti: ~238 calories per pint
  • Peroni: ~235–240 calories per pint

Its higher ABV is the main factor here, alcohol itself contributes 7 calories per gram, which is more than both protein and carbohydrate.

Nutritional Breakdown of a Pint of Peroni

A pint of Peroni Nastro Azzurro typically includes:

  • Calories: 235–240 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 17–20g
  • Sugar: Less than 1g
  • Protein: ~2g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Alcohol: 2.9 units
  • Salt: Trace

There’s no fat in Peroni and only a small amount of protein. The carbs come mostly from malted barley, and the calories are split between alcohol and carbohydrates.

Health Benefits

Peroni doesn’t offer any significant health benefits. Like most beers, it contains trace amounts of B vitamins and minerals from the brewing grains, but these are not present in meaningful amounts. Its main value is social and sensory—it's refreshing, enjoyable, and pairs well with food. However, from a nutritional perspective, it's an energy-dense, low-nutrient beverage.

Downsides of Drinking Peroni

At around 240 calories per pint, it’s easy to underestimate how quickly the energy from Peroni adds up, especially over two or three pints. That’s 500 to 700 calories in drinks alone, often consumed without any sense of fullness.

Regular drinking can contribute to weight gain, poor sleep, liver stress, and increased risk of chronic health issues when consumed in excess. Peroni’s relatively high ABV also increases its diuretic effect, leading to dehydration and the classic hangover symptoms if you go too hard.

Impact on Your Diet

If you’re watching your calorie intake, a pint of Peroni takes up around 12% of a standard 2,000-calorie daily allowance. Two pints plus a typical pub meal can easily push you well past your intended limit for the day. And because alcohol lowers inhibitions, it often leads to extra snacking or poorer food choices, especially when consumed in social settings.

That said, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the occasional pint, just be mindful of your portions, and try to offset the extra calories elsewhere in your diet if needed.

Glycaemic Index Impact

Beer has a moderate glycaemic index, and Peroni is no exception. The malted barley contributes carbohydrates that break down into glucose, but the presence of alcohol slightly slows this process. Still, it can cause a rise in blood sugar, particularly when consumed on an empty stomach or alongside starchy foods.

Those with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes should approach beer with caution, monitor portion sizes, and avoid drinking large amounts without food.

How Peroni Is Made

Peroni Nastro Azzurro is brewed using water, malted barley, maize (corn), hops, and yeast. The inclusion of maize gives the beer its smooth, crisp finish and helps lighten the body. It undergoes a standard lagering process, with fermentation followed by cold storage to refine its flavour.

The brand is owned by Asahi and brewed both in Italy and under licence in other countries, including the UK.

Ingredients in a Pint of Peroni

Peroni contains:

  • Water
  • Barley malt
  • Maize
  • Hops
  • Yeast

There are no artificial additives, colours or preservatives in the standard brew. However, it contains gluten, so it’s not suitable for people with coeliac disease unless labelled gluten-free.

Healthy Alternatives

If you want to enjoy a similar beer with fewer calories, consider trying Peroni 3.5%, which has a slightly lower alcohol content and fewer calories per pint. Peroni Libera, the alcohol-free version, contains just 73 calories per 330ml, making it a much lighter alternative.

Other options include low-alcohol beers, light lagers, or spirits with slimline mixers, which can deliver a lower-calorie drinking experience while still being social.

Summary

A pint of Peroni contains around 235 to 240 calories, making it one of the more calorie-heavy lagers on tap in the UK. While not excessive on its own, a few pints can add up quickly—especially when paired with pub meals or snacks. If you're trying to watch your intake, sticking to one pint or switching to lighter or alcohol-free options can make a big difference. As always, moderation is key.

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