How Many Calories in a Pint of Stella

A pint of Stella Artois contains approximately 227 calories. This refers to a full 568ml pint of draught Stella, the standard size served in most UK pubs. The calorie count comes primarily from alcohol and carbohydrates, as Stella is a full-strength lager with an alcohol content of 4.6% ABV in the UK.

Those 227 calories represent more than many people expect from a drink that’s light in colour and served cold but lager is made from grain and sugar, both of which contribute significantly to its energy load.

Where Do the Calories Come From?

Most of the calories in Stella come from its alcohol and residual sugars. Alcohol itself is calorie-dense, with around 7 calories per gram, while beer also contains malt sugars and carbohydrates left behind after fermentation. In Stella’s case, each pint contains around 17g of carbohydrates, most of which are simple starches that digest quickly.

The body treats alcohol differently from food, prioritising it as an energy source which means other nutrients, such as fat and carbs, may be more likely to be stored as body fat if consumed alongside alcohol.

Nutritional Profile of Stella Artois

A pint of Stella contains no fat, almost no protein, and is low in fibre. It delivers a sharp hit of alcohol and carbs, with no micronutrients of note unless it's part of a fortified recipe, which Stella is not. As with most beers, it’s a source of empty calories, offering energy without satiety or nutritional benefit.

The glycaemic impact is moderate due to the presence of maltose and other fermentable sugars, but the alcohol itself can cause fluctuations in blood sugar regulation, especially in people with insulin sensitivity or diabetes.

The Diet and Lifestyle Impact of Beer Calories

While 227 calories may not seem extreme, the problem arises when multiple pints are consumed in one sitting. Three pints of Stella equals nearly 700 calories, which is equivalent to a full fast-food meal. Because beer doesn’t fill you up the way food does, and alcohol lowers inhibitions, it’s common to drink more and then eat more, often opting for high-fat, salty foods as a result.

For those watching their weight or trying to manage a calorie deficit, beer calories, especially from lagers like Stella can easily derail progress if they’re not accounted for. Even drinking just one pint a day adds over 1,500 calories per week, which is enough to prevent fat loss or contribute to weight gain over time.

Comparisons With Other Alcoholic Drinks

Stella Artois is relatively typical in its calorie content for a standard lager. However, when compared to other alcoholic drinks, it’s on the higher side. A 125ml glass of white wine has around 85–90 calories, and a single gin and slimline tonic can contain as few as 60 calories. That makes beer, especially in pint form, one of the more calorie-dense alcoholic choices.

Lower-alcohol lagers or light beers tend to contain fewer calories sometimes as little as 100–120 per pint and may be a better option for regular drinkers who want to manage their intake more carefully.

The Myth of “Lighter” Lagers

Stella Artois is often seen as a more refined or “continental” lager, leading some to assume it's lower in calories than domestic lagers or craft beers. In reality, it’s very similar in calorie content to other standard-strength lagers like Carling or Heineken. What makes a lager lower-calorie isn't branding, it's lower alcohol by volume (ABV) and less residual sugar. Stella’s 4.6% ABV in the UK puts it squarely in the middle of the calorie range for full-strength beers.

Calories Vary Slightly Between Draught and Bottled

A draught pint of Stella served in a pub typically contains around 227 calories, but a 660ml bottled version, commonly sold in shops comes in slightly lower, often closer to 220 calories, depending on the exact ABV and bottling process. That difference is marginal, but it may matter for those being extremely precise with calorie tracking. Smaller 330ml bottles contain around 110–115 calories, which can help with portion control if you’re drinking at home.

Alcohol Slows Fat Burning

Even if your overall calorie intake is modest, the presence of alcohol in the system puts fat burning on hold. Your body prioritises metabolising alcohol first, meaning calories from food eaten alongside drinks are more likely to be stored as fat, especially if you're in a calorie surplus. So, while a pint of Stella may “only” contain 227 calories, the metabolic effect of alcohol means it can have outsized consequences for people trying to lose body fat.

Drinking Stella Regularly Adds Up Over Time

Let’s say someone drinks two pints of Stella on three separate nights per week, that’s 1,362 extra calories per week. Over the course of a month, that’s 5,400+ calories, which is roughly 1.5 pounds of fat if not offset elsewhere. And that’s without factoring in bar snacks, takeaways, or weekend binges. It’s a clear example of how small, repeated indulgences can quietly stall or reverse fat loss progress.

Stella and the Munchies Effect

Beyond the direct calories in Stella, there's the behavioural link to eating more, especially after a few drinks. Alcohol lowers inhibition and increases cravings for salty, fatty foods. Pints of lager are often paired with crisps, chips, burgers, or kebabs meaning the total calorie cost of “a night out” is rarely just the drinks themselves.

Even if you limit your drinking, the combination of alcohol, appetite, and late-night choices can mean a single session results in 1,000–2,000+ calories added to your weekly total.

Summary

A pint of Stella Artois contains approximately 227 calories, most of which come from alcohol and carbohydrates. While not extreme in isolation, the calories from beer can add up quickly, especially if consumed regularly or in large amounts. Stella is comparable to other full-strength lagers in calorie content, but significantly more energy-dense than spirits with low-calorie mixers or a small glass of wine. If you’re tracking calories or managing your weight, it’s important to consider both the immediate calorie count and the knock-on effect alcohol can have on your appetite and food choices.