How Many Calories in a Pint of Strongbow Cider

Strongbow is one of the UK’s most well-known cider brands, favoured for its crisp, dry flavour and affordability. Whether enjoyed in a pub, at home, or during a summer event, it's a regular choice for cider drinkers. But while cider may feel lighter than beer or wine, it still contains alcohol, sugar, and calories. Knowing what’s in your pint can help you make more informed choices, particularly if you're watching your calorie intake.

Calories in a Pint of Original Strongbow

A pint of Original Strongbow cider (568ml) contains approximately 227 calories. This version has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.5% and a modest level of sugar for a cider, which contributes significantly to its calorie count.

Although it’s not the most calorific alcoholic drink out there, a couple of pints in one sitting can easily rack up over 450 calories, without considering any mixers, snacks, or food alongside it.

Calories in Other Strongbow Varieties

Different Strongbow flavours and ranges vary in calorie content. A pint of Strongbow Dark Fruit, which is sweeter and more heavily flavoured, contains significantly more, around 270 to 290 calories per pint. This increase is largely due to the higher sugar content.

The Strongbow Ultra Low Carb version is marketed as a lower-calorie alternative. A 330ml can contains around 80 calories, so a pint equivalent would be closer to 137 calories. This makes it a better choice for those aiming to reduce overall energy intake without cutting out cider entirely.

Nutritional Breakdown

Most of the calories in Strongbow come from alcohol and sugar. A standard pint contains very little fat or protein, and no fibre or vitamins of note. Carbohydrates sit around 15 to 20 grams, mostly from residual sugars. The alcohol itself contributes about 7 calories per gram, which quickly adds up even in a moderate-strength cider like Strongbow.

Strongbow doesn’t offer much in the way of nutrients, so its role in the diet is purely for enjoyment rather than any health benefit.

Where It Sits on the Glycaemic Index

Cider, including Strongbow, tends to have a moderate to high glycaemic index, due to the sugar and lack of fibre. While alcohol can blunt the initial blood sugar spike slightly, the sugar content still has an impact, particularly in flavoured ciders. Diabetics or those monitoring their glucose levels should be cautious, especially with sweetened varieties like Dark Fruit.

Is Strongbow a Healthy Drink?

In terms of health, Strongbow is best viewed as an occasional indulgence. It’s lower in calories than many cocktails or creamy liqueurs, but still delivers a meaningful energy hit without any nutrients in return. Regularly drinking cider, especially in pints, can quietly contribute to weight gain and poor dietary balance, particularly if consumed alongside pub food or in large quantities.

That said, when enjoyed in moderation and balanced with a healthy diet and active lifestyle, it can certainly be part of a social routine without serious impact.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, Strongbow Ultra Low Carb or similar “light” ciders are a solid alternative. Other options include dry white wine, gin with slimline tonic, or low-alcohol beers, which often have fewer calories per unit of alcohol.

If you want to stick with cider but cut back, consider drinking a half pint, adding ice, or alternating with water to slow your intake while staying refreshed.

Summary

A pint of Strongbow cider contains about 227 calories, with sweeter versions like Dark Fruit pushing closer to 290 calories. While it's not the most calorific alcoholic drink, it’s also not low in energy and offers little nutritional value. As with most alcoholic beverages, moderation is key. Enjoy it occasionally and mind your portion sizes if you're keeping an eye on your daily intake.