Tennent’s is one of Scotland’s most iconic lagers, known for its light, crisp taste and long-standing pub presence. It’s often seen as a more sessionable beer, but how many calories does a pint of Tennent’s actually contain—and how does it affect your diet?

Calories by Volume and Serving Size

A pint of Tennent’s Lager (568ml) contains approximately 189 calories, thanks to its relatively low alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.0%. This puts it on the lighter side of mainstream lagers in terms of calorie content.

Here’s how the calorie count breaks down across different serving sizes:

  • Half pint (284ml): around 95 calories
  • 330ml can or bottle: approx. 110 calories
  • 440ml can: about 151 calories
  • 100ml: roughly 33 calories

This makes Tennent’s a more diet-friendly choice compared to stronger, heavier lagers.

Nutritional Breakdown of Tennent’s Lager

For a full 568ml pint of Tennent’s, the nutritional values are approximately:

  • Calories: 189
  • Carbohydrates: 14–16g
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Protein: 1–2g
  • Alcohol: approx. 18g (4.0% ABV)
  • Salt: 0g
  • Fibre: 0g

Tennent’s, like most lagers, contains no fat or sugar, with most of its calories coming from alcohol and carbohydrate content.

Benefits of Tennent’s

One of the key benefits of Tennent’s is its low calorie count per pint. At under 200 calories, it’s a lighter choice for those trying to moderate their intake without switching to alcohol-free options. Its lower ABV also means less alcohol is consumed per serving, which can reduce the likelihood of overconsumption and its associated health risks.

The clean, straightforward ingredient list  barley malt, hops, water, and yeast means no additives or artificial flavours.

Downsides of Tennent’s

Despite its relatively light calorie load, Tennent’s still contains alcohol, which brings its own downsides. Regular consumption, even of lower-strength lager, can affect hydration, sleep, and liver health. Alcohol also offers empty calories with no nutritional value meaning you’re consuming energy without any significant benefit to your body.

It can also lower inhibitions, increasing the risk of overeating or making poor food choices when drinking socially.

Dietary Impact and the GI Index

Tennent’s Lager, like most alcoholic drinks, doesn’t have a fixed glycaemic index (GI), but it's generally classified as low to moderate GI. This is because alcohol slows the body’s ability to metabolise carbohydrates, which blunts the immediate spike in blood sugar.

However, this doesn’t mean it has no effect. People with diabetes or insulin resistance should still be cautious, especially if drinking on an empty stomach. Alcohol interferes with the liver’s ability to regulate glucose, which can lead to unpredictable swings in blood sugar.

How Is Tennent’s Made?

Tennent’s Lager is brewed using traditional methods and a short list of ingredients: barley malt, hops, water, and yeast. The barley is malted, mashed, and brewed before fermentation. After fermentation, the beer is filtered, carbonated, and packaged.

It’s brewed in Glasgow and follows a lagering process that gives it a clean, crisp finish. Tennent’s contains no artificial additives and is suitable for vegetarians.

Healthy Alternatives to Tennent’s

If you're looking to reduce calorie or alcohol intake, Tennent’s Light is a solid alternative, with fewer calories and a lower ABV. Alcohol-free lagers such as Heineken 0.0, San Miguel 0.0, or Lucky Saint offer full flavour with as little as 66–100 calories per bottle.

These options can help maintain the experience of drinking without adding as many calories or alcohol to your diet.

Summary

A pint of Tennent’s contains around 189 calories, making it one of the lighter mainstream lagers available in the UK. It’s low in sugar, fat-free, and moderately low on the glycaemic index, though its alcohol content still contributes to empty calories. For those watching their intake but still wanting to enjoy a pint, Tennent’s is a more sensible choice, especially when compared to higher-strength or more calorie-dense beers. As always, moderation is key.

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