Alcoholic drinks are made by fermenting and distilling natural starch and sugar. Being high in sugar means alcohol contains lots of calories.
Calories from alcohol are known as ‘empty calories’ as they have no nutritional value. With a pint of beer containing the same amount of calories as a slice of cake, the calories in alcohol soon add up.
Cutting back on the amount you drink can significantly help to reduce your calorie intake.
Food comparison for an alcoholic drink
Information provided by NHS Better Health.
| Drink | Calories | Food equivalent |
| 1 standard glass of wine (175ml / 12%) | 131 kcal | 1 chocolate covered biscuit (25g) |
| 1 pint of beer (570ml / 5%) | 187 kcal | 1 slice of loaf cake (60g) |
| 1 glass of cream liqueur (50ml / 17%) | 152 kcal | 1 standard bag of crisps (30g) |
| 1 standard bottle of alcopop (330ml / 4%) | 172 kcal | 1 chocolate pot dessert (80g) |
| 1 double measure of sherry (50ml / 17%) | 58 kcal | 1 jam filled biscuit (14g) |
Cut back on your intake
Drinking a bit less can help you find a healthier balance with things like sleep, mood, energy and weight.
Get started today with easy ideas to cut down from the NHS Better Health website from where you can also download the Drink Free Days app onto your phone.
Free one-to-one advice personalised to you is available to all Telford and Wrekin residents. Get in touch and speak to a Healthy Lifestyle Advisor today.
The Healthy Lifestyles Service
Telford & Wrekin’s Healthy Lifestyles Advisors are here to support you to make the change in your life that you always wanted to make. Book an appointment to speak to an advisor today by emailing healthylifestyles@telford.gov.uk or calling 01952 382582.