Cancer Council Victoria’s LiveLighter® program is urging consumers to be mindful of their beer intake ahead of Men’s Health Week, with a new analysis revealing that just a couple of bottles of full-strength beer could pack more energy than a burger from McDonalds.

Comparing the kilojoule (kJ) content of 75 packaged beer products with select junk foods, the LiveLighter analysis found:

• Two 355mL bottles of Corona Extra contain 1,248kJ, which is more than a McDonalds Cheeseburger
• Two 375mL cans of Tooheys New Lager contain 1,184kJ, which is more than a slice of Pizza Hut BBQ Chicken Pizza
• Two 375mL cans of Carlton Draught contain 1,162kJ, which is more than a quarter of a tub of Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice-Cream
• Two 375mL bottles of XXXX Gold contain 908kJ, which is more than a medium serve of Hungry Jacks Onion Rings
• Two 330mL bottles of Great Northern Brewing Co Original contain 858kJ, which is more than a small (28g) packet of Doritos Nacho Cheese Corn Chips

Pairing two 375mL cans of Victoria Bitter with one small packet of chips, equating 1883kJ, could take up nearly a quarter of the daily 8700 kilojoules an average adult needs to maintain a healthy weight.

“Having a couple of beers at home or in a social setting can drastically increase energy intake while adding little to no nutrients to our diet. Drinks just don’t fill us up in the same way that food does, meaning we can easily drink lots of kilojoules without realising it,” LiveLighter® Victoria’s Campaign Manager Sherly Li said.

“These empty kilojoules can lead to excess weight, increasing the risk of 13 types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Alcohol can also have a negative impact on our liver health, mood, sleep, and energy levels.”

The single beer with the highest number of kilojoules analysed was Sheaf Stout, containing 836 kilojoules in just one 375mL bottle – that’s more than a McDonalds Soft Serve Ice-Cream with Flake. Two of these beers pack more energy than a McDonalds Double Bacon and Egg McMuffin.

In Australia, manufacturers are not currently required to place energy kilojoules on alcohol product labels, however mandating this is under consideration by government.¹ Ms Li said this information
would help consumers better understand how much energy they’re drinking and compare beer options at the bottle shop.

“Despite what clever marketing might lead you to believe, it’s actually the alcohol – not sugar or carbs – that makes beer so high in kilojoules. To maintain a healthy weight, we suggest you limit your beer intake and opt for products with a lower alcohol content.”

“But remember there is no safe level of alcohol consumption – regardless of whether it’s a beer, wine, or spirit – when it comes to cancer risk. Research shows that even a small amount increases your risk of cancer and the more you drink, the greater your risk.”

• By looking at the product’s label, you can see the number of standard drinks different beers contain. One standard drink contains 10 grams of alcohol and is a measure that can be used to compare products. The LiveLighter analysis found that:
• An average 375mL bottle of light beer (for example, Hahn Premium Light) equates to 0.8 standard drinks and packs more energy than a Bulla Splits Ice Cream.
• An average 375mL can of medium-strength beer (for example, Great Northern Brewing Co Super Crisp Lager) equates to 1 standard drink and contains more energy than a Tim Tam.
• An average 375mL can of full-strength beer (for example, 375mL of Carlton Dry) equates to 1.4 standard drinks and more kilojoules than 3 chicken nuggets.

The LiveLighter® website provides practical tips for cutting back on alcohol, like organising social catch ups that do not centre around drinking or assigning yourself ‘alcohol-free’ days.

“If you are drinking alcohol, set yourself a limit, count your drinks and have a glass of water in between each. Eating something nutritious before or while drinking can also help reduce your risk of harm,” Ms Li said.

The LiveLighter® website also contains a collection of delicious, healthy, and non-alcoholic drink recipes that can be enjoyed at home or with friends.

National Health and Medical Research Council alcohol guidelines advise that to reduce the risk of alcohol related harm or injury, Australians should not consume more than 10 standards drinks a week, and no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day.

For more information and tips to help you cut back on alcohol and make healthy choices, visit www.livelighter.org.au.

1. For more information, please see: www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/labelling/Pages/Labelling-of-alcoholic-beverages.aspx

Some comparison of beer kJ content:

Fast food kJ content: