Commenting on reports in today’s Daily Mail, that a pint of ale can contain nine teaspoons of sugar, a BBPA spokesperson said:
“Today’s reports suggesting that a pint of ale contains nine teaspoons of sugar are hugely wide of the mark. We are investigating where these figures came from.
“In fact, a pint of ale typically contains less than a teaspoon.
“While the total carbohydrate content might be higher, this is only because the finished beer contains other sources of carbohydrates, such as soluble fibre, which have positive health benefits.
“Most beer will have very little, if any, sugar added during the brewing process, and sugars added will almost entirely be converted into alcohol.
“As today’s debate about sugar is largely a proxy for calories, it is worth remembering that beer is low in calories. A typical half a pint of bitter contains just 90 calories; that’s fewer than in the same amount of orange juice, or milk.
“Also, beer typically contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. Enjoyed in moderation by those without underlying health conditions, beer can certainly be part of a healthy lifestyle.”
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Note to editors:
See Daily Mail on line report here:
The British Beer & Pub Association is the UK’s leading organisation representing the brewing and pub sector. Its members account for 96% of the beer brewed in the UK and own nearly two thirds of Britain’s 49,500 pubs.