-ounce can of beer
Beer contains B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium from the grain base; it also provides small amounts of antioxidants from hops and malt. A 12-ounce serving contains approximately 100–200 calories and 0–2 grams of carbohydrates depending on style.
About
Beer is a fermented beverage produced by the brewing of grains (typically barley, wheat, or other cereals) with water, hops, and yeast. The brewing process involves mashing grains to extract sugars, boiling the resulting liquid with hops for bitterness and aroma, cooling, and fermenting with yeast over days to weeks depending on style. The finished product contains alcohol by volume (typically 3.5–7% ABV for most commercial beers), carbonation from fermentation, and complex flavor compounds derived from grain, hops, yeast strain, and fermentation conditions.
Beer exists in numerous styles worldwide, ranging from light lagers and crisp pilsners to dark stouts, hoppy IPAs, and sour ales. The color, body, bitterness, and aroma vary significantly based on grain selection, hop varieties, yeast strain, fermentation temperature, and aging time. A standard 12-ounce can represents a common single-serving format.
Culinary Uses
Beer functions in cooking both as a beverage consumed alongside meals and as an ingredient in dishes. Its use in the kitchen includes braising meats (particularly beef and pork), creating beer-based sauces and gravies, and incorporating into batters for fried foods, where carbonation creates lighter, crispier textures. The bitterness and depth of beer complement rich, savory dishes and can be used to deglaze pans. Light beers pair well with lighter cuisines and seafood, while darker beers suit heavier meats and stews. During cooking, much of the alcohol content evaporates, leaving behind malt sweetness and hop bitterness that enhance umami flavors.