Beer vs cola: which is healthier?

They are about equally nutrient-dense: beer scores 0/100 and cola 1/100, so pick by your goal. Both can be part of a healthy diet; the table below shows where each one is stronger. Source: USDA FoodData Central.

Beer

0/100Low nutrient density

43 kcal per 100 g. 1 can (355 ml): 356 g

Cola

1/100Low nutrient density

42 kcal per 100 g. 1 can (355 ml): 368 g

Which to pick for your goal

Fewer caloriesAbout even43 vs 42 kcal per 100 g
More proteinAbout even0.5 vs 0 g per 100 g
More fiberAbout even0 vs 0 g per 100 g
Less sugarBeer0 vs 9.9 g per 100 g
More potassiumBeer27 vs 5 mg per 100 g
Less saturated fatAbout even0 vs 0 g per 100 g

Nutrition side by side

Per 100 g and per typical portion. Bold marks the better value for each row.
Nutrient	Beer, 100 g	Cola, 100 g	Beer, 356 g	Cola, 368 g
Calories	43 kcal	42 kcal	153 kcal	155 kcal
Protein	0.5 g	0 g	1.6 g	0 g
Carbohydrates	3.5 g	10 g	13 g	38 g
Sugars	0 g	9.9 g	0 g	37 g
Fiber	0 g	0 g	0 g	0 g
Fat	0 g	0.3 g	0 g	0.9 g
Saturated fat	0 g	0 g	0 g	0 g
Vitamin C	0 mg	0 mg	0 mg	0 mg
Vitamin A	0 µg	0 µg	0 µg	0 µg
Potassium	27 mg	5 mg	96 mg	18 mg
Iron	<0.1 mg	<0.1 mg	<0.1 mg	<0.1 mg
Calcium	4 mg	1 mg	14 mg	3.7 mg
Magnesium	6 mg	0 mg	21 mg	0 mg
Sodium	4 mg	3 mg	14 mg	11 mg

Last updated October 8, 2026. Scores use the HowHealthyIs Score method.

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