Four Loko has earned a bold reputation in the world of flavored alcoholic beverages. Known for its strong alcohol content, bright packaging, and intense sweetness, this drink often raises one big question among health-conscious consumers and casual drinkers alike:
How many calories in a Four Loko?
Understanding calorie intake from alcohol is more important than ever, especially as people become more aware of hidden sugars, empty calories, and their long-term health effects. While Four Loko is often associated with parties and nightlife, many people underestimate how calorie-dense a single can really is.
This in-depth guide breaks down the calorie content of Four Loko, explains why it’s so high, compares it with other popular alcoholic drinks, and helps you make informed decisions without ruining your night out. Whether you’re tracking calories or simply curious, this article gives you clear, accurate, and practical insights.
What Is Four Loko?
Four Loko is a flavored malt beverage known for its high alcohol content and large can size. Originally launched in the United States, it quickly gained attention for combining strong alcohol with sweet flavors that mask the intensity of the drink.
Unlike beer or wine, Four Loko is classified as a flavored malt beverage, meaning it is brewed using malted barley but enhanced with flavorings, sweeteners, and colorings. This combination contributes significantly to its calorie count.
Most Four Loko cans contain 23.5 ounces, which is nearly two standard beers in volume but far more potent in alcohol strength.
How Many Calories in a Four Loko?
The average answer to how many calories in a Four Loko depends on the flavor and alcohol percentage, but most varieties fall within a predictable range.
A standard 23.5-ounce can typically contains 660 to 750 calories. Some lower-alcohol flavors sit closer to 600 calories, while stronger versions reach or exceed 700 calories.
This high number comes from two primary sources: alcohol content and added sugars. Alcohol itself contains 7 calories per gram, nearly as calorie-dense as fat. When combined with sugar and flavoring syrups, the calorie total climbs rapidly.
For many people, drinking one can of Four Loko is similar to consuming a full fast-food meal in terms of energy intake.
Why Four Loko Has So Many Calories
Alcohol Content Matters
Four Loko usually ranges between 12% and 14% alcohol by volume (ABV). That is significantly stronger than most beers, which average around 4–5% ABV. The higher the alcohol content, the higher the calorie count.
Sugar and Flavor Additives
Unlike spirits such as vodka or whiskey, Four Loko contains a large amount of sugar. These sugars enhance flavor but drastically increase caloric density. Some flavors contain over 50 grams of sugar per can.
Large Serving Size
One can of Four Loko is not a single serving by nutritional standards. It often contains nearly two servings, which many people consume in one sitting without realizing the calorie impact.
Nutritional Breakdown of Four Loko
While exact values vary by flavor, a general nutritional estimate looks like this:
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
| Calories | 660–750 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 80–90 g |
| Sugar | 50–65 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Protein | 0–1 g |
| Alcohol | 12–14% ABV |
These numbers explain why many health experts consider Four Loko a “liquid calorie bomb.”
Comparing Four Loko to Other Alcoholic Drinks
Understanding how many calories in a Four Loko becomes clearer when you compare it with other popular drinks.
Beer Comparison
A regular 12-ounce beer contains around 150 calories. That means one Four Loko equals about four to five beers in calorie content.
Wine Comparison
A standard glass of wine contains roughly 120–130 calories. One Four Loko can equal nearly five glasses of wine.
Spirits Comparison
A shot of vodka contains about 95 calories. Even when mixed with soda, several shots would still contain fewer calories than a full can of Four Loko.
How Flavor Choices Affect Calorie Count
Different Four Loko flavors vary slightly in calories due to sugar levels. Sweeter flavors like Watermelon, Fruit Punch, and Gold often have higher calorie counts than citrus or sour flavors.
Darker, candy-style flavors usually contain more syrup, while lighter fruit blends may fall closer to the lower end of the calorie range.
Still, no flavor can be considered low-calorie by any standard.
Is Four Loko Bad for Weight Loss?
If weight management is a goal, Four Loko is not an ideal choice. Liquid calories are easy to consume and don’t create the same feeling of fullness as solid food. This often leads to overeating later.
Alcohol also slows fat burning by forcing the body to prioritize metabolizing alcohol over burning stored fat. Combined with sugar spikes, this can contribute to weight gain over time.
Occasional consumption may not derail progress, but frequent intake can make weight management much harder.
How Many Calories in a Four Loko Compared to Food?
To put it into perspective:
- One Four Loko ≈ a cheeseburger and fries
- One Four Loko ≈ two slices of large pizza
- One Four Loko ≈ a full restaurant dessert
This comparison often surprises people and highlights how easily liquid calories add up.
Can You Make Four Loko Healthier?
There is no truly “healthy” version of Four Loko, but some steps can reduce its impact:
Drink slowly to avoid consuming multiple cans.
Stay hydrated by drinking water between sips.
Eat protein before drinking to reduce blood sugar spikes.
Choose lower-alcohol flavors when available.
Moderation is the key factor that makes the biggest difference.
Understanding Alcohol and Metabolism
Alcohol is processed differently from food. Once consumed, the body treats it as a toxin and prioritizes breaking it down. During this time, fat and carbohydrate metabolism slow down significantly.
This is why high-calorie alcoholic beverages can contribute to fat storage even if your overall diet seems balanced.
Is Four Loko Stronger Than It Tastes?
Yes, and this is part of its risk. The sweetness masks the alcohol flavor, making it easier to drink quickly. This can lead to consuming far more calories and alcohol than intended.
Many people underestimate both intoxication and calorie intake when drinking flavored malt beverages.
Social Drinking and Awareness
Understanding calorie intake doesn’t mean avoiding fun. It simply allows smarter choices. Being aware of what you consume helps you enjoy social occasions without unintended consequences.
Knowing how many calories in a Four Loko gives you control rather than restriction.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how many calories in a Four Loko empowers you to make smarter choices without sacrificing enjoyment. While it remains a popular and flavorful drink, its calorie content is undeniably high. When consumed occasionally and mindfully, it can fit into a balanced lifestyle, but regular consumption may work against health and fitness goals.
Being informed is the real win. Whether you’re counting calories, watching sugar intake, or simply curious, knowing what’s in your drink helps you stay in control and enjoy responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories in a Four Loko can?
A standard 23.5-ounce can contains approximately 660 to 750 calories depending on flavor and alcohol strength.
Is Four Loko higher in calories than beer?
Yes, it contains several times more calories than a standard beer due to higher alcohol and sugar content.
Does Four Loko have sugar?
Yes, it contains a significant amount of added sugar, which contributes heavily to its calorie count.
Can Four Loko cause weight gain?
Frequent consumption can contribute to weight gain due to high calories and sugar.
Is there a low-calorie Four Loko?
Currently, there is no truly low-calorie version available.
