Beer is a drink that is loved by people all over the world. In Japan, famous companies sell their own brands of beer, and the smoothness and flavor of these beers make us enjoy them regardless of the season.

In this article, we will introduce 5 of the most famous beer makers and 10 of their brands in Japan. We will also explain the much-talked-about beer diet and beer allergies.

Beer types and brands

"Beer" is an alcoholic drink made by fermenting malt, hops, water, and yeast.
The Liquor Tax Act, which regulates alcohol in Japan, has more detailed definitions about ingredients and alcohol content because of tax implications, but if you were to ask "what is beer," it would be safe to say that it is this type of alcoholic beverage.

"POP" is a plant that is always included in the ingredients of beer and gives the beer its aroma. It also plays an essential role in beer, such as making it bitter, making the foam last longer, and preventing the beer from spoiling by its sterilizing effect.

There are many different types of beer depending on the production and fermentation methods and secondary ingredients, but the most commonly consumed type in Japan is a type of lager beer called "Pilsner." It is characterized by its golden color and light texture.
(*Lager beer: beer made using a method called bottom fermentation, or "lager." Top fermentation is called "ale.")

The famous brands in Japan are as follows. Most of them are probably ones you have heard of or seen before.

Asahi Beer : Asahi Super Dry, Premium Draft Beer Jukusen, etc.
Yebisu Beer : Yebisu Beer, Yebisu Premium Black, etc.
Kirin Beer : Kirin Lager Beer, Kirin Ichiban Shibori Draft Beer, etc.
Sapporo Beer : Sapporo Black Label Draft Beer, Sapporo Lager Beer, etc.
Suntory : The Premium Malt's, Malt's, etc.

What's the alcohol content in beer?

We will introduce the alcohol content of each brand of beer.

Manufacturer	Brand	Alcohol content (per 100ml)
Asahi Breweries	Asahi Super Dry Premium Draft Beer Aged Selection	5.0% 5.5%
Yebisu Beer	Yebisu Beer Yebisu Premium Black	5.0% 5.0%
Kirin Beer	Kirin Lager Beer Kirin Ichiban Shibori Draft Beer	5.0% 5.0%
Sapporo Beer	Sapporo Draft Beer Black Label Sapporo Lager Beer	5.0% 5.0%
Suntory	The Premium Malt's Malt's	5.5% 5.0%

How many calories in 500ml of beer?

We will introduce the calorie content of one standard 500ml can of beer for each brand.
Please also refer to the calories per 100ml and the carbohydrate content of each beverage.

Manufacturer	Brand	Calories /100ml	Calories /500ml	Carbohydrates /100ml	Carbohydrates /500ml
Asahi Breweries	Asahi Super Dry Premium Draft Beer Aged Selection	42 45	210 225	3 3.2	15 16
Yebisu Beer	Yebisu Beer Yebisu Premium Black	42 45	210 225	3 3.6	15 18
Kirin Beer	Kirin Lager Beer Kirin Ichiban Shibori Draft Beer	42 41	210 205	3.2 2.7	16 13.5
Sapporo Beer	Sapporo Draft Beer Black Label Sapporo Lager Beer	40 40	200 200	2.9 2.9	14.5 14.5
Suntory	The Premium Malt's Malt's	47 42	235 210	3.8 3.6	19 18

Will beer diet overturn the notion that "beer makes you fat"?

As you can see from the calorie and carbohydrate content, beer itself is not actually that much of a weight gainer. There is even a diet method called the "beer diet."

Hops, the raw material for beer, contain a compound called "xanthohumol" that helps to reduce obesity. It also has high nutritional value relative to its calories, and is rich in B vitamins and potassium.

Also, because beer is carbonated, it fills you up, so it is also effective as a diet to reduce the amount of food you eat, such as by reducing the amount of side dishes you eat. Another option is to replace your staple food with beer.
This may be a great diet method for those who say, "Even if I go on a diet, I still want to drink beer."

But of course, if you drink too much, it won't help you lose weight, and it depends on your constitution whether it suits you or not. So, try it and see how it goes for you.
Please be careful not to overdo it.

■Beware of beer allergies!

Drinking even a small amount of beer can cause symptoms such as face and body turning bright red, palpitations, headache, runny nose, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
This is an allergic reaction to beer.
Please be aware that "brewer's yeast" is an allergen (a cause of allergic reactions).

Also, people with wheat or alcohol allergies should avoid beer as much as possible.
Even if you are normally fine, symptoms may become more severe when you are not feeling well. It is important to drink alcohol in accordance with your own physical condition.
(Symptoms vary from person to person, so be sure to consult your doctor before enjoying beer.)

The world of beer is truly vast. It might be fun to try a variety of brands, from famous Japanese brands to various brands from around the world.
Once you find a brand that you like, enjoy it with some delicious food or snacks.

RIVERET glass recommended for beer