Wheat Beer vs Regular Beer: Taste, Ingredients, Alcohol and More

If you’ve ever stood in a beer aisle wondering whether to grab a wheat beer or stick to your usual lager or ale, you’re not alone. From taste and ingredients to calories and alcohol strength, the differences between wheat beer and regular beer are more interesting than most people realise.

This guide is your go-to breakdown of everything you need to know about wheat beer vs normal beer—how they differ in flavour, how they’re made, how many calories they contain, and even whether one’s better for your health. Let's dive in and settle the great debate!

What Exactly Is Wheat Beer?

As the name suggests, wheat beer is made using a significant amount of wheat along with barley during the brewing process. Depending on the style, wheat might make up 30% to 70% of the grain mix.

Wheat beer is usually:

• Light and cloudy in appearance
  
  
• Smooth and mildly sweet
  
  
• Fruity or citrusy in taste
  
  
• Lower in bitterness compared to regular beers
  
  

It’s the perfect beer for someone who wants something refreshing, especially during warm weather. Popular types of wheat beer include:

• Hefeweizen (Germany)
  
  
• Witbier (Belgium)
  
  
• American Wheat Beer
  
  

These beers are often unfiltered and have a cloudy look with a creamy head — that’s not a flaw, it’s part of the charm.

What’s Considered a Regular Beer?

The term "regular beer" generally refers to beers brewed mostly or entirely with barley malt — this includes well-known styles like:

• Lager
  
  
• Pale Ale
  
  
• IPA (India Pale Ale)
  
  
• Pilsner
  
  
• Stout or Porter
  
  

These beers vary in colour, strength, and flavour, but they’re usually:

• Clear and filtered
  
  
• More bitter or malty
  
  
• Stronger in alcohol content, depending on style
  
  

While wheat beer leans fruity and light, regular beers can be anywhere from crisp and clean to dark and robust.

Wheat Beer vs Regular Beer: Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Wheat Beer	Regular Beer
Main Grain	Wheat + Barley	Mostly Barley
Appearance	Cloudy, unfiltered	Clear and filtered
Taste	Fruity, citrusy, mild	Bitter, malty, or roasted
Mouthfeel	Smooth, creamy	Crisp or heavy (style dependent)
Alcohol (ABV)	4.0% – 5.5%	4.5% – 7.5%+
Calories (330ml)	120 – 170	130 – 250+
Popular Styles	Hefeweizen, Witbier, Wheat Ale	Lager, IPA, Stout, Pilsner
Best For	Casual, summer drinking	All-year enjoyment

Taste Differences: Fruity vs Bitter

Taste is where the two really split. Here’s what you can expect:

Wheat Beer Taste

• Notes of banana, clove, orange peel, or even bubblegum
  
  
• Smooth and creamy with low bitterness
  
  
• Very refreshing and easy to drink
  
  

Pairs well with: Salads, seafood, grilled chicken, and spicy food

Regular Beer Taste

• Wide flavour spectrum:
  
  
• Lager: Clean, crisp
  
  
• IPA: Hoppy, bitter, aromatic
  
  
• Stout: Roasty, chocolatey, full-bodied
  
  
• Tends to be sharper or more intense in flavour
  
  

Pairs well with: Burgers, pizza, red meats, barbecue

Ingredients: What Goes In?

Wheat Beer

• Wheat malt (high protein, creamy body)
  
  
• Barley malt
  
  
• Yeast (often gives fruity/spicy character)
  
  
• Mild hops
  
  
• Sometimes spices like coriander or orange peel
  
  

Regular Beer

• Barley malt (base for most beers)
  
  
• Yeast (varies by style)
  
  
• Hops (can be strong in IPAs)
  
  
• Water (minerals affect taste)
  
  

Wheat beer’s distinct cloudy look and fruity taste come mainly from the wheat and yeast combo, while regular beers lean more on hops and barley for their signature flavours.

Alcohol Percentage: Which One Packs More Punch?

Let’s talk alcohol.

 Wheat Beer ABV:

• Usually between 4.0% to 5.5%
  
  
• Designed to be light and sessionable
  
  

 Regular Beer ABV:

• Lagers: 4.5% – 5.5%
  
  
• Ales: 5.0% – 7.5%
  
  
• IPAs/Stouts: Can go above 8%
  
  

If you’re after something light and easy for a summer afternoon, wheat beer is your go-to. But if you want something with more kick, a regular beer like an IPA or stout might be more your speed.

Calories: Wheat Beer vs Normal Beer (Alcoholic)

A common question people ask is:
"Is wheat beer lower in calories?"

Wheat Beer Calories

• On average: 120–170 calories per 330ml
  
  
• The haze and yeast may contribute to slightly higher calories than a light lager
  
  

Regular Beer Calories

• Lager: ~130–180 calories
  
  
• IPA: ~200–250 calories
  
  
• Stout: ~220–300+ calories
  
  

Wheat beer vs normal beer calories alcoholic – Wheat beers fall somewhere in the middle. They’re generally lighter than heavy ales but not as light as “lite” lagers.

Wheat Beer Benefits (Yes, It Has a Few)

While we can’t call beer a health drink, wheat beer does have some perks — especially when compared to stronger or overly processed beers.

Possible Wheat Beer Benefits:

• Often lower in alcohol = less strain on your liver
  
  
• Rich in vitamin B and antioxidants (especially unfiltered types)
  
  
• Easier on the stomach than bitter or dark beers
  
  
• Refreshing and hydrating during hot weather
  
  
• Some studies link moderate wheat beer intake to better hydration post-exercise (non-alcoholic versions)
  
  

However, wheat beers do contain gluten, so they’re not suitable for people with celiac or gluten intolerance.

When Should You Choose Wheat Beer?

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you pick the right beer based on mood or occasion:

Situation	Best Choice	Why
Chilling on a summer day	Wheat Beer	Light, fruity, refreshing
Spicy Indian dinner	Wheat Beer or Lager	Mellow sweetness balances spice
BBQ with friends	Lager or IPA	Bold flavours match grilled foods
Watching a match	Lager	Classic and easy-drinking
Exploring new beer styles	IPA or Stout	Bold flavours, higher ABV
First-time beer drinker	Wheat Beer	Less bitter, smooth and approachable

Pro tip: Always pour wheat beer into a glass — swirl the last inch of the bottle to mix in the yeast sediment for full flavour!

FAQ: Common Questions About Wheat Beer vs Regular Beer

1. Is wheat beer stronger than regular beer?

Not usually. Most wheat beers are around 4–5.5% ABV, similar to lagers and less than IPAs.

2. Does wheat beer have fewer calories?

Generally yes — unless you’re comparing it to a light lager. Wheat beer has fewer calories than stouts or double IPAs.

3. Is wheat beer gluten-free?

No. It actually contains more gluten than barley beer, so it’s not suitable for those avoiding gluten.

4. What’s the best food pairing for wheat beer?

Think light and fresh: seafood, grilled chicken, fruit-based dishes, and mildly spiced Indian food.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Pick?

Choosing between wheat beer and regular beer really comes down to your mood and taste preferences.

Read also: Best 10 Non-Alcoholic Beers for Every Type of Drinker — From IPA to Lager

Go for wheat beer if:

• You like smooth, citrusy, and fruity flavours
  
  
• You want something light and easy on the palate
  
  
• You’re new to drinking beer
  
  
• You want a refreshing summer drink
  
  

Pick regular beer if:

• You enjoy bold, bitter, or malty flavours
  
  
• You want stronger beer styles
  
  
• You’re pairing it with rich or grilled foods
  
  
• You enjoy trying a variety of beer styles
  
  

Either way, you’re in for a good time. Just sip, savour, and enjoy responsibly!