What Is Four Loko
Four Loko is a flavored malt beverage that has become one of the most recognizable names in the ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage market. Produced by Phusion Projects, Four Loko first entered the market in 2005 and quickly gained notoriety for its high alcohol content and bold, fruit-flavored taste profiles. The beverage is sold in large, brightly colored 23.5-ounce cans, making it an eye-catching presence on convenience store and liquor store shelves across the United States.
Originally, Four Loko contained a combination of alcohol, caffeine, taurine, and guarana — the four ingredients that inspired its name. However, following significant scrutiny from health organizations and regulatory bodies, the caffeine and energy-boosting ingredients were removed from the formula in 2010. The current version of Four Loko is essentially a high-alcohol flavored malt beverage without the stimulant additives that made it controversial.
Despite the reformulation, Four Loko remains popular among consumers, particularly young adults, due to its affordable price point, high alcohol content, and wide variety of flavors. Understanding the nutritional content of this beverage is important for consumers who want to make informed decisions about their alcohol consumption.
Calorie Content of Four Loko
One of the most striking nutritional aspects of Four Loko is its calorie content. A single 23.5-ounce can of Four Loko contains approximately 660 calories, although this number can vary depending on the specific flavor and alcohol percentage. This calorie count is exceptionally high compared to most other alcoholic beverages and is roughly equivalent to the caloric content of a full fast-food meal.
To put this in perspective, a standard 12-ounce can of regular beer typically contains between 140 and 200 calories. A 5-ounce glass of wine averages around 120 to 130 calories. Even a cocktail made with a shot of spirits and a mixer typically contains fewer than 300 calories. Four Loko's 660-calorie count per can makes it one of the most calorie-dense alcoholic beverages available on the market.
The high calorie content is primarily driven by two factors: the large serving size (23.5 ounces) and the significant sugar content. Alcohol itself is also a calorie-dense macronutrient, containing 7 calories per gram — nearly as much as fat, which contains 9 calories per gram. The combination of alcohol and sugar in a large-format can creates a caloric density that many consumers may not fully appreciate.
Sugar and Carbohydrate Content
Four Loko is notable for its high sugar content. A single can contains approximately 60 grams of sugar, which is equivalent to about 15 teaspoons. This is more than double the amount of sugar found in a standard 12-ounce can of regular soda, which typically contains around 39 grams of sugar.
The total carbohydrate content of a Four Loko can ranges from approximately 60 to 65 grams, with the vast majority of those carbohydrates coming from added sugars. There is virtually no dietary fiber or complex carbohydrates in the beverage. The high sugar content is a primary contributor to the sweet, fruity flavor profiles that define the Four Loko brand.
For individuals who are monitoring their sugar intake, whether for weight management, diabetes management, or general health purposes, the sugar content of Four Loko is a significant concern. The American Heart Association recommends that men consume no more than 36 grams of added sugar per day and women no more than 25 grams. A single can of Four Loko exceeds both of these recommendations by a substantial margin.
Alcohol Content and Serving Size
Four Loko is available in several alcohol content levels, typically ranging from 6 percent to 14 percent alcohol by volume (ABV), depending on the state regulations and specific product variant. The most common versions sold in most states contain either 8 percent or 12 percent ABV. Some states with stricter alcohol regulations may only carry the lower-ABV versions.
The 23.5-ounce can size is significantly larger than a standard beer serving. A standard drink in the United States is defined as 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is roughly equivalent to a 12-ounce beer at 5 percent ABV, a 5-ounce glass of wine at 12 percent ABV, or a 1.5-ounce shot of distilled spirits at 40 percent ABV.
By this standard, a single can of Four Loko at 12 percent ABV contains approximately 4.7 standard drinks. Even the lower 8 percent ABV version contains about 3.1 standard drinks per can. This means that consuming one can of Four Loko is equivalent to drinking three to five standard alcoholic beverages, a fact that many consumers may not realize when they purchase a single can.
Vitamins, Minerals, and Other Nutrients
Four Loko provides virtually no nutritional value beyond calories and carbohydrates. The beverage does not contain significant amounts of vitamins, minerals, protein, dietary fiber, or healthy fats. It is essentially a source of empty calories — energy without meaningful nutritional benefit.
The absence of nutritional value is not unique to Four Loko. Most alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits, provide minimal nutritional benefits. However, the high calorie and sugar content of Four Loko makes the lack of nutritional value more consequential, as consumers are taking in a large number of calories without any of the nutrients that typically accompany calorie-dense foods.
Some flavors of Four Loko may contain small amounts of sodium, typically in the range of 10 to 30 milligrams per can. The beverage does not contain cholesterol or dietary fat, as it is not made from animal products or oil-based ingredients.
Health Considerations
The nutritional profile of Four Loko raises several health considerations that consumers should be aware of. The high calorie content can contribute to weight gain if consumed regularly, particularly when combined with the calories from food and other beverages consumed throughout the day. Alcohol consumption in general has been linked to weight gain, and the calorie density of Four Loko amplifies this risk.
The high sugar content poses risks for dental health, blood sugar management, and long-term metabolic health. Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, including alcoholic ones, has been associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic health conditions.
The high alcohol content per can is another important consideration. Because a single can contains the equivalent of three to five standard drinks, it is easy for consumers to consume more alcohol than intended. Rapid consumption of this amount of alcohol can lead to elevated blood alcohol concentrations, impaired judgment, and increased risk of alcohol-related accidents and injuries.
Consumers who choose to drink Four Loko should do so in moderation and with full awareness of the beverage's nutritional and alcohol content. Pacing consumption, staying hydrated with water, and eating food before or during drinking can help mitigate some of the risks associated with high-calorie, high-alcohol beverages.
Comparing Four Loko to Other Alcoholic Beverages
When compared to other popular alcoholic beverages, Four Loko stands out for its combination of high calories, high sugar, and high alcohol content in a single large-format can. A standard 12-ounce light beer contains approximately 100 calories and 5 grams of carbohydrates. A glass of red wine has about 125 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrates. A vodka soda contains roughly 97 calories and minimal carbohydrates.
Hard seltzers, which have gained enormous popularity in recent years, typically contain between 90 and 110 calories per 12-ounce can, with 1 to 2 grams of sugar and 5 percent ABV. Compared to a hard seltzer, a single can of Four Loko contains roughly six times the calories, 30 times the sugar, and two to three times the alcohol.
These comparisons highlight the importance of reading nutrition labels and understanding serving sizes when choosing alcoholic beverages. Four Loko fills a specific niche in the market for consumers seeking a strong, affordable, and flavorful alcoholic beverage, but its nutritional profile makes it a drink that is best consumed occasionally and in moderation rather than as a regular choice.
