Low-Carb Beer: Healthy Choice Or Marketing Ploy?

Low-carb beers are marketed as healthier alternatives to regular beers, but are they worth drinking? A standard beer has about nine grams of carbohydrates per 375 ml, while the average low-carb beer has about three grams. That's a substantial reduction, but beer doesn't contain a high number of carbs to begin with, so the savings are minimal.

Most people associate carbs with energy, and low-carb beers have about 25% fewer kilojoules than standard brews. However, beer is still a kilojoule-dense drink, and excess intake can lead to weight gain. So, while low-carb beers might be a healthier option, they shouldn't be an excuse to overindulge.

The swap to low-carb beer is only worth it if you're already drinking a lot, which isn't recommended for your health anyway. If you drink a beer a day, switching to low-carb will save you just over 62,000 kilojoules of energy in a year – not even a two-kilogram weight loss.

Ultimately, the best option for your health is to cut down on the number of drinks you consume, as beer will never be a health food, no matter the marketing.

Low-carb beers: What are they?

Low-carb beers are beers that contain fewer carbohydrates than standard beers. Typically, a standard beer has about nine grams of carbohydrates per 375ml, whereas low-carb beers have around three grams. This equates to a saving of about half a slice of bread per bottle.

Low-carb beers are often marketed as "healthier alternatives" to standard beers, and they do contain about 25% fewer kilojoules (energy). However, beer is still a kilojoule-dense beverage option, even in its low-carb form, as most of the energy in beer comes from the alcohol content rather than the carbohydrates.

Low-carb beers are particularly popular among those following a keto diet, which generally restricts carbs to 20-57 grams per day.

There are several ways to make light beers, which are often low-calorie and low-carb. One common method involves introducing certain enzymes into the mash or fermenting beer until most of its carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars before diluting the mixture with water. This cuts down both the total ABV and calories.

Examples of low-carb beers

• Budweiser Select 55
• Corona Premier
• Miller 64
• Michelob Ultra Pure Gold
• Beck's Premier Light
• Yuengling Light Lager
• Heineken Silver Lager
• Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty Lo-Cal IPA
• Shiner Ruby Redbird

Are low-carb beers healthier?

Low-carb beers are marketed as healthier alternatives to regular beers. But is it really worth it?

A standard (375 ml) bottle of beer has about nine grams of carbohydrates, while the average low-carb beer has about three grams. That's a reduction of about one-third, which sounds substantial. However, it's important to consider that beer doesn't contain a high amount of carbs to begin with, so the per-bottle savings are relatively small.

Most people associate carbs with energy, and low-carb beers typically have about 25% fewer kilojoules (energy) than standard brews. However, beer is still a kilojoule-dense beverage option, even in its low-carb form. This is because most of the energy in beer comes from alcohol, not carbs, and low-carb beers have the same alcohol content as regular beers. Excess kilojoule intake can lead to weight gain and related health issues, so reducing kilojoule intake can be beneficial.

Light beers, or low-alcohol beers, typically have an alcohol content of around 2.7%, compared to 4.6% in standard beers, and contain the same number of kilojoules as low-carb beers. Excess alcohol consumption is a risk factor for many diseases, so low-alcohol beers may be better for your liver and overall health. However, it's important to remember that it's the overall amount of alcohol consumed that matters, not just the percentage of alcohol or carbs in the beverage.

So, is the swap worth it?

Moving to low-carb or light beer may result in some energy and carb savings, but these will only add up if you are already drinking a significant amount, which is not recommended from a health perspective. If you drink one beer a day, switching to low-carb or low-alcohol beers will save you just over 62,000 kilojoules of energy in a year, which is not even equivalent to a two-kilogram weight loss.

Additionally, "straight swaps" like this can give a false sense of having made a healthy choice and may prevent people from making other, more beneficial changes to their diet and lifestyle. Therefore, instead of solely focusing on low-carb beers, it's more effective to cut down on the number of drinks consumed overall. While beer will never be a health food, regardless of marketing claims, it can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Low-carb beers vs low-calorie beers

Low-carb beers typically have less than 1g of carbohydrates per 100 millilitres. They are often marketed as "light" beers and usually have fewer calories than regular beers. However, it's important to note that the number of calories and the percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV) can vary among different low-carb beers.

Low-calorie beers have a reduced number of calories compared to regular beers. This is achieved by lowering the number of carbohydrates from malt and grains, as well as reducing the alcohol content. While low-calorie beers can have a similar taste profile to their higher-calorie counterparts, it's important to be mindful of the overall carbohydrate content and any added sugars in flavoured varieties.

Examples of low-carb beers:

• Budweiser Select 55
• Corona Premier
• Michelob Ultra Pure Gold
• Beck's Premier Light
• Yuengling Light Lager
• Omission Ultimate Light Golden Ale
• Blue Moon LightSky

Examples of low-calorie beers:

• Jester King Le Petit Prince
• Allagash River Trip Pale Ale
• Coors American Light Lager Beer
• Yuengling Light Lager Beer
• Amstel Light
• Heineken 0.0
• Harpoon American Flyer Light
• Corona Premier
• Michelob Ultra Pure Gold
• Heineken Light
• Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty Lo-Cal IPA
• Miller Lite
• Kona Brewing Co. Light Blonde Ale
• Guinness Draught Stout
• Lagunitas DayTime IPA

So, which is better: low-carb or low-calorie beers?

It depends on your personal preferences and health goals. If you are watching your carbohydrate intake, then low-carb beers may be a better option. On the other hand, if you are primarily concerned about calorie intake, then low-calorie beers could be the way to go. Ultimately, it's important to consume alcohol in moderation and to be mindful of your overall diet and lifestyle.

Alcohol percentage in low-carb beers

Low-carb beers typically have less than 1g of carbohydrates per 100 millilitres. While the carb content varies across different beers, they generally have a lower alcohol content than their regular counterparts, usually measured by the percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV).

• Amstel Light: 3.5% ABV
• Blue Moon LightSky: 4% ABV
• Budweiser Select 55: 2.4% ABV
• Corona Premier: 4% ABV
• Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty: 4% ABV
• Lagunitas DayTime: 4% ABV
• Michelob Ultra Pure Gold: 3.8% ABV
• Miller64: 2.4% ABV
• Yuengling Flight: 4.2% ABV
• Beck's Premier Light: 2.3% ABV
• Budweiser Select: 4.3% ABV
• Miller Lite: 4.2% ABV
• Michelob Ultra: 4.2% ABV
• Corona Light: N/A
• Miller High Life: N/A
• Yuengling Light Lager 99: 4.2% ABV
• Ommegang Brut IPA: 6.3% ABV
• Kona Light Blonde Ale: 4.2% ABV
• Deschutes Da Shootz! Pilsner: 4% ABV
• Heineken Silver: N/A
• Omission Ultimate Light Golden Ale: 4.2% ABV
• Keystone Light: 4.13% ABV
• Coors Light: N/A
• Devils Backbone Bright Tangerine Ale: 4% ABV
• Shiner Ruby Redbird: 3.2% ABV
• Surly Brewing Co. Rosé: 5.2% ABV
• Bud Light Next: 4% ABV

As you can see, the ABV of low-carb beers can vary significantly, ranging from around 2% to over 6%. It's important to note that the alcohol content of these beers may be slightly lower than their regular versions, but the difference is usually not substantial.

Best low-carb beers to try

Low-carb beers typically have less than 1g of carbs per 100 milliliters. They are often marketed as "healthier alternatives" for drinking, but it's important to remember that even low-carb beers can contribute to excess kilojoule intake, which can lead to weight gain. Therefore, it's crucial to consume low-carb beers in moderation.

Budweiser Select 55

With less than 2g of carbs per bottle, Budweiser Select 55 is a light version of the classic American-style lager. It's a great option if you want to enjoy a few beers without worrying about your carb intake.

Corona Premier

Corona Premier is a low-carb and keto-friendly option, with just 2g of carbs per serving. It's a light and easy-drinking beer, perfect for a day at the beach.

Miller64

Miller64 is a well-known light beer that is easy to drink and has just 2g of carbs per can. It has a slightly malty flavor and a low alcohol content, making it perfect for enjoying a few at a time.

Surly Brewing Rosé Lager

This fruity-flavored beer has notes of strawberries and currants, with only 2.25g of carbs per bottle. It also has a higher alcohol content of 5.2%, making it a good choice for those who want a stronger drink.

Michelob Ultra Pure Gold

Michelob Ultra Pure Gold is USDA-certified organic and free from artificial colors and flavors. It has a light and refreshing taste with a touch of sweetness, and just 2.5g of carbs per bottle.

Yuengling Flight

Yuengling Flight is a slightly fuller-bodied option with a strong beer flavor and only 2.6g of carbs per serving. It's a good choice for those following a low-carb diet.

Shiner Ruby Redbird

Shiner Ruby Redbird is a flavored craft beer made with Texas grapefruit and ginger. It has 4.6g of carbs per serving, making it a tasty and relatively low-carb option.

Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty

Slightly Mighty from Dogfish Head is a low-carb IPA with no added sugars. It is sweetened with zero-carb monk fruit sweetener, giving it a balanced taste with classic tart and piney flavors. Each can has just 3.6g of carbs.

Blue Moon LightSky

Blue Moon LightSky offers the classic wheat flavor of Blue Moon with a citrus twist. It's an affordable and keto-friendly option, with just 3.6g of carbs.

Ommegang Brut IPA

Ommegang Brut IPA is a low-calorie IPA with a dry and bubbly texture and a hoppy taste. It has less than 4g of carbs and a higher alcohol content of 6.3%, making it a good choice for celebrations.

Kona Light Blonde Ale

Kona Light Blonde Ale is made with real mangos and has less than 100 calories per bottle. It's a tropical-flavored, low-carb, and low-calorie option for those who want a refreshing drink.

Deschutes Da Shootz! Pilsner

Deschutes Da Shootz! Pilsner is a light and refreshing pilsner with a hint of lemon. It has 4.2g of carbs per serving, making it a good choice for those watching their carb intake.

Omission Ultimate Light Golden Ale

Omission Ultimate Light Golden Ale is a gluten-free, low-carb, and low-calorie beer with a refreshing taste and a light body. It has a slight sweetness that balances out the bitterness.

Sleeman Clear 2.0

Sleeman Clear 2.0 is an easy-drinking beer with a light straw color and soft citrus aromas. Each can has just 80 calories and 2g of carbs, making it a good low-carb option.

Frequently asked questions