The Quest For Zero-Calorie Beer: Is It Possible?

While there are many low-calorie beers on the market, there is no beer that contains absolutely zero calories. However, there are some non-alcoholic beers that come close, with only 55 calories per serving, such as the non-alcoholic beer from Heineken and Cerveza Athletica from Athletic Brewing Co.

Is there a 0-calorie beer?

Low-calorie beers exist

Low-calorie beers are usually lagers, which have a lower ABV (alcohol by volume). However, that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice taste for fewer calories. Brewers have become more innovative, ensuring that you can still enjoy the full flavour of a beer without the extra calories. For example, Dogfish Head's Slightly Mighty IPA uses monk fruit, which is sweeter than sugar per ounce, to boost the body and complexity of the beer without adding calories.

Some popular low-calorie lagers include:

• Budweiser Select 55 (the lowest calorie beer on the market)
• Miller Lite
• Michelob Ultra
• Coors Light
• Amstel Light
• Corona Light
• Yuengling Light Lager

In addition to lagers, there are also low-calorie ales and stouts available. For instance, Le Petit Prince is a dry, unspiced table beer with just 75 calories per can. If you're a fan of Guinness, you'll be pleased to know that Guinness Extra, a stout, has only 126 calories.

So, if you're watching your waistline but still want to enjoy a beer, there are plenty of low-calorie options to choose from that will allow you to indulge without the guilt.

How brewers reduce calories in beer

While it is not possible to create a 0-calorie beer, brewers can reduce the calorie content of their beer.

The calories in beer come from carbohydrates and alcohol. Beer with a higher alcohol content will have more calories than a beer with lower alcohol content. A gram of alcohol contains about 7 calories. Therefore, reducing the alcohol content will also reduce the calorie content.

Brewers can reduce the number of carbohydrates that come from malt and grains. This will also reduce the calorie content. However, this can result in a watered-down taste. Brewers can also use highly fermentable sugars in their recipes to reduce the calorie content.

Additionally, brewers can use supplements such as Beano or Amylo 300 to reduce the carb content in beer. Beano breaks down complex carbohydrates into simple carbohydrates, or sugars. These sugars are then converted into ethanol, resulting in a beer that is richer in alcohol. Amylo 300 is an amyloglucosidase that lowers the carbohydrate content of beer and is commonly used in Brut IPAs.

Popular low-calorie beers

While there are no 0-calorie beers, there are several low-calorie beers available today that are said to be far from a "complete buzzkill".

Lagers

Lagers are the most popular type of beer and are known for their light, clean, and crisp taste. Here are some popular low-calorie lagers:

• Budweiser Select 55 (2.4% ABV): 55 calories
• Molson Ultra (3% ABV): 70 calories
• Amstel Light (4% ABV): 95 calories
• Miller Lite (4.2% ABV): 96 calories
• Coors Light (4.2% ABV): 102 calories
• Bud Light (4.2% ABV): 103 calories

Ales

Ales are typically produced in colder countries such as Canada, Germany, and Belgium. They tend to have a fruity taste and a stronger, bitter flavor. Some popular low-calorie ales include:

• Le Petit Prince (2.9% ABV): 75 calories
• Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty (4% ABV): 95 calories
• Lagunitas DayTime (4% ABV): 98 calories
• Kona Kanaha Blonde Ale (4.2% ABV): 99 calories
• River Trip Pale Ale (4.8% ABV): 128 calories

Stouts

Stouts are a type of ale that uses roasted barley to create a rich, dark color. While they are known for being higher in calories, the roasting process usually affects the color rather than the calorie count. Some low-calorie stouts to try are:

• Guinness Extra (5.6% ABV): 126 calories
• Young’s Double Chocolate Stout (5.2% ABV): 150 calories
• Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout (5% ABV): 190 calories

Non-Alcoholic Beers

Non-alcoholic beers are great for those who want to enjoy a cold beverage without the alcohol content. Some low-calorie options in this category include:

• Coors Edge (0.5% ABV): 45 calories
• Heineken 0.0 (0.0% ABV): 69 calories
• Bavaria 0.0% Beer (0.0% ABV): 85 calories
• Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild Non-Alcoholic IPA: This nonalcoholic IPA is brewed with a blend of five Northwest hops and has earned praise for its "real IPA taste."

Health considerations

While there are many low-calorie beers on the market, there are no mentions of a 0-calorie beer. However, there are non-alcoholic beers with very few calories, such as Coors Edge, with 45 calories per 12 ounces (354 ml), and Heineken 0.0, with 69 calories per 12 ounces (354 ml).

Beer is often associated with a high number of calories, but it is comparable to other alcoholic drinks. However, alcoholic drinks are generally high in calories, and beer is no exception. Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, and excessive alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of liver disease, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and early death. Therefore, it is essential to monitor your intake and not exceed the recommended limit of one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

Low-calorie beers can be a good option for those watching their weight or maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, it is important to remember that these beers may still contain a significant amount of alcohol, so consumption should be limited to one or two drinks per day. Additionally, when selecting a low-calorie beer, it is advisable to pay attention to the overall carbohydrate content and added sugars, especially in flavoured varieties.

While low-calorie beers can be part of a healthy diet, they should be consumed in moderation. It is also worth noting that the effects of alcohol on health are not solely determined by calorie count; other factors, such as alcohol content and overall nutritional value, should be considered. For those who want to avoid alcohol completely, non-alcoholic beers offer a good alternative, but even these should be consumed in moderation due to their calorie content.

Alcohol-free beers

Athletic Brewing Co. is a leader in the alcohol-free beer market, offering a range of options such as their Athletic Lite and Free Wave hazy IPA. Their beers are crafted with athletes in mind, providing a refreshing drink without the consequences of alcohol or excessive calories.

Another popular choice is the Lagunitas IPNA, a non-alcoholic IPA that delivers a satisfying hit of hoppy bitterness. The brand's bottles also mimic the look and feel of traditional beer bottles, making it a great option for those who want to maintain the ritual of drinking without the alcohol.

For those with a sweet tooth, Golden Road's alcohol-free "Mango Cart" offers a fruity twist on a traditional beer. It has the perfect balance of sweetness and beer flavour, making it a dangerously drinkable option.

Heineken 0.0 is another accessible and widely available non-alcoholic beer. It replicates the taste of the original Heineken, making it a solid choice for those who want to stick to a familiar favourite.

Lastly, for those who enjoy a good IPA, Best Day Brewing's non-alcoholic West Coast IPA is a satisfying option. While it lacks the bitter bite of a traditional IPA, it has a rich amber colour and a diverse flavour profile that makes it a versatile drink.

So, whether you're an athlete looking for a post-workout refreshment or simply wanting to cut down on alcohol, these alcohol-free beers offer a delightful drinking experience without the buzz.

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