If you're watching your weight but don't want to give up beer, there are plenty of low-calorie options to choose from. Beers are often high in calories, but the beer scene has diversified in recent years, and there are now many delicious brews that won't pack on the pounds.

When looking for a beer to drink while dieting, it's best to choose one with a lower alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage, as one gram of alcohol contains about seven calories. However, it's a myth that dark beers have more calories than lighter ones—it's all based on the ABV.

Some popular low-calorie beers include Budweiser Select (55 calories), Molson Ultra (70 calories), Moosehead Cracked Canoe (90 calories), Sleeman Light (90 calories), and Busch Light (91 calories). If you're looking for a non-alcoholic option, Heineken 0.0 has just 69 calories per 12 ounces.

Characteristics of the best beers to drink on a diet

Low-calorie beers

If you're watching your weight, you can still enjoy a beer or two—just be mindful of the calories and choose a low-calorie option. Here are some of the best low-calorie beers to consider:

Budweiser Select

This beer has only 99 calories, 3.1 grams of carbs, and 4.3% alcohol. It's a good choice if you're looking for a Bud that's lighter in calories than the original.

Miller Genuine Draft 64

With just 64 calories, 2.4 grams of carbs, and 2.8% alcohol, this beer is a great option for those watching their calorie intake.

Michelob Ultra

Michelob Ultra is a popular choice among dieters, with only 95 calories, 2.6 grams of carbs, and 4.2% alcohol. It's known for its light, crisp, and refreshing taste.

Corona Light

Corona Light is another good option, with 99 calories, 5 grams of carbs, and 3.2% alcohol. It's similar to the Corona you know and love, but with fewer calories and carbs.

Coors Light

Coors Light is a refreshing option, perfect for a hot summer day. It has a little over 100 calories per can, making it a great low-calorie choice.

Heineken Light

Heineken Light offers the familiar flavours of Heineken with fewer calories. It's lean, fruity, and slightly sweet, with a sophisticated earthiness. It has fewer calories than the original Heineken and is a good choice if you're looking for a light beer that's a little more flavourful.

Guinness Draught Stout

Despite its dark and creamy appearance, Guinness Draught Stout is surprisingly low in calories. It has a rich, creamy texture with notes of coffee and chocolate. With around 126 calories per bottle, it's a good option for those wanting a tasty, low-calorie beer.

Remember, drinking in moderation is key. According to research, consuming one to two drinks per day can offer health benefits, but drinking more than that can lead to weight gain and other health issues.

Beers with low alcohol content

When it comes to beers, it's important to remember that not all beers are created equal, especially when it comes to their alcohol content. If you're watching your weight or simply looking for lower-alcohol options, there are plenty of beers that fit the bill. Here are some beers with low alcohol content that you can consider:

Budweiser Select

This beer offers a refreshing, crisp taste with only 99 calories, 3.1 grams of carbohydrates, and an alcohol content of 4.3 percent. It's a great option if you're looking for something light and low in alcohol without sacrificing taste.

Miller Genuine Draft 64

With just 64 calories, 2.4 grams of carbohydrates, and an alcohol content of 2.8 percent, Miller Genuine Draft 64 is an excellent choice for those conscious of their calorie intake. It's a light and refreshing beer that won't weigh you down.

Michelob Ultra

Michelob Ultra is a popular choice among health-conscious beer drinkers. With 95 calories, 2.6 grams of carbohydrates, and an alcohol content of 4.2 percent, it's a great option for those who want to enjoy a beer without derailing their diet. It's known for its smooth, crisp taste and has built a reputation for being associated with an active, healthy lifestyle.

Corona Light

Corona Light is another great option, with 99 calories, 5 grams of carbohydrates, and an alcohol content of 3.2 percent. It's a refreshing choice, especially when served with a wedge of lime. However, keep in mind that the clear bottles can allow high exposure to UV light, which may affect the quality and taste of the beer.

Coors Light

Coors Light is a best-selling beer and a popular choice for those looking for a low-calorie option. With just 102 calories per 12-ounce serving, it's a legitimate low-calorie beer that doesn't compromise on taste. It has a pleasant, refreshing flavour that makes it a perfect choice for a hot summer day.

Heineken Light

Heineken Light is a lighter version of the classic Heineken beer. It maintains the fruity, slightly sweet, and earthy flavours of the original but with fewer calories. With a crisp, clean taste and a lighter feel, it's a great option for those who enjoy the taste of Heineken but prefer a lower-alcohol choice.

Jester King Le Petit Prince

Jester King Le Petit Prince is a dry, unspiced table beer brewed in Texas. With 75 calories per can, it's a low-calorie option that doesn't skimp on flavour. It offers a well-balanced taste profile with fantastic, fruity flavours and a welcome touch of tartness.

Guinness Draught Stout

Guinness Draught Stout is a pleasant surprise on the list. Despite its rich, creamy texture and flavour notes of coffee and chocolate, it's actually low in calories. With only 126 calories per bottle and an alcohol content of 4.2 percent, it's a great choice for those who want a flavourful, satisfying beer without the high alcohol content.

In addition to these options, there are several other low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beers available, such as the Athletic Brewing Co.'s Run Wild Non-Alcoholic IPA, Heineken 0.0, and Budweiser Next, which offer the experience of beer without the alcohol content. Remember to always drink in moderation and to check the labels for detailed nutritional information.

Light beers

If you're on a diet, you may want to consider opting for a light beer. These beers are lower in calories and carbohydrates than their regular counterparts, making them a better option if you're watching your weight. Here are some popular light beers to consider:

Budweiser Select

This light beer contains 99 calories, 3.1 grams of carbohydrates, and has an alcohol content of 4.3%. It's a good option if you're looking for something refreshing and low in calories.

Miller Genuine Draft 64

With only 64 calories, 2.4 grams of carbohydrates, and an alcohol content of 2.8%, this light beer is a great choice for those watching their calorie intake. It's a crisp and refreshing option for a hot day.

Michelob Ultra

Michelob Ultra is a popular choice among dieters, with 95 calories, 2.6 grams of carbohydrates, and an alcohol content of 4.2%. It has a light, crisp, and refreshing taste, making it a perfect summer beer.

Corona Light

Corona Light contains 99 calories, 5 grams of carbohydrates, and has an alcohol content of 3.2%. It is a refreshing option, especially when served with a wedge of lime. However, keep in mind that the clear bottles can allow high exposure to UV light, which can ruin the beer's quality.

Coors Light

Coors Light is a best-selling beer and a good choice if you're looking for a low-calorie option. It has just 102 calories per 12-ounce serving and is known for its pleasant, refreshing taste.

Miller Lite

Miller Lite is another popular light beer option. It has 95 calories, 5 grams of carbohydrates, and an alcohol content of 3.5%. It has a clean, crisp taste without being too watery, making it a go-to choice for many bars.

When choosing a light beer, it's important to consider not only the calorie and carbohydrate content but also your personal taste preferences. Light beers can vary in terms of flavour, so it's worth experimenting to find the ones that suit your palate. Additionally, remember that while light beers are lower in calories, they should still be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Vegan beers

If you're on a diet, you may be wondering which beers are vegan-friendly. The good news is that most beers are vegan, so you'll have no trouble finding vegan brands. However, it's always a good idea to check the ingredients and brewing processes to be sure. Here are some popular vegan beers that you can enjoy:

Mass-Market and Inexpensive Vegan Beers:

• Budweiser and Bud Light (USA)
• Coors and Coors Light (USA)
• Miller Lite, High Life, and Genuine Draft (USA)
• Heineken (Netherlands)

Premium Vegan Beers:

• Suntory The Premium Malt's Lager (Japan)
• Sapporo Lager (Japan)
• Kirin Lager (Japan)
• Asahi Lager (Japan)
• Sam Adams Boston Lager (USA)
• Pabst Blue Ribbon (USA)
• Labatt Blue (Canada)
• Pilsner Urquell (Czech Republic)

Vegan Pale Ales and IPAs:

• Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Hazy Little Thing (USA)
• Bear Republic Racer 5 (USA)
• Lagunitas IPA (USA)
• Harpoon IPA (Northeast USA)

Vegan Stouts and Porters:

• Guinness Extra Stout (Ireland)
• Sierra Nevada Porter and Stout (USA)
• Deschutes Obsidian Stout (USA)
• Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout (England)

Vegan Belgian Ales:

• Chimay (Belgium)
• Augustijn Dark (Belgium)
• Floreffe Prima Melior (Belgium)
• Gulden Draak (Belgium)

Remember, when trying to lose weight, it's important to consume beer in moderation and be mindful of the calorie, carbohydrate, and alcohol content. Enjoy your vegan beers as part of a balanced lifestyle that includes whole foods and regular exercise.

Gluten-free beers

While beer typically contains gluten — a protein found in barley, wheat, and rye that can trigger inflammation and weight gain — there are now a variety of gluten-free beers on the market that make a fantastic alternative for those looking to cut down on gluten or lose weight.

One of the best gluten-free beer options is the classic Corona Premier. With only 2.6 grams of carbs and 90 calories per 330ml serving, it's an excellent light beer that won't weigh you down. It has a crisp, refreshing taste with a hint of citrus, making it perfect for summer days or pairing with light meals.

Another great choice is the Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty beer. With only 95 calories and 3.6 grams of carbs per 355ml can, it's a mighty but light option. This beer is brewed with a unique blend of monk fruit and dextrose, giving it a refreshing, fruity flavour with a slight sweetness. It's perfect for those who want a full-flavoured beer without the usual high-calorie content.

For those who prefer a more unique flavour, the Peroni Nastro Azzurro Gluten Free beer is an excellent choice. With the same great taste as the original Peroni, but without the gluten, this beer offers a crisp and refreshing experience. It has a slightly bitter taste with a citrus aroma, and at 154 calories and 13 grams of carbs per 330ml bottle, it's a good option for those wanting a gluten-free beer that doesn't compromise on flavour.

Lastly, the Daura Damm Gluten Free beer is a fantastic option for those wanting a gluten-free beer that truly tastes like the traditional beverage. Brewed with a combination of barley and hops but with the gluten removed, this beer has a rich, malty flavour with a hint of bitterness. At 142 calories and 13 grams of carbs per 330ml bottle, it's a slightly lighter option that still delivers on taste.

So, if you're looking to enjoy a beer or two while watching your weight or maintaining a gluten-free diet, these gluten-free options provide a delicious and satisfying experience without compromising your health goals. Remember to always drink in moderation and savour the refreshing, light, and flavourful experience of these gluten-free beers.

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