Best Beer Options For Low-Carb Dieters

If you're on a low-carb diet, you might be wondering if you can still enjoy a beer. The good news is that there are plenty of low-carb beer options available, so you don't have to give up your favourite drink completely. Beer typically has more carbs than wine, with around 13 grams of carbs in a standard beer compared to 3-5 grams in a glass of wine. However, there are now many low-carb beers on the market, with some containing less than 5 grams of carbs per serving. These include classic lagers, ambers, wheat beers, and even fruit-flavoured styles. So, if you're watching your carb intake, you can still enjoy a cold one by choosing one of the many low-carb options available.

Low-carb beers to try

If you're on a low-carb diet, you may be wondering which beers you can still enjoy. The good news is that there are plenty of low-carb options available, so you don't have to give up your favourite drink completely. Here are some of the best low-carb beers to try:

Corona Premier

This beer is a classic choice, especially for a hot day at the beach. With just 2.6 grams of carbohydrates and 90 calories per 12-ounce bottle, it's a perfect choice for those watching their carb intake. It has a light, crisp, and refreshing taste with fruity flavours and notes of honey and malt.

Budweiser Select 55

If you're looking for an extremely low-carb option, Budweiser Select 55 is a great choice. With only 1.9 grams of carbohydrates and 55 calories per 12-ounce bottle, it's one of the lowest-carb beers available. It's a golden lager made with caramel malts, giving it a slight caramel taste.

Miller Lite

Miller Lite is a well-known original light beer that has been around since 1975. It has 3.2 grams of carbohydrates and a standard ABV of 4.2%. It's advertised as a great-tasting beer that's less filling, with a hoppy taste that beer lovers will surely appreciate.

Michelob Ultra Pure Gold

Michelob Ultra Pure Gold is the first USDA-certified organic beer in the country. It has a crisp, fresh taste with zero artificial flavours or colours. With only 2.5 grams of carbohydrates and a moderate ABV of 3.8%, it's a great option for those on a low-carb diet.

Beck's Premier Light

Beck's Premier Light is a well-rounded, low-carb beer from Germany. With only 3.9 grams of carbohydrates and a low ABV of 2.3% per 12-ounce serving, it's perfect for those who want to sip on a few beers without getting too intoxicated. It has a refreshing and crisp taste, making it ideal for summertime sipping.

Coors Light

Coors Light is a crisp and refreshing light beer with just 5 grams of carbohydrates and 102 calories per 12-ounce serving. It's a great choice for a hot, sunny day and is widely available at most liquor stores.

Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty

This low-calorie brew is a great option for IPA fans. It has a nice balance of bitterness and sweetness, with a tropical twist. With only 3.6 grams of carbohydrates and 4% ABV, it's a refreshing choice for those watching their carb intake.

Blue Moon LightSky

Blue Moon LightSky is a hazy wheat beer brewed with tangerine peel, giving it a zesty and fruity flavour. It has 3.6 grams of carbohydrates and a moderate ABV of 4%, making it a perfect choice for a relaxing day by the pool.

Yuengling Flight

Yuengling Flight is a fuller-bodied light beer with a smooth and balanced taste. With less than 3 grams of carbohydrates per 12-ounce serving, it's a great option for those who want a more flavourful light beer without the carbs.

Surly Brewing Co. Rosé

This unique beer is inspired by rosé wine and is brewed with currants and strawberries, giving it a fruity and refreshing taste. With only 2.25 grams of carbohydrates and an ABV of 5.2%, it's a great choice for those who want something different from the typical beer.

Amstel Light

Amstel Light is a popular Dutch beer that has been available in the USA since 1980. It has 5 grams of carbohydrates per 12-ounce bottle, which is higher than some other low-carb options, but it makes up for it with its upfront and bold flavour. It has a slightly bitter taste that's reminiscent of the grains used to produce it.

Remember, even when drinking low-carb beers, it's important to consume alcohol in moderation. Enjoy these beers as part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle!

How to choose a low-carb beer

If you're on a low-carb diet, you may be wondering how you can still enjoy a beer without ruining your progress. The good news is that there are plenty of low-carb beers available that can fit into your diet. Here are some tips on how to choose a low-carb beer that's right for you:

• Check the Carb Count: The first thing you want to look at when choosing a low-carb beer is the carbohydrate content. Typically, a standard beer has around 13-14 grams of carbs per bottle. For a low-carb option, look for beers with 5 grams of carbohydrates or fewer. Some beers can even go as low as 1 gram of carb per serving.
• Consider the Calories: In addition to carbs, pay attention to the calorie count. Low-carb beers typically have fewer calories than regular beers. If you're watching your calorie intake, look for options with 100 calories or fewer per serving.
• Know Your Alcohol Content: The alcohol content, or ABV (Alcohol by Volume), can vary significantly between different low-carb beers. If you're looking for a lighter option, go for beers with an ABV of around 4% or lower. If you want something stronger, there are low-carb options with ABVs of 5% or higher.
• Choose Your Style: Low-carb beers come in various styles, so you can find one that suits your taste preferences. Whether you're a fan of lagers, pilsners, IPAs, wheat beers, or fruit-flavored beers, there's a low-carb option for you.
• Read the Label: When choosing a low-carb beer, carefully read the nutrition label or the information on the packaging. This will help you understand the carb count, calorie content, and alcohol content of the beer. Some beers may also have additional nutritional information on their websites.
• Look for "Light" Beers: Beers labelled as "light" typically have fewer calories and carbohydrates than their regular counterparts. However, it's important to read the label, as the carb content can vary between different light beers.
• Consider Gluten-Free Options: If you're following a gluten-free diet in addition to low-carb, look for gluten-free low-carb beers. These beers are usually brewed with rice instead of gluten-containing grains.
• Try Well-Known Brands: Many popular beer brands offer low-carb options. For example, Budweiser Select 55, Corona Premier, Miller Lite, Coors Light, and Michelob Ultra are all well-known low-carb choices.
• Explore Craft Beers: In addition to big-name brands, there are also several craft breweries offering low-carb options. These beers can provide unique flavour profiles while still fitting into your low-carb diet.
• Pair with Food: Just like regular beers, low-carb beers can be paired with food to enhance your overall tasting experience. For example, a low-carb beer might go well with low-carb pizza, grilled chicken, or air-fried sweet potato fries.

Remember, when choosing a low-carb beer, it's important to consider your personal preferences for flavour, strength, and style. By exploring the various options available, you can find low-carb beers that fit your taste and dietary needs.

How to drink beer on a low-carb diet

Beer is generally considered to be high in carbohydrates, with a standard beer containing around 13 grams of carbs per bottle. However, this doesn't mean that you have to give up beer completely when following a low-carb diet. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you enjoy a beer while sticking to your dietary restrictions:

Choose Low-Carb Beers

Select beers that are specifically labelled as "light" or "low-carb". These beers typically have fewer carbohydrates and calories compared to regular beers. Look for options with 5 grams of carbohydrates or less per serving. Some popular choices include:

• Budweiser Select 55
• Corona Premier
• Miller Lite
• Michelob Ultra
• Beck's Premier Light
• Coors Light
• Amstel Light
• Yuengling Flight
• Blue Moon LightSky
• Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty

Check Nutritional Information

When choosing a beer, always check the nutritional information on the packaging or online. This will help you make an informed decision about the number of carbohydrates, calories, and alcohol content in your drink. Remember that the recommended daily carb intake for people on a restricted carbohydrate diet is around 50 grams or less.

Practice Moderation

Even when choosing low-carb beers, it's important to consume alcohol in moderation. This generally means one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. This will help you stay within your desired carb limit and maintain a healthy relationship with alcohol.

Consider Other Alcoholic Options

If you're unable to find a suitable low-carb beer, consider opting for spirits or seltzers, which typically have fewer carbohydrates. Rum, vodka, tequila, gin, White Claw, and Truly are all popular low-carb alternatives to beer.

Pair with Low-Carb Foods

If you're enjoying a beer with a meal or snacks, try pairing it with low-carb options. For example, choose low-carb chips, pizza, or nuts to accompany your drink. This will help you stay within your daily carb limit while still enjoying a tasty beverage.

Remember that individual preferences vary, and it's important to find a beer that suits your taste. With the wide range of low-carb options available, you're sure to find one that satisfies your cravings without compromising your dietary goals.

What are the best low-carb beer options?

If you're on a low-carb diet but don't want to give up beer, there are plenty of options available that won't derail your diet. These beers are typically brewed with distinct enzymes that break down the carbohydrates into alcohol instead of allowing them to remain as starch.

When choosing a low-carb beer, look for those with 5 grams of carbohydrates or fewer per serving. Here are some of the best low-carb beers to try:

Budweiser Select 55

Budweiser Select 55 is a light version of the classic American-style lager, with less than 2 grams of carbs per bottle. It has a slightly caramel taste and is perfect for when you want to enjoy a few beers without worrying about your carb intake.

Corona Premier

Corona Premier is a classic, easy-drinking beer with a light, crisp, and refreshing taste. With just 2.6 grams of carbs per serving, it's an excellent choice for a day at the beach. Add a squeeze of lime and a little salt, and you're all set.

Miller Lite/Miller 64

Miller Lite is a well-known original light beer that is easy to drink and can be found almost anywhere. It has a bold flavor, a standard ABV of 4.2%, and only 3.2 grams of carbs per 12-ounce bottle. Miller 64 is another great option from Miller, with just 2 grams of carbs per can.

Michelob Ultra/Michelob Ultra Pure Gold

Michelob Ultra is a popular, easy-to-find, and easy-to-drink low-calorie, low-carb option. It has a refreshing and light flavor with a little sweetness and only 2.6 grams of carbs per serving. Michelob Ultra Pure Gold takes it a step further as the country's first USDA-certified organic beer, with zero artificial flavors or colors and only 2.5 grams of carbs per serving.

Coors Light

Coors Light is a crisp and refreshing light lager with just 5 grams of carbs per can. It's a perfect choice for a hot, sunny day.

Beck's Premier Light

Beck's Premier Light is a well-rounded, refreshing beer with only 3.9 grams of carbs and a low ABV of 2.3% per 12-ounce serving. It's a good option if you're looking for moderation in both alcohol and calorie content.

Amstel Light

Amstel Light is a popular Dutch beer that has been available in the USA since 1980. While it has a slightly higher carb count of 5 grams per 12-ounce bottle, it makes up for it with its upfront and flavorful taste.

Yuengling Flight

Yuengling Flight is a low-carb option from America's oldest brewery. It has a slightly fuller body and a smooth, balanced taste, with only 2.6 grams of carbs per serving.

Blue Moon LightSky

Blue Moon LightSky is a hazy wheat beer brewed with actual tangerine peel, providing a zesty twist to your drink. It has 3.6 grams of carbs and a moderate ABV of 4%, making it a great choice for a poolside or picnic outing.

Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty

Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty is a low-calorie IPA that is a little bitter, a little sweet, and overall refreshing with a tropical twist. With just 3.6 grams of carbs, it's a great choice for IPA fans looking for a lighter option.

Surly Brewing Co. Rosé

This unique rosé wine-inspired lager from Surly Brewing Co. gets its pink color from currants and strawberries in the brewing process. It has well-balanced tart and fruity flavors, with only 2.25 grams of carbs per serving and an ABV of 5.2%.

Devils Backbone Bright Tangerine Ale

This tasty, gluten-free, citrusy sparkling ale from Devils Backbone Brewing Company is a refreshing option for keto drinkers, with just 2 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving.

Shiner Ruby Redbird

Shiner Ruby Redbird is a refreshing, easy-drinking lager brewed with locally grown red grapefruits and a kick of fresh ginger. It has only 3.1 grams of carbohydrates in a 12-ounce bottle and a 4% ABV, making it a great choice for summertime or winter days.

Lagunitas DayTime

Lagunitas DayTime is a low-carb IPA with a longer brewing process, resulting in a lighter beer. It has a hoppy character and counts 3 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving, with a 4% ABV.

Keystone Light

Keystone Light is a crisp and refreshing American-style light lager

How does beer fit into a low-carb diet?

Beer is not off the menu when you're on a low-carb diet, but you will need to be mindful of how it fits into your daily carb count. A standard beer contains around 13 grams of carbs, so you'll want to opt for low-carb beers, which generally have less than 1 gram of carbs per 100 milliliters.

Low-carb beers are typically brewed with distinct enzymes that break down carbohydrates into alcohol, preventing them from remaining as starch. This process also tends to lower the alcohol content, although not by much.

• Budweiser Select 55: With only 1.9 grams of carbs per 12-ounce bottle, this beer keeps the carbs and calories super low. It has a slight caramel taste and is ideal for those who want a beer without too much twang.
• Corona Premier: This beer has 2.6 grams of carbs per 12-ounce bottle and is perfect for a day at the beach. It has a light, crisp, and refreshing taste.
• Miller Lite: Miller Lite is a classic light beer with only 3.2 grams of carbs per 12-ounce bottle. It has a bold flavor and is keto-friendly.
• Michelob Ultra: With 2.6 grams of carbs per 12-ounce bottle, Michelob Ultra is a popular low-cal, low-carb option. It has a malty and sweet flavor with a light citrus aroma.
• Coors Light: Coors Light is a refreshing option with 5 grams of carbs per 12-ounce can. It's a great choice for a hot, sunny day.
• Miller 64 Extra Light Lager: This well-known low-carb beer has just 2.4 grams of carbs per can. It has a crisp and smooth flavor with a slightly malty taste.
• Blue Moon LightSky: A wheat beer with a citrus twist, Blue Moon LightSky has 3.6 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving. It's an affordable craft beer option.
• Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty: This beer offers a balance of classic tart and piney flavors with a tropical twist. It has 3.6 grams of carbs per can and is perfect for those who like their beers on the sweeter side.
• Ommegang Brut IPA: This IPA is dry and bubbly, with a hoppy taste. With only 3.9 grams of carbs, it's a great choice if you're looking for a low-carb option in this style.
• Kona Light Blonde Ale: With notes of mango, this ale has less than 5 grams of carbs per bottle. It's a great choice if you're looking for tropical flavors.

Remember to always consume alcohol in moderation and count the carbohydrates in your drinks into your daily carb count. Additionally, keep in mind that liquor is carb-free, while cocktails can have a lot of carbs due to sugary mixers.

Frequently asked questions