Zero-Calorie Beer: Enjoy Guilt-Free Sipping

Beer is often associated with being fattening, and while it's true that beer contains calories, there are plenty of low-calorie options available. In fact, according to beer experts, there are several beers with fewer than 100 calories per serving. For example, a typical 12-ounce can of beer contains around 155 calories, but a Budweiser has 145 calories and a Miller Lite has just 96. Even lower is the Tennent's Light lager, which has only 20 calories per 100ml, or 66 calories per 330ml bottle.

While it's impossible to completely eliminate all the calories from beer, brewers can reduce them by lowering the number of carbohydrates that come from malt and grains. Non-alcoholic beers, for instance, are often very low in calories, and some even claim to have zero calories.

So, if you're mindful of your calorie intake but still want to enjoy a cold beer, there are plenty of low-calorie options to choose from.

Non-alcoholic beers with zero calories and carbs

Non-alcoholic beers are a great alternative for those who want to avoid alcohol or cut back on their calorie intake. While there are currently no beers with absolutely zero calories, there are several non-alcoholic beers with minimal calories and carbs that you can enjoy.

Athletic Brewing Co. Lite

This non-alcoholic beer has just 25 calories and 5 grams of carbs per 12-fluid-ounce serving. It has won a gold medal at the World Beer Awards and is a great option for those looking for a classic light beer taste.

Brewdog Non-Alcoholic Punk AF

With only 20 calories and 2.3 grams of carbs per 12-fluid-ounce serving, this hoppy craft beer is brewed with monk fruit, giving it slightly sweet notes of tropical fruit and pine.

Partake Brewing's IPA

Partake Brewing's IPA is another excellent choice, with 10 calories and 2 grams of carbohydrates per can. It has a well-balanced bitterness and a malty undertone that IPA lovers will surely enjoy.

Heineken 0.0

Heineken 0.0 is the classic Heineken taste without the alcohol. It has just 63 calories and about 15 grams of carbohydrates per 10-ounce serving.

Coors Edge

Coors Edge is another non-alcoholic option with 41 calories and 8 grams of carbohydrates per bottle.

In addition to these options, there are several other non-alcoholic beers with minimal calories and carbs, such as St. Pauli Girl Non-Alcoholic Beer, Beck's Blue Alcohol-Free Beer, and Busch NA.

So, if you're looking for a beer that won't weigh you down with calories and carbs, these non-alcoholic options are a great choice! Just be sure to read the nutrition labels to make an informed decision.

Low-calorie beers with less alcohol

Although it's difficult to completely eliminate all the calories from beer, there are several low-calorie options available that also have a lower alcohol content. These beers are usually crafted by reducing the number of carbohydrates that come from malt and grains, as well as lowering the alcohol content. Here are some examples:

Lagers

• Budweiser Select (2.4% ABV): 55 calories
• Molson Ultra (3% ABV): 70 calories
• Sleeman Light (4% ABV): 90 calories
• Amstel Light (4% ABV): 95 calories
• Heineken Light (4.2% ABV): 97 calories
• Corona Light (3.7% ABV): 99 calories
• Coors Light (4.2% ABV): 102 calories
• Bud Light (4.2% ABV): 103 calories

Ales

• Le Petit Prince (2.9% ABV): 75 calories
• Dogfish Head Slighty Mighty (4% ABV): 95 calories
• Kona Kanaha Blonde Ale (4.2% ABV): 99 calories
• Southern Tier Swipe Light (4% ABV): 110 calories
• River Trip Pale Ale (4.8% ABV): 128 calories

Stouts

• 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

Although non-alcoholic beers are not completely free of alcohol, they usually have a maximum alcohol content of 0.5%. Some examples of low-calorie non-alcoholic beers include:

• Coors Edge (0.5% ABV): 45 calories
• Heineken 0.0 (0.0% ABV): 69 calories
• Budweiser Prohibition Brew (0.0% ABV): 150 calories

Light beers with fewer calories and a lower ABV

Light beers are defined by their lower ABV (around 5%) and lower calorie content. They are often crisp, pale lagers, but craft breweries have also been experimenting with light beers in recent years, creating a rapidly expanding subsection of light brews.

Night Shift Brewery Nite Lite Craft Light Lager

This light lager from Massachusetts-based Night Shift Brewing is an effortlessly drinkable lager, with plenty of flavour and only 120 calories. With a 4.3% ABV, it's a great option for those looking for a light beer that doesn't skimp on taste.

Miller Lite Lager Beer

Miller Lite is known as the original light beer, and it's an award-winning, dependable, mainstream American pilsner. With just 96 calories, 3.2 grams of carbs, and a 4.2% ABV, it's an easy-drinking, classic golden beer with a slightly sweet finish.

Lagunitas DayTime IPA

This craft beer from California-based Lagunitas proves that IPAs can also be done with a lighter touch. With only 98 calories, 3 grams of carbs, and a 4% ABV, it's a well-balanced, easy-drinking, and hoppy beer that doesn't sacrifice flavour.

Bell’s Light Hearted Ale Lo-Cal IPA

Michigan's Bell’s Brewing has created a well-received light beer with its Light-Hearted Ale. With notes of citrus and pine, and at 3.7% ABV and 110 calories, it's a flavorful brew that packs a lighter punch.

Guinness Pub Draught Stout

You might be surprised to see this iconic dark ale on a list of light beers, but at a low 4.2% ABV, Guinness Draught technically fits the bill. With its nitro smoothness, caramelised and chocolate character, and deep roasted coffee colour, it's a versatile beer that pairs well with food or can be used in cocktails.

Allagash Little Grove Sparkling Session Ale with Blackcurrants

This sparkling session ale from Allagash Brewing Company is bright and effervescent, with the perfect harmony of sweetness and tartness. With only a 3.8% ABV and 100 calories, it's a great option for those looking for a light and refreshing beer.

Calorie differences in alcoholic drinks

Alcoholic drinks are often a source of ""empty calories", providing little to no nutritional value. These calories can add up quickly, with a couple of drinks potentially adding 500 calories or more to your daily intake.

The number of calories in an alcoholic drink depends on various factors, such as the type of alcohol, the alcohol content, the amount of residual sugar, and the presence of added sugars or flavourings.

Beer

Beers can range from 55 calories per can for Bud Select 55, to 200-250 calories for a pint of lager or 180-240 calories for a pint of ale.

Wine

The calories in wine vary depending on the type, with red wines generally having a higher calorific value than white or rosé wines. A 175ml glass of 13% ABV red wine contains around 159 calories, while a 175ml glass of 12% ABV white wine has about 142 calories. Sparkling wines tend to be lower in calories, with a 125ml glass of brut champagne containing around 89 calories.

Spirits and liqueurs

Spirits tend to be lower in calories, with a 50ml measure of a 40% ABV spirit containing around 110 calories. Liqueurs, on the other hand, can be higher in calories due to their added sugars. For example, a 50ml measure of a 17% cream liqueur has approximately 164 calories.

Cocktails

Cocktails are often high in calories due to the addition of mixers, such as soda, juice, or cream. A margarita, for example, can contain 160-220 calories, while a piña colada can have 200-300 calories.

Low-calorie options

To reduce your calorie intake, opt for drinks with lower alcohol content and avoid adding sugary mixers. Some lower-calorie options include:

• Low-alcohol or non-alcoholic beer
• Sparkling wine
• Spirits with low-calorie mixers, such as soda or tonic water
• Light beers, such as Bud Select 55 or MGD 64

Health-conscious beer brands

While beer is often associated with being fattening, it is comparable in calories to other alcoholic beverages. However, with consumers becoming increasingly health-conscious, manufacturers are responding by creating more low-calorie options and being more transparent about the nutritional value of their products.

Low-calorie options

Several beer brands now offer low-calorie options, which typically have a lower ABV. Here are some examples:

• Miller Lite is the original 'light' beer brand, conceived by Frederick Miller in 1975. It has 96 calories per bottle.
• Bud Light is a famous light beer with a no-carb option called Bud Light Next, which has about 80 calories.
• Corona Premier is a low-calorie version of Corona with bright, sweet, and sharp flavours.
• Heineken Light has the classic Heineken flavour but with fewer calories (90 calories).
• Yuengling Light Lager is a lighter version of Yuengling's flagship lager, which is America's oldest brewery. It has less than 100 calories.
• Kona Light Blonde Ale is a Swiss-based brand inspired by Hawaii's natural beauty. It has a light, tropical flavour and just 99 calories per 12oz serving.
• Blue Moon LightSky is a wheat ale with a tangerine peel brew and only 95 calories.
• Beck's Premier Light is a surprisingly flavourful light lager with notes of fruit and citrus and a distinct sweetness.
• Guinness Draught is a low-calorie companion to the classic Guinness, with the same rich barley flavour. It has 125 calories per 12oz serving.

Non-alcoholic options

Non-alcoholic beers are also typically low or zero-calorie. Some options include:

• Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild Non-Alcoholic IPA has the same level of carbonation as regular beer and is brewed with a blend of five Northwest hops.
• Heineken 0.0 is Heineken's non-alcoholic option, which is also light on calories.
• Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher Sparkling Hop Water is a non-alcoholic option with zero calories or carbs.
• Asahi Zero is a non-alcoholic beer from Japan that tastes like real light beer.

Frequently asked questions