Healthy Beer: Best Buys For The Health-Conscious Drinker

Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage, but which beers are the healthiest options? Generally, darker beers such as stouts and porters, and extra hoppy beers like Imperial IPAs, are considered the healthiest. Beer can be high in calories, carbohydrates, and alcohol, so opting for lighter beers with lower alcohol content can be healthier. Some specific examples of healthier beers include Budweiser Select 55, Beck's Premier Light, and Blue Moon Light. Non-alcoholic beers are also a healthier option, as they typically have fewer calories and no alcohol content. While beer can be enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle, excessive consumption can lead to negative health effects. Therefore, moderation is key when it comes to drinking beer and reaping its potential health benefits.

Characteristics of the healthiest beer:

Healthiest beer styles

While beer is not exactly a superfood, it does have some health benefits when consumed in moderation. The key factors in determining the healthiness of a beer are its alcohol, carbohydrate, and calorie content. Generally, the lower these numbers are, the healthier the beer.

Lighter Beers

Lighter beers tend to have fewer calories and a lower alcohol content, making them a healthier choice. Examples include:

• Beck's Premier Light
• Corona Premier
• Heineken Light
• Miller64 Extra Light
• Kona Light Blonde Ale
• Budweiser Select 55
• Michelob Ultra Pure Gold
• Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty Lo-Cal IPA
• Lagunitas DayTime IPA

Darker Beers

Darker beers, such as stouts and porters, tend to have more phenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce the risk of heart disease. Examples include:

• Guinness Extra Stout
• Anchor Porter
• Moody Tongue Brewing Company - Caramelized Chocolate Churrow Baltic Porter
• Left Hand Brewing - Milk Stout
• Great Divide Brewing - Yeti Imperial Stout
• North Coast Brewing - Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout

Hoppier Beers

Beers with higher hop content can help prevent bacterial growth in the gut and reduce inflammation. Examples include:

• Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA
• Lagunitas DayTime IPA
• Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty Lo-Cal IPA
• Heineken
• Sierra Nevada Brewing Company - American Pale Ale
• Russian River Brewery - Pliny the Elder Double India Pale Ale
• Melvin Brewing - Hubert Pale Ale
• The Fuller's Griffin Brewery - Fuller India Pale Ale - English IPA
• Burial Beer Co. - Surf Wax IPA
• Pipe Works Brewing Co. - Ninja vs Unicorn DIPA

Spontaneously Fermented Beers

Spontaneously fermented beers, such as lambics and gose, have healthy probiotics that benefit the digestive system. Examples include:

• Brasserie Cantillon - Lambic
• Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen - Oude Lambik
• Jester King Brewery - SPON
• Trinity Brewing Company- 7-Day Golden Sour
• Brouwerij Boon - Oude Geuze Boon
• Bayerischer Bahnhof - Leipziger Gose
• The Bruery Terreux - Goses Are Red
• Tarboro Brewing Co. - Seed Spitter Watermelon Gose
• Bear Republic Brewing Co. - Tartare (Berliner Weisse)
• Create Comforts Brewing Co. - Athena (Berliner Weisse)

Healthiest beers to buy

While beer is not exactly a superfood, it can be a source of anti-inflammatory phenols and antioxidants. These compounds may offer protection against a range of chronic diseases. Ales and dark beers, such as stouts and porters, contain more phenols than regular kinds, and alcoholic beers have more phenols than non-alcoholic varieties.

When choosing a healthy beer, opt for one with lower alcohol content—ideally less than 5% ABV—and fewer carbohydrates, as high carbohydrate intake can lead to unregulated blood sugars. Lighter beers tend to have a third fewer calories than regular beer.

Corona Premier

Corona Premier is even lighter than Corona Light, with a smooth, sweet, almost fruity taste.

• Serving Size: 12 fl oz
• Type: Lager
• Calories: 90
• Carbs: 2.6 g
• ABV: 4%

Lagunitas DayTime IPA

If you love the hoppy flavour of an IPA, Lagunitas DayTime IPA is a great healthier option. Fans describe it as herby and citrusy, but still hops-forward.

• Serving Size: 12 fl oz
• Type: India Pale Ale (IPA)
• Calories: 98
• Carbs: 3 g
• ABV: 4%

Michelob Ultra Pure Gold

With a carb count of 2.5 grams, Michelob Ultra Pure Gold is a good choice, offering fewer carbohydrates and lower alcohol content than the classic Michelob Ultra, while still providing a citrusy, light taste. It's also USDA-certified organic.

• Serving Size: 12 fl oz
• Type: Lager
• Calories: 85
• Carbs: 2.5 g
• ABV: 3.8%

Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty Lo-Cal IPA

Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty Lo-Cal IPA is a small-label IPA with signature flavour notes of coconut, citrus, and pineapple. It's made with monk fruit instead of refined cane sugar.

• Serving Size: 12 fl oz
• Type: IPA
• Calories: 95
• Carbs: 3.6 g
• ABV: 4%

Miller64

While Miller Light is a solid choice, Miller64 is even better. This beer has a crisp, refreshing taste that will satisfy those who prefer a less hoppy brew.

• Serving Size: 12 fl oz
• Type: Light Lager
• Calories: 64
• Carbs: 2.4 g
• ABV: 2.8%

Budweiser Select 55

Considering the health criteria, Budweiser Select 55 is one of the best beers.

• Serving Size: 12 fl oz
• Type: Lager
• Calories: 55
• Carbs: 1.9 g
• ABV: 2.4%

Blue Moon Light

Blue Moon Light adds pineapple to the brand's signature orange-tinged, tropical wheat flavour for a healthy-ish beer that's light and refreshing.

• Serving Size: 12 fl oz
• Type: Belgian Ale
• Calories: 95
• Carbs: 6 g
• ABV: 4%

Ghostfish Shrouded Summit Belgian White Ale

Ghostfish Shrouded Summit Belgian White Ale is one of the best gluten-free beers, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. It has a juniper-forward flavour.

• Serving Size: 12 fl oz
• Type: Belgian Ale
• Calories: 125
• Carbs: 8 g
• ABV: 4.5%

Heineken Light

Heineken Light is not only healthier nutritionally, but it's also non-GMO.

• Serving Size: 12 fl oz
• Type: Lager
• Calories: 90
• Carbs: 6 g
• ABV: 3.3%

Healthiest non-alcoholic beers

While drinking beer in moderation can be part of a healthy lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption can have some concerning health implications. These include impaired brain function, increased risk of certain cancers, alcoholic fatty liver disease, poor mental health, and more.

Non-alcoholic beers are a great alternative if you want to enjoy the taste of beer without the negative health effects. They are generally lower in calories and often have added vitamins and minerals.

Athletic Brewing Company: Run Wild IPA

Athletic Brewing Company's Run Wild IPA is an award-winning non-alcoholic beer with citrusy hops, subtly sweet malt, and a crisp refreshing finish. It has less than 0.5% ABV and only 70 calories, making it a great choice for those looking for a healthier option.

Sober Carpenter Nonalcoholic Irish Red Ale

Sober Carpenter's Irish Red Ale is a nonalcoholic masterpiece, boasting a satisfying sweetness and a smooth finish that rivals its alcoholic counterparts. It has a blend of toasted malts with caramel sweetness and subtle earthy hops, making it a great choice for those seeking a nonalcoholic ale without compromising on flavor.

Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects Hoppy Amber

Brooklyn Brewery's Special Effects is a non-alcoholic beer with a special fermentation method that retains its flavor without the alcohol. It has a citrus-forward taste with just the right amount of bitterness from the hops. With less than 0.5% ABV, it's a great option for IPA fans looking for a healthier choice.

Heineken Non-Alcoholic 0.0

Heineken 0.0 is a refreshing non-alcoholic alternative to the classic Heineken lager. It has a crisp taste with a subtle hint of bitterness from the hops. With 0.03% ABV and only 69 calories, it's perfect for those seeking a familiar flavor without the alcohol.

Bravus Oatmeal Stout

Bravus Brewing Co.'s Oatmeal Stout is a super dark stout with hints of chocolate, caramel, and smoke. With less than 0.5% ABV and 110 calories, it's a rich and flavorful non-alcoholic option for those who enjoy darker beers.

Erdinger Non-Alcoholic Lager

Erdinger's Non-Alcoholic Lager is a German beer that is touted as an isotonic recovery drink loaded with vitamin B9 to support a healthy metabolism and immune system. With less than 0.5% ABV and only 82 calories, it's a healthy, refreshing choice.

These non-alcoholic beers offer a great way to enjoy the taste of beer while being mindful of your health. Remember to always drink in moderation and stay within the recommended limits of two drinks or less per day for men and one drink or less per day for women.

Healthiest low-calorie beers

While beer is not exactly a superfood, there are certainly healthier options available. When looking for a healthier beer, it's best to look for lower alcohol content and lighter beers with fewer carbohydrates.

Budweiser Select 55

With only 55 calories, Budweiser Select 55 is one of the lowest-calorie beers on the market. It has less than 2 grams of carbohydrates and a light, crisp taste. It's a great option if you're looking for a low-calorie beer that still has a small amount of alcohol, coming in at 2.4% ABV.

Beck's Premier Light

Beck's Premier Light is a fresh-tasting, light lager. With just 63 calories and 3.8 grams of carbs, it's a healthy option without compromising on taste. While it has a reduced alcoholic content of 2.3% ABV, it still has a surprisingly full-bodied flavour.

Corona Premier

Corona Premier is a healthier version of Corona Extra, with only 2.6 grams of carbohydrates and 90 calories per bottle. It has an impressive 4.0% ABV, almost retaining the alcohol content of Corona Extra. It has a light, sweet and fruity taste, making it a refreshing choice.

Heineken Light

Heineken Light is a healthier, non-GMO option with 90 calories, 6 grams of carbs and 3.3% ABV. It has a crisp, mild taste with a gentle bitterness and a slight fruity note. It's a good choice if you're looking for a safe, light beer option.

Lagunitas DayTime IPA

Lagunitas DayTime is a session IPA with just 3 grams of carbohydrates, 90 calories and 4% ABV. It has a gloriously fruity scent with hints of lychee, grapefruit and grass. It has a smooth, honey aftertaste that makes it a very drinkable beer.

Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty

Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty is a low-calorie beer with a robust IPA flavour. It has 4.0% ABV, 3.6 grams of carbs and 95 calories. It's a great choice for those looking for a healthy beer without compromising on taste.

Miller64 Extra Light

Miller64 Extra Light is an ultra-light beer with a barely-noticeable 2.4 grams of carbohydrates and only 64 calories. It has a crisp, gently sweet taste and 2.8% ABV. It's a good option for those looking for a healthy beer with a low-calorie count.

Kona Light Blonde Ale

Kona Light Blonde Ale is a light ale with a sprightly, tropical flavour and a buttery mouthfeel. It has 4 grams of carbohydrates, 99 calories per serving and 4.2% ABV. It's a good choice if you're looking for a light ale with a slightly higher alcohol content.

YuengLing FLIGHT

YuengLing FLIGHT is a low-carb lager with only 2.6 grams of carbohydrates, 95 calories and 4.2% ABV. It has a smooth profile and a strong punch of maltiness. It's a healthier option compared to YuengLing's traditional lager and light lager.

Health benefits of beer

While beer is not a superfood, it does have some surprising health benefits. Firstly, beer contains phenols, which are natural antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Upping your phenol intake reduces your risk of heart disease, promotes healthy digestion, and improves brain function. While darker beers like stouts and porters tend to have more phenols, light, hoppy brews like Imperial IPAs also hold great health benefits. Hops can even help prevent bacterial growth in your gut and reduce inflammation.

In addition, light to moderate beer consumption can help prevent type-2 diabetes, osteoporosis, coronary heart disease, hypertension, dementia, and many types of cancer. Beer also contains antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, including several important nutrients that are most easily digestible in beer form.

However, it is important to remember that overconsumption of alcohol can contribute to liver damage, weight gain, and reduced testosterone levels. Therefore, it is recommended to consume beer in moderation, which is defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. When choosing a healthier beer, opt for lower alcohol content, usually 2.4% to 5% ABV, and lighter beers with fewer carbohydrates and calories.

Frequently asked questions