What Low-Carb Beer Is: Taste, 3 Popular Brands + 3 Best Beers

Jacqueline Eisenbraun (Senior Editor)

Beverages that are low in calories and carbs are having their time. Those following a keto diet consume foods and drinks low in carbs and high in fat. Find here the best low-carb beer you should try as well as popular breweries.

This post will discuss everything you need to know about low-carb beers. Starting with their history and origin, we’ll walk you through their taste, ingredients, and alcohol content.

Plus, we’ll help you choose the best beers and learn about the best low-carb brands. Let’s brush up on some facts about low-carb beers.

What Low-Carb or Keto Beer Is: Explained

What Low-Carb or Keto Beer Is: Explained

A low-carb or keto beer has less than 5 grams of carbs per serving, while a standard beer contains at least 10 grams. Breweries further process these beers to remove more carbohydrates.

These beers are popular because more people are reducing carbs for a healthier lifestyle and weight management.

The carb content in low-carb beers is completely converted to carbon dioxide and alcohol, leaving only a few carbs responsible for the sweet taste. Even if you aren’t following a keto diet, low-carb beer is better for you as it is healthy and tastes good.

Consider light beers when shopping for a low-carb beer, as they have one-third fewer calories than traditional beers. However, with more low-carb beers being introduced, choosing one is tricky.

Origin, History, and Founders of Low-Carb Beer

Origin, History, and Founders of Low-Carb Beer

The modern low-carb beer industry in the U.S. resulted from Joseph Owades’s efforts. Joseph worked for Rheingold Brewery, which was based in Brooklyn.

So Joseph traveled to Switzerland to taste a beer created by Dr. Hersch Gablinger. After tasting this beer, the Rheingold Brewery purchased the rights to brew it in the U.S. in 1966. The Gablinger was the first low-carb beer in America, but it didn’t get too popular then.

The low-carb beer recipe passed through a few brewers and was introduced at the Brewery in Milwaukee as Lite in 1972. This low-carb beer became very popular, especially among those looking for a beer that could help them lose weight. The low-carb beers don’t help with weight loss but don’t add up to the carb content.

So, overall, it was because of the growing concern about health and wellness among beer lovers that these beers became popular. By the end of 2017, low-carb beers had become a prominent part of the beer culture, especially for those on a low-carb diet.

What Types of Low-Carb Beers Are There?

What Types of Low-Carb Beers Are There?

Low-carb beers are the ones with fewer carbs, and that’s the main difference between a regular beer and a low-carb beer.

You consume 10 grams or more from a 375-ml bottle when you drink a traditional beer. On the other hand, if you drink a 375-ml bottle of a low-carb beer, you consume only 3 grams of carbohydrates.

The carb content in a low-carb beer depends on the process used for brewing. Low-carb beer is produced by malting, mashing, boiling, fermentation, bottling, and aging. Here’s how low-carb beers are made:

• Malting: This is the step where the source of carbs is used for years to ferment. Processes like drying, heating, and cracking are used for enzyme isolation.
• Mashing: During this step, the grains are soaked in hot water for a particular period. The enzymes are activated this way and release sugars. The water is drained, and a sticky and sweet 'wort' is left.
• Boiling: At this step, flavors are added by using fruits and spices. Hops are also added for flavoring.
• Fermentation: After boiling, the water is drained, and yeast is added for fermentation. The yeast feeds on the carbs for a specific period and converts them into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

Ingredients of Low-Carb Beer

Ingredients of Low-Carb Beer

Low-carb beers consist of water, hops, barley, and yeast. The sugar is extracted from grains, and yeast is added for fermentation. This process converts the sugar into carbon dioxide and alcohol.

To reduce the carbs in a beer, there are several processes used. For instance, one common way to create a low-carb beer is to use malt substitutes.

For instance, dextrose and maltodextrin are two common malt substitutes that break carbs into simple sugars and have minimal impact on blood sugar levels.

Taste of Low-Carb Beer

Low-carb beers are very light and refreshing and are perfect to be used as a summer drink. The low-carb beers are available in various flavors and styles, but the thing that is common between them is that they have significantly fewer carbs.

Low-carb beers have a less sweet taste as compared to traditional beers. Most low-carb beers have the same taste as standard beers but are lower in carb content. These beers have a lighter body and are more hoppy or bitter because of fewer residual sugars.

Alcohol in Low Carb Beer

Alcohol in Low Carb Beer

Low-carb beers have around 4.6 percent Alcohol by Volume (ABV). However, one thing to remember is that low-carb beers are not necessarily low-alcohol. Regular beers have the same alcohol content as low-carb beers. Low-alcohol beers are the ones that have an ABV of 3 percent or less.

So, if you’re concerned about your health and wellness, you must opt for a low-carb and low-alcohol beer. In general, cutting back on alcohol has benefits and saves you from consuming many calories.

These Beers Are the Lowest in Carbs

These Beers Are the Lowest in Carbs

Several low-carb beers are on the market, but only a few are the lowest in carbs.

If you’re looking for the beers that are the lowest in carbs, have a look at our picks.

We explain how many carbs are in the beer and what is possibly special about it.

Here you will learn more about low-calorie beer.

Corona Premier: 2.6 Grams Carbs

Corona Premier: 2.6 grams carbs

Corona Premier is a refreshing low-carb beer with a light and crisp taste. This beer is perfect for those following a keto diet or seeking a beverage that doesn’t contribute to the carb content.

The beer contains only 2.6 grams of carbs and has 90 calories. It is a light lager with an ABV of 4 percent and is very affordable, too.

Bright Tangerine Sparkling Ale: 2 Grams of Carbs

Bright Tangerine Sparkling Ale contains only 2 g of carbs and is one of the most refreshing low-carb beers. The drink is low-carb, gluten-free, and low-calorie, providing a bubbly and dry finish.

The drink is brighter than most ales and contains a high concentration of natural tangerine for a rejuvenating touch.

Budweiser Select 55: 1.9 Grams Carbs

Budweiser Select 55 is one of the lowest-carb beers. With just 1.9 grams, this beer is the perfect choice for all those seeking a healthier lifestyle. The problem with most beers is that they are packed with carbs and alcohol. Besides that, the beer has only 2.4 percent ABV, meaning it is a low-alcohol beer.

Hard Seltzer: 2 Grams Carbs

Hard Seltzer: 2 grams carbs

Hard Seltzer has only 2 grams of carbs. It is made with brewed cane sugar and malted rice. Plus, the manufacturer adds soda water and flavorings too.

The beer doesn’t contain gluten and is a good choice for those seeking a gluten-free option. Plus, if you have diabetes and crave a beer, you can rely on Hard Seltzer.

Michelob Ultra: 2.6 Grams Carbs

Michelob Ultra has 2.6 grams of carbs and 4.2 percent alcohol content. The drink is a perfect summer drink because it is refreshing and low in carbs.

It is a super-light beer brewed with wholesome grains and Herkules hops. The beer has a refreshing and crisp finish and contains no artificial flavors. Michelob Ultra allows you to enjoy a beer without compromising your health and wellness.

Benefits of Low-Carb Beer

Benefits of Low-Carb Beer

Low-carb beers offer several benefits because of their reduced carb content. The rise in popularity of these beers is because more people are concerned about their carb intake.

Also, more people are following diet plans, including Keto and Paleo, which include consuming minimum carbs. If you’re willing to consume low-carb beers, here are a few benefits to consider.

Low-Carb Beer and Diabetes

The best beer for people with diabetes is the one that doesn’t affect blood sugar levels. Low-carb beers contain low-carb content, meaning consuming them won’t increase blood sugar. These beers allow diabetics to enjoy beer without worrying about a spike in their blood sugar.

Fewer Calories

Fewer Calories

If you’re following a weight loss plan, low-carb beers are the ones you should consider. The carbs in foods and drinks contribute to the overall caloric content and result in weight gain.

Regular beers are packed with carbs and calories, contributing to an increase in weight. So, if you’re craving a beer while following a weight loss plan, consuming a low-carb beer won’t harm you.

Alignment with Other Diets

You can easily incorporate low-carb beers into your meal plans if you follow a ketogenic or other low-carb diet. Regular beer is not recommended on these diet plans, as it is packed with carbs that can take you out of ketosis.

These low-carb beers allow you to enjoy beverages while following dietary restrictions.

Best Low-Carb Beers

Best Low-Carb Beers

When it comes to low-carb beers, some people complain that they are too watery and tasteless.

However, some brands are creating flavorful and high-quality low-carb beers.

The following are some of the best low-carb beers that don’t taste like watery and tasteless beverages.

Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty

Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty

Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty is a low-carb Indian pale ale. Yes, you heard it right. You might think IPAs are packed with carbs and calories, but this doesn’t hold for the Dogfish beer.

This beer contains only 3.6 grams of carbs from monk fruit. Besides that, it is characterized by notes of pineapple and coconut and has a classic hoppy taste.

Lagunitas DayTime IPA

Lagunitas DayTime IPA contains 3 grams of carbs and only 4 percent ABV. So, if you’re an IPA fan following keto, here’s another one for you. This beer has all the benefits of a heavy-hitter IPA but contains fewer carbs and alcohol. The beer is characterized by a refreshing and smooth finish.

Heineken Silver Lager

Heineken Silver Lager has only 3.2 grams of carbs and an ABV of 4 percent. It is a keto-friendly beer with an excellent flavor profile and a light mouthfeel. The best thing about this beer is that it is not bitter and allows you to enjoy a healthy lifestyle without compromising on the taste and quality of the beer.

Best Low-Carb, Non-Alcoholic Beers

Best Low-Carb, Non-Alcoholic Beers

If you want to know about the healthiest beers, you’re in the right place. The best and healthiest beers have low carbs and are low in alcohol.

A low-carb beer has very few carbs, but it can also have a higher alcohol content, and too much alcohol is not healthy. A beer with low carbs and low alcohol content is perfect if you want to stay healthy and fit. The following are the best low-carb, non-alcoholic beers.

Partake Non-Alcoholic Blonde Ale

A non-alcoholic blonde ale consists of only 2 grams of carbs. This beer has no alcohol and has a pleasant and delicious taste. It has a light golden body and offers a crisp finish.

Drop Bear Tropical IPA

Drop Bear Tropical IPA contains 0.5 grams per 100 ml and no alcohol. The beer is a bit bitter, but if you want to choose something without carbs or alcohol, this should be on your list.

BrewDog Nanny State Non-Alcoholic IPA

BrewDog Nanny ranges from light brown to hazy gold, and citrusy hops dominate its aroma. Besides citrusy notes, you’ll notice orange, caramel, and molasses. BrewDog Nanny is not a sweet beer, but it’s a good option if you’re looking for a low-carb, non-alcoholic option.

Most Popular Low-Carb Beer Brands and Breweries

Most Popular Low-Carb Beer Brands and Breweries

Shopping for a low-carb beer was difficult some time ago, but now several brands are producing these beers.

Have a look at our top picks for the most popular low-carb beer brands and breweries: for example pure blonde, molson coorse beverage company and the popular miller brewery company.

Pure Blonde

Pure Blonde is a brand well-known for creating beers with low-carb content. The brand claims its beers have 80 percent fewer carbs than regular ones.

Plus, their beers are full of flavors, so beer drinkers don’t have to compromise on taste. Their Pure Blonde Ultra Low-Carb Lager has a floral and herbal aroma that balances the low-carb style of the beer.

Molson Coors Beverage Company

Molson Coors Beverage Company

Molson Coors Beverage Company is famous for its year-round brews. The company has been brewing beverages for decades, and they have a variety of beers for all types of drinkers.

Their brand, 'Cool Light,' is a light lager with 4.2 percent ABV. It is a low-alcohol and low-carb beer, containing only 5 grams of carbs. Besides that, their beer contains only 102 calories per bottle and is a great drink for summer.

Miller Brewing Company

The Miller Brewing Company is a reputable brewing brand. It introduced 'Milwaukee’s Best Light' in 1986, a low-calorie beer with only 3.5 grams of carbs.

Many low-carb drinkers enjoy the beer’s light, bitter, and malty taste. Their Miller Lite is an American Pilsner that is not only low-carb but very flavorful too.

Perfect Food Pairing with Low-Carb Beers

Perfect Food Pairing with Low-Carb Beers

Low-carb beers pair well with healthy keto-friendly snacks. Following a keto diet doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste and flavor. Plus, many keto followers think they can’t drink beer on keto. Keto followers can only avoid beers that are packed with carbs.

Low-carb or keto beers are a good choice if you often crave a beer to quench your thirst. Besides that, it is equally essential to pair your low-carb beer with low-carb foods. Consider the following options.

Cheddar Cheese Crisps

Cheddar cheese crisps pair perfectly with any type of low-carb beer. They are keto-friendly and crispy, and their flavors complement low-carb beers' light and bitter taste. If you do not like cheddar cheese, substitute it with Parmesan, Mozzarella, or Asiago.

BLT Wraps

BLT Wraps

Bacon-Lettuce-Tomato Wraps are delicious, healthy, and go well with low-carb beers. This combination can be a complete and delicious keto meal for all keto followers.

Just take a romaine lettuce leaf, two slices of bacon, and three slices of tomato, make two wraps, and add shredded cheddar cheese. Enjoy it with a bottle of low-carb beer.

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded cauliflower casserole consists of steamed cauliflower mixed with sour cream, cream cheese, and cheddar and topped with chives and crumbled bacon. This mixture is then baked to perfection.

You can pair this loaded casserole with a low-carb beer to balance the cheesy taste and make a satisfying and complete meal.

Wrap-Up

Wrap-Up

And there you have it. You now know everything about low-carb beers and can choose the best beer according to your taste and preferences.

These beers have a very low carb content and are still packed with flavors for a delicious and complete beer-drinking experience. These beverages pair well with other keto-friendly foods for a complete meal experience.

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