Carbs in Beer and Best Low-Carb Beer for Keto Diet
on Apr 05, 2023
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If you’re on a keto diet, you may wonder whether the beer is keto and how many carbs are in beer. Beer is a popular alcoholic drink that is enjoyed by many people, but it’s known to be high in carbs. However, there are low-carb beer options available that can help you stay on track with your keto diet while still allowing you to enjoy a cold brew.
What is Beer Made of?
Beer is made from water, grains, hops, and yeast. The grains used in beer production are usually barley, but other grains like wheat, rye, and corn can also be used. The brewing process involves fermenting the grains with yeast and hops to create alcohol and carbon dioxide.
Is Beer Keto-Friendly?
Regular beer is not keto-friendly due to its high carbohydrate content. However, there are low-carb beer options available that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a keto diet.
How Many Carbs In Beer?
The number of carbs in beer can vary depending on the type of beer and the brand. According to USDA, a 12-ounce can of regular beer contains approximately 12.8 grams of carbs.
Light beer has fewer carbs, with about 5.9 grams of carbs per 12-ounce can. Take note that some beers are higher in carbs than others, so be sure to check the carb content of a beer before consuming it.
How Many Net Carbs In Beer?
Net carbs refer to the total number of carbs minus the amount of fiber in a food or drink. Beer does not contain fiber, so the total number of carbs is the same as the net carbs. Below is the net carb for regular beer and light beer according to USDA nutrient database.
| 12-ounce Serving (360g) | Net Carbs |
| Regular Beer | 12.8 grams |
| Light Beer | 5.9 grams |
Why You Should Drink Low-Carb Beer
If you’re following a keto diet, it’s important to limit your carbohydrate intake. Drinking low-carb beer can help you stay within your carb limit while still enjoying a beer. Low-carb beer is also lower in calories, making it a better choice for weight loss.
How to Fit Beer Into A Keto Diet
If you want to enjoy beer while following a keto diet, it’s important to choose low-carb beer options and drink them in moderation.
You can also adjust your carb intake on days when you plan to have a beer, by reducing carb intake from other sources.
Best Low-Carb Keto Beer Options
There are many low-carb beer options available that are suitable for a keto diet. Some of the best low-carb keto beer options include:
| 12-ounce Serving | Carb Content |
| Bridge Brewing Co. PrimeTime | 1.5 grams |
| Budweiser Select 55 | 1.9 grams |
| Miller 64 | 2.4 grams |
| Michelob Ultra | 2.6 grams |
| Corona Premier | 2.6 grams |
Best Low-Calorie Beer Options
If you’re also looking for low-calorie options, some of the best low-calorie beer options include:
| 12-ounce Serving | Calorie Content |
| Budweiser Select 55 | 55 calories |
| Miller 64 | 64 calories |
| Amstel Light | 95 calories |
| Yuengling Light Lager | 99 calories |
| Coors Light | 102 calories |
Popular Gluten-Free Beer Options
For those who are sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease, there are many gluten-free beer options available. Some popular gluten-free beer options include:
| 12-ounce Serving | Gluten Content |
| Glutenberg Blonde Ale | zero |
| Redbridge Lager | zero |
| Stone Delicious IPA | gluten-reduced |
| Omission Lager | less than 10 ppm gluten |
| New Belgium Glutiny Pale Ale | less than 10 ppm gluten |
List of Non-Keto Beer Options
- Regular beer: A typical 12-ounce can of regular beer contains around 12-15 grams of carbs.
- Light beer: Light beer has fewer calories and carbs than regular beer. USDA states that light beer has 5.9 grams of carbs per 12-ounce can. However there are several brands offering under 5 grams of carbs.
- Wheat beer: Wheat beer is made from wheat, which is higher in carbs than other grains. A 12-ounce can of wheat beer usually contains 11 grams of carbohydrates. However, some wheat beers may contain higher or lower amounts of carbohydrates depending on the specific brew. Certain wheat beers also contain adjuncts like orange or coriander which may contribute additional carbohydrates.
High-Carb Beer to Avoid
Some beer options should be avoided completely if you’re following a keto diet. These include:
- Lager: A 12-ounce serving of lager contains around 13 grams of carbs.
- IPA: India Pale Ale, also known as IPA are almost impossible to generalize in terms of carb count. They come from so many independent breweries. Many brands contain 10 to 20 grams of carbs per bottle. But some IPAs come in dainty little soda can sizes, and some have extra flavors, sugar, and honey added, which can hike the carb count above 20 grams.
- Stout: Stout is a dark, top-fermented beer with a number of variations, including dry stout, oatmeal stout, milk stout, and imperial stout. It is a dark beer that typically contains a high amount of carbohydrates, ranging from 20 to 25 grams per 12-ounce serving.
Carbs in Beer vs. Wine
While beer is typically higher in carbs than wine, it’s essential to understand there are carbs in wine as well. A 5-ounce serving of red or white wine contains the following nutritional information:
- Carbs: 3.8 grams
- Fats: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Calories: 121-125
Keto Beer Substitutes
If you’re looking for low-carb beer options that are suitable for a keto diet, here are some great alternatives:
- Budweiser Select 55: contains only 1.9 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving.
- Michelob Ultra: contains only 2.6 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving.
- Corona Premier: contains only 2.6 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving.
FAQ
Is Beer High in Carbs?
Yes, regular beer is high in carbohydrates. The amount of carbs in beer varies depending on the type of beer, but on average, a 12-ounce (355ml) serving of beer contains around 12-15 grams of carbs. This is equivalent to about one slice of bread or a small piece of fruit.
What is the Lowest Carb Beer to Drink?
The lowest-carb beer options are typically light beers or those that have been brewed specifically to have fewer carbohydrates.
Bridge Brewing Co. PrimeTime contains only 1.5 grams of carbs per 12-ounce (355ml) serving, making it the lowest-carb beer option available.
How Many Carbs Are in 500ml Beer?
The amount of carbohydrates in a 500ml beer depends on the type of beer. An average 500ml serving of beer contains around 18 grams of carbohydrates per USDA. This is equivalent to about two slices of bread or a medium-sized piece of fruit.
How Many Carbs Are in Bud Light?
Bud Light is a popular light beer option that is also low in carbohydrates. A 12-ounce (355ml) serving of Bud Light contains only 6.6 grams of carbohydrates. This makes it a good option for those on a low-carb or keto diet.
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Keto Beer Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup low carb beer
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine beer, mustard, cayenne, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and cheese to the saucepan and continue simmering until the mixture thickens.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly before serving, then garnish with green onions and/or bacon.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
