Best Beer Options For Keto Dieters

Beer is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the world, but if you're on the keto diet, you may need to be careful about which one you choose. Most beers are not keto-friendly, with a high carb count that can quickly eat into your daily limit. However, there are plenty of low-carb beers available that can be enjoyed as part of a ketogenic diet, including Budweiser Select 55, Corona Premier, Miller 64, and Michelob Ultra Pure Gold. These beers typically have around 5 grams of carbohydrates or fewer per serving, and some have lower alcohol content, allowing you to enjoy a couple without exceeding your daily macros.

Characteristics of the best keto-friendly beers:

Low-Carb Beers for the Keto Diet

Beer is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks worldwide, but with an average of 150 calories and a high carb count, it's not always the best choice for those on the keto diet. However, there are plenty of low-carb beers available that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a keto diet.

Low-carb beers typically have less than 1g of carbs per 100ml. 'Light' beers are usually a good place to start when looking for low-carb options, but it's important to check the label as some 'light' beers can have more carbs than others.

How to Choose a Low-Carb Beer

When choosing a low-carb beer, it's best to look for nutritional information on the packaging or online. Beers with 5g of carbohydrates or fewer are generally considered low-carb. It's also worth noting that the darker the beer, the higher the carb count tends to be, so it's best to avoid stouts and red, amber, or brown lagers.

Examples of Low-Carb Beers

• Budweiser Select 55: A light lager with less than 2g of carbs per bottle.
• Corona Premier: A refreshing, easy-drinking beer with just 2.6g of carbs per serving.
• Miller 64: A smooth, slightly malty extra light lager with 2.4g of carbs per can.
• Michelob Ultra Pure Gold: A USDA-certified organic beer with no artificial colours or flavours and only 2.5g of carbs per bottle.
• Yuengling Flight: A slightly fuller-bodied light lager with 2.6g of carbs per serving.
• Coors Light: A crisp, refreshing American lager with 5g of carbs per can.
• Amstel Light: A light beer with a stronger hoppiness and a hint of honey, with 5g of carbs per serving.
• Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty: A low-calorie IPA with a classic tart and piney flavour and zero-carb monk fruit sweetener, with 3.6g of carbs per can.
• Blue Moon LightSky: A wheat beer with a citrus twist and 3.6g of carbs.
• Beck's Premier Light: An extra light lager with 3.9g of carbs and 64 calories per bottle.
• Heineken Silver: A new 2023 launch from Heineken with a light mouthfeel and flavour profile and virtually no bitterness.

Remember, even with low-carb beers, it's important to drink in moderation and always enjoy them as part of a balanced diet.

Best Low-Cal Beers

Beer is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks worldwide. However, the average beer contains around 150 calories and a significant dose of alcohol, which can have adverse effects on the body when consumed in excess.

Fortunately, there are many low-calorie and low-carb beers available that can be enjoyed as part of a ketogenic or low-carb diet. Here are some of the best options:

Coors Light

Coors Light is a refreshing and crisp beer with only 5 grams of carbs and 102 calories per 12 oz. serving. It's the perfect drink for a hot, sunny day and is widely available at most liquor stores.

Corona Premier

Corona Premier is a classic, easy-drinking choice that is perfect for beach days. It has a light, crisp, and refreshing taste with only 2.6 grams of carbs and 90 calories per 12 oz. bottle.

Michelob Ultra

Michelob Ultra is a popular low-cal, low-carb option that has grown in popularity over the years. It has 2.6 grams of carbs and 95 calories per serving, making it an ideal choice for those watching their waistline.

Miller 64 Extra Light Lager

Miller 64 is one of the most well-known low-carb beers on the market. With just 2.4 grams of carbohydrates per can and 64 calories, it's a great choice for those wanting to cut down on calories without sacrificing taste.

Budweiser Select 55

Budweiser Select 55 is an ultra-light lager with the lowest amount of carbohydrates on this list. It has a crisp taste, perfect for summertime, and contains only 1.9 grams of carbs and 55 calories per 12 oz. serving.

Heineken Silver Lager

Heineken Silver is a brand-new diet-friendly beer launched in 2023. It has a light mouthfeel and flavour profile with minimal bitterness. It's an excellent choice for those who want a refreshing beer without the heavy calories and carbs.

Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty

Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty is a low-cal IPA with a unique flavour profile. It's a little bitter, a little sweet, and overall refreshing with a tropical twist. It has 3.6 grams of carbs and 95 calories per serving, making it a great choice for those on a keto diet.

Lagunitas DayTime IPA

For IPA fans, Lagunitas DayTime IPA is a great option. It has a bitter-forward profile while slashing the calorie and carb counts. With only 3 grams of carbs and 98 calories, it's a tasty treat for beer lovers without derailing your diet.

Amstel Light

Amstel Light is a well-known light beer with a naturally grainy flavour profile and less than 100 calories per serving. It has 5 grams of carbs, making it a good choice for those watching their carb intake.

Yuengling Flight

Yuengling Flight is a light lager with a fuller body and a flavour similar to its full-bodied beers. With less than 3 grams of carbs per 12 oz. serving, it's a tasty and keto-friendly option.

In addition to these beers, there are several other low-carb options available, such as Blue Moon LightSky, Omission Ultimate Light Golden Ale, and Corona Light. Remember to always drink in moderation and enjoy these beers as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Gluten-Free Beers

While gluten-free beers are not necessarily keto-friendly, as they may contain more carbohydrates, they are a great option for those with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance. Here is a list of some of the best gluten-free beers:

Omission Ultimate Light Golden Ale

Omission's gluten-free beer is a good option for those monitoring both their gluten and calorie intake. This light golden ale has only 99 calories and five grams of carbs per 12-ounce bottle. It has a brisk, refreshing taste with a tropical aroma of melon and citrus.

Ghostfish Brewing Company

Ghostfish Brewing Co. offers a range of gluten-free beers, including the Grapefruit IPA, Shrouded Summit, Meteor Shower, and a Hazy IPA (limited edition). Their beers are widely available and can be found at Marina Market, which ships across the US.

Ground Breaker Brewing

Ground Breaker Brewing is a dedicated gluten-free beer company based in Portland, Oregon. Their Dark Ale is a popular choice and can be found in select stores.

Holidaily Brewing Company

Holidaily Brewing Co. creates full-flavoured, zero-gluten beers using native grains such as millet and buckwheat. Their Blonde Ale and Buckwhit Belgian are particularly well-liked.

New Planet Beer Blonde Ale

New Planet's gluten-free blonde ale is a refreshing option, made with millet, gluten-free oats, and blue corn. It's light in body and perfect for summer days.

Greens Beer

Greens Beer is a UK-based company that has been around for a while. They offer a range of gluten-free beers, including a Pale Dry-Hopped Lager, which is easy-drinking at 4.0% ABV.

Daura Damm

Daura Damm is a gluten-free beer from Spain that has received praise for its quality and taste. It can be found in select liquor stores, primarily in the US.

Celia

Celia is a European gluten-free beer, made with buckwheat. It is considered one of the closest gluten-free options to traditional beer.

Redbridge

Redbridge is a widely available gluten-free beer that has a good reputation among those with gluten intolerance.

Glutenberg

Glutenberg offers a range of gluten-free beers, from blondes to stouts, and their products are generally well-regarded. Their IPA is a popular choice.

Alcohol Content

The alcohol content of a beer is measured by the percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV). The ABV of keto-friendly beers varies, but generally falls within the range of 2% to 6.3%. While a higher ABV does not necessarily indicate a higher carb count, it is worth noting that the two may be correlated.

For example, Budweiser Select 55 has an ABV of 2.4% and 1.9g of carbs, while Allagash Saison has an ABV of 6.1% and 4.83g of carbs. Similarly, the Beck's Premier Light beer has an ABV of 2.3% and 3.9g of carbs, whereas the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale has an ABV of 5.6% and 14.6g of carbs.

It is important to remember that the legal definition of "light" beer refers to its calorie content, not its alcohol content or carb count. Light beers are defined as having one-third fewer calories than their full-calorie versions. Therefore, when selecting a keto-friendly beer, it is essential to consider both the ABV and the carb content, as well as other nutritional information.

When it comes to alcohol content, moderation is key. The recommended daily intake for women is one drink or less, and for men, it is two drinks or less. Additionally, alcohol consumption may affect individuals differently when they are on a keto diet. Some people may find that they feel the effects of alcohol more strongly or experience stronger hangovers. Therefore, it is advisable to drink in moderation and be mindful of how your body responds.

Flavour Profiles

When it comes to flavour profiles in keto-friendly beers, several characteristics stand out and play a crucial role in defining the taste experience. Here are the key flavour profiles to consider:

Hop Presence: Hops are integral to beer flavour, and in the context of keto-friendly options, they take on even greater importance. Look for beers that emphasize the use of aromatic hops, which contribute to a range of desirable flavours. These can include citrusy notes of orange, grapefruit, or lemon, as well as piney, resinous, or herbal flavours. The hop presence should provide a crisp, refreshing character that enhances the drinking experience.

Malt Balance: While keto beers aim for lower carb and sugar content, the choice of malt can still impart distinct flavours. Some malt options contribute nutty, toasty, or biscuity notes, adding depth and complexity to the beer. Look for descriptions that mention a balanced malt presence, providing a foundation that supports the hop character without adding excessive sweetness.

Dry Finish: A key characteristic of keto-friendly beers is a dry finish. This means that the beer should not leave a cloying, sweet aftertaste in your mouth. Instead, it should finish crisp and clean, with minimal residual sugar. Beers with a dry finish tend to be more thirst-quenching and refreshing, making them ideal for hot days or when you're looking for a beverage that won't overwhelm your palate.

Fruit or Spice Infusions: Some brewers experiment with fruit or spice additions to their keto beers, providing unique flavour profiles. These infusions can range from subtle hints to more prominent, distinct flavours. For example, a brewer might add lemon zest to a blonde ale for a bright, citrusy twist, or incorporate cinnamon and nutmeg to create a spicy, warming profile in a darker brew. These additions can add complexity and make for interesting drinking experiences.

Light and Refreshing vs. Bold and Robust: Keto beers come in a variety of styles, each with its own unique flavour profile. Lighter options, such as blonde ales or wheat beers, tend to be crisp and refreshing, with subtle flavours that are easy to drink. On the other hand, darker beers like stouts or porters can offer bold, robust flavours, including roasted malts, coffee, or chocolate notes. Consider your preference for lighter, more sessionable beers versus heavier, more flavourful options.

Regional or Experimental Ingredients: Brewers often draw inspiration from their local surroundings or experiment with unique ingredients to create distinctive flavour profiles. For example, a brewery might use locally sourced honey or a particular type of herb or spice that is indigenous to the region. These ingredients can add a layer of complexity and a sense of place to the beer, making for a truly memorable drinking experience.

Frequently asked questions