Are There Carbs in Better Beer? The Definitive Guide

December 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the official Better Beer website, their flagship Zero Carb beer contains less than 0.1g of carbohydrates per 355mL can, effectively making it a zero-carb and zero-sugar option. This is a key selling point, but many people are still left wondering how this is possible and how it stacks up against other popular beers.

Quick Summary

Better Beer's core Zero Carb lager boasts nearly zero carbs and sugar, a result of a highly efficient fermentation process that breaks down all fermentable sugars. The brand also offers other low-carb and lower-sugar products, but carb content varies by product.

Key Points

Better Beer Zero Carb is Nearly Carb-Free: The flagship lager contains less than 0.1g of carbohydrates per can, classifying it as a zero-carb and zero-sugar beverage.
Check Product Labels for Accuracy: While the flagship lager is carb-free, other products in the Better Beer range, like ciders and ginger beers, are lower in sugar but still contain carbohydrates.
Low-Carb Brewing Process: Specialized brewing techniques, including extended fermentation and enzyme usage, are employed to minimize residual sugars and carbs.
Zero-Carb Isn't Zero-Calorie: The majority of calories in beer come from alcohol, not carbohydrates. Better Beer Zero Carb is low-calorie primarily due to its lower alcohol content (4.2% ABV).
Moderate Consumption is Key: Despite being a lower-carb option, it is an alcoholic beverage. Moderation is important for overall health, and focusing solely on carb count can be misleading for total caloric intake.

Understanding Better Beer's Zero Carb Claim

Better Beer, founded by the team from The Inspired Unemployed and a health-conscious publican, was created with the specific intention of offering 'better-for-you' drinks, starting with their now-famous Zero Carb lager. The 'zero carb' claim on this particular beer is backed by nutritional information, stating less than 0.1g of total carbohydrates per 355mL can. This is achieved through a specialized brewing process that leaves minimal residual sugar in the finished product. To truly understand the nuances, it's important to differentiate between their various product offerings, as not all Better Beer products are zero-carb or low-carb.

How Zero-Carb Beer is Made

Creating a zero-carb beer is a precise brewing process that involves pushing fermentation to its maximum potential.

Extended Fermentation: The brewers allow the yeast to ferment for a longer period. This gives the yeast more time to consume and break down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars, and then convert those sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
Enzyme Addition: In some low-carb brewing processes, specialized enzymes, like amyloglucosidase, are added to the wort during fermentation. These enzymes further break down any remaining complex sugars that standard brewing yeast might leave behind.
Precise Ingredient Selection: Brewers of low-carb beer might also choose specific malts and adjuncts that have fewer unfermentable sugars to begin with, ensuring a very 'dry' beer with less residual sweetness and less carbohydrate content.

Better Beer's Core Range Explained

The Better Beer brand has expanded beyond its initial Zero Carb lager. It is crucial for consumers to check the label for each specific product they are purchasing, as the nutritional content will differ significantly.

Better Beer Zero Carb Lager: The flagship product, designed for minimal carbohydrates and calories.
Ultra Low Carb Middy: This product will have a low, but not zero, carb count, catering to those who want a sessionable, lighter beer.
Lower Sugar Ginger Beer: A popular option for those seeking a sweet alternative, but it still contains a significant amount of sugar and carbs compared to the zero-carb lager.
Low Sugar Better Cider: This cider is also lower in sugar than many competitors but is not zero-carb and is not suitable for a strict ketogenic diet.
Ultra Low Carb Pacific Ale & Arvo Ale: Newer additions that, as their name suggests, are also low in carbohydrates, but not completely carb-free.

Comparison: Better Beer Zero Carb vs. Other Options

To put the Zero Carb claim in perspective, here is a comparison with other popular beer types, based on a standard 355mL (12 oz) serving.


Beer Type	Better Beer Zero Carb	Typical Standard Lager	Typical Light Beer	Typical Craft IPA
Approximate Carbs	<0.1g	10-15g	3-6g	15-20g+
Approximate Calories	~87 kcal	140-160 kcal	95-110 kcal	170-250 kcal+
Keto Friendly?	Yes	No	Sometimes (in moderation)	No

Low-Carb vs. Low-Calorie: A Key Distinction

It is important to understand that low-carb does not automatically mean low-calorie. While Better Beer Zero Carb is low in both, many brands promote their products as low-carb when they are not significantly lower in calories than a standard beer. The vast majority of calories in beer come from alcohol, not carbohydrates, with alcohol containing about 7 calories per gram. Because Better Beer Zero Carb is also a lower ABV beer (4.2%), its overall caloric count is also low. For individuals focused on weight management, it is crucial to pay attention to both alcohol percentage and carbohydrate content.

Is Better Beer Zero Carb a 'Healthy' Choice?

While Better Beer Zero Carb is a lower-calorie and lower-carb option compared to many other beers, it is still an alcoholic beverage and should be consumed in moderation. Some health experts argue that the focus on 'low-carb' in beer is misleading, as the primary health risks associated with excessive beer consumption are due to the alcohol itself, not the carbohydrate content. The healthiest choice for most people is always to moderate or abstain from alcohol consumption. However, for those who choose to drink, low-carb options like Better Beer can be a way to reduce sugar and carb intake compared to traditional lagers or craft beers.

Conclusion: Navigating the Carbs in Better Beer

To definitively answer the question, "Are there carbs in Better Beer?" requires a product-specific approach. The flagship Better Beer Zero Carb lager does contain less than 0.1g of carbs and sugars per can, making it a truly zero-carb option for those following a strict low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet. The brand's other products, such as their ciders and ginger beers, contain higher levels of carbohydrates and are not carb-free. For health-conscious drinkers, Better Beer offers options that can fit into a managed diet, but reading the nutritional information for each specific product is essential. Ultimately, while lower in carbs and calories, Better Beer is still an alcoholic drink, and mindful consumption remains key to any health and fitness goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

The flagship product, Better Beer Zero Carb lager, is as close to carb-free as possible, listing less than 0.1g of carbohydrates per 355mL serving. Other products in the Better Beer range, like their ginger beer or ciders, do contain carbs and are only 'lower sugar'.

Yes, Better Beer Zero Carb is suitable for a ketogenic diet, as its near-zero carbohydrate count allows it to fit within the strict daily carb limits required for ketosis. However, all calories from alcohol should still be accounted for in your overall diet.

Better Beer's low carb count is achieved through a controlled and extended fermentation process that utilizes yeast and sometimes additional enzymes. This process breaks down almost all the fermentable sugars, leaving behind minimal residual carbohydrates.

No. While Better Beer Zero Carb has a low-calorie count of around 87 calories per can, it is not zero-calorie. This is because alcohol itself contains calories, and it accounts for the majority of the caloric content in beer.

Better Beer Zero Carb is one of the lowest-carb options available, with a carb count of less than 0.1g per can. Many competing 'light' or 'low-carb' beers typically contain anywhere from 2 to 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

For those specifically focused on reducing carbohydrate and sugar intake, Better Beer Zero Carb is a better option than a standard, high-carb beer. However, the health impact of any beer depends on moderation, as the primary health risks are linked to alcohol consumption, not just carbs.

Nutritional information for all Better Beer products is available on their official website. This is the most reliable source for specifics on their Zero Carb lager, lower-sugar cider, and other varieties.