Can You Drink Non-Alcoholic Beer on a Keto Diet? The Complete Guide

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, many standard non-alcoholic beers contain high levels of carbohydrates, similar to their alcoholic counterparts. This raises a critical question for those following a ketogenic diet: can you drink non-alcoholic beer without disrupting ketosis? The answer is nuanced, hinging on a careful examination of specific brands and their carb content.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the carbohydrate considerations for non-alcoholic beer on a keto diet, detailing how to check labels and find low-carb options. It also explores the impact of brewing methods and offers tips to enjoy these beverages responsibly while maintaining ketosis.

Key Points

Not all NA beers are keto-friendly: Many non-alcoholic beers contain high levels of carbohydrates, with some having as many as 16-18 grams per 12-oz serving.
Read the nutrition label carefully: Check the total carbohydrate count and serving size before purchasing, as this is the most critical factor for staying in ketosis.
Choose specialized low-carb brands: Look for brands like Partake Brewing or Athletic Brewing Co. that have specific ultra-low or zero-carb offerings.
Brewing method matters: NA beers made with modern techniques like specialized yeast or vacuum distillation are more likely to have lower carbs than traditionally brewed versions.
Account for carbs in your daily intake: Treat any NA beer with carbs as an occasional treat and log its carbohydrate content to ensure you don't exceed your daily keto limit.
Consider your personal tolerance: Individual carb tolerance on keto can vary, so monitor your body's response to different NA beers and adjust your intake accordingly.

The Surprising Carb Count in Non-Alcoholic Beer

Many people assume that because non-alcoholic (NA) beer lacks alcohol, it is inherently low in calories and carbs. This is a common misconception. The brewing process for NA beer often involves removing the alcohol after fermentation. This leaves behind a significant amount of residual sugar, contributing to a high carbohydrate load that is problematic for those on a keto diet. The keto diet, by definition, requires a very low daily carbohydrate intake, often less than 50 grams per day, to keep the body in a state of ketosis. A single NA beer can use up a large percentage of this daily carb allowance, making it a poor choice for many keto dieters.

Reading the Labels: What to Look For

When navigating the world of non-alcoholic beers on a keto diet, the label is your most important tool. Do not rely on the "non-alcoholic" label alone. You must scrutinize the nutritional information for the carbohydrate content per serving.

Total Carbohydrates: This is the most crucial number to find. Compare it directly to your daily carb limit.
Sugars: Note the sugar content, as these are simple carbohydrates that can quickly impact your blood sugar levels.
Serving Size: Always check the serving size. A label might show low carbs per 100ml, but a standard bottle or can is typically 330ml to 355ml (11.2 to 12 oz), multiplying the total carb count considerably.

Example: A popular NA beer might list 4 grams of carbs per 100ml. If a can is 355ml, you are consuming over 14 grams of carbs in one sitting, a major hurdle for strict keto followers.

Low-Carb Non-Alcoholic Beer Options

Fortunately, a new wave of low-carb, keto-friendly NA beers has emerged. Brewers are innovating with new techniques to minimize residual sugars and carbs while maintaining flavor. Some brands have specific lines marketed as ultra-low-carb or even zero-carb.

Here are some examples of brands known for their low-carb NA offerings:

Athletic Brewing Co.: Known for their lower-carb options like Athletic Lite, which has fewer than 5g of carbs per can.
Partake Brewing: A leader in the low-carb NA space, with some offerings containing 0 grams of carbohydrates.
Big Drop Brewing Co.: Offers multiple varieties that are very low in carbs, such as the Paradiso Citra IPA.
Brew Dog: The Hazy AF has a notably low carb count of just over 2g per can.

How Brewing Methods Affect Carb Content

The method used to produce non-alcoholic beer has a direct and significant impact on its final carbohydrate profile. Understanding these methods can help you select a truly keto-compliant product.

Traditional Method: Arrested Fermentation

Process: The yeast is stopped from fermenting fully, either by temperature or using specialized yeast that doesn't ferment maltose. This prevents the alcohol from developing but leaves a large amount of unfermented sugar (and therefore carbs) in the finished product.
Keto Impact: High carb count; generally not suitable for a strict keto diet. Most traditional NA beers fall into this category.

Modern Method: Vacuum Distillation

Process: A standard beer is brewed and then the alcohol is removed by evaporation at low temperatures. This method retains some flavor but can also leave residual sugars depending on the original beer style.
Keto Impact: Carb content can vary, but is often lower than the traditional method. Still requires careful label-checking.

Hybrid Method: Specialized Yeast and Low-Temperature Brewing

Process: Brewers use specialized yeast strains that produce very little alcohol and a low amount of residual sugar. This often results in a naturally low-carb product.
Keto Impact: The most promising method for keto dieters. This is how brands like Partake and Athletic Brewing achieve their ultra-low carb counts.

Comparison Table: NA Beer Carbohydrate Content

To illustrate the importance of choosing wisely, here is a comparison of different non-alcoholic beer options:


Brand	NA Beer Style	Serving Size	Calories	Carbs	Keto Friendliness
Partake	IPA	12 oz (355ml)	10	0g	Very High
Athletic Brewing Co.	Lite	12 oz (355ml)	25	5g	High
Brew Dog	Hazy AF	12 oz (355ml)	20	2.3g	Very High
Heineken	0.0	12 oz (355ml)	69	16g	Low
Corona	Non-Alcoholic	12 oz (355ml)	60	17.5g	Low
Busch	NA	12 oz (355ml)	60	13g	Moderate

Note: Keto Friendliness is a general rating based on carb count per 12 oz serving for a strict keto diet (under 25-50g carbs/day). A single Heineken 0.0 or Corona NA could consume a significant portion of a daily carb budget.

Conclusion: A Keto-Friendly Option with Careful Consideration

In conclusion, you can indeed drink non-alcoholic beer on a keto diet, but only if you exercise caution and diligence in your brand selection. The key is to avoid legacy NA brands that often carry a high sugar load and instead seek out modern, craft NA beers specifically engineered for low carb counts. Always read the nutrition label, paying close attention to the total carbohydrate content per serving size. Options from brands like Partake and Athletic Brewing Co. demonstrate that a delicious, refreshing beer-like experience is entirely possible without sacrificing ketosis. As with all things on a keto diet, moderation and informed choices are essential to success.

How to Incorporate NA Beer into Your Keto Routine

Account for Carbs: Use a food tracking app to log the carbs from your NA beer and ensure you stay within your daily limit.
Choose Zero or Ultra-Low Carb: Prioritize brands that advertise zero or near-zero net carbs, such as those from Partake or Big Drop Brewing.
Occasional Treat: If you choose a brand with a moderate carb count, treat it as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily habit.
Stay Hydrated: NA beer, like alcoholic beer, can be dehydrating. Continue to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Look for Innovation: The NA beer market is rapidly evolving. Keep an eye out for new brands and products that cater specifically to the low-carb and keto markets.

Resources and Further Reading

For more detailed nutritional information and reviews, consider visiting specialized sites. A great resource is the blog on Dry Drinker, which curates collections of low-carb, keto-friendly non-alcoholic brews and provides valuable information on brands and options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Non-alcoholic beer with a high carbohydrate content can temporarily stop fat burning, as your body will prioritize processing the carbs for energy. If you choose an ultra-low-carb or zero-carb NA beer, the impact on ketosis will be minimal.

Always check the nutrition label. Look for the 'Total Carbohydrates' and 'Sugars' per serving. Brands that are specifically marketed as keto-friendly or low-carb will often feature this prominently on their packaging.

Several modern brands are specifically formulated for low-carb diets. Partake Brewing has zero-carb options, while others like Brew Dog Hazy AF and Athletic Lite offer very low-carb counts.

The safe amount depends on the beer's carb content and your daily carb limit. If you choose a zero-carb NA beer, you can likely consume it without concern. For higher-carb options, limit yourself to one serving occasionally and be sure to track its impact on your overall intake.

Yes, some brands, most notably Partake Brewing, offer non-alcoholic beers with 0 grams of carbohydrates, making them one of the best choices for those on a strict keto diet.

Many traditional non-alcoholic beers are made by halting fermentation early. This process leaves behind residual sugars, resulting in a high carbohydrate content in the final product.

Yes, but with caution. On a standard keto diet with a 20-50g daily carb limit, a 5g NA beer can fit, but you must account for it in your daily macros. Moderation is key to prevent it from knocking you out of ketosis.