Finding Out: What is the lowest carb non-alcoholic beer?

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to brewing data, non-alcoholic beers often contain more carbs and sugar than their alcoholic counterparts due to the removal or limited fermentation processes. If you're on a nutrition diet, finding out what is the lowest carb non-alcoholic beer is crucial for managing your intake.

Quick Summary

Compare brands to find the lowest carb non-alcoholic beer for a conscious nutrition diet. Understand how brewing methods impact carbohydrate and calorie counts.

Key Points

Brewing Process Impacts Carbs: The method used to create non-alcoholic beer significantly affects its carbohydrate content, with some processes leaving more residual sugar.
Not All NA Beers Are Low-Carb: Many non-alcoholic beers can contain more carbohydrates than regular beer, so checking the nutrition label is essential.
Lowest Carb Brands Exist: Some brands, like Partake Brewing and Suntory, offer non-alcoholic options with very low to zero grams of carbohydrates.
Low-Carb Isn't Always No-Carb: Carb counts can differ even within the same brand's lineup, depending on the specific product and style (e.g., IPA vs. Lager).
Consider Your Specific Needs: Your best choice depends on your dietary goals, whether you are following a strict ketogenic diet or a more general low-carb plan.

Demystifying Non-Alcoholic Beer and Carb Content

Choosing a non-alcoholic (NA) beer as part of a low-carb or keto-friendly diet requires careful consideration beyond simply checking the label for 'alcohol-free'. Many consumers are surprised to learn that removing the alcohol does not automatically result in a low-carb product. In fact, some NA beers can have higher sugar and carbohydrate counts than their full-strength counterparts. This is a critical point for those monitoring their intake for weight management or managing conditions like diabetes. The discrepancy stems from the brewing methods used to produce NA beer, which can leave behind more unfermented, residual sugars in the final product.

The Brewing Processes That Affect Carbohydrates

There are several methods used to create non-alcoholic beer, and each has a different impact on the final nutritional profile. Understanding these techniques is key to finding the lowest-carb options.

Dealcoholization: This common method involves brewing a regular beer and then removing the alcohol. Techniques include heating the beer to evaporate the alcohol (which can sometimes affect flavor) or using advanced filtration methods like reverse osmosis. During this process, some of the residual sugars and carbohydrates are left behind, and some brewers may even add extra sugar to compensate for lost flavor, pushing the carb count up.
Limited Fermentation: Brewers can control the fermentation process to prevent significant alcohol production from the start. This can be done by using special yeast strains that do not ferment certain sugars (like maltose) or by arresting the fermentation early. By managing the process carefully, brewers can produce beer with very low alcohol and lower carbohydrate levels.
Brewing with Non-Standard Ingredients: Some companies experiment with brewing methods that don't use standard fermentable grains. This can result in a beer-like beverage that has a very low carbohydrate profile, though it may not fit the classic definition of beer. An example is Suntory All-Free, which is completely alcohol-free and has a very low carb count.

The Lowest Carb Contenders

While carb content can vary widely, some brands have made a name for themselves by offering exceptionally low-carb, non-alcoholic options. It's important to remember that carb counts are often listed per 100ml in some regions, or per a specific serving size (e.g., 12-oz can) in others. Always check the nutritional facts for the specific product you are considering.

Here are some of the most notable low-carb non-alcoholic beers based on recent data:

Partake Brewing: This brand is often cited for its extremely low-carb offerings. Some of its IPA varieties have been noted to contain as little as 0g of carbohydrates per 12-ounce can.
Suntory All-Free: This beverage is a standout with a reported 1g of carbs per serving. It is completely alcohol-free, making it an excellent choice for those seeking the absolute lowest carb option.
IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager: For those in the UK, this lager offers a very low-calorie and low-carb option, with just 1.2g of carbohydrates per 100ml.
BrewDog: Several BrewDog options, including Elvis AF, Hazy AF, and Punk AF, are known for their low carb content, averaging around 2.3g per serving.
Athletic Brewing Co.: A popular brand known for athletic-friendly NA beers, Athletic offers options like Athletic Lite with 5g of carbs per serving.
Surreal Brewing Company: This brand features options like the Natural Bridges Kolsch Style, which is reported to have only 2.8g of carbs per serving.

Comparison of Non-Alcoholic Beer Carbs and Calories

To help navigate the market, the following table compares the approximate carbohydrate and calorie counts of several popular NA beer options. Serving sizes can vary, so the data is standardized to a 12-ounce (355ml) can or bottle where possible. Always check the specific product label.


Brand	Beer Style	Approximate Carbs (per 12 oz / 355ml)	Approximate Calories (per 12 oz / 355ml)
Partake Brewing	IPA	0g	10
Suntory All-Free	Lager	<5g (Based on 1g per serving)	<25 (Based on 0 kcal)
BrewDog	Elvis AF / Hazy AF / Punk AF	<10g (Based on 2.3g per serving)	<25 (Based on 20 kcal)
Surreal Brewing Co.	Natural Bridges Kolsch Style	2.8g	17
Athletic Brewing Co.	Athletic Lite	5g	25
Heineken	0.0	16g	69
Guinness	0	16.7g	75

How to Choose the Right NA Beer for Your Nutrition Plan

Read the label carefully: Don't assume a product is low-carb just because it's non-alcoholic. Check the nutrition facts for total carbohydrates and sugars. Labels can be misleading, so always double-check.
Consider your diet: If you are strictly following a ketogenic diet, brands like Partake or Suntory might be the only safe options. For those following a more general low-carb plan, other brands with slightly higher counts might be acceptable.
Brewing method matters: If a brand prominently advertises a specific brewing method (e.g., using special yeasts or arrested fermentation), it might indicate a more controlled, and potentially lower-carb, outcome compared to products that are simply dealcoholized. Look up the brand's brewing process if you are unsure.
Moderation is key: Even with low-carb NA beers, calories can add up. Be mindful of your consumption, as excessive intake can still impact your overall nutritional goals.

Conclusion

Finding the lowest carb non-alcoholic beer requires doing a little homework, as the nutritional content varies greatly between brands. The brewing process, particularly the management of fermentation and residual sugars, is the primary factor affecting the final carb count. While many NA beers are lower in calories than their alcoholic counterparts, some can be surprisingly high in carbohydrates. Brands like Partake, Suntory All-Free, and Surreal Brewing Co. offer some of the most genuinely low-carb options. By reading labels diligently and understanding how NA beers are made, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your nutrition diet, without sacrificing the flavor of a refreshing brew. For an extensive resource on different brewing methods, check out Escarpment Labs' Guide to Making Non-Alcoholic Beer Through Fermentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not. While many non-alcoholic beers are lower in calories, many contain similar or even higher carbohydrate levels than their alcoholic counterparts due to residual sugars left from the brewing process.

During dealcoholization, the process of removing alcohol from fermented beer can leave behind unfermented sugars, raising the total carbohydrate count. Some brewers also add extra sugar for flavor.

Yes, but you must choose specific very low-carb or zero-carb options. Many mainstream non-alcoholic beers have too many carbohydrates to be suitable for a strict ketogenic diet.

Not necessarily. The carbohydrate content is determined more by the brewing method and sugar content than by the final alcohol percentage. Always check the nutritional information on the label.

Brewers create low-carb NA beer by limiting fermentation from the start. This can be achieved by using special yeast strains that do not ferment certain sugars or by stopping fermentation prematurely.

Some specific varieties from brands like Partake Brewing, including their IPA and Hop Twist, have been advertised as containing 0g of carbohydrates per can.

Non-alcoholic beer is generally lower in calories than regular beer because of the lack of alcohol, which is calorie-dense. However, some NA beers can be higher in carbohydrates and sugars than regular beer.