How many calories are in zero beer?

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite the name, zero beer is not zero-calorie. For instance, Heineken 0.0 contains approximately 69 calories per 12 oz (330ml) serving, which is far from calorie-free. This article explores exactly how many calories are in zero beer, the sources of these calories, and how different brands and brewing processes affect the final nutritional content.

Quick Summary

Zero beer contains calories from carbohydrates and sugars, though significantly less than its alcoholic equivalent. The exact number varies widely by brand and style.

Key Points

Not Calorie-Free: Zero beer still contains calories, primarily from carbohydrates and residual sugars left over from the brewing process.
Significant Variation: Calorie counts range widely by brand, from near-zero options like Suntory All-Free to over 80 calories for some styles.
Lower Than Regular Beer: Non-alcoholic beers have far fewer calories than their alcoholic counterparts because alcohol is a high-calorie substance.
Watch the Sugar: To compensate for lost flavor, some brewers add sugar back into non-alcoholic beer, increasing its caloric and carbohydrate content.
Check the Label: Always read the nutritional label to find the specific calorie, carb, and sugar content, as 'non-alcoholic' is not a synonym for 'zero calorie'.
A Great Alternative: When compared to regular beer or sugary sodas, zero beer is generally a lower-calorie option, making it a good choice for those watching their weight.
Low-Carb Options Exist: Specific brands and styles, like certain Partake brews, offer zero-carb and very low-calorie non-alcoholic options.

Zero Beer Is Not Zero Calorie

It is a common misconception that because a beer is labeled 'zero alcohol' (0.0% ABV) or 'non-alcoholic' (up to 0.5% ABV), it contains no calories. This is false. While removing the alcohol significantly reduces the calorie count, the beverage still contains energy from other ingredients. The primary source of calories in zero beer comes from the carbohydrates and residual sugars that remain after the brewing process. Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, which is nearly as calorific as fat, explaining why regular beer has a much higher calorie count. Removing this source of energy is what makes zero beer a lower-calorie alternative, but not a calorie-free one.

Where Do the Calories Come From?

Carbohydrates: The malted grains (like barley) used in brewing are rich in carbohydrates. During standard fermentation, yeast converts these sugars into alcohol. In non-alcoholic brewing, this fermentation is either prevented or halted, meaning a larger portion of the fermentable sugars remains in the final product.
Residual Sugars: Some non-alcoholic brewing methods involve boiling off the alcohol or using reverse osmosis filtration. Both methods can cause a loss of flavor, which brewers often compensate for by adding sugar back into the beer.
Added Ingredients: Certain zero-beer varieties, particularly flavored ones, may contain additional ingredients that contribute to the calorie and sugar content. These can include natural flavorings, sweeteners, or even added fruit.

Calorie Comparison: Zero Beer Brands

The calorie content of zero beer varies greatly depending on the brand and beer style. While lagers tend to be lower, heavier styles like IPAs and stouts can have more calories due to a more complex grain bill. It is crucial to check the nutritional information on the specific product you are consuming to make an informed choice. Some brands have even managed to produce genuinely zero-calorie or very low-calorie options.

Zero Beer vs. Regular Beer and Soft Drinks

For those watching their calorie intake, zero beer is a far superior option to regular beer. An average regular beer can easily contain over 150 calories per serving, while most non-alcoholic options are under 80 calories. Zero beer also often stacks up favorably against sugary soft drinks and juices, which can have surprisingly high sugar and calorie counts.

The Impact on Your Diet and Weight Loss Goals

Incorporating zero beer into a weight-conscious lifestyle is possible and can be beneficial, especially if it replaces higher-calorie alcoholic beverages. However, moderation is still important. Drinking multiple zero beers can cause calories to accumulate, and some options are higher in carbohydrates than others. If you are following a low-carb or keto diet, some zero beers may not be suitable due to their carbohydrate and sugar content. Always read the label and check the grams of sugar and carbs.

How Non-Alcoholic Beers are Made and Why it Matters

Several distinct methods are used to produce non-alcoholic beer, each influencing the final calorie count and flavor profile. These methods are:

Prevented Fermentation: Brewers can prevent yeast from converting sugars into alcohol by keeping the beer's temperature low, using special yeasts that don't ferment maltose, or by using a low-sugar wort. This method can result in higher residual sugars.
Vacuum Distillation: The beer is heated under a vacuum, which lowers the boiling point of alcohol, allowing it to evaporate at a lower temperature and better preserve flavor.
Reverse Osmosis: A membrane filtration process separates the fermented beer into concentrate and permeate (water and alcohol). The alcohol is removed from the permeate, which is then added back to the concentrate.
Boiling Off Alcohol: Heating the beer to a boiling point to evaporate the alcohol is a simpler method but can significantly alter the taste.

Comparison of Calorie and Carb Content (Approximate per 12oz/330ml)


Brand	Style	Calories	Carbs (g)	Notes
Suntory All-Free	Lager	0	1	Genuinely zero calorie
Surreal Natural Bridges	Kolsch Style	~17	2.8	Very low calorie
Guinness 0	Stout	~75	16.7	440ml can
Heineken 0.0	Lager	~69	16	Widely available
Athletic Free Wave	Hazy IPA	~70	5	Craft option
Partake Brewing	IPA	10	0	Very low carb option
Michelob Ultra Zero	Lager	29	n/a	Low calorie choice

Conclusion: Navigating Your Zero Beer Choices

In conclusion, while zero beer is not calorie-free, it is an excellent lower-calorie alternative to traditional alcoholic beer and often a better choice than sugary soft drinks. The number of calories in zero beer depends heavily on the brand, brewing method, and style, with some options containing as few as 0-20 calories, while others can exceed 80 calories per serving. The key takeaway is to always check the nutritional label, especially if you are mindful of your carbohydrate and sugar intake. By understanding the sources of these calories, you can make smarter, more informed choices that align with your health and wellness goals. For additional information on non-alcoholic drinks, you can consult reputable nutrition sources like the British Nutrition Foundation, which emphasizes that these drinks are not calorie-free.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you have specific health concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, zero beer is not completely calorie-free. It contains calories from carbohydrates and residual sugars that remain after the brewing process. While significantly lower in calories than alcoholic beer, it still has a caloric value.

Calories in non-alcoholic beer come from the malted grains and sugars used in its production. Unlike regular beer, where yeast converts most sugars into alcohol, the sugars in non-alcoholic beer often remain, contributing to the calorie count.

No, the calorie content varies greatly depending on the brand and beer style. Factors like the brewing process and ingredients used can lead to a wide range of calorie counts, from under 20 to over 80 calories per serving.

Yes, non-alcoholic beer is generally a better choice for weight loss because it is significantly lower in calories than regular beer. However, it is not a zero-calorie drink, so moderation is still important.

Sometimes. In many non-alcoholic beers, brewers add sugar to compensate for flavor lost during the dealcoholization process. This can result in a higher sugar content compared to some regular beers, which have minimal sugar.

Some non-alcoholic beers are suitable for a keto diet, particularly those with zero or very low carbs, like Partake Brewing IPA. However, many options are high in carbohydrates and sugar due to the brewing process, so you must read the nutrition label carefully.

Several brands offer very low-calorie options. Suntory All-Free is a notable example with 0 calories per serving. Other brands like Partake Brewing Hop Twist (0 calories) and Surreal Natural Bridges Kolsch (approx. 17 calories) are also excellent low-calorie choices.