How many carbohydrates are in a pint of bitter?

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard pint of bitter can contain between 10 and 15 grams of carbohydrates, but this figure can vary significantly based on the beer's strength, ingredients, and fermentation process. Knowing the exact number of carbohydrates in a pint of bitter is crucial for those monitoring their intake.

Quick Summary

The carbohydrate content of a pint of bitter fluctuates depending on its strength and brewing method, typically falling within the 10-15 gram range. Lower-ABV session bitters generally contain fewer carbohydrates.

Key Points

Typical Carb Range: A standard pint of bitter generally contains 10 to 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Influence of ABV: Stronger premium bitters with a higher alcohol content can sometimes have more carbs, though lower-ABV session bitters often have fewer.
Brewing Process is Key: The final carb count depends on the type of malt used and how efficiently the yeast ferments the sugars, leaving behind residual carbohydrates.
Not Just Carbs: Alcohol also contains a significant number of calories (7 kcal/g), making total calorie count an important consideration alongside carbs.
Choose Wisely: For lower carbohydrate intake, opt for lighter, lower-ABV session ales or milds and consume in moderation.
Check the Label: Always consult specific brand nutritional information, as the carb count can vary considerably from one bitter to another.

The Carbohydrate Count in a Pint of Bitter

The carbohydrate content of a pint of bitter is not a fixed number, but rather a range influenced by several brewing variables. On average, a standard pint (568ml) of bitter contains approximately 10 to 15 grams of carbohydrates. However, stronger or more premium bitters with a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) can sometimes push this figure higher, while lighter 'session' bitters or milds may contain less. The variation stems primarily from the amount of residual sugar left after fermentation.

Factors Influencing Carb Content

The final carbohydrate count in your pint is the result of several key factors that occur during the brewing process. Understanding these elements can help you identify which types of bitter might be higher or lower in carbs.

Malt Bill: Brewers use malted barley to create the sugary wort that ferments into beer. The type and quantity of malt used directly impact the initial sugar content. Heavier, darker malts tend to create a more complex sugar profile, but most of these are converted during fermentation.
Fermentation Efficiency: Yeast consumes the fermentable sugars in the wort and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide. How effectively the yeast does this is called the attenuation. A high-attenuation beer will have less residual sugar and therefore fewer carbohydrates, whereas a lower attenuation will leave more behind.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): There is a general correlation between ABV and carbohydrate content, though it's not a hard-and-fast rule. A higher ABV often means more fermentable sugars were available, which could result in fewer residual carbs if the fermentation was complete. However, if the brew was stopped early, or a non-fermentable sugar was added, the ABV might be high while the carbs also remain high.
Residual Sugars: Some beers are intentionally left with a higher sugar content to balance bitterness or to add sweetness. This is a primary driver of the final carbohydrate number.
Additives: Any ingredients added post-fermentation, such as fruit purees, lactose, or other flavorings, can increase the total carbohydrate count.

A Comparison of Bitter Carb Counts (per pint)

To illustrate the variance, here is a comparison table using data found from nutritional sources, adjusting for a standard 568ml pint size where necessary.


Beer Type	Estimated Carbs (per pint)	Estimated Calories (per pint)	Notes
Regular Bitter	10-12g	170-187 kcal	Based on average figures for a standard-strength bitter.
Premium Bitter (>5% ABV)	12-15g or more	239 kcal	A stronger bitter often requires more malt, leading to higher calories and potentially more carbs.
Session Pale Ale (<4% ABV)	10-14g*	~180 kcal	Lower ABV can mean fewer calories overall, but carb content can vary. *Based on BrewDog's 'Dead Pony Club' (2.4g per 100ml or 13.6g per pint).
Mild Bitter	7-10g	~140 kcal	Milds are typically lower in ABV and often have fewer carbs and calories than standard bitters.

Choosing the Right Bitter for Your Diet

For those on a low-carbohydrate diet, such as keto, traditional bitter is not an ideal choice due to its carb content. However, if consumed in moderation, it can still fit into a balanced diet. The key is to be mindful of your intake and choose wisely. Lower-ABV session ales and milds are generally the safest bet for a lower carb count, but always check specific brand information when available.

Alcohol's Contribution to Calories

It is important to remember that carbohydrates are not the only source of calories in bitter. Alcohol itself contains calories—approximately 7 calories per gram—which is more than carbohydrates (4 kcal/g) but less than fat (9 kcal/g). This means a higher ABV bitter can be more calorific even if its carbohydrate count is similar to a lower ABV version. When assessing the impact on your diet, it's the total calorie load that matters most.

Conclusion

The number of carbohydrates in a pint of bitter is not set in stone, typically ranging from 10 to 15 grams depending on the style and strength. Key factors include ABV, the amount of residual sugar post-fermentation, and the specific brewing process. For those watching their carb intake, lighter session bitters or milds may be preferable, but always cross-reference specific brand data when possible. Ultimately, bitter can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, provided consumption is moderate and mindful of both carbohydrate and alcohol content.

For more detailed nutritional information and calculation tools, a useful resource is Drinkaware's Unit & Calorie Calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard pint of bitter typically contains between 10 and 15 grams of carbohydrates, though the exact amount can vary based on the brewer and the beer's strength.

Not necessarily. The carb count depends on the specific brew. Some standard lagers have a similar carb count to bitter, while others, like light lagers, may have less. High-ABV bitters or lagers can have more calories and potentially more carbs.

Drinking bitter on a strict low-carb diet is generally not recommended due to its carbohydrate content. However, some lower-ABV session bitters could be consumed in very small quantities and with careful monitoring of total daily carb intake.

The carbohydrates in beer originate from the malted barley used in the brewing process. The yeast ferments the sugars from the malt, and any residual sugars that are not converted into alcohol become the final carbohydrate content.

A pint of bitter contains some residual sugar, but the total carb count is not just from sugar. The fermentation process converts most of the sugars, but the remaining amount can contribute to the overall carbohydrate figure.

A higher ABV generally indicates more fermentable sugars were present initially. While extensive fermentation can leave fewer residual sugars, high-ABV beers can still have more carbs if the fermentation was less complete or if extra non-fermentable sugars were added.

Generally, lower-ABV session bitters and milds tend to have fewer carbs than their stronger counterparts. However, carb content varies by brand, and consulting specific nutritional data is the best way to know for sure.