How many carbohydrates are in a pint of lager?

December 12, 2025 •

4 min read

The carbohydrate content of a pint of lager varies, but a standard 5% ABV lager can contain around 17-18 grams of carbohydrates. This number can fluctuate based on the specific brand and alcohol content, with lighter versions containing significantly fewer carbs than stronger, darker varieties.

Quick Summary

This article details the carbohydrate content in a standard pint of lager, explaining how factors like ABV and brewing methods influence the nutritional profile. It provides a comprehensive comparison of different lager types and offers insights for those monitoring their carb intake, without mentioning future content.

Key Points

Carb Range: A standard pint of lager contains approximately 15-20 grams of carbohydrates, though this varies by brand and strength.
ABV Influence: Higher alcohol by volume (ABV) can be associated with more residual carbohydrates, though brewing methods can alter this relationship.
Low-Carb Options: Light beers are brewed to have significantly lower carb counts, with some brands offering as little as 5 grams per pint.
Calorie vs. Carb: The overall calorie content is primarily from alcohol (7 kcal/g), not just carbohydrates (4 kcal/g), so a low-carb beer might not be low-calorie if it's high-ABV.
Brewing Matters: Techniques like adjusting mashing temperatures and using specific enzymes are used by brewers to reduce the final carbohydrate content.
Check Labels: Nutritional information is best confirmed via specific brand websites or datasheets, as variations are common across different lager types.

The question of how many carbohydrates are in a pint of lager is a common one for those tracking their nutritional intake. While it's easy to focus on calories, understanding the carbohydrate contribution is also important, especially for those on specific diets like low-carb or keto. The precise amount of carbs can differ significantly depending on the specific brand, alcohol content, and brewing process.

Factors Affecting a Pint's Carb Count

Several elements contribute to the final carbohydrate count of a pint of lager:

Alcohol by Volume (ABV): Higher ABV beers generally have a higher calorie count, but the relationship with carbs is more complex. In traditional brewing, yeast ferments the sugars into alcohol. Stronger beers often start with more sugars, and while most convert to alcohol, the final residual sugar (and thus carb) count can be higher.
Brewing Method and Ingredients: The grains (like barley) used in brewing are the primary source of carbohydrates. Different mashing temperatures and yeast strains can influence how many of these carbs are converted into alcohol. Certain brewing techniques are specifically designed to minimize residual carbs, resulting in light beers.
Added Sugars: Some brewers may add sugars to affect flavor or fermentation. These can increase the overall carbohydrate level in the final product.
Type of Lager: Not all lagers are created equal. A crisp, light American lager will have a different carb profile than a malty German bock or a rich dark lager.

Average Carbohydrates in Different Lagers

For a standard pint (568ml) of regular lager with an ABV of around 5%, you can typically expect a carbohydrate content in the range of 15-20 grams. However, specific brands and types offer a wider spectrum. According to various nutritional sources and independent research, here are some examples:

Heineken: 17.6g carbs per pint
Madri Excepcional: 15.8g carbs per pint
Stella Artois (4.8% ABV): 14.8g carbs per pint
Corona Light: 5g carbs per 12oz (approx 7.5g per pint)
Michelob Ultra: 2.6g carbs per 12oz (approx 3.9g per pint)

These numbers highlight the significant variation. For instance, a pint of Michelob Ultra contains roughly a quarter of the carbs found in a standard Heineken pint.

Comparison Table: Lagers vs. Other Drinks


Beverage Type	Serving Size	Average Carbohydrates	Notes
Standard Lager	1 Pint (568ml)	15-20 grams	Higher carb count due to residual sugars.
Light Beer	1 Pint (568ml)	5-10 grams	Brewed for lower calories and carbs.
Non-alcoholic Beer	1 Pint (568ml)	~26 grams	Often higher in carbs as less sugar is fermented into alcohol.
Guinness Draft	1 Pint (568ml)	~10 grams	Lower carb count than many assume for a darker beer.
Red Wine	175ml Glass	4-5 grams	Significantly lower carb count than beer.
Dry White Wine	175ml Glass	1-2 grams	One of the lowest-carb alcoholic options.
Distilled Spirits (e.g., Vodka)	1.5 oz Shot	0 grams	Pure alcohol has no carbs; mixers add carbs.

Why Choose a Low-Carb Option?

For many, reducing carbohydrate intake is a primary goal. Low-carb beers achieve this by manipulating the brewing process to remove more of the residual carbohydrates. This makes them an attractive alternative for individuals on keto, low-carb, or weight-loss diets. However, it is crucial to remember that low-carb does not always mean low-calorie, as alcohol itself contains calories.

For example, some brewers use specific enzymes like amylase to help break down complex carbs into simpler sugars that the yeast can fully consume during fermentation, resulting in fewer residual carbs. Extended fermentation times also allow yeast to work more efficiently, further reducing the carb count.

Understanding Calories vs. Carbs in Alcohol

An important distinction to make is the calorie source in alcoholic beverages. While carbohydrates contribute calories (approximately 4 calories per gram), alcohol itself is highly calorific (about 7 calories per gram). This means a stronger, low-carb beer might still have a similar calorie count to a weaker, regular lager due to the higher alcohol percentage. For instance, a standard Michelob Ultra (4.2% ABV) has very low carbs but a higher ABV than some weaker lagers, impacting its total calorie count.

For a more detailed breakdown, nutritional information datasheets can be found on many brewery websites, such as those from BrewDog, though they often list values per 100ml. To calculate per pint, you would typically multiply the 100ml figure by 5.7. It is always wise to check the specific product information for the most accurate details.

Conclusion

The carbohydrate content in a pint of lager is not a fixed number and is dependent on the beer's strength, brand, and brewing process. A standard pint of lager typically contains between 15 and 20 grams of carbohydrates. For those looking to minimize their carb intake, opting for a light beer is the most effective strategy, as these are specifically engineered to contain far fewer residual carbs, sometimes as low as 5 grams per pint. Always consider both carb and alcohol content, as a higher ABV will increase the total calorie count, even in low-carb beers. By checking specific brand data, individuals can make informed choices to align their consumption with their dietary goals.

For further reference on alcohol and nutrition, reputable sources like Drinkaware.co.uk offer valuable resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, a regular pint of lager and a pint of ale with similar ABV will have a comparable carbohydrate content, typically between 12g and 18g. However, specific brands and styles within each category can vary widely.

No, not all lager is low in carbs. While some light lagers are specifically brewed to reduce carb content, standard lagers can contain a moderate amount, usually around 15-20g per pint.

Not necessarily. Brewers can use specific methods and enzymes to break down more sugars into alcohol during fermentation, resulting in a beer with a low carb count but a standard or even high ABV.

Non-alcoholic beers can be higher in carbs because the fermentation process is intentionally halted early. This leaves more residual sugars and unfermented carbohydrates in the final product.

The difference can be substantial. A regular lager may have 15-20g of carbs per pint, whereas a light lager can have as few as 5g, depending on the brand.

Brewers reduce carb content by adjusting grain mixes, using specific enzymes during the mashing process, and extending fermentation times to ensure more of the sugars are converted into alcohol.

For those on low-carb diets, choosing a low-carb lager can help manage daily carbohydrate intake. However, the primary benefit is in dietary management rather than offering significant nutritional advantages, as alcohol remains the main caloric component.