How many carbs are in a nonalcoholic beer? A Nutritional Guide

October 26, 2025 •

4 min read

Many people assume that nonalcoholic beer is always a low-carb choice, but some varieties can actually contain more carbohydrates than their alcoholic counterparts. Understanding how many carbs are in a nonalcoholic beer is vital for those tracking macronutrients for health or weight management goals.

Quick Summary

The carb content in nonalcoholic beer varies significantly by brand, style, and production method. Some options are higher in residual sugars than regular beer, while many modern low-carb choices are available for diet-conscious drinkers.

Key Points

Carb Content Varies: Nonalcoholic (NA) beer carbohydrate counts differ significantly by brand and style, ranging from 0g to over 25g per 12-ounce serving.
Residual Sugars: Many NA beers have a higher carb count than regular beer because the alcohol is removed after fermentation, leaving more residual sugars behind.
Brewing Method is Key: The production process, whether limited fermentation or post-fermentation alcohol removal, directly influences the final carb and sugar levels.
Low-Carb Options Exist: Many modern NA brands specifically produce low-carb or zero-carb beers, with some IPAs and light beers containing very few carbohydrates.
Read the Label: To manage carb intake, it is essential to check the nutritional information on each NA beer, as averages do not tell the whole story.
Moderation is Prudent: While NA beer can offer benefits like hydration, overconsumption can still lead to a high overall carb and calorie intake, affecting diet goals.

The Surprising Carbohydrate Content of Nonalcoholic Beer

When a person switches from regular beer to nonalcoholic (NA) beer, the assumption is often that they are making a healthier choice, particularly regarding carb and calorie intake. While it is true that NA beer contains fewer calories from alcohol, the carbohydrate count is not always lower. The brewing process plays a critical role, and in many cases, residual sugars can lead to a higher carb total compared to a fully fermented, alcoholic beer. A standard 12-ounce NA beer can range from as little as zero grams of carbs to over 25 grams, depending on the brand and style.

The Brewing Process and Its Effect on Carbs

To produce nonalcoholic beer, brewers must prevent or remove alcohol from the final product. The method used for dealcoholization has a direct impact on the carb and sugar levels. Two primary methods are common:

Limited Fermentation: This approach involves using a special yeast strain that cannot fully ferment all the sugars in the brewing wort, or by limiting the fermentation time. As a result, less alcohol is produced, but a higher amount of unfermented sugar remains, contributing to a higher carb count. Some brewers also start with a wort containing fewer fermentable sugars. For example, brands like UNLTD. brew to a low 0.5% ABV from the start to control residual sugars.
Post-Fermentation Alcohol Removal: In this method, a regular beer is brewed first, and the alcohol is later removed. This can be done via heat (evaporation) or filtration (reverse osmosis). Heat can also change the beer's flavor profile, and removing the alcohol can leave the beer tasting watery. To compensate, brewers may add extra sugars or flavorings, increasing the final carbohydrate content.

Factors Influencing Carb Count

Beyond the brewing method, several other factors contribute to a nonalcoholic beer's final carb tally:

Ingredients: The type of malted grains (barley, wheat) and any added flavorings or sweeteners will directly affect the carbohydrate load.
Style: Beer styles naturally have different carb levels. A rich, heavy NA stout will likely have more carbs than a crisp, light NA lager.
Added Sugars: As mentioned, some brewers add sugar back into the beer to improve flavor after dealcoholization. This is a significant source of carbohydrates and is why comparing labels is so important.

Navigating the Non-Alcoholic Beer Market for Low-Carb Options

For those seeking lower-carb NA beers, reading the nutrition label is non-negotiable. With the market for NA beverages expanding, many craft and mainstream brewers now explicitly cater to health-conscious consumers with low-calorie and low-carb products. Look for brands that advertise a low-carb profile or specifically mention zero grams of sugar.

Comparison of Popular Nonalcoholic Beers

This table illustrates the varying carbohydrate levels among different nonalcoholic beer brands per 12-ounce (355ml) serving:


Brand	Style	Carbohydrates (g)
Partake Brewing IPA	IPA	0
Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild	IPA	3
Athletic Brewing Co. Lite	Light Beer	5
Coors Edge	Lager	8
Busch NA	Lager	~13
Heineken 0.0	Lager	~16
Sam Adams Just the Haze IPA	Hazy IPA	~22

Top Low-Carb Nonalcoholic Beers

To help you find the best choices for a low-carb diet, here is a list of some of the top-rated options with minimal carbohydrates:

Partake Brewing IPA: With zero grams of carbohydrates and only 10 calories per can, this is an excellent choice for a strict low-carb or keto diet.
Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild IPA: A popular and flavorful choice with only 3 grams of carbs per serving.
Athletic Brewing Co. Lite: A light option with just 5 grams of carbs and 25 calories, perfect for sessionable drinking.
Surreal Natural Bridges Kolsch Style: This craft NA beer boasts a very low 2.8 grams of carbs and 17 calories.
Big Drop Brewing Co. Paradiso Citra IPA: An IPA option with less than 0.5 grams of carbs per serving.

Incorporating Nonalcoholic Beer into Your Diet

Choosing nonalcoholic beer offers several potential health benefits beyond just avoiding alcohol. Many NA beers contain B vitamins, electrolytes, and antioxidants from their malted and hopped ingredients. They can be a hydrating beverage, especially after a workout, and offer a way to participate in social gatherings without alcohol consumption.

However, moderation is still key. While lower in calories than most regular beers, the carbs can add up if you consume several NA beers in a single sitting. Always read the nutrition label to make sure the carb and calorie count aligns with your dietary goals. For specific information on NA beer nutrition, resources like Lose It! can be very helpful.

Conclusion

The number of carbs in a nonalcoholic beer varies dramatically based on its brewing process and style. Unlike alcoholic beer, which has most of its sugar fermented into alcohol, NA beer often contains residual sugars that increase its carb count. Some NA beers, especially certain lagers and wheat beers, can have more carbs than their alcoholic counterparts. However, the expanding market now includes numerous genuinely low-carb options, particularly from craft breweries focused on healthier alternatives. The best practice for any diet-conscious consumer is to always check the nutritional label to find a product that aligns with their specific carb and sugar intake goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all nonalcoholic beers are low in carbs. Many contain more residual sugar than regular beer because the alcohol is removed, leaving the carbohydrates behind. It's essential to read the nutrition label on each product to confirm its carb content.

Some nonalcoholic beers are specifically brewed to be low-carb. Brands like Partake Brewing offer options with zero grams of carbohydrates. Other very low-carb choices include Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild IPA and Surreal Natural Bridges Kolsch.

Yes, but you must choose very low-carb or zero-carb nonalcoholic beer options. Since a strict keto diet limits daily carb intake, many NA beers with higher residual sugar content would exceed the limit. Always check the label for carb counts.

Yes, the brewing process is the most significant factor. Methods that involve removing alcohol after fermentation often leave more residual sugar, which increases the carb count. Conversely, using special yeasts or limiting fermentation can result in lower carbs.

Regular beer typically has carbs that are largely converted to alcohol during fermentation. Nonalcoholic beer, however, has had its alcohol removed, and often contains more residual sugar and therefore more carbs. Some NA beers can contain more than twice the carbs of their alcoholic counterparts.

Nonalcoholic beer generally has fewer calories because it lacks alcohol, a source of calories. It also contains vitamins and antioxidants. However, due to potentially higher carb and sugar content, it isn't automatically the healthier choice for everyone, especially those on a low-carb diet.

If you are dieting, you should look for the total carbohydrate and sugar content on the nutritional label. If you are following a keto diet, look for brands that explicitly state zero or very low carb counts. Pay attention to serving size as well.