A Closer Look at Travla Mid Strength Lager's Nutritional Profile
Travla Mid Strength Lager is a popular choice for many Australians seeking a lighter, more refreshing beer that is also low in carbohydrates. The brewing process, using all-Australian ingredients like pale malt and a special lager yeast, is engineered to produce an 'ultra low carb' beverage. Beyond just the carb count, understanding the full nutritional picture helps consumers make an informed choice.
The Numbers: Carbs, Calories, and ABV
For a standard 375mL can of Travla Mid Strength Lager, here's the nutritional breakdown based on product information:
- Carbohydrates: 2.3g
- Calories: 89 calories
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 3.5%
These figures demonstrate that Travla is a significant outlier compared to many traditional beers, which often contain much higher carb and calorie counts. This makes it an attractive option for those following low-carb diets, managing blood sugar levels, or simply aiming to reduce their overall calorie intake from beverages.
How Is a Low-Carb Beer Brewed?
Crafting a low-carb beer involves some key modifications to the standard brewing process. The primary goal is to convert as much of the malted barley's starches into fermentable sugars as possible, and then ensure the yeast consumes these sugars completely during fermentation.
Here are the specific techniques used:
- Extended Mashing: During the mashing phase, the brewer extends the time that enzymes are active. This allows the enzymes to break down more complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars, which are easier for the yeast to consume.
- High-Attenuating Yeast: Specialized yeast strains are used that are highly efficient at consuming sugars during fermentation. These yeasts are known for their ability to achieve a 'drier' finish, meaning very few residual sugars—and therefore, fewer carbs—are left in the final product.
- Enzyme Addition: Some brewers add supplementary enzymes, such as amyloglucosidase, to the wort. This enzyme specifically targets and breaks down complex starches that standard yeast might leave behind, ensuring a more complete fermentation.
Travla Mid Strength is made with Australian pale malt and a 'signature lager yeast,' indicating that techniques like these are likely used to achieve its ultra-low-carb status.
Comparison: Travla Mid vs. Other Mid-Strength Beers
To put Travla's low-carb claim into perspective, it's helpful to compare it with other popular Australian mid-strength lagers. The differences in carb content can be quite noticeable.
| Beer (375mL Can) | ABV | Carbohydrates | Calories | 
|---|---|---|---|
| Travla Mid Strength Lager | 3.5% | 2.3g | 89 | 
| Carlton Mid | 3.0% | 9.4g | 103 | 
| Midstrength (3.5%) | 3.5% | 3.4g | 90 | 
| Coopers Mild Ale | 3.5% | 5.6g | 127 | 
As the table shows, Travla stands out for its very low carbohydrate count, even among other mid-strength options. This is largely due to its positioning as an 'ultra low-carb' product, specifically marketed towards health-conscious drinkers. The small difference in calories between some brands shows that while carbs are a factor, alcohol content remains a significant contributor to a beer's total energy count, since alcohol contains calories.
What Does 'Ultra Low Carb' Mean for a Drinker?
For someone tracking their macros, the difference between 2.3g and 9.4g of carbs per drink is substantial. A couple of pints of a standard mid-strength can significantly impact daily carbohydrate targets, particularly for those on a ketogenic diet. Travla's formulation allows for moderate consumption without derailing dietary goals.
It's important to remember that 'low-carb' does not mean 'carb-free.' The small amount of residual carbs should still be accounted for in a strict diet plan. However, for most people simply seeking to make a healthier lifestyle choice, Travla represents a significant step down in carbohydrate and calorie load compared to many alternatives.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Travla Mid Strength Lager lives up to its 'ultra low carb' branding by containing only 2.3 grams of carbohydrates per 375mL can. This is achieved through specific brewing techniques, including extended fermentation with a signature lager yeast to minimize residual sugars. The end result is a crisp, refreshing, and genuinely low-carb beer that offers a superior nutritional profile compared to many other mid-strength options on the market. For consumers seeking a flavorful beer that won't compromise their dietary goals, Travla provides a clear and reliable option.