Is There a Beer with Zero Carbs?

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

Major brands like Anheuser-Busch have invested years into perfecting a zero-carb beer, answering a persistent consumer demand for diet-friendly options. Yes, a beer with zero carbs exists, though they are fundamentally different from traditional brews.

Quick Summary

Several brands offer truly zero-carbohydrate beer for those on low-carb or keto diets. These are achieved through unique brewing methods and specialized enzymes that eliminate residual sugars, though the beers still contain calories from alcohol.

Key Points

Yes, zero-carb beer exists: Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions are available from several brands.
Brewing innovation is key: Special enzymes like amyloglucosidase are used during fermentation to break down all residual sugars.
Zero-carb doesn't mean zero-calorie: These beers still contain calories from the alcohol, which is metabolized separately from carbohydrates.
Taste can vary from traditional beer: Expect a lighter, drier mouthfeel compared to a standard beer due to the absence of residual sugars and dextrins.
Options include ultra-low-carb alternatives: While not zero, some popular options like Michelob Ultra offer a very low carb count (e.g., 2.6g per 12oz).
Non-alcoholic versions are also available: Brands like Partake Brewing offer non-alcoholic IPAs with zero carbs and very low calories.

The Quest for Zero-Carb Beer

For years, those following low-carbohydrate diets believed beer was an absolute no-go due to its sugar and starch content. However, thanks to innovations in brewing technology, a new generation of truly zero-carb beers has emerged, offering a guilt-free option for health-conscious drinkers. These aren't simply lighter versions of traditional lagers but are a product of specialized fermentation designed to eliminate all fermentable carbohydrates.

The Science Behind Zero-Carb Beer

To understand how brewers achieve a zero-carb beer, one must look at the process of fermentation. In traditional brewing, yeast ferments the sugars from malted grains into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Some unfermented sugars and complex carbohydrates, known as dextrins, remain in the beer, giving it body and flavor. For a zero-carb brew, this process is modified in several key ways:

Extended Fermentation: The brewers allow the yeast more time to work, ensuring that all available simple sugars are consumed and converted into alcohol.
Enzyme Addition: The most significant step involves introducing additional enzymes, such as amyloglucosidase (also known as gluco amylase), to the brewing process. These powerful enzymes break down the complex, unfermentable dextrins into simple, fermentable sugars, which the yeast can then consume completely.
Ingredient Selection: While malted barley is still used, the brewing recipe is carefully controlled. Some brewers opt for high-quality pilsner malts or other specialized ingredients to achieve a desired flavor profile with minimal sugar residue.

It is important to remember that although the carbs are gone, the beer is not calorie-free. Alcohol itself contains calories (around 7 calories per gram) and is a distinct macronutrient from carbohydrates. Therefore, a zero-carb beer still has a caloric value, with most of the calories coming from the alcohol content.

Zero-Carb and Ultra-Low Carb Beer Options

Below is a comparison of some popular zero-carb and ultra-low-carb beers on the market. Always check the label for the most up-to-date nutritional information, as products can vary by region.


Brand	Carbs (per 12oz)	Calories (per 12oz)	ABV	Notes
Bud Light Next	0g	80	4%	An American lager with a super crisp taste and a hint of citrus.
Löwecal Lager	0g	88	4.2%	A UK-based zero carb and zero sugar lager with a light, refreshing taste.
Better Beer Zero Carb	0g	~87	4.2%	An Australian full-flavored lager with zero carbs and no sugar.
Partake IPA (NA)	0g	10	<0.5%	A non-alcoholic IPA that achieves a zero-carb count while delivering a hoppy flavor profile.
Michelob Ultra	2.6g	95	4.2%	An ultra-low-carb beer, not zero, but a popular option for those watching carb intake.

What to Consider When Choosing a Low-Carb Beer

For those accustomed to traditional beers, the taste and mouthfeel of zero-carb varieties may take some getting used to. Here are some tips for finding the right fit:

Manage Your Expectations: Understand that reducing carbs can impact body and flavor. Zero-carb beers are often lighter, crisper, and drier than their full-bodied counterparts.
Consider Alcohol Content: Zero-carb beers vary in alcohol content. Pay attention to the ABV to find a beverage that matches your preferences for both taste and effect.
Evaluate Your Goals: If you are strictly following a ketogenic diet, a true zero-carb product is essential. If you are simply monitoring carb intake, an ultra-low-carb option like Michelob Ultra may offer a more traditional flavor profile with only a small number of carbs.
Try Non-Alcoholic Options: For those who want the flavor of beer with almost no calories and zero carbs, non-alcoholic options like Partake IPA are an excellent choice.
Check the Label: Always read the nutritional information on the packaging, as recipes and values can change. It's the best way to verify the carb count for your diet.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to the question "Is there a beer with zero carbs?" is a resounding yes, thanks to modern brewing innovations. Brands like Bud Light NEXT, Löwecal Lager, and Better Beer have successfully created products that deliver a zero-carb profile. The key lies in using specific enzymes to fully ferment all residual sugars, though the alcohol content still contributes calories. While the taste and mouthfeel may be different from traditional beers, a growing number of options, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, are available to fit various dietary needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brewers create zero-carb beer by adding specialized enzymes, like amyloglucosidase, during fermentation. These enzymes break down complex carbohydrates and residual sugars that would normally remain in the beer, allowing the yeast to convert everything into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

No, a zero-carb beer is not calorie-free. The alcohol in the beer contributes calories (approximately 7 calories per gram). For example, Bud Light NEXT has zero carbs but contains 80 calories per 12oz serving.

Zero-carb beers typically have a lighter, crisper, and drier taste profile. The lack of residual sugars and dextrins, which contribute to the body and sweetness of traditional beer, gives them a different mouthfeel.

Yes, zero-carb beer is a viable option for a ketogenic diet, as it does not contain carbohydrates that would impact your daily macro count. However, you must still account for the calories from the alcohol.

The primary difference is the final carbohydrate count. A zero-carb beer has a carb count of 0g, while a low-carb beer, such as Michelob Ultra, has a small amount of carbs (e.g., 2.6g). The brewing process is optimized to remove virtually all carbs in the 'zero' variety.

Yes, brands like Partake Brewing offer non-alcoholic IPAs that boast zero grams of carbs and very low calorie counts, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a beer-like experience without alcohol or carbs.

Achieving a true zero-carb beer while retaining an acceptable flavor proved to be a significant technical challenge. It required years of research and development to perfect brewing techniques and the use of enzymes that could break down all fermentable sugars without compromising taste.