Is there high sodium in beer?

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

On average, a 12 oz can of regular beer contains a negligible amount of sodium, typically 10 to 20 milligrams. So, when asking if there is high sodium in beer, the general answer is no, though specific factors can influence the final sodium count.

Quick Summary

Beer is typically very low in sodium, with levels primarily influenced by brewing water and the specific style. Most light and regular beers have minimal sodium, while specialty types like Gose contain higher, intentionally added amounts.

Key Points

Not High in Sodium: Most regular and light beers contain a very small amount of sodium (10–20 mg per 12 oz), which is negligible compared to daily intake from other foods.
Primary Sources: The sodium in beer comes mainly from the mineral content of the brewing water, with smaller amounts from malt.
Gose is the Exception: The German Gose style is intentionally brewed with high sodium levels to create its signature salty and sour flavor.
Light vs. Regular: Light beers typically contain slightly less sodium than regular beers, but both are considered low-sodium beverages.
Focus on Processed Foods: Excessive sodium in the average diet comes overwhelmingly from packaged and restaurant foods, not from beer.
Flavor Influences: In brewing, sodium's primary role is to enhance mouthfeel and certain flavors, but at high concentrations, it can produce an unpleasant harshness.

The Truth About Sodium in Beer

For the vast majority of consumers, beer is not a significant source of dietary sodium. Compared to the average American's daily intake of around 3,400 mg, much of which comes from processed and restaurant foods, the small amount of sodium found in a beer is negligible. The World Health Organization recommends limiting daily sodium to less than 2,000 mg, making the 10-20 mg found in a standard 12 oz serving of beer a minor contributor. This low sodium content is one of the key takeaways for anyone monitoring their intake, but it's important to understand the nuances that contribute to these levels.

Sources of Sodium in the Brewing Process

The sodium in beer originates from a few primary sources, with brewing water being the most influential factor.

Brewing Water

Water is the main ingredient in beer, and its mineral composition directly affects the final product. The sodium content of municipal tap water can vary significantly, ranging from 0 to 195 mg/L in some regions. Brewers carefully select or treat their water to achieve a specific mineral profile that complements the beer style. A water softener, which replaces calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions, can increase the sodium content of brewing water, making it unsuitable for many beer styles unless bypassed.

Malt and Additives

While malt can contribute a tiny amount of sodium, the quantity is generally insignificant. However, some brewers deliberately add sodium salts, like sodium chloride (table salt), to the brewing process to enhance flavor and mouthfeel. At moderate levels, sodium can accentuate malt sweetness and add palate fullness. Conversely, excessive levels can impart an unpleasant salty or sour taste.

Specialty Styles: The Gose Exception

Certain historical beer styles are intentionally brewed with a higher sodium content. The most prominent example is the German Gose style, a sour beer that was traditionally brewed with water naturally high in salt content. Modern brewers recreating this style often add salt to the brew to achieve the characteristic salty and sour flavor profile. Therefore, if you are strictly watching your sodium intake, a Gose is one of the few beer styles you would need to avoid.

Comparison of Beer Sodium Content

Here is a comparison of typical sodium levels across different types of beer, based on a standard 12 oz (355 ml) serving.


Beer Type	Approximate Sodium per 12 oz (mg)	Typical Range (mg)
Regular Lager	10–20	10–25
Light Lager	5–15	5–20
Craft IPA (standard)	Varies greatly	10–50+
Guinness Draught Stout	< 1	< 1–5
Gose (specialty)	Significantly higher	50+

Beer and Overall Sodium Intake

For those monitoring their sodium for health reasons, such as managing high blood pressure, it's crucial to put beer's contribution into perspective. While a single serving's impact is minimal, excessive daily consumption of any alcoholic beverage is not recommended. The true culprits for high sodium intake are typically packaged and processed foods, fast food, and restaurant meals, which account for over 70% of the average American's consumption. Focusing on reducing sodium from these sources will have a far greater health impact than worrying about the negligible amount in most standard beers.

How to Keep Your Sodium in Check

Here are some practical tips for managing your overall sodium intake, whether you enjoy beer or not:

Read the Nutrition Facts label. Compare products and opt for lower-sodium choices.
Rinse canned foods. Rinsing canned beans or tuna can remove some of the sodium.
Choose fresh over processed. Buy fresh meat, poultry, and vegetables instead of their processed counterparts.
Flavor with herbs and spices. Experiment with no-salt seasoning blends to add flavor to your cooking.
Ask for meals prepared without salt when dining out, and get sauces on the side.
Limit your intake of known high-sodium foods such as deli meats, pizza, and savory snacks.
Moderate your alcohol consumption. While beer is low in sodium, excess alcohol intake has other health risks.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

The notion that beer contains high sodium is largely a myth for most styles. Standard regular and light beers contain very low, typically negligible amounts of sodium that pose no threat to the average person's dietary goals. The sodium present is primarily a natural byproduct of the brewing water and ingredients, though some brewers intentionally add it for flavor. The notable exception is the German Gose beer style, which is intentionally high in salt and should be noted by those on a strict low-sodium diet. For anyone concerned with their overall sodium intake, shifting focus from beer to a reduction of processed foods and high-sodium restaurant meals is a much more effective strategy for improving long-term health.

For more information on recommended daily sodium intake and health, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, beer is not a major source of sodium. A standard 12 oz serving typically contains 10–20 mg, which is a very small fraction of the average daily intake, most of which comes from processed foods.

Yes, it can. While most regular and light beers are low in sodium, specialty styles like Gose are known to have a significantly higher sodium content because salt is added during the brewing process for flavor.

Sodium gets into beer from the brewing water, as most water contains some level of naturally dissolved minerals. Brewers may also intentionally add salt to enhance certain flavors or mouthfeel.

Most beers are low enough in sodium that they will not significantly impact blood pressure. However, individuals with high blood pressure should focus on reducing overall sodium intake from processed foods and always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Light beers often contain slightly less sodium than regular beers (around 5–15 mg per 12 oz), but both are considered very low in sodium. The difference is typically minimal.

Some beers, like Guinness Draught Stout, have been noted to contain less than 1 mg of sodium per serving, making them excellent low-sodium choices.

At the very low levels found in most beers, you typically cannot taste the sodium. In higher concentrations, it can contribute to a salty, sour, or even harsh taste, which is intentionally featured in styles like Gose.