Understanding Your Brew: What Beer Has No Sugar in It?

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated 80% of fermentable sugars are converted into alcohol and CO2 during the brewing process, meaning most traditional beers contain very little, if any, residual sugar. This makes the question 'What beer has no sugar in it?' a bit more complex, as true sugar content is different from carbohydrate content, and a few zero-carb options are now available.

Quick Summary

Several brands, including Bud Light NEXT and Better Beer Zero Carb, offer a completely sugar-free option for those on a diet. Most regular and light beers also contain minimal to no residual sugar due to yeast conversion, though total carbohydrate levels vary. Non-alcoholic beers, in contrast, typically contain more sugar.

Key Points

Zero-sugar options exist: Some specialized beers like Bud Light NEXT and Better Beer Zero Carb contain zero grams of sugar and zero carbs due to advanced brewing techniques.
Fermentation removes most sugar: During the brewing process, yeast consumes most of the sugars from the grains, converting them into alcohol and CO2, which is why many regular beers report 0 grams of sugar.
Carbohydrates remain: Even in beers with no sugar, carbohydrates from the grains can still be present, so checking total carb count is important for low-carb diets.
Non-alcoholic beers have higher sugar: Because the fermentation process is limited, non-alcoholic beers often contain significantly more residual sugar than their alcoholic counterparts.
Moderation is key: Regardless of sugar content, all alcoholic beverages contain calories from the alcohol itself, and excessive intake can disrupt diets like keto.
Read nutritional labels: Since regulations can vary, look for nutritional information from the brewery to confirm exact sugar and carb content.

The Science of Fermentation: How Beer Loses Its Sugar

Before delving into specific brands, it's crucial to understand why most beer naturally has a very low sugar content. The brewing process starts with a sugary liquid called wort, which is created by soaking grains like malted barley in hot water. Yeast is then added to the wort during the fermentation stage. This yeast consumes the fermentable sugars—primarily maltose—and converts them into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

For standard alcoholic beers, this process is highly efficient, leaving behind minimal residual sugar. However, some carbohydrates remain that the yeast cannot ferment (oligosaccharides), which still contribute to the overall carb count of the beer. The level of residual sugar and carbohydrates depends on factors like the type of yeast, fermentation time, and the grain bill used. Non-alcoholic beers, for example, have higher sugar content because the fermentation process is either stopped early or limited to prevent alcohol production, leaving the sugars unconverted.

Leading Brands with No or Low Sugar

While many beers have negligible sugar, a few specific products have been engineered to achieve a zero-sugar, and in some cases, zero-carb, profile. These are the result of advanced brewing techniques aimed at catering to health-conscious consumers and those on low-carbohydrate diets.

Zero-Sugar, Zero-Carb Options

Bud Light NEXT: Marketed as a zero-carb, zero-sugar light beer, Bud Light NEXT was developed over a decade to perfect its crisp, refreshing flavor. It’s an ideal choice for those on strict diets like keto who want to enjoy a beer without the carbohydrates.
Better Beer Zero Carb: This Australian brand created a lager-style beer specifically to be full-flavored yet heavy-free. It offers a clean taste with zero carbs and zero sugar, thanks to a prolonged fermentation process that ensures all sugars are consumed by the yeast.
Tooheys Ultra Zero Carb: Another zero-carb lager option, Tooheys uses a special fermentation process to create a brew with no carbs and fewer calories.

Low-Sugar, Low-Carb Options

Many popular light beers contain virtually no sugar, though they do have some residual carbs. These brands are often cited for their low-calorie and low-carb content:

Miller Lite: With only 3.2 grams of carbs and 0 grams of sugar per 12 oz serving, Miller Lite is a long-standing favorite among those seeking a lighter beer option.
Michelob Ultra: Known for its low-carb content, Michelob Ultra has just 2.6 grams of carbs and 0 grams of sugar per 12 oz serving.
Busch Light: This beer also reports 0 grams of sugar and has a very low carb count of 3.2 grams.

Comparison Table: Sugar and Carb Content in Popular Beers

To help you make an informed decision, here is a comparison of sugar and carbohydrate content for a 12-ounce (355ml) serving of various beer types and brands:


Beer Type/Brand	Carbs (g)	Sugar (g)	Notes
Bud Light NEXT	0	0	Explicitly zero sugar and carbs.
Better Beer Zero Carb	0	0	Australian brand; also zero sugar.
Tooheys Ultra Zero Carb	0	0	Australian brand; also zero sugar.
Regular Beer (Average)	~12.8	0	Fermentation converts most sugars.
Light Beer (Average)	~5.9	0.3	Lower in calories and carbs than regular beer.
Miller Lite	3.2	0	Popular low-carb option.
Michelob Ultra	2.6	0	Another popular low-carb choice.
Busch Light	3.2	0	Very low carb and sugar content.
Non-Alcoholic Beer (Average)	~28.5	~28.5	Fermentation is stopped, leaving sugars behind.
Budweiser Zero (NA)	~12.2	0	Brand-specific zero-sugar NA option.

Navigating Beer on a Low-Sugar or Low-Carb Diet

For individuals following a diet that restricts sugar or carbs, such as the ketogenic diet, choosing the right beer is essential. While zero-carb options are the safest bet, low-carb light beers can also fit into a moderate plan. However, it is vital to remember that even without sugar, alcohol contains calories. One gram of alcohol contains about 7 calories, which can add up quickly.

Moreover, the body processes alcohol differently than other macronutrients. Drinking can temporarily halt ketosis as your liver prioritizes metabolizing the alcohol. This makes moderation a crucial element of incorporating beer into a healthy lifestyle. Choosing a beer with low carbs and no sugar helps minimize the impact, but responsible consumption remains key.

Beyond the Label: Reading the Nutrition Facts

Since alcohol labeling is not as strictly regulated as food products in many places, finding comprehensive nutritional information can be challenging. However, most major beer producers provide this data on their websites or product packaging. Some things to look for include:

Serving Size: Pay attention to whether the information is for a standard 12-ounce bottle or can, or for a different volume.
Total Carbohydrates: This is the most important metric for those on a low-carb diet, as it includes any residual sugars and unfermentable carbohydrates.
Sugar: Look for a value of 0 grams of sugar, especially for non-alcoholic options, as some are specifically brewed to be sugar-free.

Conclusion

In summary, the notion that all beer is loaded with sugar is a misconception, as the fermentation process naturally removes most of it. Specific modern brews like Bud Light NEXT and Better Beer Zero Carb have successfully eliminated both sugar and carbohydrates entirely through specialized brewing methods. For those on moderate diets, many traditional light beers also contain virtually no sugar while offering lower carbohydrate counts than their regular counterparts. However, it is crucial to remain mindful of the calorie content from alcohol itself. Ultimately, whether it’s for a strict keto diet or general health, understanding the difference between sugar and carbs in beer allows for more informed and responsible consumption within a balanced nutritional plan. The best beer for your diet is the one that fits your personal goals and is enjoyed in moderation.

For more detailed information on beer nutrition, including the differences in non-alcoholic and light beers, reliable sources like Healthline can provide additional insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a strict ketogenic diet, the best options are explicitly labeled zero-carb and zero-sugar beers, such as Bud Light NEXT or Better Beer Zero Carb. Light beers with very low carbohydrate counts, like Michelob Ultra or Miller Lite, can also be consumed in moderation.

Yes, while many light beers are also low in carbohydrates, the terms are not always interchangeable. A light beer is simply lower in calories than its regular counterpart. Low-carb beers, like Bud Light NEXT, are specifically brewed to minimize carb content, often resulting in lower calorie counts as well.

In most cases, yes. Non-alcoholic beers have a higher sugar content because the fermentation process is either halted or minimized to keep alcohol levels down. This leaves behind unconverted sugars from the wort. However, some brands offer specific zero-sugar non-alcoholic options, like Budweiser Zero.

For many countries, breweries are not required to list sugar content on beer labels, though it's often available on their websites. The best way to track sugar on a diet is by checking the total carbohydrate count, which is more reliably listed. For zero-sugar options, the product will be clearly advertised.

The fermentation process is what makes most beer low in sugar. Yeast consumes the fermentable sugars and converts them. The final amount of residual sugar is often negligible (less than 1 gram), but not all carbohydrates are fermentable.

Most IPAs are relatively low in residual sugar, often less than 1 gram per 12-ounce serving, because their extensive fermentation process converts most of the sugars into alcohol. However, they often have higher calorie and alcohol content than light beers.

No, alcohol does not turn into sugar in the body. The liver metabolizes alcohol and prioritizes it over other nutrients. However, consuming alcohol can still impact blood sugar levels, and excessive consumption can interfere with the body's normal metabolic processes.