What beers are highest in carbs?

January 4, 2026 •

3 min read

According to nutrition data, some specialty beers can contain over 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving. Understanding what beers are highest in carbs can be crucial for those managing their diet, particularly if they are following a low-carb or keto lifestyle.

Quick Summary

Several beer styles contain significantly more carbohydrates due to higher malt content and less complete fermentation. These often include stouts, porters, and certain IPAs, especially those with higher alcohol content or added sugars.

Key Points

High ABV and dark beers have high carbs: Imperial stouts, barleywines, and other high-alcohol beers are typically highest in carbohydrates due to more malt and residual sugars.
Non-alcoholic beers are often surprisingly high in carbs: The fermentation is stopped early, leaving a high concentration of unfermented sugars.
Malt is the main carb source: The type and amount of malt used are the primary factors determining a beer's carbohydrate level.
Fermentation affects carbs: Beers that are less fully fermented, like many ales and specialty beers, have more residual sugars.
Additives increase carb count: Adjuncts such as lactose or fruit purées add extra sugars and, therefore, more carbs.
Craft brews vary widely: The carbohydrate content of craft beer can fluctuate dramatically depending on the brewer's recipe and techniques.
Light lagers are the lowest carb option: Beers explicitly brewed as 'light' or 'low-carb' will almost always have the lowest carbohydrate count.

The Brewing Process and Carbohydrate Content

The carbohydrate content of beer is directly linked to its brewing process. Beer is made from grains like barley and wheat, which contain starches. During the mashing process, enzymes convert these starches into fermentable sugars, primarily maltose, and non-fermentable sugars, also known as dextrins. Yeast then ferments the fermentable sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The key to high-carb beer lies in two factors: a high initial grain bill and a less complete fermentation, which leaves more residual sugars and dextrins in the final product. Darker malts and certain brewing techniques are often associated with a higher residual carbohydrate level.

Why Dark and Specialty Beers Are High in Carbs

Contrary to popular belief that darkness equals high carbs, it's more about the brewing style and malt profile. The malts used in stouts and porters contribute significantly to their rich flavor and color, but also to their carbohydrate load. These beers often have complex malt bills and may be less fully fermented than a typical lager, leaving more unfermented sugars behind. Non-alcoholic beers also tend to be very high in carbohydrates, as the fermentation process is either stopped early or the alcohol is removed, leaving a higher concentration of unfermented sugars. Craft breweries often experiment with complex recipes, high ABV, and adjuncts like fruit or lactose, which can dramatically increase the carbohydrate content.

Comparison Table: Carbs in Popular Beer Styles (12 oz Serving)


Beer Style	Estimated Carb Range (grams)	Notes
Light Lager	3-5	Typically brewed for a crisp, low-calorie profile.
Standard Lager	10-15	Contains a moderate level of residual carbs.
Amber Ale	12-18	Richer malt profile adds to the carb count.
Indian Pale Ale (IPA)	15-20+	Can vary widely, especially with higher ABV versions.
Porter	18-25+	Full-bodied with complex malts, leading to higher carbs.
Stout	14-25+	Known for deep flavor and a higher residual sugar content.
Non-Alcoholic Beer	15-30+	Often contains a very high level of residual sugars.

Specific High-Carb Beer Examples

Certain beer brands and types are consistently noted for their high carbohydrate counts. Imperial stouts, for instance, are notoriously high due to their robust malt profile and elevated alcohol content. Similarly, non-alcoholic beers often contain a surprising amount of carbohydrates because the fermentation process is intentionally halted early to prevent alcohol production, leaving most of the fermentable sugars untouched.

Lists of high-carb beers frequently include:

Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine: With over 30 grams of carbs per 12 oz, this high-gravity beer is a top contender.
New Belgium 1554: This Belgian-style ale contains a higher carb count due to its unique brewing style.
Guinness Extra Stout: Often cited as a high-carb option, it has about 14 grams per serving.
Blue Moon Belgian White Ale: This wheat beer contains higher levels of carbs, coming in around 13 grams per serving.
Non-Alcoholic O'Doul's Amber: The non-alcoholic nature means more unfermented sugars, resulting in a carb count of around 18 grams.

What Makes a Beer High in Carbs?

Several factors influence a beer's final carbohydrate count. The type and amount of grain used in the mash are foundational. Brewers who use more specialty grains, like caramel or chocolate malts, will often produce a sweeter, more complex beer with more residual sugars. The fermentation process is another critical element. Beers that undergo less complete fermentation, leaving behind more unfermented sugar, will naturally be higher in carbs. Adjuncts—additional ingredients used to enhance flavor—also contribute significantly. Lactose, often used in milk stouts, is an unfermentable sugar, directly adding to the carb load. Fruit purees and other flavorings can also introduce extra sugars. Finally, higher alcohol by volume (ABV) often correlates with higher carbs, as more fermentable sugars were needed to achieve the higher alcohol level in the first place.

Conclusion: Choosing Wisely

Knowing what beers are highest in carbs empowers consumers to make informed choices. If you are watching your carbohydrate intake for dietary reasons, it's wise to be cautious with dark, rich, and high-ABV beers, as well as non-alcoholic varieties. While they offer complex flavors, they often come with a substantial carb count. For those on a low-carb diet, sticking to light lagers or specially brewed low-carb options is the safest bet. The next time you're choosing a beer, consider the style and its characteristics to better align with your health and dietary goals.

Brewing techniques, ingredients, and the final carbohydrate content can all vary by brand and specific brew, so always check nutritional information if available.

Frequently Asked Questions

While it varies, some high-gravity, specialty beers like Sierra Nevada's Bigfoot Barleywine are known to have exceptionally high carb counts, often exceeding 30 grams per serving.

Not necessarily, but often they are. While darkness itself isn't the cause, the brewing methods and malt profiles for many dark beers like stouts and porters result in higher residual sugars and more carbohydrates.

Non-alcoholic beer is produced by either halting fermentation early or removing the alcohol afterward. Either process leaves a high concentration of unfermented sugars, leading to a significant carbohydrate count.

Yes, many craft breweries are now producing low-carb or 'light' versions of their popular styles. You will need to check the nutritional information for specific beers, but they are becoming more widely available.

Without a nutritional label, look for clues based on the beer's style. Lighter-bodied, clearer beers like lagers and light ales are typically lower in carbs, while darker, thicker, and high-ABV beers like stouts and barleywines usually have a higher carb content.

While many IPAs, particularly those with higher ABV, do have a higher carb count, the amount can vary greatly. Some newer, lighter IPAs are being developed with lower carbohydrate content.

Guinness Extra Stout has a relatively high carb count of around 14 grams per 12 oz serving compared to a light lager, though it is a common misconception that all dark beers like Guinness are extremely high in calories and carbs.