What is the best beer to drink on a diet? A Comprehensive Guide

An average beer contains approximately 150 calories, but many diet-friendly options are available. This guide offers an overview of the best beers to drink on a diet, focusing on low-calorie and low-carb choices that balance flavor with health.

Quick Summary

This guide highlights the best low-calorie and low-carb beer choices for dieters. It covers popular brands, craft beers, non-alcoholic selections, and tips for mindful consumption.

Key Points

• Lowest Calorie Options: Ultra-light lagers like Budweiser Select 55 (55 calories) and Miller 64 (64 calories) offer the fewest calories per serving, ideal for strict calorie counting.

• Low-Calorie Craft Beers: For more flavor, opt for session or low-cal IPAs such as Lagunitas DayTime or Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty, which provide a hoppy taste with fewer calories.

• Non-Alcoholic for Calorie Control: Non-alcoholic beers like Athletic Lite or Guinness 0 offer the lowest calories overall, with some options as low as 25 calories per can.

• Keto-Friendly Choices: For low-carb diets, beers like Bud Light Next (0g carbs) and Michelob Ultra (2.6g carbs) are excellent choices that won't disrupt ketosis.

• Moderation is Key: Regardless of the beer choice, mindful drinking, alternating with water, and eating beforehand are the most effective strategies for maintaining a diet while enjoying beer.

• Consider the Full Nutritional Profile: Pay attention to both ABV and carbs, as high alcohol content significantly contributes to total calories. Check the label to ensure it aligns with your specific dietary goals.

Understanding Calories and Carbs in Beer

When considering the best beer to drink on a diet, it's crucial to understand the source of beer's calories. The primary contributors are alcohol and carbohydrates. Alcohol contains nearly 7 calories per gram, which is almost as many as fat, which contains 9 calories per gram. Carbohydrates from residual sugars also add to the caloric content. This is why a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) beer often has a higher calorie count, regardless of its carb content. For instance, a heavy, high-ABV imperial stout can contain upwards of 250-300 calories per 12 oz serving, whereas a standard light lager often stays below 105 calories.

The Rise of Low-Calorie and Low-Carb Options

In recent years, the beer market has responded to consumer demand for healthier options. This has led to an increase in low-calorie and low-carb beers that don't entirely sacrifice taste. Many of these beers achieve their lower calorie count by reducing the ABV, while some specifically target carbs by using different brewing techniques or alternative ingredients, such as monk fruit.

• Ultra-Light Lagers: These are the lightest options on the market, sometimes dipping below 70 calories per serving. Brands such as Budweiser Select 55 and Miller 64 are prime examples, although their flavor profile may be less robust.
• Popular Light Beers: The classic light beers often fall in the 95-110 calorie range and are widely available. Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, and Coors Light are staples that offer a familiar taste with fewer calories than standard lagers.
• Lo-Cal Craft IPAs: For those who crave more flavor, the craft beer scene now offers 'session' or 'lo-cal' IPAs. These maintain a hoppy character while keeping ABV and calories in check. Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty and Lagunitas DayTime are popular choices.
• Non-Alcoholic Beers: The best choice for calorie control is non-alcoholic (NA) beer. Brands such as Athletic Brewing Co., Budweiser Zero, and Guinness 0 offer full beer flavor with extremely low-calorie counts, often 25-65 calories per can. Some NA beers even contain extra botanicals for relaxation.

Comparison of Diet-Friendly Beers

To help in your decision-making, here's a comparison of some of the most popular low-calorie and low-carb beers available. All values are for a standard 12 oz (355ml) serving and can vary slightly by location.

Beer Brand	Type	Calories	Carbs (g)	ABV (%)	Why It's a Good Choice
Budweiser Select 55	Ultra-Light Lager	55	1.9	2.4	Extremely low calories, good for strict calorie counting.
Miller 64	Ultra-Light Lager	64	2.4	2.8	Very low calorie, a step up in ABV from Bud Select 55.
Michelob Ultra	Light Lager	95	2.6	4.2	Balanced low-calorie and low-carb with classic lager taste.
Michelob Ultra Pure Gold	Light Lager	85	2.5	3.6	Organic ingredients, slightly fewer calories than the original.
Lagunitas DayTime IPA	Session IPA	98	3.0	4.0	Flavorful and hoppy for an IPA, but with a light profile.
Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty	Lo-Cal IPA	95	3.6	4.0	Uses monk fruit for sweetness, full flavor without the sugar.
Coors Light	Light Lager	102	5.0	4.2	Widely available, a reliable, classic light option.
Bud Light Next	Zero-Carb Beer	80	0.0	4.0	The only zero-carb alcoholic option in this table.
Guinness Draught	Stout	125	10.0	4.2	Rich flavor profile that feels substantial, surprisingly moderate calories.
Athletic Lite	Non-Alcoholic	25	5.0	<0.5	Extremely low-calorie, non-alcoholic option from a specialist brewer.

Strategies for Mindful Drinking on a Diet

Choosing a low-calorie beer is only one aspect of the equation. How someone approaches drinking is equally important for maintaining dietary goals. Here are some strategies for mindful consumption:

1. Prioritize Quality over Quantity: If you enjoy a full-flavored beer, consider having just one of your favorite high-quality brew and truly savoring it, rather than drinking several less-satisfying light beers.
2. Alternate with Water: For every beer you drink, have a full glass of water. This helps you stay hydrated, slows your pace, and reduces your total alcohol intake.
3. Eat Before You Drink: Having a balanced meal before drinking can slow alcohol absorption and prevent you from making poor, high-calorie food choices often associated with drinking.
4. Use Smaller Glasses: Drinking from a smaller glass can trick the brain into feeling like you've consumed more, helping with portion control.
5. Be Aware of Alcohol's Effects on Your Metabolism: Your body prioritizes processing alcohol as a toxin, putting the burning of fat and carbs on hold. This can hinder weight loss, so moderation is crucial.
6. Avoid Trigger Foods: After a few drinks, inhibitions can lower, leading to cravings for salty and greasy foods. Planning healthy snacks in advance can prevent these high-calorie binges.

Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Beer Options

For those on a ketogenic or very low-carb diet, finding a suitable beer can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. The key is to find beers with minimal residual sugars and low carbs. Options like Bud Light Next (0g carbs) are excellent choices. Other popular choices include Michelob Ultra (2.6g carbs) and Budweiser Select 55 (1.9g carbs), which fit comfortably within most keto macros. The non-alcoholic options, while still containing some carbs, are also a viable option due to their negligible ABV. When in doubt, always check the label for nutritional information, as carb counts can vary.

Conclusion

There is no single best beer to drink on a diet, as the ideal choice depends on your specific goals and preferences. For minimal calories, ultra-light lagers and non-alcoholic beers are the clear winners. If flavor is your priority, the new generation of low-cal craft IPAs offers a more robust drinking experience without a huge calorie penalty. For strict low-carb and keto diets, select ultra-light lagers and zero-carb beers are the best fit. Ultimately, the best approach is to practice moderation and mindful consumption, ensuring that enjoying a beer fits responsibly into your overall healthy lifestyle. Being informed about calories, carbs, and alcohol content empowers you to make smarter choices for both your taste buds and your waistline.

Visit the official Dogfish Head website for more information on their low-cal beer offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which beer is the absolute lowest in calories?

Among popular options, Budweiser Select 55 has one of the lowest calorie counts at just 55 calories per 12 oz serving. Non-alcoholic beers can be even lower, with some starting around 25 calories.

Can I drink regular beer and still lose weight?

Yes, but moderation is key. A single regular beer can have around 150 calories. As long as you account for these calories within your daily budget, you can still achieve weight loss. However, lower-calorie options make it easier to stay in a deficit.

Are all light beers low in carbs?

No. While most light beers are lower in carbs than regular beers, the carb counts vary widely. Some, like Bud Light Next, have zero carbs, while others might have 5g or more. It's important to check the nutritional information.

Is non-alcoholic beer better for weight loss?

Often, yes. Non-alcoholic beers have significantly fewer calories and no alcohol, which your body prioritizes metabolizing over fat. This makes them a great option for enjoying a beer-like experience with minimal impact on your diet.

Why is Guinness considered a surprisingly good option for a diet?

Despite its rich and heavy flavor, a Guinness Draught has a relatively moderate calorie count of 125 per 12 oz, which is lower than many standard beers. Its satisfying texture can also make it easier to drink less.

Does beer cause a 'beer belly'?

Excess calories, whether from beer or other food, and low physical activity are the primary causes of a 'beer belly'. Alcohol can contribute by slowing fat burning and leading to poor food choices, but it is not the sole cause.

How can I avoid overeating when I drink beer?

Eating a balanced, healthy meal before you start drinking can help control your appetite. Having healthy snacks ready and alternating each beer with a glass of water are also effective strategies.