What is the best beer to drink when trying to lose weight?

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Nutrition, adults often fail to compensate for the calories from alcohol by reducing their food intake, potentially promoting weight gain. Therefore, understanding what is the best beer to drink when trying to lose weight is a critical step for anyone who wants to enjoy a brew without derailing their progress.

Quick Summary

This article evaluates nutritional differences between beer types to help you make informed choices, focusing on low-calorie, low-carb, and non-alcoholic varieties suitable for weight management.

Key Points

Prioritize Low Calorie and ABV: The most effective beer choices for weight loss are those with lower alcohol by volume (ABV) and fewer overall calories per serving.
Mindful Consumption is Key: Pacing your drinking, alternating with water, and setting a firm drink limit can prevent overindulgence and poor food choices.
Non-Alcoholic is Safest: For the lowest caloric impact and zero disruption to fat-burning metabolism, non-alcoholic beers are the best option and now offer excellent taste.
Be Aware of Alcohol's Metabolic Impact: Your body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over burning fat, so consuming alcohol can temporarily halt your weight loss progress.
Plan for Empty Calories: Always account for the empty calories in beer, remembering they offer little to no nutritional value and can add up quickly.
Avoid Sugary Additions: Be cautious with craft beers that may contain extra sugars, fruits, or flavorings, as these can significantly increase the calorie count.

Understanding the Calories in Beer

Most people assume all beer is high in calories, but this is a misconception. The caloric content is primarily determined by two factors: alcohol content (ABV) and residual carbohydrates. Alcohol contains approximately 7 calories per gram, nearly as much as pure fat, which contains 9 calories per gram. The higher the ABV, the higher the potential calorie count. Carbohydrates from unfermented sugars and grains also contribute to the total. This is why not all beers are created equal in the eyes of a dieter.

Alcohol’s Impact on Your Metabolism and Weight

Drinking alcohol can significantly hinder your body's fat-burning process. Your liver, which normally metabolizes fat and carbs, prioritizes breaking down alcohol because it's viewed as a toxin. This puts a temporary pause on your body's ability to burn stored fat, sometimes for up to 36 hours after heavy consumption. Furthermore, alcohol is known to lower inhibitions and increase appetite, leading to poor food choices and overeating, a phenomenon sometimes called the 'drunchies'.

Low-Calorie Beer Options

For those who prefer a beer with alcohol, a wide range of low-calorie options are now available that minimize the impact on your diet. These beers typically have a lower ABV and/or are brewed to have fewer residual sugars.

Here are some popular low-calorie choices:

Budweiser Select 55: With only 55 calories and 1.9g of carbs, it's one of the lightest on the market.
Michelob Ultra: A popular choice with 95 calories and 2.6g of carbs.
Miller 64 Extra Light Lager: Offers just 64 calories and 2.4g of carbs.
Corona Premier: A light, crisp option with 90 calories and 2.6g of carbs.
Coors Light: A classic light beer at 102 calories and 5g of carbs.
Heineken Light: A European option containing 99 calories and 6.8g of carbs.
Lagunitas DayTime IPA: A flavorful session IPA for hop lovers with 98 calories and 3g of carbs.

Non-Alcoholic Beers: The Ultimate Low-Calorie Choice

For maximum calorie reduction, non-alcoholic (NA) beer is the clear winner. The absence of alcohol dramatically reduces the calorie count. The quality and variety of NA beers have improved immensely, with many craft breweries offering impressive options.

Athletic Brewing Co. Lite: A highly praised NA option with just 25 calories per 12oz can.
Heineken 0.0: A popular and widely available choice with only 69 calories.
Michelob ULTRA Zero: Inspired by its alcoholic counterpart, this brew has just 29 calories.
Guinness 0: Offers the rich, robust flavor of a stout for only about 60 calories per 12oz serving.

Comparison Table: Best Beer for Weight Loss


Beer Category	Brand (12 oz)	Calories (Approx.)	Carbs (Approx.)	Alcohol By Volume (ABV)	Notes
Ultra-Light Beer	Budweiser Select 55	55	1.9g	2.4%	Very low calorie and carb, less flavor than heavier options.
	Miller 64	64	2.4g	2.8%	Light and crisp, minimal impact on daily macros.
Light Lager	Michelob Ultra	95	2.6g	4.2%	Classic low-carb option, widely available.
	Corona Premier	90	2.6g	4.0%	Light, refreshing taste, best served chilled.
Session IPA	Lagunitas DayTime IPA	98	3.0g	4.0%	Excellent balance of flavor for hop enthusiasts.
Standard Lager	Budweiser	145	10.6g	5.0%	Average regular beer, significantly higher carbs and calories.
Craft IPA	Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA	240	18.0g	7.2%	Represents higher-end craft beers with significant calories.
Non-Alcoholic (NA)	Athletic Brewing Lite	25	5.0g	<0.5%	Very low calorie, alcohol-free alternative for flavor without the downside.
	Heineken 0.0	69	6.8g	<0.5%	Good flavor, slightly higher carbs for an NA beer.

Strategies for Mindful Drinking While Losing Weight

Simply choosing a lower-calorie beer is a great first step, but how you drink is equally important. Here are some strategies for incorporating beer into your weight loss plan mindfully.

Pace Yourself: Savor each drink and alternate with a glass of water. This helps with hydration and slows down your overall alcohol consumption.
Eat Before You Drink: Consume a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and healthy fats before heading out. This slows alcohol absorption and reduces the likelihood of impulsive, unhealthy food choices later.
Set a Limit: Decide on the number of drinks you'll have beforehand and stick to it. This prevents overconsumption and calorie creep.
Plan for the Calories: Track your beer calories just as you would with your food. Remember that alcohol calories don't provide the same nutritional value as food calories.
Consider NA Options: For casual weeknight drinks or times when you want the taste without the metabolic impact, swap your regular beer for a quality non-alcoholic alternative. Many brands now offer excellent flavor profiles.

Conclusion

There is no single "best" beer for weight loss, as the ideal choice depends on your individual dietary needs and preferences. However, the best strategy involves a combination of smart choices and mindful habits. Prioritizing beers with lower calories and ABV, exploring the growing non-alcoholic market, and consuming alcohol in moderation are all effective ways to enjoy a beer without compromising your weight loss goals. Remember that moderation is key, and the beer that works best for your diet is the one that fits into your overall caloric and wellness plan without leading to overindulgence or poor eating habits. For a deeper look at alcohol's effect on weight loss, consult resources like the Medical Encyclopedia from MedlinePlus.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, this is a common myth. A beer's calorie count is primarily driven by its alcohol content and residual carbohydrates, not its color. A Guinness Draught Stout, for example, is surprisingly lower in calories than many people assume.

Alcohol can disrupt appetite-regulating hormones like leptin and ghrelin, leading to increased feelings of hunger. It can also lower your inhibitions, making you more likely to crave and consume high-calorie, unhealthy foods.

While theoretically possible to fit into a calorie deficit, drinking beer every day can hinder weight loss by slowing fat metabolism and increasing hunger. Mindful drinking and moderation, perhaps a few times a week, are far more effective strategies.

Yes, non-alcoholic (NA) beer is generally the best option for weight loss. It contains significantly fewer calories and no alcohol, meaning it won't stall your body's fat-burning processes.

Some of the lowest-calorie beers include Budweiser Select 55 (55 calories) and Miller 64 (64 calories). For non-alcoholic options, Athletic Brewing Lite contains just 25 calories.

For those on a keto diet, the best beers are those with the lowest carb count. Options like Budweiser Select 55 (1.9g carbs) and Michelob Ultra (2.6g carbs) are excellent choices.

A light beer often has fewer calories than a standard glass of wine, but portion sizes differ. A key difference is that alcohol in any form will halt fat metabolism, so mindful consumption of either is necessary for weight management.