What's the Healthiest Beer in the World?

November 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2025 analysis, dark beers like stouts and porters surprisingly contain higher levels of antioxidants than their lighter counterparts, although the health benefits are still debated. The question of what's the healthiest beer is complex, depending on your individual health goals, whether they focus on low calories, low alcohol, or specific nutrients like antioxidants or probiotics.

Quick Summary

This guide delves into the nutritional aspects of different beer styles, comparing calories, carbs, and potential benefits from antioxidants or probiotics. It helps readers navigate the world of beer to find options that align with various health priorities, from non-alcoholic and light options to specific craft styles with unique properties.

Key Points

Lower ABV, Lower Calories: Choosing beers with a lower alcohol by volume (ABV) is the most direct way to reduce calorie intake, as alcohol contributes significantly to a beer's caloric content.
Non-Alcoholic is King for Low-Cal: Brands like Athletic Brewing Co. offer extremely low-calorie and non-alcoholic options, making them the healthiest choice for minimal alcohol consumption.
Dark Beers Have Antioxidants: Surprisingly, dark stouts and porters contain higher levels of antioxidants from roasted malts, though consumption should still be moderate.
Hoppy Beers Fight Inflammation: IPAs and Pale Ales contain humulone from hops, which has been linked to anti-inflammatory properties.
Sours Offer Probiotics: Naturally fermented sour beers like Lambics and Goses contain live microorganisms (lactobacillus) that can support gut health.
Organic is a Cleaner Choice: Organic beers are made without chemical additives and are often lower in alcohol and calories than traditional counterparts.
Gluten-Free Options Available: For those with sensitivities, dedicated gluten-free options like Ghostfish Belgian White are available.
Mindful Moderation is Key: Regardless of the beer type, moderate consumption is essential. Health experts recommend no more than one to two drinks per day for men and one for women.

Understanding 'Healthy' Beer

There is no single "healthiest" beer; rather, the best choice depends on what health metric you prioritize. For some, it might be the lowest calorie count, while for others, it's finding a beverage with specific nutritional benefits like antioxidants or probiotics. A key factor is alcohol by volume (ABV), as alcohol itself is high in calories (seven calories per gram), meaning lower ABV generally equals lower calories. However, some craft and specialty beers offer additional compounds that may provide unique benefits.

The Rise of Low-Calorie and Non-Alcoholic Beers

In recent years, the market for low-calorie and non-alcoholic (NA) beers has exploded, providing excellent options for those watching their weight or alcohol intake. Many major breweries now offer zero-alcohol versions of their popular brews, significantly reducing calorie and carb counts without sacrificing flavor.

Athletic Brewing Co. Lite: A leader in the non-alcoholic space, this company specializes in craft NA beers. Their Lite Lager boasts just 25 calories and 5 grams of carbs per 12 oz serving.
Bud Light NEXT: For those who want some alcohol with zero carbs, Bud Light NEXT offers 4% ABV and just 80 calories per 12 oz can.
Michelob Ultra Pure Gold: A popular organic choice, this light lager provides 85 calories and 2.5 grams of carbs with a 3.8% ABV.
Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty Lo-Cal IPA: A hoppy craft beer with only 95 calories and 3.6 grams of carbs, sweetened with monk fruit.
Guinness 0.0: This zero-alcohol version offers the classic dark stout flavor with only 60 calories per 12 oz serving, proving dark beers don't have to be heavy.

Antioxidants in Dark and Hoppy Beers

Beyond just minimizing harm, some beer styles offer potentially beneficial compounds. Dark beers and hoppy IPAs have been studied for their antioxidant properties. The process of roasting malts and using generous amounts of hops introduces phenolic compounds into the beer.

Stouts and Porters: Generally contain higher levels of antioxidants from roasted malts. Studies have shown these can scavenge free radicals, though the health effects are still debated. Guinness Draught is a classic example that is surprisingly moderate in calories (125 per 12 oz) for its robust flavor.
IPAs and Pale Ales: Hops contain compounds like humulone, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Session IPAs are an excellent way to get the benefits of hops with a lower ABV and calorie count.

Probiotics in Sour and Unfiltered Beers

Another health aspect to consider is gut health. Certain beer styles, particularly those involving wild fermentation, contain live microorganisms that can act as probiotics.

Lambic and Gueuze: Traditional Belgian lambics undergo spontaneous fermentation, cultivating a diverse range of microorganisms. These can contribute to healthy gut flora, making them a unique option for health-conscious drinkers.
Gose and Berliner Weisse: These sour wheat beers use lactobacillus, a probiotic bacteria also found in yogurt and kimchi, to create their tart flavor profile. They are also typically low in alcohol.

Comparison of Beer Styles


Feature	Low-Calorie Light Lagers	Dark Stouts	Session IPAs	Traditional Sours	Non-Alcoholic Beers
Calories (per 12oz)	55-100 kcal	125-200+ kcal	95-150 kcal	100-150 kcal	25-70 kcal
Carbohydrates	Very Low (1-5g)	Moderate (10-20g+)	Low-Moderate (3-12g)	Moderate (10-15g+)	Very Low (5-15g)
Alcohol (ABV)	Low (2-4%)	Moderate to High (4-8%+)	Low-Moderate (4-5%)	Low-Moderate (3-5%)	<0.5%
Nutritional Upside	Low calorie, low carb	High antioxidants	Anti-inflammatory properties from hops	Probiotics, gut health benefits	Zero alcohol, very low calorie
Downside	Less flavor, watery	Higher calories, higher ABV	Hoppier, can be more bitter	Not to everyone's taste	Lacks alcohol, can be an acquired taste

Making the Best Choice for You

To determine your healthiest beer, consider your personal priorities. If weight management is your main focus, prioritize non-alcoholic or low-calorie, low-carb options. If you're seeking potential nutritional benefits like antioxidants or probiotics, explore dark stouts, hoppy IPAs, or wild-fermented sours in moderation. Remember that the key to any alcoholic beverage is moderation. Health experts advise that alcohol should be consumed mindfully, regardless of the type.

Conclusion: No Single 'Healthiest' Option

Ultimately, there is no single "healthiest beer" for everyone, as the best choice depends on individual dietary needs and preferences. However, non-alcoholic and light beers offer the lowest calorie and alcohol options, while specific craft styles like dark stouts, hoppy IPAs, and traditional sours can provide beneficial compounds like antioxidants and probiotics. The most important factor is always moderation. By understanding the different nutritional profiles, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle and health goals. For a definitive understanding of alcohol's impact, consult official health guidelines.

Official Australian alcohol guidelines - NHMRC

Frequently Asked Questions

Non-alcoholic beers and ultra-light options are the lowest in calories. Athletic Brewing Co. Lite has only 25 calories, while Budweiser Select 55 is a light lager with just 55 calories.

Guinness is surprisingly moderate in calories for a dark beer (around 125 per 12 oz serving) and contains antioxidants from roasted barley. However, moderation is still important.

While many darker beers like stouts can be higher in calories due to a more robust grain bill, it's a misconception that all are high-calorie. The non-alcoholic Guinness 0.0, for example, is very low in calories.

IPAs contain high levels of hops, which are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. However, many IPAs also have higher alcohol and calorie content, so moderation is crucial.

Certain naturally fermented sour beer styles, such as Lambics and Goses, are brewed with probiotic bacteria like lactobacillus, which can contribute to gut health.

For those seeking to avoid alcohol or reduce calorie intake, non-alcoholic (NA) beer is often healthier. However, some NA beers can still have significant sugar and carbohydrates, so it's best to check the nutritional label.

For weight loss, the healthiest approach is to consume low-calorie, low-carb, and low-ABV beers in moderation. Pairing beer with a balanced meal and staying hydrated with water can also help.