What kind of beer has no sugar in it?: A Guide to Zero-Sugar Options

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

While standard beers can contain residual carbohydrates, many brands have successfully crafted options with zero or near-zero sugar content. For those mindful of their sugar intake, the question, What kind of beer has no sugar in it?, is more relevant than ever.

Quick Summary

This guide explores the types of beer with no or minimal sugar, explaining the brewing processes that reduce fermentable sugars and residual carbohydrates. It lists specific brands, discusses low-carb options, and outlines key nutritional differences.

Key Points

Ultra-light lagers: Brands like Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, and Bud Light commonly contain 0g of sugar per serving due to thorough fermentation.
Dry-finish beers: This term indicates a lack of sweetness, resulting from yeast consuming most fermentable sugars, a characteristic of styles like Brut IPAs and Saisons.
Specialized brewing techniques: Brewers use low mashing temperatures, high-attenuation yeast, and sometimes enzymes to break down complex carbs into fermentable sugars, leading to a zero-sugar final product.
Non-alcoholic beer variation: While some non-alcoholic beers like Budweiser Zero have zero sugar, others can be surprisingly high in sugar, so reading labels is essential.
Alcohol contains calories: Even with 0g of sugar, beer is not calorie-free. Alcohol itself contributes significantly to the total calorie count and carbohydrate load.
Focus on nutritional labels: The most reliable way to confirm a beer's sugar content is to check its nutritional label or the brewery's official website, especially for specialized products.

Understanding Sugar in Beer

Most people assume all beer contains sugar, but this isn't entirely accurate. Beer is made by fermenting sugars from malted barley using yeast. The yeast consumes these sugars, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide. The amount of sugar left in the final product depends on the brewing process.

Fermentable vs. Unfermentable Sugars: Not all sugars created during the brewing mash are easily consumed by yeast. Simple sugars like glucose are readily eaten, while more complex sugars and starches, known as dextrins, are harder for yeast to break down.
The Concept of "Dry": In beer terminology, a "dry" beer simply means it is not sweet. This occurs when the yeast ferments most or all of the sugars present, leaving very little residual sugar behind. Brewers achieve this by mashing at lower temperatures, using high-attenuation yeast strains, or adding enzymes to break down dextrins.

Types of Beer with No or Low Sugar

Fortunately, a growing number of brewers are catering to health-conscious consumers. Here are the primary categories of beer that typically contain no or minimal sugar:

Ultra-Light Lagers: These beers are specifically brewed to have a low calorie and carbohydrate count. Major brands like Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, and Bud Light often feature 0g of sugar per 12oz serving, with minimal carbohydrate content. This is often achieved through a more thorough fermentation process.
Dry-Finish Ales and Lagers: Some craft brewers produce dry-finish styles, inspired by trends like Japanese lagers (e.g., Asahi Super Dry). Examples include Brut IPAs and certain Saisons, where the focus is on a crisp, non-sweet finish achieved through aggressive fermentation.
Specialized Zero-Carb/Zero-Sugar Beers: A number of smaller brands and niche products are explicitly brewed for a zero-carb, zero-sugar profile. Brands like The Löwecal Lager (4.2% ABV) are designed to dissolve all residual sugars, leaving none behind.
Select Non-Alcoholic Beers: While many non-alcoholic (NA) beers contain residual sugar to add flavor and body, some are formulated for zero sugar. Budweiser Zero, for example, is advertised as having 0g of sugar. It is crucial to read the nutritional label, as sugar content varies widely among NA options.

Comparison Table: Nutritional Breakdown

To better illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of typical sugar and carb content for popular beer types, based on a standard 12oz serving.


Beer Type	Example Brand	Alcohol by Volume (ABV)	Calories	Carbohydrates	Sugar	Source
Ultra-Light Lager	Michelob Ultra	4.2%	95	2.6g	0g
Light Lager	Miller Lite	4.2%	96	3.2g	0g
Standard American Lager	Budweiser	5.0%	145	10.6g	0g
Zero-Carb Lager	The Löwecal Lager	4.2%	88	0g	0g
Dry IPA	Lagunitas Daytime IPA	4.0%	98	3.0g	0g
Zero-Alcohol Brew	Budweiser Zero	<0.5%	50	N/A	0g
Non-Alcoholic	Heineken 0.0	0.0%	N/A	N/A	1.3g/100ml

The Brewing Techniques Behind Zero-Sugar Beers

Achieving a truly zero-sugar beer requires precision in the brewing process. For brewers, the goal is maximum attenuation, meaning the yeast consumes as much sugar as possible. Techniques include:

Low-Temperature Mashing: Brewers can control the temperature during the mash, the step where starches are converted to sugars. Mashing at a lower temperature for a longer period promotes the creation of more fermentable sugars, which the yeast will readily consume.
High-Attenuation Yeast: Selecting a specific yeast strain is critical. Some strains are known for their ability to break down a wider range of sugar molecules, leaving less behind. Certain non-conventional yeasts can also be used for low-alcohol options.
Enzyme Addition: Commercial brewers often add enzymes, such as amyloglucosidase, to the mash or fermenter. These enzymes break down complex carbohydrates (dextrins) into simple, fermentable sugars, which the yeast then converts to alcohol and carbon dioxide.
Extended Fermentation: Allowing the beer to ferment for a longer period gives the yeast more time to consume any remaining sugars, resulting in a drier finish.

How to Find a Zero-Sugar Beer

Finding a beer with no sugar is simpler than it seems. The key is to know what to look for and where to find the information:

Read the Label: The most reliable method is to check the nutritional label on the product. Companies are often transparent about sugar, carbs, and calories, especially for low-carb or keto-friendly options.
Look for "Dry" or "Ultra-Light": These are often reliable indicators of minimal sugar content. While "dry" refers to the finish, it's typically a result of low residual sugar.
Explore Non-Alcoholic Selections Carefully: If opting for an NA brew, always check the sugar content. While some are zero-sugar, many brands add sugar to replace the body and flavor lost during processing.
Check Brewery Websites: Many craft breweries specializing in low-carb or low-calorie options provide detailed nutritional information on their websites.

Important Nutritional Context

Even when a beer has no sugar, it is not calorie-free. The alcohol itself is a significant source of calories. A 12oz serving of a 4.2% ABV beer contains approximately 88 calories from alcohol alone (assuming full sugar conversion), plus any calories from remaining carbohydrates. For this reason, those on ketogenic or low-carb diets should still monitor their total carbohydrate and calorie intake, not just the sugar count.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a beer with no sugar, you have several excellent options, from ultra-light mainstream lagers to specially brewed dry ales and non-alcoholic alternatives. The increasing consumer demand for healthier choices has driven innovation in the industry, making it easier than ever to find a flavorful beer that fits a low-sugar diet. Understanding the brewing process and checking the nutritional information are your best tools for making an informed choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

While many ultra-light and light beers contain 0g of sugar, brands that explicitly label themselves as zero-carb or zero-sugar are your best bet. Examples include The Löwecal Lager (alcoholic) and Budweiser Zero (non-alcoholic).

Most major light beers, such as Michelob Ultra, Bud Light, and Miller Lite, contain 0g of sugar per 12oz serving. However, it's always best to check the nutritional label, as sugar content can vary slightly between brands.

Not necessarily. A beer can have 0g of sugar but still contain carbohydrates, particularly from unfermented starches called dextrins. Some specialty beers, like The Löwecal Lager, are brewed to be both zero-sugar and zero-carb.

For craft beers, look for styles described as "dry," such as Brut IPAs or certain Saisons, which indicates a low level of residual sugar. Always check the brewery's website for specific nutritional information, or look for beers marketed as low-carb or keto-friendly.

Non-alcoholic beers can be brewed in several ways. Some are stopped from fermenting fully, leaving behind the original sugars for flavor and body. Other methods, like vacuum distillation, strip out the alcohol but may leave a wort-like flavor that is sometimes masked by added sugar.

While zero-sugar beer can be a better option than high-sugar beverages, the alcohol and remaining carbohydrates can still affect blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes should consult a healthcare professional and monitor their consumption carefully.

Yes, it often does. The absence of residual sugar results in a drier, crisper finish, as opposed to a beer with a sweeter, fuller body. Flavor is typically derived from hops, yeast characteristics, and malt choices, rather than sweetness.