What kind of beer has zero carbs? A comprehensive nutrition guide

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

While the average standard beer contains 10-15 grams of carbs, a growing number of brewers have released options that promise to significantly reduce or eliminate them. Discover what kind of beer has zero carbs and explore how these brews are crafted to fit a low-carb lifestyle, including keto diets.

Quick Summary

Certain brands like Bud Light NEXT and Partake Brewing offer zero-carb alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, respectively, achieved through advanced brewing techniques. These beers provide alternatives for those following a low-carb or keto diet, though alcohol's caloric impact remains a consideration.

Key Points

Brewing Technology: Zero-carb beers are made using special enzymes and extended fermentation to convert all starches into fermentable sugars, leaving no residual carbs.
Zero-Carb Options: Both alcoholic (Bud Light NEXT, Better Beer Zero Carb) and non-alcoholic (Partake IPA) beers exist with verifiable zero-gram carb counts.
Ultra-Low-Carb Beers: Many ultra-light beers, such as Michelob ULTRA, Budweiser Select 55, and Miller Lite, are not zero-carb but contain very low amounts (1-4 grams).
Alcohol Calories: Despite having zero carbs, alcoholic beers still contain calories from the alcohol itself, which is metabolized first by the body.
Diet Compatibility: These specialty beers can be enjoyed in moderation on a keto or low-carb diet, but overall intake of calories and carbs should be monitored.
Read Labels Carefully: Be mindful that some 'zero' claims can be based on rounding regulations, especially for products with trace carbs, so always check the nutritional label.

Understanding the Brewing Process Behind Zero-Carb Beer

To understand what kind of beer has zero carbs, it's helpful to first know how beer is brewed. Traditional beer is made from malted grains, primarily barley, which contain starches. During the 'mashing' phase, these starches are converted into sugars. Yeast is then added during fermentation to consume these sugars, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide. Any leftover unfermented sugars become the carbohydrates in the finished beer. To create a zero-carb brew, brewers must implement specific techniques to ensure that as much sugar as possible is consumed during fermentation.

This is typically done in a few ways. Brewers may extend the fermentation period, giving the yeast more time to convert sugars. They can also add specialized enzymes, like amyloglucosidase, during the mashing process. These enzymes break down complex starches into simpler, more fermentable sugars that the yeast can fully consume, resulting in a drier beer with fewer residual carbohydrates.

Zero-Carb and Ultra-Low-Carb Options

While finding a truly zero carb beer can be challenging, a few brands have achieved this feat, while others offer impressively low-carb alternatives. It is crucial to read labels carefully, as some brands might round down their carb count based on local regulations.

Alcohol-Free, Zero-Carb Beers

For those seeking a non-alcoholic option, some brands have successfully eliminated all carbohydrates.

Partake Brewing IPA: This non-alcoholic IPA offers zero grams of carbs and just 10 calories per can. Partake also offers a zero-carb Hop Twist.
Suntory All-Free: This alcohol-free beer from Japan has no calories and only 1 gram of carbs, though it is not strictly zero.

Alcoholic, Zero and Ultra-Low-Carb Beers

For those who prefer a traditional alcoholic beer, there are now several options that fit the zero or near-zero carb profile.

Bud Light NEXT: Anheuser-Busch's first zero-carb beer, Bud Light NEXT, is a light lager brewed with malted barley and rice, promising a super crisp and refreshing taste.
Better Beer Zero Carb Lager: Created in Australia, this lager-style beer boasts zero carbs, no sugar, and only 87 calories, offering full flavor without the heaviness.
Burleigh Brewing Co. Big Head No Carb Beer: Marketed as Australia's first no-carb beer, it is a full-flavored lager with zero carbohydrates.
Hahn Ultra Zero Carb: Another Australian brew, this offers less than 0.5g of carbs per bottle, technically not zero but very close.
XXXX Ultra Zero Carb: A low-carb, flavor-rich lager option also available in Australia.

Comparison of Popular Low-Carb Beers


Beer Brand	Type	Carbs (per 12 fl oz)	Calories (per 12 fl oz)	ABV (%)	Note	Sources
Bud Light NEXT	Lager	0 g	~80-90	4	Anheuser-Busch's 1st zero carb option
Partake Brewing IPA	Non-Alcoholic IPA	0 g	10	0	Hoppy and citrusy flavor
Better Beer Zero Carb	Lager	0 g	87	~4.2	Full-flavored, refreshing
Michelob ULTRA	Light Lager	2.6 g	95	4.2	Popular ultra-light option
Budweiser Select 55	Light Lager	1.9 g	55	~2.4	Extremely low calorie
Lagunitas Daytime IPA	Light IPA	3 g	98	4	Hoppy and flavorful light craft beer
Miller Lite	Lager	3.2 g	96	4.2	The original light beer

The Role of Zero-Carb Beer in a Nutrition Diet

For those on a ketogenic or other low-carb diet, finding suitable alcoholic beverages can be a challenge. While pure spirits like vodka and gin are naturally carb-free, beer has historically been off-limits due to its high carbohydrate content. The emergence of truly zero-carb and ultra-low-carb options allows for greater flexibility. However, it's essential to consider the calories from alcohol, which the body metabolizes first, potentially slowing down fat-burning.

Moderation is key, regardless of the carb count. Excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact your diet goals and overall health. For those on a keto diet, enjoying a zero-carb beer occasionally can fit into their macros, but it's important to monitor total daily intake to stay in ketosis.

How to Choose the Right Low-Carb Beer for You

Check the Label: The first and most important step is to read the nutritional information on the packaging. Pay close attention to the carbohydrate and calorie counts per serving.
Consider Your Diet: If you are on a strict keto diet, opt for brands with verified zero or near-zero carb counts. For a more lenient low-carb approach, ultra-light options with 2-4 grams of carbs can also be suitable.
Taste Preferences: The taste of low-carb and zero-carb beers can vary significantly. Some are light and crisp, while others, like the Lagunitas Daytime IPA, offer a hoppy flavor profile. Experiment with different brands to find one that you enjoy.
Alcohol vs. Non-Alcoholic: Decide if you want an alcoholic or alcohol-free beverage. Zero-carb options are available in both categories, allowing you to choose based on your preference and health goals.

Conclusion

For individuals seeking to minimize their carbohydrate intake while still enjoying a beer, the market now offers a variety of compelling options. Brands like Bud Light NEXT and Partake Brewing have pioneered truly zero-carb products, leveraging advanced brewing techniques to ferment out virtually all the residual sugars. While these innovations provide more flexibility for those on low-carb diets, it is important to remember that alcohol still contributes calories. By carefully checking labels and practicing moderation, you can find a zero or ultra-low-carb beer that fits your dietary needs and taste preferences.

For further reading on navigating alcohol while on a ketogenic diet, CookUnity provides a comprehensive guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brands like Bud Light NEXT and Better Beer Zero Carb Lager are marketed as truly zero-carb. For a non-alcoholic alternative, Partake Brewing's IPA offers zero carbs and 10 calories.

Brewers use advanced techniques like adding special enzymes during mashing and extending fermentation time. This allows the yeast to consume virtually all of the starches and sugars, leaving no residual carbs in the finished beer.

Yes, zero-carb beer can fit into a keto diet, but moderation is key. You must still account for the calories from the alcohol itself, as the body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over fat, which could temporarily stall ketosis.

A zero-carb beer has no carbohydrates, while a low-carb beer has a reduced amount (typically 2-4 grams). Examples of low-carb beers include Michelob ULTRA and Miller Lite, which have slightly more carbs than true zero-carb options.

Yes. While it contains no carbs, an alcoholic zero-carb beer still has calories from the alcohol. For example, Better Beer Zero Carb Lager has 87 calories per can. Non-alcoholic zero-carb beers may have minimal calories.

Check the nutritional label for the specific carbohydrate and calorie content. Decide if you prefer an alcoholic or non-alcoholic option. If you're on a keto diet, ensure the carb count fits within your daily macro limits.

Not all light beers are created equal in terms of carb count. While most light beers are lower in carbs than standard versions, some contain more than others. Brands specifically labeled as 'ultra low carb' or 'zero carb' will have the lowest counts.

While many craft beers are carb-heavy due to more complex malt bills, some craft brewers are now experimenting with lower-carb options. Lagunitas Daytime IPA, for instance, is a low-carb craft brew, though not strictly zero-carb.