What's the best beer to drink on keto?

More than half of U.S. adults drink alcohol regularly, leading many to wonder, 'What's the best beer to drink on keto?' The good news is that you can still enjoy beer while following a ketogenic diet, provided you choose low-carb options to stay in ketosis.

Quick Summary

This guide explores keto-friendly beer options, highlighting low-carb lagers and other brews. It covers how to balance moderate beer consumption with maintaining ketosis, with examples of brands suited for a ketogenic lifestyle.

Key Points

• Low-carb beer options available: Many low-carb light lagers and IPAs are available to enjoy while on a ketogenic diet, not all beers are off-limits.

• Prioritize ultra-light and brut styles: Ultra-light lagers (such as Budweiser Select 55) and Brut IPAs are among the lowest-carb options.

• Read nutritional labels: Don't rely on "light" labels; check the carb and calorie counts for each beer.

• Practice moderation: Limit intake to avoid disrupting ketosis because the body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over fat.

• Consider alternatives: Hard seltzers, dry wines, and unflavored distilled spirits with sugar-free mixers are great low-carb alcohol options.

• Mind the flavor: Modern low-carb craft beers, like Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty, offer complex flavors without sacrificing taste for low carbs.

• Stay hydrated: Drinking water between alcoholic beverages helps manage hydration, a key factor for those on a keto diet.

Understanding Carbs in Beer

Beer is often called "liquid bread" because it's typically made from high-carb grains like barley and wheat. These grains, and the sugars they contain, give beer its flavor, body, and alcohol content. However, on a ketogenic diet, carbohydrate intake is restricted, usually to 20-50 grams daily. A single regular beer can have over 12 grams of carbs, making it easy to exceed this limit with just a couple of drinks.

To create keto-friendly beer, brewers use special processes or ingredients. Some use enzymes during fermentation to convert more starches into alcohol, leaving little sugar and carbs. Others produce a lighter brew with a lower grain bill. For anyone on keto, it's essential to check the nutritional information, rather than relying on a brand's "light" label.

The Best Keto-Friendly Beer Options

For keto dieters who want beer without the carbs, several brands and styles are available. These are often labeled light, ultra-light, or low-carb.

• Ultra-Light Lagers: These are usually the lowest-carb options. Brands like Budweiser Select 55 and Miller 64 have minimal calories and carbs.
• Light Lagers: Many classic light beers, such as Coors Light, Miller Lite, and Corona Premier, fit within a manageable carb range.
• Low-Carb IPAs: For those who prefer a hoppy brew, some craft breweries offer low-carb IPAs. Dogfish Head's Slightly Mighty and Lagunitas' DayTime are popular.
• Brut IPAs: Like dry champagne, Brut IPAs are specially fermented to be extra dry with very low carbs.

Comparison of Popular Low-Carb Beers

Here's a comparison of some popular keto-friendly beers (based on a standard 12-ounce serving):

Beer Brand	Type	Carbs (g)	Calories	ABV (%)
Michelob Ultra Pure Gold	Organic Light Lager	2.5	85	3.8
Budweiser Select 55	Premium Light Lager	1.8	55	2.4
Miller 64	Extra Light Lager	2.4	64	2.8
Corona Premier	Light Lager	2.6	90	4.0
Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty	Lo-Cal IPA	3.6	95	4.0
Lagunitas DayTime	IPA	3.0	98	4.0
Shiner Ruby Redbird	Lager	3.1	95	4.01
Miller Lite	Lager Beer	3.2	95	4.2
Heineken Silver	Lager	3.2	95	4.0

Tips for Enjoying Beer on Keto

Drinking on keto requires a strategic approach. Even with low-carb options, the body processes alcohol differently. The liver prioritizes alcohol over burning fat, which can temporarily halt ketosis.

1. Practice moderation: Limit intake to one or two servings. Excessive drinking can hinder progress and lead to high-carb cravings.
2. Stay hydrated: Drink a glass of water for every beer. This helps with hydration and minimizes dehydration, common on a low-carb diet.
3. Time your drinking: Save beer for special occasions rather than daily consumption. This helps manage the temporary pause in fat-burning.
4. Listen to your body: Alcohol's effects can be more pronounced in ketosis, so you may feel impaired sooner. Drink slowly and know your limits.
5. Consider alternatives: Hard seltzers and distilled spirits like vodka, gin, and tequila are very low-carb options, especially when paired with sugar-free mixers.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance

Choosing the best beer on keto involves balancing personal taste with dietary goals. Regular beers are usually off-limits, but the market offers many low-carb light lagers and craft options. By choosing wisely and sticking to moderation, you can enjoy beer without sacrificing your ketogenic progress. Always check the brand's nutritional information to ensure it fits within your carb limits.

For information on low-carb brewing processes, a good resource is the American Brewers Association or craft beer websites that often list carb content, such as Perfect Keto.

Alternatives to Traditional Beer

For those who find even low-carb beers too high in carbs, or want more variety, several alternatives fit a keto lifestyle.

• Hard Seltzers: Brands like White Claw and Truly offer refreshing, low-carb options. Many are fruit-flavored and an excellent choice for a light drink.
• Distilled Spirits: Unflavored spirits like vodka, gin, rum, and tequila have zero carbs. These can be consumed neat, on the rocks, or with a zero-carb mixer like soda water or diet soda.
• Dry Wine: Dry red and white wines, like Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, typically contain 3-4 grams of carbs per glass, making them a viable option in moderation.

The Importance of Flavor and Quality

Many low-carb beers have been criticized for lacking flavor. However, newer options, especially from craft breweries, are changing this. Brut IPAs and other innovations focus on complex flavors without added sugar. This means you don't have to settle for a bland beer to stay in ketosis. Explore the options and read reviews to find a low-carb beer you enjoy, making your moderate consumption more rewarding.

Final Thoughts on Moderation

While this guide offers several choices, the most important aspect of drinking on keto is moderation. Alcohol still provides empty calories, and overconsumption can have health consequences regardless of carb count. A strategic approach that fits your lifestyle and helps maintain your progress is the most effective way to enjoy beer while on a keto diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink any beer on a keto diet?

No, most standard beers are too high in carbs and likely will kick you out of ketosis. Stick to low-carb or ultra-light beers specifically formulated to reduce carb content.

What is the lowest carb beer?

Budweiser Select 55 is one of the lowest-carb options, with only 1.8 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving.

Do low-carb beers taste different?

Many low-carb beers are lighter-bodied and can have a different flavor profile. However, craft breweries create low-carb options like IPAs that retain a complex taste.

Will one low-carb beer knock me out of ketosis?

A single low-carb beer is unlikely to knock you out of ketosis, especially if you're within your daily carb limit. However, your liver will prioritize processing the alcohol, temporarily pausing fat-burning.

What about craft beers on keto?

Most craft beers are too high in carbs for a strict keto diet. Brut IPAs and other craft-brewed options specifically marketed as low-carb, like Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty, are the exception.

Is liquor a better choice than low-carb beer?

For the lowest carb count, unflavored distilled spirits (like vodka, gin, and whiskey) are a better option as they have zero carbs. Always use a zero-carb mixer.

How can I avoid a hangover on a keto diet?

Drinking on keto can increase your susceptibility to hangovers because of dehydration. Limit your intake, drink plenty of water, and never drink on an empty stomach.