Which beer got no sugar? Uncovering the surprising truth

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

While it may seem counterintuitive, many regular and low-carb beers contain zero grams of sugar due to the fermentation process. A beer's final sugar content is surprisingly low because yeast consumes most of the sugars from malted grains to produce alcohol. This guide will explain which beer got no sugar and why you may find more sweetness in non-alcoholic options.

Quick Summary

This article details why many alcoholic beers, including popular lagers and low-carb options, contain no residual sugar. It clarifies the role of fermentation in reducing sugar content, compares sugar levels across different beer types, and provides a list of specific brands known to have zero grams.

Key Points

Zero sugar alcoholic beers: Many popular lagers like Budweiser and Miller Lite end up with zero grams of sugar due to complete fermentation.
Fermentation process: Yeast consumes most of the sugar from malted grains to create alcohol, leaving little to no residual sugar in many finished beers.
Non-alcoholic beer sugar: These options often contain higher sugar levels than regular beer because the fermentation process is halted or adjusted, leaving more residual sugar.
Low-carb doesn't mean zero calories: Alcohol itself is a calorie source (7 calories/gram), so even sugar-free beer is not calorie-free.
Added sugars: Specialty beers like milk stouts or fruit ales may have higher sugar from unfermentable lactose or other added ingredients.
Checking labels: When nutritional info is available, look for low or zero sugar content. Terms like "dry" also indicate minimal residual sugar.

Understanding Sugar in Beer

At its core, beer is made from fermentable sugars, which originate from malted grains like barley. During the brewing process, yeast is added to consume these sugars, converting them into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This conversion is why most traditional, fermented beers end up with very little or no residual sugar.

The key distinction lies in the brewing and fermentation process. The yeast's activity and the specific strain used dictate how much sugar is ultimately consumed. For many mainstream lagers, the fermentation is so complete that no residual sugar is left behind, resulting in a dry finish and a nutritional label that reads "0g of sugar".

The Fermentation Factor: Why Some Beers Are Sweeter

Not all beers are created equal regarding sugar content. While many regular alcoholic beers are sugar-free, some styles and low/non-alcoholic options contain significant amounts. This is primarily due to:

Incomplete Fermentation: For non-alcoholic beers, fermentation is either halted early or removed, meaning the sugars in the wort are not fully converted into alcohol. To maintain flavor, some brewers may add sugar, leading to a much higher final sugar content than their alcoholic counterparts.
Unfermentable Sugars: Certain complex sugars, like lactose and maltodextrin, cannot be processed by standard brewer's yeast. Brewers sometimes add these for specific styles, such as milk stouts, to create a sweeter, fuller-bodied beer.
Added Ingredients: Specialty or flavored beers might include fruit purees, honey, or other sugars post-fermentation. This is especially true for dessert-style stouts or fruit-infused ales.

Popular Beers with Zero or Low Sugar

Fortunately for those watching their sugar intake, there are many delicious options. Many of these are readily available and widely recognized for their low-carb profiles, which directly correlates with low sugar.

American-Style Lagers

Budweiser: Contains 0 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving.
Bud Light: Also lists 0 grams of sugar.
Busch: A standard Busch contains 0 grams of reported sugar.
Busch Light: Reports 0 grams of sugar per serving.
Heineken: The standard variety contains 0 grams of sugar.
Miller High Life: Reports 0 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving.
Miller Lite: Similarly, Miller Lite contains 0 grams of sugar.

Low-Carb & Light Beers (Generally Low Sugar)

Michelob Ultra: Known for being very low-carb, it contains minimal sugar.
Corona Premier: Marketed as a low-carb and low-calorie lager, it has a very low sugar count.
Omission Light: A gluten-free light beer option with low calories and sugar content.

A Quick Comparison: Sugar and Calories in Beer

Here is a comparison table to highlight the difference in sugar and carb content across various beer types per 12-ounce serving based on nutritional data:


Beer Type	Sugar (g)	Carbs (g)	Typical Calories
Regular Beer (e.g., Budweiser)	0	10-13	140-160
Light Beer (e.g., Bud Light)	0	4-6	100-110
Low-Carb Beer	0	<3	~95
Non-Alcoholic Beer	8+	12+	50-150
Milk Stout	5+	15+	180-250

Beyond Sugar: What to Consider

When choosing a beer, remember that zero grams of sugar does not mean zero calories. Alcohol itself is a significant source of calories. A gram of alcohol contains 7 calories, compared to 4 calories per gram for sugar and carbs. So, while a low-carb or zero-sugar beer can be part of a healthy diet, moderation is still important. For those on a ketogenic or strict low-carb diet, the carbohydrate content is often a more critical metric than sugar, but many low-carb beers effectively address both.

Reading Labels and Making Informed Choices

Since nutritional labeling is not mandatory on all alcoholic beverages in the U.S., finding precise sugar content can be challenging. However, many manufacturers now voluntarily provide this information. If you're unsure, seeking beers labeled "dry" or "low-carb" is a good strategy, as these terms indicate minimal residual sugar. Avoiding flavored, fruit, or sweet dessert beers is also a wise choice, as these often contain higher sugar levels from unfermented ingredients.

A note on non-alcoholic options

If you're seeking a non-alcoholic option, check the label carefully. While some brands like Budweiser Zero specifically craft their product for zero sugar, many non-alcoholic alternatives are surprisingly high in sugar to compensate for the lack of alcohol, which affects flavor and body.

Conclusion

Many popular alcoholic beers, especially American-style lagers and low-carb options, contain no sugar due to the yeast's efficient conversion of sugar into alcohol during fermentation. Non-alcoholic beers and some specialty styles, however, can contain higher amounts. When looking for a zero-sugar option, brands like Budweiser and Miller Lite are reliable choices. Always remember that zero sugar does not equal zero calories, so moderation is still important. By understanding the brewing process and reading labels, you can confidently find a beer that aligns with your dietary needs. For more information on alcohol and health, consult resources like the CDC or Healthline's guide on beer sugar content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most beer starts with sugars from malted grains. The yeast added during fermentation consumes these sugars to produce alcohol. The amount of residual sugar depends on the type of yeast and the brewing process. Many regular lagers undergo complete fermentation, leaving no sugar behind, while non-alcoholic beers often contain more sugar because fermentation is stopped early.

Generally, no. Non-alcoholic beers are often higher in sugar than alcoholic ones. Since the fermentation is stopped before all the sugar is converted, more residual sugar remains. Some brands, like Budweiser Zero, are an exception, but it's important to check the label.

Low-carb beers are typically also very low in sugar because the brewing process is designed to reduce total carbohydrates. Many brands achieve this by ensuring a more complete fermentation, leading to a final product with zero or near-zero sugar content.

For a keto diet, focus on low-carb beers, which are also often sugar-free. Brands like Miller Lite, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra are popular choices due to their minimal carbohydrate count.

Not always. Most standard brewing processes convert the majority of fermentable sugars. However, some complex sugars, called oligosaccharides, and non-fermentable sugars like lactose may remain in the final product. The final sugar content depends heavily on the specific brewing method.

While it can be difficult without a label, you can make an educated guess based on the beer style. Light lagers and dry pilsners typically have the least residual sugar. Conversely, darker, sweeter beers, stouts with lactose, or fruit-flavored ales are more likely to contain sugar.

No. While low-carb beers have minimal sugar and carbs, beer with zero sugar can still have carbohydrates from unfermented starches and dextrins. These carbs contribute to the beer's body and flavor but are not considered sugar.