Which beer is less in carbs? Your Guide to Low-Carb Brews

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Most light beers contain between 2 and 7 grams of carbohydrates per 12-ounce serving, a significant reduction compared to the 10 to 15 grams found in traditional regular beers. This difference is a major factor for those monitoring their intake for health or diet reasons.

Quick Summary

Explore the beers with the lowest carbohydrate counts, comparing popular options like Michelob Ultra and Bud Light Next to help you make an informed choice.

Key Points

Ultra-light lagers are lowest: Brands like Budweiser Select 55 and Michelob Ultra have some of the lowest carb counts, often under 3 grams per 12-ounce serving.
Light beer vs. regular beer: Light beers have significantly fewer carbs (2-7g) than traditional beers (10-15g) due to specific brewing techniques.
Craft beer options exist: If you prefer more flavor, session IPAs from craft breweries like Lagunitas also offer low-carb alternatives.
Not all non-alcoholic beers are low-carb: Always check the label, as carb content in non-alcoholic beers can vary greatly.
Bud Light Next boasts zero carbs: This specific product is marketed as having zero carbs, though context suggests it may contain minimal, non-zero amounts.
The brewing process matters: The main factor for lower carbs is the conversion of sugars during fermentation, often achieved with less malt or added enzymes.

Understanding Carbohydrates in Beer

Carbohydrates are a fundamental component of beer, derived from the malted barley or other grains used during the brewing process. Yeast ferments the sugars from these grains, converting them into alcohol and carbon dioxide. In regular beer, a portion of these carbohydrates remains as unfermented residual sugars, contributing to a richer flavor, fuller body, and, naturally, a higher carb count.

Brewers create low-carb and light beers by intentionally manipulating the process to minimize these residual sugars. This can involve several techniques:

Using less malt: Reducing the initial amount of grain results in fewer fermentable sugars to begin with.
Enzyme addition: Brewers can add enzymes during fermentation to break down more complex carbohydrates into simpler, fermentable sugars, which the yeast then consumes.
Extended fermentation: Allowing the yeast to ferment for a longer period gives it more time to consume the available sugars, leading to a drier beer with fewer carbs.

The result is a lighter-bodied, crisper beer that sacrifices some flavor complexity for a lower calorie and carbohydrate profile.

Top Low-Carb and Ultra-Light Beer Choices

When seeking a brew that is less in carbs, you can generally rely on products explicitly labeled as 'Light' or 'Ultra'. Here are some of the most popular and lowest-carb options available:

Popular Low-Carb Selections

Michelob Ultra: A perennial favorite for carb-conscious drinkers, it offers a clean, crisp taste with one of the lowest carb counts on the market.
Corona Premier: A light version of the classic Mexican lager, it features a similar refreshing flavor profile with a significantly reduced carbohydrate count.
Miller Lite: One of the original light beers, it remains a strong competitor with a solid balance of flavor and a low-carb profile.
Budweiser Select 55: One of the absolute lowest-calorie and lowest-carb options, though this comes with a very light body and milder flavor.
Bud Light Next: Marketed as a zero-carb beer, it’s a modern option for those seeking the absolute minimum. However, it's always wise to double-check labels, as some trace carbs can exist.

Craft Brew Alternatives

For those who prefer craft beer flavors but still want fewer carbs, there are specialized options available, such as:

Lagunitas DayTime IPA: This session IPA delivers the hoppy flavor of an IPA with a much lighter carb load, making it a good compromise.
Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty: Another session IPA, this beer is brewed to be both flavorful and low in carbs.

Low-Carb Beer Comparison Table

To provide a clear overview, here is a comparison of some popular low-carb and light beers based on a standard 12-ounce serving.


Brand	Carbs (grams)	Calories	ABV (%)
Bud Light Next	0	<100	Varies
Budweiser Select 55	1.9	55	2.4
Michelob Ultra	2.6	95	4.2
Corona Premier	2.6	90	4.0
Lagunitas DayTime IPA	3.0	98	4.0
Miller Lite	3.2	96	4.2
Coors Light	5.0	102	4.2
Heineken Silver	3.2	<100	Varies

A Note on Non-Alcoholic Beers

It is worth noting that some non-alcoholic beers are also very low in carbohydrates, though others can be surprisingly high. Heineken 0.0, for instance, contains 6.8g of carbs per 100ml, which translates to a higher count per 12oz serving. Conversely, some craft non-alcoholic IPAs like Athletic Brewing Co.'s Run Wild can offer good flavor with a controlled carb count. As with any beverage, checking the nutrition label is key. This option can be ideal for those seeking to limit both alcohol and carbohydrate intake.

How to Choose the Right Low-Carb Beer for You

With a wide variety of low-carb beers available, choosing the right one depends on your personal preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few tips:

Define your goals: If minimizing carbs is your primary goal, ultra-light options like Budweiser Select 55 or Michelob Ultra are your best bet. If flavor is also a priority, consider a session IPA like Lagunitas DayTime.
Read the label: Always verify the nutritional information for a specific brand and serving size. Carb and calorie counts can vary even within the 'light' category.
Consider flavor profiles: Just because a beer is low in carbs doesn't mean it has to be flavorless. Compare options to find a style that you genuinely enjoy, whether it's a crisp lager or a hoppy IPA.
Try variety packs: Many breweries now offer variety packs of their low-carb options, which is a great way to sample different flavors without committing to a full case.

Conclusion

When asking which beer is less in carbs, the clear answer points to light and ultra-light lagers, with a few craft session IPAs also making the cut. By understanding how these beers are brewed and comparing the nutritional data, you can enjoy a beverage that aligns with your dietary goals without sacrificing taste. From the near-zero carbs of Bud Light Next to the consistent low counts of Michelob Ultra, there are plenty of options available for the carb-conscious consumer. To explore more about beer nutrition and dietary fits, you can also consult resources like Verywell Fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

While options can vary, Budweiser Select 55 (1.9g) and Michelob Ultra (2.6g) are consistently ranked among the lowest. Bud Light Next is marketed as a 0-carb option.

Brewers reduce carb content by using less malt, adding enzymes to convert more sugars into alcohol, or extending the fermentation period. This process reduces the amount of residual sugar in the final product.

Yes, many light beers are low enough in carbohydrates to be consumed in moderation on a keto diet. However, it's crucial to track your intake to ensure it doesn't push you over your daily carb limit.

Generally, yes. Dark beers often use more roasted malts, which can result in a higher carbohydrate content and a fuller body compared to light lagers.

Yes, there is a considerable difference. A 12-ounce regular beer can have 10-15 grams of carbs, while a light beer of the same size typically contains 2-7 grams.

Lower carbs do not necessarily mean lower alcohol content. While many light beers have lower alcohol by volume (ABV), some low-carb options can still have a moderate ABV. For example, Michelob Ultra has a 4.2% ABV with low carbs.

The most reliable way to check is to read the nutritional information on the product label or the manufacturer's website. Nutritional data for beers is often readily available online.