Which Beer Is Lowest In Carbs? A Comprehensive Guide

October 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, some popular light beers contain less than 2 grams of carbohydrates per 12-ounce serving. For those following a keto diet or simply watching their carb intake, knowing which beer is lowest in carbs is essential for enjoying a social drink without derailing dietary goals.

Quick Summary

This article details the beers with the lowest carbohydrate counts, comparing popular light lagers and craft options. It explores brewing techniques that reduce carbs, reviews flavor profiles, and helps you select the best choice for your dietary needs.

Key Points

Lowest Carb Overall: Budweiser Select 55 is typically the lowest alcoholic option with just 1.9g of carbs per 12oz serving.
Zero Carb Option: Bud Light Next is an option with zero carbohydrates, making it ideal for the strictest low-carb diets.
Craft Alternatives: Craft beer lovers can find satisfying low-carb options like Lagunitas DayTime IPA, offering flavor with fewer carbs.
Enhanced Brewing Process: Low-carb content is achieved by using specialized enzymes or extending fermentation to break down more sugars.
Beyond Carbs: While low-carb, these beers still contain calories from alcohol, so moderation is key for weight management.
Flavor vs. Carbs: Modern brewing techniques provide a balance, allowing for flavorful beer with a low carb count, so you don't have to compromise taste.

Understanding Low-Carb Beer

When brewers create low-carbohydrate beers, they often modify the traditional brewing process to ensure the yeast ferments more of the sugar, or introduce special enzymes to break down residual complex sugars. This results in a product with fewer calories and carbs compared to its full-strength counterparts. The flavor can sometimes be lighter, but modern techniques are increasingly producing low-carb beers that don't sacrifice taste.

The Absolute Lowest Carb Beer Options

If your primary goal is to find the lowest possible carb count, there are a few standout choices. The lowest widely available option is often cited as Budweiser Select 55, which contains just 1.9 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving. For those who prefer to cut carbs completely, Bud Light Next is a compelling option with zero grams of carbohydrates, making it a popular choice for very strict diets. However, it is a non-alcoholic beer, so those seeking an alcoholic beverage with a very low carb count should focus on the former.

Popular Mainstream Low-Carb Beers

Beyond the lowest-of-the-low, several other popular light beers offer a great balance of flavor and a low carb count, making them widely accessible and suitable for many diets.

Michelob Ultra: A well-known choice, Michelob Ultra has 2.6g of carbs per serving.
Michelob Ultra Pure Gold: This organic variant has an even lower carb count at 2.5g.
Heineken Silver: This crisp lager contains 2.9g of carbs.
Miller Lite: A classic, Miller Lite comes in at 3.2g of carbs per 12 oz.
Corona Premier: This Mexican-style lager is another top contender with 2.6g of carbs.

Low-Carb Craft Beer Choices

For those who prefer the bolder flavors of craft brews, low-carb options have also emerged. Brewers are innovating to deliver hoppy or complex flavor profiles while keeping the carb count low.

Lagunitas DayTime IPA: This session IPA offers a hoppy and balanced flavor with only 3g of carbs.
Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty: A popular choice for IPA fans, providing a hoppy taste with 3.6g of carbs.
Blue Moon LightSky: For fans of wheat beers, this version delivers citrus notes with just 3.6g of carbs.

Low-Carb Beer Comparison Table

Here is a comparison of some popular low-carb beers to help you choose the best option for your taste and dietary needs.


Beer	Carbs (12oz)	Calories (12oz)	ABV	Notes
Budweiser Select 55	1.9g	55	2.4%	Lightest taste, lowest calories
Michelob Ultra Pure Gold	2.5g	85	3.8%	Organic option, crisp taste
Corona Premier	2.6g	90	4.0%	Refreshing, Mexican-style lager
Michelob Ultra	2.6g	95	4.2%	Popular, balanced flavor
Heineken Silver	2.9g	95	4.0%	Smooth and subtle taste
Miller Lite	3.2g	96	4.2%	The original light beer
Lagunitas DayTime IPA	3.0g	98	4.0%	Hoppy and citrus notes
Bud Light Next	0g	80	4.0%	Zero carbs, non-alcoholic option also exists

How Brewing Creates Low-Carb Beers

To reduce the carbohydrate content in beer, brewers primarily rely on two methods:

Extended Fermentation

The yeast is allowed to ferment for a longer period, consuming a greater amount of the sugars present in the wort.
This results in a drier beer with less residual sugar, and therefore fewer carbs.

Enzyme Addition

Special enzymes, such as amyloglucosidase, can be added during fermentation.
These enzymes break down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars that the yeast can consume more easily.
This process allows brewers to achieve a very low carbohydrate count without necessarily extending the fermentation time significantly.

Conclusion

Choosing the lowest carb beer has become easier than ever, with a range of options available from major producers and craft breweries alike. For those prioritizing the absolute lowest number, Budweiser Select 55 is the clear winner among alcoholic options, and Bud Light Next offers a truly zero-carb solution for those who are carb-conscious and don't require alcohol. However, personal preference for flavor, calories, and ABV will ultimately guide your best choice. Remember to always check nutritional labels, as specific formulations can vary, and moderation is key to maintaining a balanced diet. You can find more information about low-carb choices at reputable sources like Men's Health.

Drink Responsibly and Stay Informed

For those managing health conditions like diabetes or aiming for weight loss, understanding the nutritional profile of your alcohol is crucial. Always consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that your choices align with your specific health goals.

Final Thoughts on Flavor

While low-carb beers are celebrated for their health benefits, the reduced carbohydrates can sometimes lead to a thinner body or a different flavor profile. The best approach is to experiment with different brands and styles to find the beer that best suits your palate while meeting your dietary needs. The market is constantly expanding with new low-carb innovations, so exploring is part of the fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Budweiser Select 55 is generally regarded as having the lowest carb count among alcoholic beers, with only 1.9 grams per 12-ounce serving.

Yes, Bud Light Next is available with a verified zero grams of carbohydrates per serving. This is an option for those following a strict keto diet.

Brewers primarily use techniques like adding special enzymes (e.g., amyloglucosidase) to break down complex carbohydrates or extending the fermentation process to allow yeast to consume more sugars.

Yes, because carbohydrates are a source of calories, low-carb beers typically have a lower overall calorie count. However, the calories from alcohol are still present, so they are not calorie-free.

Yes, the craft beer market offers several low-carb options. Examples include Lagunitas DayTime IPA and Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty, which provide flavor without high carb counts.

Yes, low-carb beers can fit into a keto diet when consumed in moderation. It's important to monitor your intake, as the calories and small amount of carbs can still impact your daily totals.

Low-carb beers often have a lighter body and taste due to the reduced sugar. However, modern brewing techniques have improved flavor, and many options now offer satisfying taste profiles, ranging from crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs.