Which Drink Has the Lowest Carbs? A Complete Guide

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Diet Doctor, plain water is the ultimate zero-carb beverage and the best choice for a keto lifestyle. Finding which drink has the lowest carbs is crucial for managing weight, controlling blood sugar, and adhering to low-carb diets.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the lowest-carb beverages, from foundational options like water and coffee to low-carb alcoholic selections, highlighting smart swaps and hidden carb pitfalls to avoid.

Key Points

Plain Water is King: Plain or sparkling water is the best zero-carb, calorie-free choice for hydration.
Black Coffee & Tea Are Carb-Free: Enjoy unsweetened coffee and tea without fear of carbs, but be wary of sugary creamers and syrups.
Pure Spirits Have Zero Carbs: Distilled liquors like vodka, gin, and whiskey contain no carbs, but you must use zero-carb mixers to maintain this benefit.
Dry Wines are a Low-Carb Treat: Dry red and white wines are low in carbs and can be enjoyed in moderation, unlike their sweeter counterparts.
Avoid Sugary Drinks: Regular soda, fruit juice, and many commercial energy drinks are high-carb traps that should be avoided on a low-carb diet.
Check Labels for Hidden Carbs: Many seemingly healthy drinks, including flavored waters and sweetened milks, can contain added sugars, so always read the label.

The Undisputed Champions: Zero-Carb Beverages

When the goal is to minimize carbohydrate intake, certain drinks offer a perfect zero-carb profile. These options provide hydration and flavor without affecting blood sugar or ketosis, making them staple choices for any low-carb diet.

Water: The Ultimate Choice

Plain water, whether tap, filtered, or bottled, is the most fundamental zero-carb beverage. For those who find plain water unexciting, sparkling or seltzer water is an excellent alternative, offering a refreshing fizz with no added carbs. To add a touch of natural flavor without increasing the carb count, simply infuse water with slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber.

Coffee and Tea: The Carb-Free Kick

Unsweetened coffee and tea are fantastic zero-carb options. This includes black coffee, Americanos, green tea, black tea, and most herbal infusions. The key is to avoid sugary additions like creamers, syrups, or excess milk, which can quickly turn a zero-carb drink into a sugary one. For a keto-friendly coffee, consider adding a splash of unsweetened almond milk, a small amount of heavy cream, or MCT oil for a fat boost.

Pure Spirits: Distilled and Carb-Free

For those who enjoy an occasional alcoholic drink, pure distilled spirits like vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, and tequila contain zero carbs per serving. The caveat is that sugary mixers, juices, and tonic water can completely negate this benefit. A vodka soda with a lime wedge is a classic zero-carb cocktail, whereas a traditional gin and tonic uses sugary tonic and can contain 16 grams of carbs. Always opt for sugar-free mixers like diet soda, seltzer, or diet tonic water.

Smart Low-Carb Alternatives

While the goal is often zero carbs, some beverages that are low in carbohydrates can be enjoyed in moderation, especially on a more moderate low-carb or Atkins-style diet. These offer more variety but require careful tracking of your intake.

Dry Wines

Dry red and white wines, where most of the grape's sugar is fermented into alcohol, are relatively low in carbs. A standard 5-ounce glass of a dry wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, or Pinot Grigio typically contains 3-4 grams of carbs. Sweet dessert wines, however, are packed with sugar and should be avoided.

Light Beers and Hard Seltzers

Compared to regular beer, which can have 10-15 grams of carbs per serving, light beer is a better low-carb option, usually containing 2-6 grams. Hard seltzers are another popular choice, with many brands offering products with just 2 grams of carbs or less per can. It is important to always check the nutritional label, as carb content can vary significantly between brands and products.

Unsweetened Plant-Based Milks

For those who prefer a milky beverage, unsweetened almond, coconut, and soy milks are low-carb choices, often containing 1-2 grams per cup. Always choose the unsweetened variety, as sweetened versions contain a high amount of added sugar.

Hidden Carb Traps and Drinks to Avoid

Many common beverages are surprisingly high in sugar and carbohydrates. Avoiding these is essential for maintaining a low-carb diet.

Regular Soda: A single can of cola can contain nearly 40 grams of carbs.
Fruit Juice: Even 100% fruit juice, while natural, is concentrated sugar and high in carbs. A single cup of orange juice can have over 25 grams.
Sweetened Iced Tea: Commercial iced teas are often loaded with sugar, with some bottles containing over 30 grams of carbs.
Energy Drinks: Many popular energy drinks are packed with sugar to provide a quick energy boost, and should be avoided.
Milkshakes and Frappuccinos: These decadent drinks are among the highest-carb beverages, with a single serving often exceeding 50 grams.

Comparison of Carb Content in Common Drinks


Drink Type	Carb Content (per serving)	Notes
Plain Water	0 g	Best choice for hydration.
Black Coffee	0 g	Add-ins can increase carbs.
Plain Tea	0 g	Avoid sugary sweeteners.
Distilled Spirits	0 g	Avoid sugary mixers.
Unsweetened Almond Milk	~2 g (per 8 oz)	Check labels for added sugar.
Dry Red/White Wine	~3-4 g (per 5 oz)	Stick to dry varieties.
Light Beer	~2-6 g (per 12 oz)	Check labels for specific brands.
Fruit Juice	>25 g (per 8 oz)	A major source of sugar.
Regular Soda	>35 g (per 12 oz)	Very high in carbs.

Conclusion

When seeking the absolute lowest carb beverage, plain or sparkling water, unsweetened coffee, and plain tea are the top contenders, all offering zero carbs. For those who want more variety, zero-carb distilled spirits (when mixed carefully) and low-carb options like dry wine, light beer, and unsweetened plant-based milks are great alternatives in moderation. By making informed choices and being mindful of hidden sugars, you can enjoy a wide range of beverages while staying true to your dietary goals.

For more specific nutritional information and recipes for keto-friendly beverages, consider visiting a resource like Diet Doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plain water is the absolute best drink for weight loss on a low-carb diet because it has zero calories and zero carbs. Staying well-hydrated is also crucial for boosting metabolism and feeling full.

Most diet sodas, like Coke Zero, are carb-free as they use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar. However, some nutrition experts advise caution due to potential health concerns linked to artificial sweeteners.

Regular cow's milk contains natural sugar (lactose) and can be high in carbs. For a low-carb alternative, unsweetened plant-based milks like almond or coconut milk are better options.

Pure distilled spirits like vodka, gin, and tequila have zero carbs. For a simple low-carb drink, mix a spirit with club soda or diet tonic water and a twist of lemon or lime.

Fruit juice is high in concentrated sugar and carbohydrates, even if it's 100% juice. These liquid carbs can cause blood sugar spikes and hinder progress on a low-carb diet.

To add flavor to water without carbs, you can infuse it with slices of lemon, lime, cucumber, or mint leaves. You can also use calorie-free water enhancers or squirts of citrus juice.

Yes, many brands offer zero-carb or low-carb energy drinks that use artificial sweeteners. However, it's vital to check the label for hidden carbs and be mindful of the artificial sweetener content.