Which Light Beer Has the Least Amount of Carbs? Your Comprehensive Guide

January 8, 2026 •

4 min read

Many popular light beers offer significantly fewer carbohydrates than their full-strength counterparts, with options on the market containing as little as zero carbs per serving. Choosing the right low-carb beer allows you to enjoy a refreshing drink without derailing your health goals.

Quick Summary

This article compares popular light and low-carb beers to find which has the fewest carbohydrates per serving. It details specific brands, carb counts, and factors affecting nutritional content, helping you make an informed choice.

Key Points

Bud Light Next (0g): The lowest commercially available carb option, offering 0g of carbohydrates per 12-ounce serving.
Extremely Low Options: Other very low-carb choices include Budweiser Select 55 (1.9g) and Michelob Ultra Pure Gold (2.5g).
Widespread Availability: Beers like Michelob Ultra (2.6g) and Corona Premier (2.6g) are easy to find and offer a good balance of low carbs and flavor.
Beyond Carbs: Calorie content is also affected by ABV (Alcohol by Volume), so consider both carbs and calories depending on your goals.
Alternative Beverages: For those seeking non-beer options, spirits like vodka and gin are carb-free, while dry wines are also low-carb.
Taste Trade-offs: Be aware that lowering carbs can sometimes affect flavor, so finding a preferred taste may involve trying different brands.
Brewing Technology: Brewers use special enzymes and high-attenuating yeasts to break down sugars and achieve lower carb counts.

Understanding Low-Carb Beers

For many who monitor their carbohydrate intake, enjoying a beer can seem like a major indulgence. However, the beer industry has responded with a range of options designed to minimize carbs. Low-carb beers achieve this through specialized brewing techniques that break down starches and sugars more efficiently, leaving less residual sugar in the final product. This is often accomplished using high-attenuating yeasts or added enzymes during the fermentation process. While the carb count is lower, it's important to remember that most of the calories in beer still come from alcohol itself, so ABV (Alcohol by Volume) remains a key consideration for overall calorie consumption.

The Top Contenders: Beers with the Lowest Carbs

When searching for the absolute lowest carb options, a few brands stand out from the crowd. These beers typically fall well under the 3-gram mark, making them suitable for most low-carb diets, including keto.

Bud Light Next

Coming in at the top of the list for many, Bud Light Next is notable for its zero-carb content. This option is specifically marketed to those seeking a beer with absolutely no carbohydrates while still delivering a crisp, refreshing taste. It contains 80 calories and 4% ABV, proving that it's possible to have a drink with flavor and a standard alcohol content without the carbs.

Tennents Light Lager

For those who can find it, Tennents Light Lager offers an incredibly low carb count of just 0.7g per bottle. The brand prides itself on delivering a crisp, diet-friendly option that's also vegan-friendly, making it a very strong contender for the lowest carb beer on the market.

Budweiser Select 55

Another very low-carb choice from Anheuser-Busch is Budweiser Select 55. This beer contains just 1.9 grams of carbs and only 55 calories per 12-ounce serving. However, it is also much lower in alcohol, with an ABV of only 2.4%. This makes it an ideal option for those prioritizing low carbs, calories, and a very light flavor.

Michelob Ultra Pure Gold

A step up from the original Michelob Ultra, the Pure Gold variant offers a slightly better nutritional profile. It contains 2.5 grams of carbs, 85 calories, and 3.8% ABV per 12-ounce serving. It provides a more balanced taste profile compared to some ultra-low-calorie options.

Corona Premier

Corona Premier offers a great combination of flavor and a low carb count, making it a popular choice. With 2.6 grams of carbs, 90 calories, and 4.0% ABV, it provides a refreshing option reminiscent of the original Corona, but with fewer carbs.

Michelob Ultra

One of the most widely available low-carb beers is Michelob Ultra. It offers a respectable 2.6 grams of carbs, 95 calories, and a 4.2% ABV per 12-ounce serving. Its widespread availability makes it a convenient choice for many carb-conscious beer drinkers.

Miller 64 Extra Light Lager

Marketed as an extra light lager, Miller 64 lives up to its name with only 2.4 grams of carbs and 64 calories per serving. This is a solid option for those looking to keep both carbs and calories to a minimum, though it is also lower in alcohol.

Comparison of Popular Low-Carb Beers

To make your decision easier, here is a comparison table of some of the lowest-carb beers available.


Beer	Carbs (12oz)	Calories (12oz)	ABV%
Bud Light Next	0g	80	4.0%
Tennents Light Lager	0.7g (per bottle)	Varies	Varies
Budweiser Select 55	1.9g	55	2.4%
Miller 64 Extra Light	2.4g	64	Varies
Michelob Ultra Pure Gold	2.5g	85	3.8%
Corona Premier	2.6g	90	4.0%
Michelob Ultra	2.6g	95	4.2%

Alternative Low-Carb Alcoholic Beverages

For those seeking other options or even lower carb counts, there are alternatives to beer that fit a low-carb lifestyle.

Carb-Free Spirits: Pure spirits like vodka, whiskey, and gin contain 0g of carbs. They can be enjoyed neat or with zero-carb mixers like sparkling water.
Dry Wines: Dry red and white wines, such as Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc, are lower in carbs than sweeter varieties, averaging around 3-4g per serving.
Non-Alcoholic Beers: Some non-alcoholic beers offer very low carb counts, as seen with Athletic Brewing Co.'s Run Wild IPA. They can be a great option for minimizing both alcohol and carbs. Some can have higher carbs so check labels.

Making the Best Choice for You

When selecting a low-carb beer, it's about more than just the lowest number. Your personal preference, dietary goals, and lifestyle all play a role. If your priority is zero carbs and a standard ABV, Bud Light Next is the clear winner. If you're looking for the absolute lowest calories, Budweiser Select 55 is the way to go. However, if you want a reliable, widely available option, Michelob Ultra is a solid and accessible choice. Taste is subjective, and as one source points out, dialing down carbs can affect flavor intensity, so be prepared for a bit of trial and error to find the one you enjoy most. Ultimately, the best low-carb beer is the one that aligns with your taste preferences and dietary needs, always consumed in moderation. For more information on managing alcohol intake within a diet, you can visit a reliable source like the CDC's guidance on moderate drinking.

Conclusion

Determining which light beer has the least amount of carbs comes down to evaluating a few top contenders, with Bud Light Next offering an impressive 0g of carbs per serving. However, other excellent options like Corona Premier and Michelob Ultra provide very low carb counts, accessible availability, and satisfying flavor. Modern brewing techniques have made it easier than ever for those on low-carb or keto diets to find a suitable beer. By checking nutritional labels and considering your personal taste, you can find a refreshing brew that fits your lifestyle without compromising on your health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Currently, Bud Light Next is widely considered the light beer with the least amount of carbs, boasting zero grams of carbohydrates per 12-ounce serving. Tennents Light Lager is another option with a very low 0.7g carb count, though its availability may be more limited.

No, not all beers labeled 'light' have the same low carb count. While most have fewer carbs than regular beers, their carbohydrate content can vary significantly. Always check the nutritional information on the bottle or can to be sure.

Brewers create low-carb beer by using specialized techniques to reduce residual sugars. This can involve using high-attenuating yeasts that consume more sugar during fermentation or adding enzymes that break down complex carbohydrates into simple, fermentable sugars.

Yes, many low-carb beers are suitable for a keto diet, especially those with 2-3 grams of carbs or less per serving. Bud Light Next (0g), Corona Premier (2.6g), and Michelob Ultra (2.6g) are popular keto-friendly options. As with any indulgence, moderation is key.

Yes, reducing the carbohydrate content often affects the flavor profile, mouthfeel, and body of the beer. Lower-carb beers can sometimes taste lighter or more diluted than their full-bodied counterparts, so taste is subjective and varies by brand.

Generally, yes, low-carb beers also have fewer calories, but the calories from alcohol still exist. A low-carb, low-ABV beer will have fewer calories than a low-carb beer with a higher ABV. For example, Budweiser Select 55 (1.9g carbs, 2.4% ABV) has significantly fewer calories than Michelob Ultra (2.6g carbs, 4.2% ABV).

Non-alcoholic beers can be an option for even lower carbs, but it's important to check the label. Some non-alcoholic beers are very low in carbs, but others may have higher sugar content.

Other low-carb alcoholic options include pure spirits (vodka, whiskey, gin) with no-carb mixers, and dry wines such as Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc. Always check the specific brand's carb content.