Which Non-Alcoholic Beer Has the Lowest Carbs? A Comprehensive Guide

The global non-alcoholic beer market is booming, but not all options are created equal when it comes to nutrition. For many, the question is simple: which non-alcoholic beer has the lowest carbs? The answer lies in zero-carb options like Partake's IPA.

Quick Summary

Discover the non-alcoholic beers with the fewest carbs, including zero-carb options. Learn about brand-specific nutritional information and ideal choices for keto dieters.

Key Points

• Zero Carbs: Partake Brewing offers non-alcoholic beers like its IPA and Pale Ale with zero grams of carbohydrates per 12 oz can.

• Not All NA Beers are Low-Carb: Many non-alcoholic beers can contain more carbohydrates and sugar than their alcoholic counterparts, so checking the label is essential.

• Brewing Matters: The method used to create non-alcoholic beer, such as arrested fermentation or vacuum distillation, directly impacts the final carbohydrate count.

• Keto-Friendly Options Exist: Numerous non-alcoholic beers and hop waters, particularly from craft breweries, fit perfectly within a ketogenic diet.

• Other Great Choices: Brands like Big Drop Brewing Co. and BrewDog also offer excellent, very low-carb options, providing a variety of styles to choose from.

The Lowest Carb Non-Alcoholic Beers

For those watching their carbohydrate intake, whether for weight management or dietary reasons like the ketogenic diet, finding a truly low-carb non-alcoholic (NA) beer is crucial. The good news is that brewers have responded to this demand, creating options with minimal to zero carbohydrates. However, not all NA beers are created equal, and some can even be higher in carbs and sugars than their alcoholic counterparts due to the brewing process. The key is knowing which brands to look for, as many newer craft breweries specialize in lower-carb and lower-calorie options.

Partake Brewing: The Zero-Carb Standard

Partake Brewing consistently tops the list for the lowest carb non-alcoholic beers available. This Canadian-based brewery specializes in NA craft beverages and has made a name for itself with its virtually carb-free and low-calorie offerings. Two specific products stand out:

• Partake IPA: The brand's signature IPA is reported to have zero grams of carbohydrates and only 10 calories per 12 oz can. This is an exceptional achievement that makes it an ideal choice for strict keto diets. It achieves a balance of light, malty, and hoppy flavors, delivering a refreshing taste without the carbs.
• Partake Pale Ale: Another popular option, Partake's Pale Ale is also listed as containing zero grams of total carbs and just 10 calories per 12 oz can. It offers crisp, citrusy notes with a hint of pine for a classic, full-bodied pale ale taste.

Big Drop Brewing Co.: Low-Carb Craft Beer

For those seeking a quality craft NA option with minimal carbs, Big Drop Brewing Co. is another excellent choice. Their award-winning Paradiso Citra IPA offers a zesty, citrus-forward experience with impressive nutritional stats.

• Paradiso Citra IPA: This gluten-free and vegan IPA contains less than 0.5 grams of carbs and just 11 calories per 330ml serving. The beer is crafted with a blend of Chinnook, Cascade, Simcoe, Citra, and Columbus hops, providing a tropical and citrusy flavor profile.

Other Noteworthy Low-Carb Options

While Partake and Big Drop offer some of the absolute lowest carb counts, several other brands provide excellent low-carb alternatives:

• BrewDog: This brand has multiple low-carb offerings. Their Hazy AF, for example, contains only 2.3 grams of carbs and 20 calories per 12 oz can. BrewDog also offers Elvis AF and Punk AF with similar low-carb profiles.
• Suntory All-Free: A Japanese non-alcoholic drink, Suntory All-Free contains just 1 gram of carbs and is calorie-free. It is often described as a beer-flavored beverage rather than a true beer, but its minimal nutritional impact makes it a solid choice for carb-conscious drinkers.

Understanding Carbohydrates in Non-Alcoholic Beer

The amount of carbohydrates in NA beer is directly related to its production method. Traditional beer relies on yeast to ferment sugars from malted barley, converting them into alcohol and carbon dioxide. In NA beer, this process is modified to reduce alcohol content, which often leaves residual sugars behind.

How Brewing Methods Affect Carb Count

There are several ways NA beer is produced, and each has a different impact on the final carb count:

• Arrested Fermentation: This method uses special yeast strains or low temperatures to halt fermentation before significant alcohol is produced. This results in less sugar being converted to alcohol, which can sometimes leave behind more residual carbs than other methods, but modern techniques are improving this.
• De-alcoholization (Vacuum Distillation): In this process, regular alcoholic beer is brewed first, and then the alcohol is gently removed using a vacuum to lower the boiling point. This method preserves much of the flavor but still requires care to ensure a low carb count, as some sugars may remain.
• Sparkling Hop Water: Products like Partake's Hop Twist are technically not beer but a hop-infused sparkling water. This allows for a completely carb-free and calorie-free beverage that captures some of the hoppy flavor and aroma of a beer, making it a zero-carb alternative.

Why Some NA Beers Have More Carbs

Some NA beers are higher in carbs because the process of removing alcohol can also strip flavor. To compensate, some breweries add sugars or flavorings after the de-alcoholization process, increasing the carb count. This is why it's crucial to check the nutrition label, as an NA beer is not automatically low-carb.

Non-Alcoholic Beer Low-Carb Comparison Table

Brand	Product	Carbs per 12oz (approx.)	Calories per 12oz (approx.)	Notes
Partake Brewing	IPA	0g	10	Zero carbs, gluten-friendly.
Partake Brewing	Pale Ale	0g	10	Zero carbs, gluten-friendly.
Big Drop Brewing	Paradiso Citra IPA	<0.5g	11 (per 330ml)	Very low carb, gluten-free.
Suntory	All-Free	1g	0	Calorie-free, beer-flavored soda.
BrewDog	Hazy AF	2.3g	20	Low carb, hoppy flavor.
Partake Brewing	Blonde	3g	15	Easy-drinking style, low carb.
Athletic Brewing Co.	Athletic Lite	5g	25	Award-winning, low carb option.

Tips for Finding the Right Low-Carb NA Beer

Read the Nutrition Label

Always check the nutritional information on the packaging. Do not assume all NA beers are low in calories or carbs. Look for zero-carb or very-low-carb options, especially if you are on a strict diet like keto. Pay close attention to the sugar content, as some beers add it to enhance flavor.

Prioritize Zero-Carb Options

For the lowest possible carb intake, seek out brands that specifically market zero-carb offerings. Partake Brewing is a clear winner in this category with its IPA and Pale Ale varieties. Alternatively, a sparkling hop water like Partake's Hop Twist is a guaranteed zero-carb choice.

Consider Your Taste Preferences

While low-carb is important, you should also choose a beer you'll enjoy drinking. The NA beer market offers a wide variety of styles, from hoppy IPAs to light golden ales and even stouts. Taste can vary significantly, especially with different brewing methods, so you may need to try a few brands to find your favorite.

Conclusion

For those seeking the lowest carb non-alcoholic beer, the market offers compelling choices that don't compromise on flavor. Partake Brewing leads the pack with several zero-carb options, such as its IPA and Pale Ale, making it an excellent choice for a keto-friendly lifestyle. Other top contenders like Big Drop Brewing's Paradiso Citra IPA and BrewDog's Hazy AF provide very low-carb alternatives. Remember to always check the nutritional label, as the carb content can differ significantly between brands based on their brewing techniques. By prioritizing brands that specialize in crafting authentic, low-carb flavors, you can confidently enjoy a refreshing, guilt-free brew. LoseIt.com, a source for our nutritional data, provides great info on low-carb choices and the NA beer market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the non-alcoholic beer with the absolute lowest carbs?

The non-alcoholic beers with the lowest carbs are typically those with zero grams. Partake Brewing's IPA and Pale Ale both offer zero carbs per 12 oz can, making them among the absolute lowest available.

Is all non-alcoholic beer low in carbs?

No, not all non-alcoholic beers are low in carbs. Some older brewing methods or added sugars to enhance flavor can result in NA beers with higher carbohydrate content than many alcoholic beers, so it's essential to read the nutrition label.

Can I drink non-alcoholic beer on a keto diet?

Yes, many non-alcoholic beers can be enjoyed on a keto diet, but you must choose carefully. Opt for brands with very low or zero carb counts, such as Partake IPA or Big Drop Paradiso Citra IPA, to stay within your daily macro limits.

How can a beer have zero carbs?

A non-alcoholic beer can have zero carbs through specialized brewing methods. For example, a hop-infused sparkling water like Partake's Hop Twist bypasses fermentation, containing no sugars and therefore zero carbohydrates.

What is the difference between non-alcoholic and alcohol-free?

In many regions, non-alcoholic refers to a beverage with less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), while alcohol-free means it contains 0.0% ABV. For low-carb purposes, both categories can have low or high carb counts depending on their specific formulation.

Where can I find Partake Brewing products?

Partake Brewing products can be found at various retailers, including grocery stores and specialty beverage shops. Many online retailers and delivery services also carry the brand.

Are low-carb non-alcoholic beers gluten-free?

Some low-carb non-alcoholic beers are also gluten-free, but not all. Big Drop Brewing's Paradiso Citra IPA is an example of a gluten-free and low-carb option. Always check the product's label for gluten-free certification.