What is low carb beer?
Low carb beer is beer that is brewed to be lower in carbohydrates using specific techniques during the process. Regular beers contain approximately 1.4 grams of carbs per 100mL, while low carb beers can contain as little as 0.5 grams of carbs per 100mL.
Low carb beer has been around for many years and quickly became a popular drink as a healthier option to regular beer. The brand Pure Blonde was one of the first to be introduced in 2004 and it paved the way for a low carb beer trend that led to low carb options being readily available at pubs and bars.
Is low carb beer low in calories?
Low carb beer is not necessarily the same as low calorie beer, although both are often described as ‘light’ options. Why? Well to be labelled as a ‘light’ product, the beer must have a third less calories than the calories in the same brands regular beer. This means that not all low carb and low calorie beers have a set calorie restriction. Calories in beer come from the sugars and grains used to brew it, and even low carb options may have as many calories as a regular beer. The easiest way to be sure how many calories or carbs are in your drink is to always read the label.
Learn more: How many calories are in your favourite beer?
Is low carb beer healthy?
Low carb beer is said to be the healthy choice when it comes to beer, but sadly, the truth isn’t exactly that simple. First we need to understand exactly what ‘low carb’ beer means. By definition low carb intake is 60-130 grams of carbs daily. A few low carb beers would fall into this range, but regular beer would quickly get you over the limit. So low carb beer is healthy right? Wrong.
While reducing your carb intake can help reduce fat build up in the liver, it’s the alcohol itself in beer that causes weight gain. Even with a reduced number of carbs, there are still plenty of calories in low carb beer to add bulk to your midline and since brands don’t have to disclose calories on labels unless they choose to, it can be tricky to find this information out. Studies have shown that over a long period of time, the difference in drinking low carb beer vs. regular beer is minimal unless drank in moderation.
If you want a low carb and calorie option, try wine or spirits. Wine is lower than beer in carbs, and spirits, such as tequila, vodka, gin and whiskey contain zero carbs - just watch out for sweet mixers!
What does low carb beer taste like?
Low carb beer is lighter in taste, colour and texture, so if you’re a lager or ale fan, low carb beer will tickle your tastebuds. Many low carb drinkers say that it tastes a lot like regular beer!
The best low carb beers in Australia:
5. Skinny, Lager
Crisp, clean and lower in calories and carbs than regular beers. This UK beer only has 89 calories per bottle and has a full bodied taste.
$19.99 (six pack), Dan Murphy’s
4. Hanh Ultra Crisp, Lager
This beer is not only low in carbs, it’s also gluten free! Brewed using rice instead of wheat or barley, it’s a refreshing and light beer that’s 99% sugar free.
3. Carlton Dry, Lager
Crisp, smooth taste with lower carbs than a full strength beer, it’s a great companion for summer.
2. XXXX Summer Bright, Lager
Light, fresh and slightly bitter, this low carb beer is brewed in Queensland and best served at a BBQ.
1. Pure Blonde Ultra Low Carb Lager
Pure Blonde has stood the test of time and remains a favourite for low carb beer fans. The Ultra Low Carb variety is a great choice with 80% less carbs than regular beer and 50% less calories than wine (per mL*).
$20.99 (six pack), Dan Murphy’s
