Giving up beer when on keto is simply not an option for some of us. Gladly there are some great low carb beer options out there.
That’s why I made this list of keto-friendly beers for you to enjoy without compromising your ketosis.
Based on your preferences, the low carb beer options are divided into two main sections, so feel free to skip straight to the interesting part:
- Craft low carb beer (usually produces by smaller, independent breweries, so could be more difficult to find)
- Mass-produced low carb beer (made by huge international breweries, so can be fount in nearly any supermarket / store)
These lists of craft and mass-produced low carb beers are arranged from lowest to highest in carbs per serving (bottle/can).
SPOILER ALERT: in most cases the more carbs the beer has, the more flavorful it is. It’s sad but it’s true. However, there are some low carb beers that won’t make you hate beer.
Before we start, let’s look into some frequently asked questions about beer on keto.
Keto Beer FAQ
Here are some of the most asked questions about low carb beer and drinking it when on keto. If you have any more related questions, feel free to ask in comments.
Can I drink beer on a keto diet?
Yes, you can drink beer when following the keto diet. However, you should choose low carb beer options that have 5g (or less) of carbohydrates per 12-ounce serving. Typically, such beer is labeled as ‘light’.
Here you can find low carb craft and mass-produced beer options.
Which beers have lowest carbs?
Beers that have lowest carbs are Green’s Trailblazer for mass produced beers (0.5g per serving) and Prime Time for craft beers (1.5g per serving) Usually, most beers that low in carbs and calories are labeled as light beers. They come in bright and clear yellow color, are thin and watery. These beers are not very aromatic and don’t have rich taste.
Is there a no carb beer?
The only no carb beer is water. To be more serious, there exist beers that have almost no-carbs, such as Greens Trailblazer with only 0.5g of carbohydrates per 12 oz. However this beer is no longer imported to the U.S., so it could be difficult to find it.
What domestic beer has the least carbs?
The domestic beer with the least carbs is Natural Light. It has only 3g of carbohydrates per serving. There are several more options that have a similar amount of carbohydrates. You can choose your favorite one based on flavor preferences.
Craft Low Carb Beer
Below you will find a list of 10 craft made low carb beers. All of the beers listed below have 4g of carbohydrates per bottle or less. So, it doesn’t matter which ever you choose, you will not compromise your ketosis. Since the beers are craft and are made in smaller breweries, they can be more difficult to find than the mass-produced ones. However, craft beers usually are better in taste, so these are definitely worth the search. The list is made by ranking the beers from lowest, to highest, based on amount of carbohydrates per serving (bottle).
Prime Time – Lowest in Carbs Craft Beer
Carbs: 1.5g | Calories: 110 | ABV: 5% | Size: 355 ml
Low in carbs and quite rich in flavor – this is one of the greatest keto beers if you’re serious about cutting down your carb intake in terms of beer.
What’s in general great about craft beers – they’re usually better tasting than the mass-produced low carb ones.
Just as the packaging states – No Compromises. So, this low carb beer is definitely worth a try.
Want to know what people have to say about this beer? Click to read Prime Time reviews.
Bright – Tangerine Sparkling Ale
Carbs: 2g | Calories: 90 | ABV: 4% | Size: 355 ml
A little richer in carbs than the previous one but lower in calories. Bright Tangerine Sparking Ale is rich in fruity flavors.
It’s perfect for a hot summer day due to its fruity flavor. Also this low carb craft beer will suit many diets as it is gluten-free.
Only 2g of carbohydrates per can, so you should give it a chance, especially if you enjoy the fruity flavors in your beers.
Want to know what people have to say about this beer? Click to read Bright Tangerine Sparking Ale reviews.
North Coast Scrimshaw Low Carb Pilsner
Carbs: 2g | Calories: 100 | ABV: 4.7% | Size: 355 ml
Well, this beer was awarded 2 gold medals and 6 silver medals in beer championships. So, the awards speak for the quality of the beer.
There’s only 2 g of carbs in North Coast Scrimshaw, but the taste packed in it is amazing. The beer is light, slightly bitter and refreshing – the perfect combo for a BBQ and keto diet.
It’s one of those beers that I would recommend not only for those who want to keep their ketosis in place, but also those who simply want to enjoy a good beer.
Want to know what people have to say about this beer? Click to read North Coast Scrimshaw reviews.
Rosé Lager – Wine Inspired Low Carb Beer
Carbs: 2.25g | Calories: 127 | ABV: 5.2% | Size: 355 ml
This is quite a unique low carb beer as it is made with champagne yeast.
Fruity and light, this beer is a refreshing choice for a hot day and a great choice for those who enjoy wine/champagne aftertaste in their beers.
Want to know what people have to say about this beer? Click to read Rosé Lager reviews.
I C Light – Simple Low Carb Beer
Carbs: 2.8g | Calories: 95 | ABV: 4.2% | Size: 355 ml
Another beer that is low in carbs, however quite rich in flavors. Just like with most craft beers that are low on carbs, this one tastes better than mass produced ones with the same amount of carbs.
So, it’s a good choice for anyone who wants a simple light beer that’s flavorful and doesn’t reverse the ketosis.
Want to know what people have to say about this beer? Click to read I C Light reviews.
DayTime IPA Low Carb Beer
Carbs: 3g | Calories: 98 | ABV: 4% | Size: 355 ml
Not as strong as your casual IPA but this DayTime IPA delivers in flavor.
Rich in hop flavors and only 3g of carbohydrates per can. If you enjoy IPA style beers, this could be one of the best low carb options.
Want to know what people have to say about this beer? Click to read DayTime IPA reviews.
Shiner Ruby Redbird
Carbs: 3.1g | Calories: 95 | ABV: 4% | Size: 355 ml
Available all year round, this craft low carb beer is rich in fruity flavors and will work great on a hot summer day. Personally I enjoy eating it with BBQ chicken.
It’s a refreshing low carb lager that can be found in bottles, cans and on tap. So, it doesn’t matter whether you’re at home or in a bar – you can have a beer that works with your keto diet. However, if you’re in a bar – be sure not to lose the count of the beers.
Want to know what people have to say about this beer? Click to read Shiner Ruby Redbird reviews.
Light Lager Beer
Carbs: 3.5g | Calories: 100 | ABV: 4.2% | Size: 355 ml
This craft beer is light, low in calories and carbohydrates – perfect option as a keto beer at anytime.
This beer has light notes of citrus and is perfectly refreshing. So, if you are one of those who enjoy a simple and flavorful light beer, this should be on your list.
Want to know what people have to say about this beer? Click to read Light Lager reviews.
Slightly Mighty – Low Carb India Pale Ale
Carbs: 3.6g | Calories: 95 | ABV: 4% | Size: 355 ml
This unique IPA was created by using an ancient Chinese delicacy – monk fruit. The monk fruit is what gave this beer rich body and complexity, without ading extra calories or carbohydrates.
So, for those who enjoy rich and bitter flavors, this IPA style beer is a must try. Trust me, you won’t regret it. It’s an absolutely great, bold and delicious low-carb choice.
Want to know what people have to say about this beer? Click to read Slightly Mighty reviews.
Shiner Light Blonde Low Carb Beer
Carbs: 3.8g | Calories: 99 | ABV: 4.2% | Size: 355 ml
One more craft low carb beer from Shiner. Just like the title suggests, you will get a light blond beer.
Even though it has only 99 calories and 3.8g of carbohydrates – it’s refreshing and full of flavor. So, those who enjoy blonde beers, this is a great low carb version. Enjoy.
Want to know what people have to say about this beer? Click to read Shiner Light Blonde reviews.
Mass-Produced Low Carb Beer
Below you will find a list of 10 mass-produces low carb beers that are keto friendly. Each of the beers has 5g or less of carbohydrates per serving. So, it will not mess with your ketosis and can be easily found in nearly any supermarket. The list is made by arranging the beers from lowest, to highest in carbohydrates per serving.
Green’s Trailblazer – Lowest Carb Beer (0.5 g of carbs)
Carbs: 0.5g | Calories: 119 | ABV: 4.7% | Size: 275 ml
If you’re looking for the lowest carb beer – Green’s Trailblazer is your ultimate choice. This beer only has 0.5g of carbohydrates per bottle.
In terms of flavor, it is richer than most low-carb beers. So, it’s a perfect choice for those, who enjoy more flavors with their beers. Also, the beer is gluten-free and wheat-free.
It’s the lowest carb beer that will suit many dietary needs. However, it is no longer imported to the U.S., so it can be difficult to find it.
Want to know what people have to say about this beer? Click to read Green’s Trailblazer reviews.
Budweiser Select 55
Carbs: 1.8g | Calories: 55 | ABV: 2.74% | Size: 355 ml
Budweiser Select is a great choice for a low carb beer when on keto. It tastes similar to Budweiser Select but has fewer carbs.
The beer is called 55 as it only has 55 calories per bottle. It’s a perfect choice for those who enjoy classic American flavors and don’t want to compromise their ketosis.
Also, the beer is very light and contains only 2.4% alcohol. So, it’s perfect for a hot summer day.
Want to know what people have to say about this beer? Click to read Budweiser Select 55 reviews.
Miller Genuine Draft 64
Carbs: 2.4g | Calories: 64 | ABV: 2.8% | Size: 355 ml
Compared to Budweiser Select 55, Miller Genuine Draft 64 lacks flavor. So, if you enjoy your beer being with more flavor, go for the first option.
In general, the beer is low in carbs which is great for keto, but from the user point of view, it’s watery and lacks body.
Also, just like Budweiser Select 55, the number in the title refers to the calorie count per serving. So, the beer has only 64 calories.
Want to know what people have to say about this beer? Click to read Miller Genuine Draft 64 reviews.
Rolling Rock Light
Carbs: 2.4g | Calories: 83 | ABV: 3.7% | Size: 355 ml
This beer rarely gets good evaluations. Similar to Miller Genuine Draft 64, it lacks flavor and the texture is watery.
The biggest advantage of this beer is being very low in carbohydrates – only 2.4g per serving. However, flavor is not one of its strengths.
So, choose this beer if there are no better options at that moment and you simply must keep your carb count under 3g.
Want to know what people have to say about this beer? Click to read Rolling Rock Light reviews.
Michelob Ultra
Carbs: 2.6g | Calories: 95 | ABV: 4.2% | Size: 341 ml
Michelob Ultra is low in carbs and in flavor. Many people call it ‘chalky water’ tasting. Some people even say they wouldn’t pay any money for it.
However, there are some people who appreciate this beer as it didn’t result in any weight gain. So, it’s up to you to make the choice when it comes to flavor vs carbs.
Want to know what people have to say about this beer? Click to read Michelob Ultra reviews.
Budweiser Select
Carbs: 3.1g | Calories: 99 | ABV: 4.3% | Size: 355 ml
Budweiser Select is similar to it’s lower carb version Budweiser Select 55 taste wise.
However, Budweiser Select is richer in flavor and in carbohydrates. If you have a bottle of Budweiser Select, you will consume 3.1g of carbs. Choosing the lighter version will result in nearly twice reduced carbohydrate intake of 1.8g per bottle.
Want to know what people have to say about this beer? Click to read Budweiser Select reviews.
Beck’s Premier Light
Carbs: 3.2g | Calories: 64 | ABV: 2.3% | Size: 355 ml
Another very light beer in terms of calories and flavor. This beer is very light with only 2.3% of alcohol and only 64 calories.
This beer could be great choice for a hot summer day. Especially when you don’t want to get tipsy.
This beer is definitely keto-friendly and low in carbs. So, you might just give it a shot.
Want to know what people have to say about this beer? Click to read Beck’s Premier Light reviews.
Miller Lite
Carbs: 3.2g | Calories: 96 | ABV: 4.2% | Size: 355 ml
Miller Lite is a well-known light beer as it saw the daylight back in 1975. It is a low carb beer which is, in general, quite like among the reviewers.
The is only 3.2g carbs in Miller Lite per serving, so it is of course keto friendly. Compared to reviews of other low carb beers, Miller light is one of those that are worth trying, as it has more color and more flavor.
Want to know what people have to say about this beer? Click to read Miller Lite reviews.
Busch Light – One More Low Carb Beer
Carbs: 3.2g | Calories: 95 | ABV: 4.1% | Size: 473 ml
Just like the previous couple of beers on the list, Busch Light has only 3.2g of carbohydrates per bottle.
Many reviews rate is as a ‘quite okay’ beer, which means that you should give it a shot.
Compared to other beers in this overview, Busch Light comes in a bigger packaging, which means that its carbs per 100 ml is lower than Miller Light and Beck’s Premier Light who also have 3.2g of carbs per bottle. The bottles of the 2 are 355 ml and Busch Light comes in 473 ml cans.
So if you want a bigger amount of low carb beer that is quite flavorful, this could be a good choice.
Want to know what people have to say about this beer? Click to read Busch Light reviews.
Natural Light
Carbs: 3g | Calories: 95 | ABV: 4.2% | Size: 355 ml
One more beer that’s quite well known and has been in the market for tens of years. The manufacture of Natural Light started back in 1977.
Based on online reviews, most find the beer quite delicious (for a low carb beer) and claim it has a fruity under-taste.
Just like with any other beer, it has its fans and the ones who don’t like it. Overall, when it comes to low carb beers, this one is quite worth a shot.
Want to know what people have to say about this beer? Click to read Natural Light reviews.
Low Carb Beers – Are They Even Worth Drinking?
Well, to tell you honestly – yes and no, it depends on the choice. If you want to get the lowest carb beer, then definitely go for the craft ones, the mass-produced ones mostly taste like water or something made of low-quality plastic.
There are some decent mass-produced low carb beer options. In my opinion – that’s as good as they get. If you truly enjoy and value beer flavor wise – go for the craft low carb beers.
As mentioned in the spoiler alert, in most cases, beer that has more carbs in it does taste better. However, many small breweries have put a lot of effort and work into creating tasty low carb beers. I have to admit, they were quite successful on the quest.
Don’t forget to serve your beer cold and, since we’re being a little naughty with our diets, how about some keto fast food?
