20 Best Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Beers
These lagers and ale are big on flavor but light on carbohydrates for those on low-carb dietary programs.
Medically reviewed by Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., NASM-CPTNutrition & Fitness Lab Director
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We revised this guide with up-to-date information reviewed by a registered dietitian, as well as new ale and lager selections in May 2023.
Alcoholic beverages, beer included, aren't always part of many of the best diets for you — and cutting back on drinks is a consideration many have to make for better nutritional health. Since the best plans include everything in moderation, light beers are a better-for-you substitution that you can feel good about, as they're brewed to cut both calories and carbohydrates found in other full-bodied ales. The best low-carb beers are still packed with unique flavors despite touting a lighter, compact nutritional label for those turning to regimented dietary plans. Plus, they pair well with carefully executed keto-friendly party snacks; these protein-rich meals help delay stomach emptying and slow down rates at which alcohol is absorbed, after all.
But with more low-carb beers and even faux no-alcohol brews entering the market, knowing which one is worth your time can be tough. To better discern our own list, we scoured the market to find beers that contain the least amount of carbohydrates in each category, verifying their caloric weight, carb counts and any eyebrow-raising ingredients beforehand. From there, our Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen editors tasted over two dozen contenders, landing on a majority of the low-carb ales and lagers featured in this guide for their quality and flavor. When consumed in keen moderation, none of these beers will knock you off ketosis, implode your Whole30 progress or wreck low-carb meal plans.
Read more FAQs about low-carb beers after checking out our favorite beers below.
- Carbs: 3.2g
- Calories: 95
- ABV: 4%
A brand-new 2023 launch from Heineken, this diet-friendly beer contains the lightest mouthfeel and flavor profile on this list; reviewers noted virtually no bitterness. It's the kind of beer you'll be reaching for all summer long.
- Carbs: 3g
- Calories: 98
- ABV: 4%
A fan-favorite for anyone who is familiar with popular IPAs, Lagunitas' take slashes all the calorie and carb counts without sacrificing much of the flavor. A bitter-forward profile will be a big hit for beer lovers who may be missing their usual picks.
- Carbs: 3.6g
- Calories: 95
- ABV: 4%
If you're looking for a hop-forward flavor that isn't overloaded with caloric weight, Dogfish's IPA is right for you. You can sneak in more than one can given that total carbohydrates sit well under 4g.
- Carbs: 2.6g
- Calories: 95
- ABV: 4.2%
A recent addition to the Yeungling lineup of light beers, this light lager has one of the smallest caloric and carbohydrate intakes on this list. It manages to hover above 4% ABV but well under 3g of carbs per serving.
- Carbs: 3g
- Calories: 95
- ABV: 4.01%
Pairing perfectly with light summer salads and cheese plates, this Ruby Redbird is infused with grapefruit notes, citrus profiles and a hint of ginger aftertaste. The lager skimps on carbohydrates at just 3g per serving but is bold, flavorful and refreshingly tart.
- Carbs: 2.5g
- Calories: 85
- ABV: 3.8%
This deliciously light beer has one of the best carb-to-alcohol ratios on this list. Low-carb dieters won't lose sleep over the 5g of carbs that two of these beers manage to sneak in.
- Carbs: 5g
- Calories: 95
- ABV: 3.5%
Far from bitter, Amstel Light fans are drawn to its naturally grainy flavor profile. Under 100 calories, it's a great addition for any occasion.
- Carbs: 1.8g
- Calories: 55
- ABV: 2.4%
This uber light lager clocks in with the least amount of carbohydrates on this list. The crisp taste is particularly good for the summertime.
- Carbs: 3.9g
- Calories: 64
- ABV: 2.3%
Beck's lighter variation is extremely low in calories and carbs combined. Depending on the setting or the meal, you may even be able to sneak in a second beer.
- Carbs: 3.2g
- Calories: 99
- ABV: 3.8%
If you're a fan of traditional Yuengling (or any American brew), this one does a great job keeping taste profiles as similar as its full-bodied beers. You'll still find a caramel-esque malt flavor profile here, despite the lack of carbs and calories.
- Carbs: 2.4.g
- Calories: 64
- ABV: 2.8%
You'll definitely be able to enjoy more than one beer with Miller's ultra-refreshing lager. It packs in more of a buzz than other low-cal lagers on this list, despite being under 3g of net carbohydrates.
- Carbs: 4.8g
- Calories.: 183
- ABV: 6.1%
Likely one of the most flavorful options on this list, Allagash's Saison ale is delightfully packed with citrus notes and peppery accents. It's a great option for a hot afternoon on the beach or on the lawn.
- Carbs: 2.6g
- Calories: 90
- ABV: 4.0%
Corona has a cult following for a reason — and this lighter version retains all of the same flavors, minus the calories and all those carbs.
- Carbs: 7g
- Calories.: 153
- ABV: 5.1%
Far from a diet beer in any regard, this wheat ale has a crisp malt flavor that plays well with fresh citrus. It's full of robust flavor despite its reduced 7g of carbohydrates.
- Carbs: 3.2g
- Calories.: 95
- ABV: 4.2%
All of your "Natty Light" jokes and college references aside, this affordable, dry lager contains just over 3g of total carbohydrates in each day. The 95 calories aren't anything to sneer at either.
- Carbs: 3g
- Calories: 95
- ABV: 4.2%
It's a perfect blend of barley, hops, rice (yes, really!) and water, and has been for years. The crisp profile is only bolstered by barley malt, and you'll come to love it (especially since you can likely enjoy more than one!).
- Carbs: 5g
- Calories: 102
- ABV: 4.2%
Having popularized light beer for many non-dieters, any low-carb or Keto aficionado will love incorporating Coors Light into a cheat day.
- Carbs: 6.8g
- Calories: 99
- ABV: 3.3%
If you're a diehard Heineken fan regularly, you'll be happy to hear that its light beer can be a part of your low-carb diet. But as it's one of the heftiest carb-loaded beers on this list, especially compared to its newer "Silver" brew, you'll need to watch your intake for the rest of the day to avoid ricocheting off ketosis.
- Carbs: 7g
- Calories.: 110
- ABV: 3.9%
A soft choice on any grocery budget, Tecate's light lager is known for its distinct citrus flavor, a standout beer on this list. While it's higher in carbs than others, the unique flavor might be just what you're hankering for.
- Carbs: 8g
- Calories: 110
- ABV: 3.8%
Another classic with a cult following, a standard can of Pabst will definitely push your keto boundaries. But the brand's Easy lager clocks in at 8g of carbs, which is manageable for those who are dying for its refreshing taste.
Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition and Fitness Lab, where she oversees all nutrition and fitness-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from New York University, as well as advanced certifications as a Women's Fitness Specialist and a Behavior Change Specialist. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.
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