You already know what the keto diet is about. You need to keep carbs as low as possible — 50 grams per day or even less. While most keto dieters are happy doing away with rice and traditional desserts, there’s one popular beverage that they struggle to let go of (unless they’re not a drinker, to begin with).
That’s beer.
Most beers have high sugar content. This can increase the amount of carbs you consume which will likely kick you out of ketosis. Not to mention, beer is made using ingredients such as barley, wheat, and less commonly from starchy vegetables. These contain carbohydrates.
How many carbs in beer can you normally expect? 1 can or bottle has about 13g of carbs, according to the USDA.
But let’s be honest: You’d probably enjoy a social gathering more with a beer in hand. You might be wondering, “Is there keto beer available?” The answer to that is yes. That’s what this post is for. Check out some of the top low-carb beers we listed below.
14 Low-Carb Beers for Keto
Choose beers with lower alcohol percentages or alcohol by volume (ABV). These are the lowest-carb beers!
1. Miller 64
Boasting a fresh and crisp flavor, it’s a great choice when you’re being careful with carbs and calories. Make sure to drink it cold to appreciate its great taste. It has no bitter aftertaste that’s noticeable in most brews.
Per serving (12 oz): Calories: 64 | Carbs: 2.4g | ABV: 2.8%
Price: $24.99 at Drizly
2. Natural Light
With its reduced alcohol content, this American-style light lager goes easy on your tummy. It’s cheap and a good substitute for craft beers.
Per serving (12 oz): Calories: 95 | Carbs: 3.2g | ABV: 4.2%
Price: $19.79 at Drizly
3. Corona Premier Mexican Lager Light
Refresh yourself with one of the best-tasting low-carb beers for lazy afternoons. Corona Premier pairs well with nuts, buffalo wings, and seafood. You may want to try this: Serve it with a slice of lime to boost the flavor!
Per serving (12 oz): Calories: 90 | Carbs: 2.6g | ABV: 4%
Price: $18.69 at Drizly
4. Shiner Ruby Redbird
Love grapefruit? Then you’ll love this light-bodied low-carb beer with its signature grapefruit citrus aroma. If you’re planning to have a cheat day on keto, have a drink of a Redbird with your favorite dessert, salad, or sushi.
Per serving (12 oz): Calories: 95 | Carbs: 3g | ABV: 4.01%
Price: $9.99 at Drizly
5. Michelob ULTRA Amber
Catch up with your buddies over this malty-tasting low-carb beer. Serve it in a pint glass to appreciate its deep amber color. If someone asks you which beers have the lowest carbs, you’ll know what to tell them.
Per serving (12 oz): Calories: 89 | Carbs: 3.2g | ABV: 4.3%
Price: $16.99 at Drizly
6. Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty Lo-Cal IPA
Looking for an American-style beer that’s sweetened with monk fruit? Then don’t miss this. Plus you’ll love its catchy appearance and tropical fruity aroma. Mangoes, coconuts, and pineapples!
Per serving (12 oz): Calories: 95 | Carbs: 3.6g | ABV: 4%
Price: $19.99 at Drizly
7. Beck’s Premier Light
If you happen to be fond of light beers, you’ll like this one. Beck’s Premier Light still has a full flavor compared to other options, plus it’s low in calories. With its 2.3% ABV, it was made with the health-conscious drinker in mind.
Per serving (12 oz): Calories: 54 | Carbs: 3.9g | ABV: 12.5%
Price: $14.29 at Drizly
8. Ommegang Brut IPA
Have a bottle of this pale ale with some Thai food or fish and chips. It has notes of grape and citrus which makes it a great choice of beer for summertime. A very good beer if you’d like to unwind and refresh yourself!
Per serving (12 oz): Calories: 140 | Carbs: 3.9g |ABV: 6.3%
Price: $12.99 at Drizly
9. Budweiser Select 55
If you’re looking for the lowest carb beer, here it is. With less than 2 grams of carbs per serving, it could be the perfect choice for you if you’re extremely conscious. It has a light malt flavor.
Per serving (12 oz): Calories: 55 | Carbs: 1.8g | ABV: 2.4%
Price: $21.99 at Drizly
10. Heineken Light
This low-carb beer is an all-time favorite, thanks to its full flavor and mild malty aroma. Planning for a social gathering as part of your keto hacks? Be sure to offer this to those who prefer a session beer!
Per serving (12 oz): Calories: 99 | Carbs: 6.8g | ABV: 3.3%
Price: $17.99 at Drizly
11. Jack’s Abby Blood Orange Wheat Radler
Blood Orange Wheat may not be your first choice due to its carbs content, but it’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. This fruit beer is refreshing, features a blood orange taste, and pairs nicely with toasted nuts.
Per serving (12 oz): Calories: 130 | Carbs: 8g | ABV: 4.0%
Price: $17.59 at Drizly
12. Allagash River Trip
Chilling on the beach? Pop open this Belgian-style low-carb ale that’s super soft and light. A bottle of this won’t hurt as a post-workout beer with your workout/training buddies. You’ll love its peppery and citrus flavors.
Per serving (12 oz): Calories: 128 | Carbs: 7.9g | ABV: 4.8%
Price: $12.99 at Drizly
13. Amstel Light
This famous Dutch beer has an earthy and grainy character which some drinkers are okay with. It may not be the best beer for keto if you’re looking for sweetness, but overall it’s a good beer for hanging out with the guys.
Per serving (12 oz): Calories: 95 | Carbs: 5g | ABV: 3.5%
Price: $17.59 at Drizly
14. Guinness Draught Stout
Here’s another low-carb beer option for one of your keto cheat days. An Irish Dry style low-carb beer with a rich, coffee-like taste as some describe it. Whether you’re a new or seasoned drinker, this one will satisfy your senses.
Per serving (12 oz): Calories: 126 | Carbs: 9.6g | ABV: 4.2%
Price: $10.79 at Drizly
There you have it. Did you want to recommend something that’s not on our low-carb beer list? What’s the best low-carb beer for you? We’d love to know your thoughts. As you’ve seen here, beers can be enjoyed on a ketogenic diet as long as it fits within your daily carb limit.
However, keep this in mind: Alcohol may still affect an individual’s progress on keto, which is why it’s best consumed in moderation.