In This Article
- Introduction to Low-Calorie and Low-Carb Beers
- Why Choose Low-Calorie Craft Beers?
- Flavor Without the Calories: What to Expect
- 7 Popular Low-Calorie and Low-Carb Craft Beers Under 100 Calories
- Choosing the Right Low-Calorie Craft Beer for You
- Tips for Enjoying Beer Without Extra Calories
- Final Thoughts
- Sign Up for Our Newsletter Here
Introduction to Low-Calorie and Low-Carb Beers
IPAs and imperial stouts are great, but boy, do these beers pack in loads of calories and carbs. “Empty calories” isn’t precisely fair to beer, given that having a social pint with friends provides many benefits (including mental health), but that doesn’t mean the calories and carbs don’t have a downside.
Luckily, the craft brewing industry has caught on to the needs of its aging market by providing low-calorie and low-carb options that still offer plenty of flavor. Whether you’re preparing for beach season or have specific health goals, cutting back doesn’t mean you have to give up craft beer. Here are the best low-calorie craft beers:
RELATED ARTICLE: Lowest Calorie IPAs: Best Tasting IPA Beers Under 100 Calories
Why Choose Low-Calorie Craft Beers?
There’s no universal definition of what constitutes a “low-calorie” beer, but these are generally in the range of 100 calories or below. There will be some session beers that are slightly above that threshold but are still considered lighter options. Typically, lower-calorie and lower-carb options tend to have better nutritional and health implications, especially when the alcohol content is lower. From a flavor standpoint, craft options are (unsurprisingly) always the way to go.
Calories in Standard Craft Beers
Everything from alcohol to hops to residual sugars contributes calories to a beer. To make their concoctions more flavorful, craft brewers use more malt and hops, along with adjuncts. Unfortunately, all the “good stuff” contributes calories and carbohydrates.
- Typical craft beers range from 150 to 250 calories per 12-oz serving.
- Low-calorie craft beers usually have 90–110 calories per 12-oz serving.
- Ultra-light beers (which are generally mass-produced light lagers) sometimes dip below 85 calories.
Benefits of Low-Calorie Options
- Fewer calories means the beer is less likely to contribute to weight gain.
- Low-calorie also means lower in carbs, which fits well into keto and other healthy lifestyles.
- These beers tend to be sessionable and low in alcohol, so that you can have a few and still feel fine the next day!
- Craft versions are still flavorful, so you get the best of both worlds!
Flavor Without the Calories: What to Expect
Light vs Full Flavor
“Light beer” and “low-calorie craft beer” are two distinct categories, even if it’s difficult to pinpoint the distinction. When you think of brands like Miller Lite and Bud Light, you wouldn’t consider a low-calorie IPA to be a similar product. Here’s a quick rundown:
Key Differences
| Aspect | Light Beer (Macro) | Low-Calorie Craft Beer |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The FDA and TTB allow “light” to be used when a beer has fewer calories, carbohydrates, or alcohol than the brand’s regular version. | No strict legal definition, but under ~100–110 calories |
| Flavor Profile | Mild, crisp, sometimes watery | More variety — session IPAs, pilsners, wheat ales, sours |
| Brewing Approach | Mass-produced, simplified recipes | Small-batch, more experimental with hops/yeast |
| Marketing | Appeals to calorie-conscious mainstream drinkers | Appeals to health-conscious craft beer fans who still want complexity |
Popular Styles for Low-Calorie Craft Beers
- Session IPAs
- Pilsners
- Wheat ales
- Table beers
- American Light Lager
- Stout (Guinness is a prime example)
7 Popular Low-Calorie and Low-Carb Craft Beers Under 100 Calories
Spoetzl Brewery – Weisse ‘N’ Easy
95 calories per 12 oz | 2.9g carbs | 4.0% ABV
Wheat beers are perfect for summer, especially when you can have a few without dwelling like you just ate Thanksgiving dinner.
Weisse’n’ Easy brings all the pillowy goodness of a wheat beer and packs it with Texas Dewberries for tartness and light sweetness. The flavorful pinch will have you double-checking the calorie count.
New Belgium Brewing Co. – The Purist
95 calories per 12 oz | 3g carbs | 3.8% ABV
The creators of the iconic Fat Tire have created one of the most flavorful low-calorie beers on the market. Purist Lager is ideal for throwing back a few after a day of hiking in the sun, and it’s quickly becoming a go-to for boaters everywhere.
This organic lager is produced with Oregon hops for a blast of pine that’s backed up with lovely cracker malt flavor that finishes crisp and clean.
Anderson Valley Brewing Co. – Black Rice Ale
97 calories per 12 oz | 8g carbs | 3.8% ABV
Darker ales are often loaded with calories and carbs, but Anderson Valley offers a “best of both worlds” option for those looking for malt sweetness without the calories.
Black Rice Ale utilizes lovely midnight wheat and black rice to complement the chocolate malt, creating a roasty beer ideal for campfire sipping.
Avery Brewing Co. – Pacer IPA
100 calories per 12 oz | 3.5g carbs | 4.5% ABV
Hazy IPAs bring many things to the table. Unfortunately for hop-heads, one of these things is a high calorie count. But breweries have been focusing on bringing the juice without the squeeze, and Colorado’s Avery Brewing has come up with a lighter hazy IPA worth drinking.
Southern Heliosphere hops have massive citrus notes with a soft malt backbone that would suggest way more calories and carbs were involved in Pacer’s creation.
New Holland Brewing Co. – Lightpoint
86 calories per 12 oz | 2.3g carbs | 3.7% ABV
Belgian Witbiers are often pillowy smooth, slightly sweet, and wonderfully spicy. They’re also usually laden with plenty of calories. Lightpoint doesn’t have those problems, as it’s one of the least caloric craft options out there.
Expect flavors like coconut, raw honey, and orange peel to tickle your taste buds, just don’t expect a full belly and headache after having a few of these.
Brooklyn Brewing – ½ Ale
102 calories per 12 oz | 8.5g carbs | 3.4% ABV
New York City’s premier craft brewery is known for its highly flavorful but drinkable offerings. Lager and Bel Air Sour are all summer staples, but they’ve outdone themselves with this quaffable farmhouse ale. Saisons are rarely associated with low-cal, but anyone training for the New York City Marathon (or planning a trip to the Hamptons) can rely on this delicious Belgian-style beer to keep them fit.
Sweetwater High Light Easy IPA
100 calories per 12 oz | 5g carbs | 4.0% ABV
The Southeast’s humid summers require a lighter option, and Sweetwater’s session IPA brings ample hops without the calories.
It’s brewed with hop hash to maximize the dank pine and citrus notes the brewery’s known for, just in an approachable and refreshing low-ABV package.
Choosing the Right Low-Calorie Craft Beer for You
Match Flavor Preferences
Because there’s a wide variety of low-calorie beers out there, you can usually find an example of your favorite style on the shelves. IPA fans are especially well-served with low-calorie options.
For something sweeter, aim for a malty porter or stout. It’s less common for these styles to have fewer than 100 calories, but you can get pretty close with a brand like Guinness (125 calories) and find it on basically every beer shelf on the planet.
If you want something hoppy but refreshing, Pilsner offers the best of both worlds as these crispy beers offer a nice hop bite with fewer calories than an IPA.
Keep an eye out for session sour ales that offer both fruity aromas and a tart finish. You’ll want to look into the calorie content, however, as some of these have added fruit, and that’s plenty of sugar.
Check the Label
- ABV, calories per serving, carbs, and even sugar content can sometimes be found on the label.
- When it’s not listed on the packaging, checking the brewery website or even an online forum can help. There are also websites like this one to rely on!
Experiment and Compare
If you’re trying to lose a few pounds (and keep them off), you’ll want to find a dependable craft beer without too many calories.
It’s worth exploring the shelves and finding low-calorie alternatives to your favorite styles!
You’ll want to find the best balance of taste and low-calorie content. Because if it doesn’t taste great, you’ll end up returning to high-calorie versions before long.
Tips for Enjoying Beer Without Extra Calories
Portion Control
- Smaller pours are often offered at pubs and taprooms, so you’ll be able to sample something without drinking a whole pint!
- Drinking is social! And sharing bottles of even high-calorie beer allows you to sample a variety of brews without consuming too many calories.
Pair with Healthier Foods
- Part of why drinking can be so unhealthy is that beer is often paired with greasy foods like cheese, curds, or pretzels.
- Pair your beer with lean proteins, veggies, or salads to offset the calories in beer.
- Of course, moderation is key, so don’t swear off these delicious treats altogether!
Timing & Hydration
- Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water while you’re consuming alcohol, and maybe base a workout around your visit to the pub!
- If your local watering hole is within walking distance, skip the Uber and try to get there and back on foot.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the best way to enjoy beer while maintaining a healthy lifestyle is to do so in moderation. This could include the occasional pint of your favorite IPA or a low-calorie version from your favorite brewer. Doing a little research can always help, so sign up for our newsletter for more craft beer guides, health-friendly drinking tips, and the latest low-calorie brews to try.
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