Low Carb Beer Australia: Do Low Carb Beers Really Work?

Low carb beer has become a staple of major beer makers over the last few years, but what exactly is low carb beer? Not to be confused with low calorie beer in Australia, low carb beer has often been pitched as the healthier choice for those looking to indulge but still wanting to watch their waistline. Let’s find out if what they say about low carb beer is fact or fiction.

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!

Lottie Dalziel

Lottie Dalziel is a 4AM riser and coffee-addict who lives and breathes the Better Homes and Gardens brand. When she isn't reading up on the latest trends in sustainability or discovering ways to upcycle almost anything, you can find her by the beach, cooking up a storm or adding to her abundant (some would say out of control) plant collection.