Do delicious keto beers only exist in your dreams?
Beer generally has more carbohydrates compared to wine, hard seltzer, and alcohol that is made with vodka, whiskey, or tequila.
If you’re following a ketogenic diet and crave a pint of beer, you may have had to settle for light beers that lack in flavor, taste, and strength of alcohol in the past. Or you’ve given up beer altogether.
These days, both large beer companies as well as smaller, local craft breweries are competing to produce low-carb beers that health-conscious buyers are looking for.
If you think beer is making it difficult to remain on a ketogenic diet, here are some low-carb alternatives which may help you stay on track. They may even help prevent a terrible cheat day.
To fully grasp their importance, you must comprehend why the base components of beer are a hindrance to achieving your ketosis ambitions.
Why Isn’t Beer Keto-Friendly
Beer is at the bottom of the lineup of drinks that are suitable for a ketogenic diet because a single serving has almost half of the daily recommended carbohydrate intake.
It is stated that spirits such as vodka, whiskey, gin, or tequila contain no carbohydrates whatsoever as per the reduced-carbohydrate alcohol regulations. A serving of red wine can contain anywhere from 3 to 5 grams of carbohydrates, while a glass of white wine will usually have between 2.5 and 3.5 grams.
The average beer has almost the same amount of carbs (13g) as the maximum amount (25g) of carbs a person needs to consume to achieve ketosis.
The amount appears to be substantial, but it’s nothing when looked at in comparison to the overly-advertised brews containing hefty amounts of sweet ingredients. With a 12 ounce serving, you will be facing a hefty dose of anywhere from 20 to 50 grams of carbohydrates or possibly even more.
What’s Actually In Beer
It takes four basic ingredients to make your average pint of beer:
1. Water
Water is essential in the manufacture of beer and accounts for more than 95% of a brewed beer.
2. Grains
The most popular grains utilized in making beer consist of malted barley, wheat, rye, oats, corn, and rice. Grains contribute to the hue, texture, taste and smell of beers. But they’re also not approved on a keto diet.
The brewers soak the malted grains in water so the starches are released and the enzymes are activated to turn them into sugar that can be fermented. They are aiming to get the highest amount of sugar from the grains. Sugar feeds the yeast, and the yeast creates alcohol.
After the grains have been taken out, the sweetened water is referred to as the wort.
3. Yeast
The action of fermentation alters the wort from a sugary liquid to an alcoholic beverage. Yeast, a type of one-celled fungus, feeds off of the sugar and converts the carbohydrates into carbon dioxide (CO2) that has slight bubbles and alcohol.
Yeast is not able to metabolize the entirety of the sugar in beer, resulting in a lower ABV compared to wine and spirits.
All alcoholic beverages, like vodka, gin, and whiskey, are the results of fermentation processes. This means that each portion has no carbohydrates and a higher alcohol content (usually 40% ABV).
The quantity of carbohydrates in beer is decided by the combination of malts used and the fermentation procedure.
4. Hops
The hop plant’s female seed cones, known as hops, provide a bitter contrast to the sweet grains. Depending on its origin, hops may impart tastes and odors ranging from citrus and conifer to more tropical fruits and herbs.
Now that you are aware of the ingredients, you need to understand how consuming beer impacts your body while in ketosis.
What Happens When You Drink Beer In Keto
The consumption of beer while following a ketogenic diet could result in being kicked out of ketosis, a loss of muscle mass, and potential health issues. Here’s what happens when you down that pint:
Your Brain Releases “Feel-Good” Dopamine, Making It Easier To Say Yes To A Second Round
Examination has revealed that your brain produces dopamine simply from taking a sip of beer. This produces a feeling of intoxication and also activates the part of the brain that provides euphoric feedback, intensifying the desire to continue drinking.
When this is put together with reduced self-restraint, the potential of coming to wrong conclusions increases dramatically. You might end up drinking more than anticipated or give in to a dishonest meal.
Lower Alcohol Tolerance Means You’ll Get Drunk Sooner
Keto dieting can cause your tolerance for alcohol to decrease by removing the carbohydrates (and stored glycogen) from your body which would normally slow down the effects of beer. Consuming carbohydrates gives you something to “absorb” the alcohol so you don’t become overly inebriated. But the same is not true for high-protein meals.
Instead of having carbs present in your body to slow down the absorption of the alcohol, the alcohol passes through your stomach and into your bloodstream quickly. The influences of consuming a single ale may seem to be equivalent to a double, if you are consuming fewer carbs.
Your Body Pauses Fat-Burning and Ketones Plummet
The rate of fat metabolism decreases significantly after consuming only two alcoholic beverages, causing the body to prioritize processing the alcohol over anything else. Therefore, specialists regard alcoholic beverages as one of the most detrimental items which inhibit or impede weight loss.
The liver utilizes an enzyme referred to as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) to decompose alcohol. NAD converts liquor into a form of sugar, which can be utilized by the cells as fuel.
Another enzyme converts alcohol to acetaldehyde. This is what your body wants to eliminate. The intoxicating effects of beer are attributed to it.
When the amount of NAD and acetaldehyde increases, this signals to the liver to produce more fatty acids. Your body won’t begin breaking down and utilizing fatty acids until all of the alcohol has gone away.
So when you drink, ketones plummet. This could make it take a time period of anywhere from one to twelve hours for your body to enter the fat-burning zone, depending on how much was consumed.
Low Blood Sugar + Low Ketones = Carb Cravings
Alcohol consumption interrupts the formation of ketones, resulting in a lowering of blood sugar.
Having low levels of blood sugar and ketones can lead to an urge to eat. Your craving for bar snacks, pizza, and carbohydrate-filled foods reaches its peak.
You May Sabotage Performance, Muscle Gains, and Recovery
In a single experiment, having alcohol following a resistance workout resulted in a twofold decrease in muscle capacity.
MPS is how the body changes and reacts to physical activity. It is closely connected to the regaining and expansion of muscle.
Drinking alcohol decreases the amount of muscle protein synthesis that occurs after exercise, even if athletes achieve the protein amounts that they should. Consuming alcohol may hinder the necessary healing and adjustment to physical training.
Top Low-Carb Beer for Keto
1. Budweiser Select 55
Budweiser Select 55 has the least number of carbohydrates that I am aware of in any beer, and it also has a rather low number of calories. This beer is a perfect match for light snacks like low calorie chips, or it goes great with an low carb pizza.
This lager carries fewer than 2 grams of carbs in each bottle, making it an ideal selection when you want to drink numerous beverages without being concerned about the overall carbohydrate content.
If you have commenced following a keto diet, Budweiser Select 55 is a beer you should check out the next time you go to a pub or a store.
2. Corona Premier
If you want to locate your ultimate beach-day beverage without forfeiting a low carb lifestyle, try the Corona Premier. Just finish off a bottle with a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt and you’re ready to go with a clean-tasting and easy-drinking beer perfect for a day at the sea.
Is it among the least carb-laden beers available? Each container contains only 2 grams of carbohydrates per portion, so it is fully acceptable for the keto diet!
You may want to consider Corona Light as well, though it’s not as low in carbs as Premier. Each can of Corona Light consists of 4.7g of carbs in each portion, which is more than two times the amount present in their Premier brew.
If you are extremely rigorous about keeping track of your carbohydrate intake, such as if you’re following a ketogenic diet, you’ll want to get the Premier brand. If you don’t want to be too strict, Corona Light is an acceptable choice.
This brew – Corona Premier – pairs wonderfully with air fryer sweet potato fries.
3. Miller 64
For those who prefer light beers, Miller 64 will satisfy without significantly increasing your carbohydrate consumption.
This drink has a perfect blend of crispness and smoothness, accompanied by a slight malty flavor. It is light in alcohol content compared to other beverages, making it an ideal option for drinking several over time. Miller 64 contains only 2 grams of carbohydrates per can.
If you’re looking for a good-tasting, low carbohydrate beer to purchase, Miller 64 is one option to think about.
4. Surly Brewing Rose Lager
If you’re a fan of fruity flavors, this low-carb craft beer based on rosé might be something to try.
This beverage offers amazing tastes with the inclusion of strawberries and currants, and each bottle has only 2.25 grams of carbs. This beverage has a high ABV of 5.2%, one of the highest of any on the list!
5. Michelob Ultra Pure Gold
This low carb beer has a unique feature that distinguishes it from other beers – it has been certified USDA organic and hasn’t had any synthetic dyes or flavorings added.
If that has not sealed the deal, this beverage has a great-tasting flavor. It is light, clear, and rejuvenating with a bit of sweetness, but with only 2.5g of carbohydrates per bottle, it is the ideal selection for those who are following a low-carb lifestyle.
This beer works really well with this fast and low carbohydrate tortilla pizza dish. I strongly suggest giving these two a go when you’re in the mood for a beer.
6. Michelob Ultra
If Michelob Ultra Pure Gold isn’t accessible to you, Michelob Ultra is an ideal alternative.
This product contains fewer than 3g of carbs per portion and only has 95 calories. Tastes similar to Pure Gold, this beverage has a pleasant and delicate flavor accompanied by a hint of sugariness.
Additionally, it has a greater alcohol content at 4.2%, so if you’re aiming for more intoxication this may be your best option.
7. Yuengling Flight
In case other light beers aren’t satisfying you, perhaps Yuengling Flight can meet your needs – it’s a bit more substantial than the competition and provides all the delicious flavor you’d expect from a first-rate beer.
Each portion of the food is only 2.6g of carbohydrates, yet you would never be able to tell judging by its amazing flavor! If you’re sticking to a diet plan which is low in carbohydrates, it is well worth considering trying out this beer.
8. Pittsburgh Brewing Co. I.C Light
This beer is primarily obtainable in Pennsylvania, but it can be purchased online! If you reside in Pittsburgh, this is a great choice, crafted in the middle of Pittsburgh.
It may be worthwhile to travel to Pittsburgh, the “steel city,” simply to sample this refreshing beer. I.C. Light ranks among the lowest 10 beers in terms of carbs, with only three per bottle!
9. Skinny Brands Lager
Lately, SkinnyBrands lager has acquired a lot of admiration and there is a justified explanation for that. This product is free of gluten, vegan, and meets kosher standards while only having 3g of net carbs per bottle!
If you are a fan of flavored beers, you should purchase this special edition craft beer.
10. Shiner Ruby Redbird
Shiner Ruby Redbird is created with a lively grapefruit from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas and has a kick of flavor from ginger.
How tasty does that sound?!
11. Miller Lite
Miller Lite is a timeless and renowned light beer. You would never guess that it has a low number of carbs and calories! This beer is simple to consume and is available at many locations for an excellent value.
12. Natural Light
Natty Light – or Natural Light – is likely the cheapest beer available. In the majority of locations, a 30 pack costs about $15, which makes it an ideal selection for big gatherings.
Although it may not be the tastiest beer available, this classic brew has the same carbs as Miller Lite. That is why this is an excellent alcoholic beverage choice if you are seeking something with a low carb count.
13. Southbound Brewing Light Lager Beer
This lager from Southbound is a breeze to consume. This beer is an invigorating and low carb drink that has a minimal amount of calories, making it the perfect beverage for any occasion. The nutritional content of both options is the same in terms of carbs and calories, so it doesn’t matter which you choose!
14. Bridge Brewing Company: Prime Time Pale Ale
The message on PrimeTime’s can speaks for itself: “Absolutely no compromises.”
This lager has the lowest carb count (1.5 carbs) and is more potent than a regular light beer because it has a higher ABV. The Citra and El Dorado hops give the drink a sparkling, tangy, citrusy taste.
15. Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company: Bright Tangerine Sparkling Ale
This “bubbly brew” is a combination of beer and a fruity soda. Bright Tangerine has a light, effervescent quality with a touch of tartness coming from the tangerine and Amarillo hops.
Bright is not only low-calorie and free from gluten, but it has a low amount of net carbohydrates as well, being only two.
