Low Calorie Ipa Beer Review (Updated | May 3rd)

Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. Read more

Low calorie India Pale Ales offer a compromise for consumers seeking the distinct hop profile of traditional craft beer with a reduced caloric and carbohydrate load. When evaluating these beverages, the primary considerations are the balance between hop intensity and body, as many lighter versions risk a watery mouthfeel. This guide analyzes top-rated options based on flavor complexity, alcohol content, and nutritional transparency. It serves as a resource for health-conscious enthusiasts and those managing dietary restrictions who wish to maintain the craft beer experience without the typical caloric density.

Key Takeaways

  • The Gold Standard Brew is the best choice for enthusiasts seeking a full-strength craft IPA mouthfeel and complexity.
  • Choose the Ultra-Low Calorie Choice if your primary goal is minimizing caloric intake without sacrificing basic hop character.
  • Check the canning date to ensure the delicate Northwest hop profiles in low-calorie IPAs remain vibrant and fresh.
  • Prioritize IPAs using multiple hop varieties to ensure a layered flavor profile that compensates for a lighter body.
  • The Gold Standard Brew suits drinkers who value a consistent, fresh-tasting experience across every single can.
Editor’s Choice

Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA Non-Alcoholic Beer, 12-Pack

Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA Non-Alcoholic Beer, 12-Pack
Gold Standard Brew

Why We Choose:

  • Excellent mouthfeel that mimics a traditional full-strength craft IPA.
  • Complex hop profile using five different Northwest hop varieties.
  • Reliable consistency that tastes fresh even months after canning.

Product Comparison: Low Calorie Ipa Beer

Ultra-Low Calorie Choice

Partake Brewing Non-Alcoholic IPA, 12-Pack Cans

Partake Brewing Non-Alcoholic IPA, 12-Pack Cans

Partake

If you are strictly watching your macros but still crave that hop fix, this is the one to grab. I was honestly shocked that a beer could have only 10 calories and 0g of carbs while still tasting like an actual IPA.

It pours a really pretty brilliant gold and hits you with those classic grapefruit and piney notes immediately. It’s definitely on the thinner side—think more like a hop-flavored sparkling water than a heavy milkshake IPA—but the 26 IBUs provide a nice, crisp bitterness that lingers just right.

This is the perfect choice for someone on a keto diet or anyone who wants to crush a six-pack without feeling weighed down. It’s vegan and gluten-friendly, using just the four basic brewing ingredients.

The only real trade-off is the light, effervescent body; because there are no sugars or carbs, it lacks the ‘mouthfeel’ or thickness of a traditional craft beer, which might feel a bit watery to some purists.

✓ Reasons to Buy

  • Unbeatable stats with only 10 calories and zero carbs per can.
  • Authentic grapefruit and honey aromatics provide a true IPA experience.
  • Clean, natural ingredient list with no funky additives or GMOs.

✗ Reasons Not to Buy

  • The body is very thin and lacks traditional malt weight.
  • High carbonation makes it feel more like soda than ale.

Check price

Gold Standard Brew

Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA Non-Alcoholic Beer, 12-Pack

Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA Non-Alcoholic Beer, 12-Pack

Athletic Brewing Company

Athletic Brewing has basically become the gold standard for NA beers, and Run Wild IPA is the reason why. Unlike many low-cal options that feel hollow, this uses a proprietary brewing process that keeps the malted barley and wheat character intact.

You get a much more full-bodied flavor that actually coats the tongue, making it hard to distinguish from a standard 5% ABV West Coast IPA. It’s the ideal ‘fridge filler’ for people who love the ritual of a post-run or post-hike beer but want to stay sharp.

It balances organic Vienna malt with a blend of five Northwest hops, giving it a smooth, rounded bitterness. The downside here is the calorie count compared to the ultra-lights; at around 65-70 calories, it’s significantly heavier than the 10-calorie competitors.

If you prioritize authentic texture and a satisfying malt backbone over the absolute lowest calorie count possible, this is your best bet.

✓ Reasons to Buy

  • Excellent mouthfeel that mimics a traditional full-strength craft IPA.
  • Complex hop profile using five different Northwest hop varieties.
  • Reliable consistency that tastes fresh even months after canning.

✗ Reasons Not to Buy

  • Higher calorie count than the most restrictive low-cal options.
  • Contains wheat which may not suit those with gluten sensitivities.

Check price

Guilt-Free Sampler

Partake Brewing Non-Alcoholic Variety Pack, 12-Pack Cans

Partake Brewing Non-Alcoholic Variety Pack, 12-Pack Cans

Partake

If you are trying to cut back on carbs or calories without giving up your evening ritual, Partake is a total game changer. I honestly don’t know how they managed to cram a refreshing blend of hops and citrus into a can that only has 10 calories and 0g of carbs.

It is essentially ‘beer water’ in the best way possible—extremely light, crisp, and clean. This is the perfect choice for the ultra-health-conscious person who wants a non-GMO and vegan option that won’t ruin their macros.

Because it is brewed with just water, barley, hops, and yeast, it feels much ‘cleaner’ than other NA beers that use fillers. However, you should know that it has a very thin mouthfeel.

Since there is almost no sugar or grain density, it doesn’t have that heavy, velvety texture you might expect from a standard craft IPA. It’s more of a thirst-quencher than a meal in a can, but for the calorie count, it’s hard to beat.

✓ Reasons to Buy

  • Extremely low calorie count at only 10 calories per can.
  • Zero grams of carbohydrates makes it perfect for keto diets.
  • Uses only four natural ingredients for a very clean finish.
  • The citrusy hop profile provides a genuine IPA aroma.

✗ Reasons Not to Buy

  • The body feels quite watery compared to traditional craft IPAs.
  • The carbonation can feel a bit sharp due to the lightness.

Check price

Small Batch Variety

Go Brewing Non-Alcoholic IPA Mixed 12-Pack

Go Brewing Non-Alcoholic IPA Mixed 12-Pack

Go Brewing

Go Brewing feels more like a ‘treat’ for craft beer lovers who are skipping the booze but still want that heavy, complex flavor profile. This variety pack is great because you get to rotate through a Double IPA, a Hazy, and a Tropical IPA, so you never get bored.

They use a small batch brewing process, and you can really taste the difference in the hop density. I love that they include a born-on-date on the cans; freshness is everything with IPAs, and these always taste bright and vibrant.

It’s the ideal pick for someone who misses the ritual of a local taproom visit but wants to stay productive the next morning. The only real downside is that these are higher in calories than the ultra-light options.

While they are still low-cal compared to standard beer, they won’t hit that near-zero mark if you are on a strict fast.

✓ Reasons to Buy

  • Variety pack offers three distinct and bold hop profiles.
  • Small batch brewing ensures a premium and complex flavor.
  • Born-on-dating guarantees you are drinking the freshest product.
  • The mouthfeel is much closer to a traditional full-strength IPA.

✗ Reasons Not to Buy

  • Contains more calories and carbs than the ultra-thin NA brands.
  • The bold flavor might be too intense for casual light-beer drinkers.

Check price

Crisp Hazy Profile

Athletic Brewing Non-Alcoholic Low Calorie Hazy IPA

Athletic Brewing Non-Alcoholic Low Calorie Hazy IPA

Athletic Brewing Company

If you’re trying to cut back on the heavy stuff but still crave that juicy, tropical vibe, this hazy brew from Athletic Brewing is a total game-changer. I usually find that low calorie options taste like watered-down tea, but this one actually has a full-bodied flavor that feels like a real craft beer.

It’s brewed with a proprietary process using simple ingredients like malted barley and wheat, which gives it that signature cloudy look and soft mouthfeel you’d expect from a standard Hazy IPA. It’s the perfect companion for a post-hike reward or a mid-week pizza night when you want the ritual of cracking a cold one without the morning fog.

You can definitely taste the citrus and earthy hop notes coming through. My only real gripe is that while the flavor is spot on, the carbonation fades quickly, so you’ll want to drink it fairly fast before it loses that refreshing bite and starts to feel a bit thin.

✓ Reasons to Buy

  • Authentic hazy texture that mimics traditional craft IPAs perfectly.
  • Extremely low calorie count makes it guilt-free for daily drinking.
  • Uses high-quality natural ingredients like malted barley and wheat.

✗ Reasons Not to Buy

  • The bubbles dissipate faster than a standard carbonated beer.
  • Lacks the lingering hop bitterness some IPA purists crave.

Check price

Classic West Coast

Best Day Brewing West Coast IPA Non-Alcoholic 12-Pack

Best Day Brewing West Coast IPA Non-Alcoholic 12-Pack

BEST DAY BREWING

For those who miss the classic, piney snap of a traditional California brew, this West Coast IPA by Best Day Brewing hits all the right notes. It leans heavily into those bright Cascade hops, delivering a crisp citrus aroma and a clean bitterness that feels very nostalgic.

It’s impressively low carb and low calorie, making it a smart pick for anyone watching their macros but still wanting a sophisticated beverage at a BBQ. Because it’s non-GMO and vegan, you feel a bit better about the quality of what’s in the can.

It doesn’t try to be a fruit juice bomb; instead, it focuses on that refreshing bitterness and dry finish that defines the style. However, be aware that the mouthfeel is quite light—it definitely lacks the syrupy weight of a high-ABV West Coast IPA, which might leave some drinkers feeling like it’s a little too lean on the palate.

✓ Reasons to Buy

  • Classic Cascade hop profile provides a great citrusy aroma.
  • Very low sugar and carb content fits strict dietary goals.
  • Clean, dry finish makes it incredibly easy to drink several.

✗ Reasons Not to Buy

  • The body feels thin compared to a full-strength IPA.
  • The piney bitterness can be slightly overwhelming if not chilled.

Check price

Rotating Craft Selection

Best Day Brewing Non-Alcoholic Variety 12-Pack

Best Day Brewing Non-Alcoholic Variety 12-Pack

BEST DAY BREWING

If you are someone who loves the ritual of a cold one but wants to keep your head clear, this Variety Pack is basically a playground for your palate. I was honestly surprised by how much these taste like ‘real’ beer.

You get to cycle through a crisp Kölsch, a punchy West Coast IPA, and even a tropical Electro-Lime that hits the spot on a hot day. It is the perfect buy if you are indecisive or hosting a party where some people are skipping the booze but still want that craft beer character.

Because these are low calorie and low carb, you can actually have three or four without feeling like you just ate a loaf of bread. The non-GMO and vegan ingredients keep things clean, which is a nice bonus.

However, the one catch with these variety packs is the rotating mix; sometimes you might fall in love with a limited-edition style only to find it replaced by something else in your next order.

✓ Reasons to Buy

  • Offers a great range of flavors from Kölsch to IPAs.
  • Extremely low calorie and low carb for guilt-free drinking.
  • Uses high-quality non-GMO and vegan ingredients.
  • Perfect for social gatherings where people want non-alcoholic options.

✗ Reasons Not to Buy

  • The rotating selection means your favorite flavor might be missing.
  • Some styles feel a bit thinner than their alcoholic counterparts.

Check price

Juicy Tropical Notes

Best Day Brewing Hazy IPA Non-Alcoholic 12-Pack

Best Day Brewing Hazy IPA Non-Alcoholic 12-Pack

BEST DAY BREWING

I have tried a lot of non-alcoholic IPAs that end up tasting like hop-flavored water, but this Hazy IPA actually brings the thunder. It has that juicy, tropical hop profile you expect from a Hazy, with a medium body that feels surprisingly substantial in your mouth.

If you are a fan of those big, citrusy aromas but need to stay productive or just want to cut back on the ABV, this is your best bet. It is brewed with natural barley, hops, and yeast, and it manages to keep the sugar and calories low without tasting like a ‘diet’ drink.

It is great for a weeknight reward when you still have to wake up early the next day. The only real downside is the subtle dry bitterness on the finish; while it mimics a traditional IPA well, it can linger a bit longer than some people might like, especially if you prefer a cleaner, sweeter aftertaste.

✓ Reasons to Buy

  • Impressive juicy and tropical hop flavors.
  • Fuller body than most other non-alcoholic IPAs.
  • Low calorie and low sugar fits most dietary goals.
  • Maintains a realistic craft beer mouthfeel.

✗ Reasons Not to Buy

  • The dry bitter finish might be too intense for some.
  • Can be difficult to find in local brick-and-mortar stores.

Check price

Pillowy Mouthfeel Hazy

Go Brewing Freedom Hazy IPA Non-Alcoholic Beer

Go Brewing Freedom Hazy IPA Non-Alcoholic Beer

Go Brewing

If you’re like me and usually find non-alcoholic beers a bit thin, this Go Brewing Freedom Hazy IPA is a genuine surprise. It hits that soft, pillowy mouthfeel you expect from a classic Hazy without feeling like flavored water.

I love that it’s small-batch brewed, which really shows in the bold citrus and stone fruit notes that pop the second you crack the can. It’s only 81 calories, making it a perfect swap for a heavy dinner beer or a sugary soda when you’re watching your carbs.

The Born-On-Date on the bottom is a great touch for ensuring you aren’t drinking stale hops. It’s ideal for the person who loves a juicy, hop-forward profile but wants to stay sharp for a morning hike.

The only real catch is that while the flavor is great, the 81-calorie count is actually a bit higher than some ultra-light competitors, so it might not be the ‘leanest’ option if you’re strictly counting every single digit.

✓ Reasons to Buy

  • The hazy, juicy texture feels like a real craft IPA.
  • At 81 calories, it fits easily into a low-carb lifestyle.
  • The printed freshness date ensures you get the best hop flavor.

✗ Reasons Not to Buy

  • It has more calories than some other non-alcoholic light IPAs.
  • The small-batch production can make it harder to find consistently.

Check price

Perfect Food Pairing

Athletic Brewing Non-Alcoholic IPA Craft Beer

Athletic Brewing Non-Alcoholic IPA Craft Beer

Athletic Brewing Company

Athletic Brewing basically started the modern NA revolution, and their Run Wild IPA is the benchmark for a reason. It’s brewed with a proprietary process using just the basics—water, malted barley, hops, wheat, and yeast—to create something that actually tastes like a West Coast classic.

It has that crisp, bitter snap that pairs perfectly with a greasy burger or tacos at a backyard BBQ. If you’re an active person who wants to enjoy a ‘brew’ after a long run without the dehydration of alcohol, this is your best bet.

It’s vegan-friendly and remarkably consistent across every batch. However, because it leans into that traditional IPA bitterness, it might feel a bit too sharp or ‘piney’ for people who prefer the smoother, fruitier profile of a modern New England style hazy.

It’s a workhorse beer, meant for drinking cold and fast rather than sipping for complex notes.

✓ Reasons to Buy

  • Delivers a classic, bitter IPA snap without the alcohol hangover.
  • Uses simple, high-quality ingredients like malted barley and wheat.
  • Perfectly balanced carbonation makes it great for pairing with food.

✗ Reasons Not to Buy

  • The traditional bitterness might be too intense for some drinkers.
  • It lacks the juicy, tropical sweetness found in hazy alternatives.

Check price

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Buying Guide

Buying Guide: Low Calorie Ipa Beer

Caloric and Carb Content

  • Check the specific calorie count per 12oz serving to ensure it fits your dietary goals
  • Look for options with zero grams of carbohydrates if you are following a strict ketogenic diet, such as Partake Brewing Craft
  • Verify if the product uses adjuncts or sugars that might increase the glycemic index despite low calories

Flavor Profile and Hop Variety

  • Identify your preferred IPA style, such as West Coast with piney bitterness or Hazy with tropical notes
  • Choose a beer that utilizes specific hop varieties like Cascade for a classic citrus aroma, found in Best Day Brewing
  • Evaluate the mouthfeel to ensure the brew isn’t too watery, looking for descriptions of a pillowy or medium body

Brewing Process and Ingredients

  • Prioritize beers brewed with traditional ingredients like water, barley, hops, and yeast for an authentic taste
  • Look for small-batch production methods which often ensure higher quality control, as seen with Go Brewing –
  • Confirm if the beer is non-GMO, vegan, or gluten-friendly if you have specific lifestyle or allergen requirements

Variety and Packaging

  • Opt for a variety pack if you want to sample different styles like Hazy, West Coast, or Grapefruit before committing to a full case
  • Select brands that offer rotating limited-edition styles to keep your selection diverse, such as Best Day Brewing
  • Check the packaging durability and portability for outdoor activities like hiking or BBQs, a focus for Athletic Brewing Company

Alcohol Content and Transparency

  • Ensure the ABV is consistently below 0.5% to meet non-alcoholic standards while maintaining a beer-like experience
  • Look for brands that use proprietary brewing processes to retain flavor without the alcohol, like Athletic Brewing Company
  • Read labels for transparency regarding natural flavors or additives used to mimic the bitterness of traditional IPAs

FAQs

Which low-calorie IPA is best for someone strictly watching their carbohydrate intake?

Partake Brewing Craft is the standout choice for strict diets, offering an IPA with 0g of carbs and only 10 calories. While it has a thinner body than traditional ales, it provides a surprisingly sharp grapefruit bitterness that satisfies the palate without the caloric load of other craft alternatives.

How does the mouthfeel of a Hazy IPA compare to a standard West Coast style in non-alcoholic versions?

Hazy styles like the Go Brewing Freedom Hazy IPA prioritize a ‘pillowy’ and softer mouthfeel to mimic the proteins and yeast suspended in traditional hazies. In contrast, West Coast styles like those from Best Day Brewing focus on a crisp, clean finish with a more aggressive hop bite and a lighter body.

Are these low-calorie beers suitable for people with gluten sensitivities?

It varies by brand, so you must check labels carefully. Partake Brewing Craft is explicitly marketed as gluten-friendly, whereas brands like Athletic Brewing Company use traditional malted barley and wheat, which contain gluten unless otherwise specified.

What should I look for if I want a non-alcoholic beer that tastes most like a traditional full-strength IPA?

Look for brands that use a ‘proprietary brewing process’ rather than dealcoholization, such as Athletic Brewing Company. These methods often preserve the complex ester profile and body of the beer better, though they typically result in slightly higher calorie counts (around 50-70) compared to the ultra-light 10-calorie options.

What is the difference between ‘hop water’ and a low-calorie non-alcoholic IPA?

Hop water is carbonated water infused with hops, containing zero calories and no grains. A low-calorie IPA, like those from Best Day Brewing, is actually brewed with barley and yeast, providing the malty backbone and fermented complexity that hop water lacks.

Can I find variety packs to test different flavor profiles before committing to a case?

Yes, both Best Day Brewing and Go Brewing offer mixed packs that include different styles like Hazy, West Coast, and Tropical IPAs. This is highly recommended because hop profiles (citrus vs. piney) can vary significantly between non-alcoholic brands.

How should I store and serve these low-calorie IPAs for the best flavor?

Always serve them very cold, as the lack of alcohol can make any flavor imbalances more apparent at room temperature. Because these beers are often highly hopped, store them in a cool, dark place to prevent ‘skunking’ and consume them well before the expiration date to ensure the hop aromatics remain bright.

Similar Posts