Low Carb Craft Beer Review (Updated | May 4th)

If you’re trying to cut back on booze and carbs but still want that post-hike reward, Athletic Brewing is pretty much the gold standard right now. I tried their Athletic Lite, and honestly, it’s impressive how they’ve used a rice and malt body to keep things crisp without that weird, watery aftertaste some non-alcoholic beers have.

It’s the kind of brew you can throw in a cooler for a BBQ and actually enjoy drinking all afternoon. It definitely hits those refreshing golden notes you’d expect from a traditional light lager.

This is perfect for the person who wants to stay social and active without the morning-after fog. The only real catch is that while the flavor is solid, it lacks that slight alcoholic bite or ‘burn’ at the finish, which can make it feel just a little bit too smooth if you’re used to heavy-hitting craft IPAs.

Still, for a low-carb, non-alcoholic option, it’s a total game changer for your fridge.

Partake is the one you grab when you are being seriously strict about your macros. We are talking 0g of carbs and only 10 calories per can, which is basically unheard of in the craft world.

I dove into their IPA from this variety pack, and you immediately get those citrusy, hoppy aromas the second you crack the tab. It’s brewed with just water, barley, hops, and yeast, keeping it clean and vegan-friendly.

This is the ultimate choice for anyone on a keto diet or a heavy fitness kick who misses the ritual of a cold one. Because it’s so light on ingredients to keep the calories down, the body is very thin—it doesn’t have that heavy, syrupy weight of a standard IPA.

It’s more like a hop-infused sparkling water’s older, cooler brother. If you can get past the lighter texture, the bold hop flavor really does satisfy that craving without ruining your diet progress.

If you’re watching your macros but still crave that hop-heavy bite, this Partake IPA is a total game changer. It is honestly mind-blowing that they managed to get a full IPA profile into a can with 0g carbs and just 10 calories.

When you pour it, you get a beautiful golden color and a nose full of grapefruit and floral honey. It’s incredibly light and bubbly, making it the perfect choice for someone on a strict keto diet or anyone who wants a ‘beer’ during a weekday lunch without the brain fog.

You should buy this if you prioritize calorie counting above all else but still want that citrusy bitterness of a classic West Coast style. The one real downside is the mouthfeel; because there are no sugars or carbs, the body is very thin and watery, lacking the velvety weight you’d expect from a traditional craft brew.

It’s more like a hop-infused sparkling water, but for zero carbs, it’s a trade-off I’m usually willing to make.

For the craft beer fan who can’t commit to just one style, this Best Day Brewing Variety Pack is a fantastic discovery. It feels much more like a ‘real’ craft experience because the brewing process preserves a full-bodied character that many low-carb options lose.

You get to rotate between a crisp Kölsch, a tropical Hazy IPA, and even a unique Electro-Lime for those hotter days. It’s the ideal purchase for social gatherings where you want to offer options that don’t feel like ‘diet’ drinks.

These are low-calorie and low-carb, though not quite zero, providing a much more satisfying malt backbone and a smoother mouthfeel. If you’re someone who misses the ritual of trying different brewery releases, this variety pack hits the spot.

However, keep in mind that the carb count varies between the styles in the box, so you have to check each individual can if you are tracking your intake strictly.

If you are looking for a non-alcoholic option that actually tastes like a traditional craft brew, this Kölsch-style ale from Best Day Brewing is a total win. It hits that sweet spot of being incredibly light and crisp without feeling watery or thin.

I love how it leads with a toasty malt character and finishes with just a hint of hops, making it the perfect partner for a basket of fish tacos or a post-hike celebration. It is low carb and low calorie, so you don’t have to worry about your macros while enjoying the ritual of cracking a cold one.

It is specifically designed for people who want the flavor of a premium craft beer but need to stay sharp for the next day. The only real bummer is that it lacks the slight bite or ‘sting’ you get from a fermented alcoholic beer, which some might find a bit too smooth.

Finding a decent gluten-free non-alcoholic beer is usually a nightmare, but Go Brewing really nailed the profile with their Freedom Amber. This isn’t your typical thin NA beer; it has a surprisingly full-bodied flavor thanks to the rich caramel and earthy corn notes.

It feels like a proper small-batch brew, offering a toasty malt depth that you usually only find in heavy, high-calorie ambers. It’s a great pick for anyone who needs to avoid gluten but still craves that classic, hearty beer taste.

I also really appreciate the Born-On-Date on the cans, which takes the guesswork out of freshness. However, you should be aware that the corn notes are quite prominent, which might be a bit polarizing if you prefer a strictly barley-forward amber.

It is a solid, mindful choice for a weeknight wind-down without the morning fog.

If you’re a hop-head trying to cut back on carbs or booze without losing that classic bite, this West Coast IPA is a total game-changer. I was honestly surprised by how much Cascade hop aroma they packed into this.

It hits you with those bright, crisp citrus notes you’d expect from a traditional craft brew, followed by a clean bitterness that doesn’t feel thin or watery. It’s perfect for someone who wants to keep the ‘crack a beer’ ritual alive during the work week or after a workout.

Because it’s low calorie and low carb, you don’t get that heavy, bloated feeling. The non-GMO and vegan ingredients show they aren’t cutting corners on quality either.

However, if you are someone who prefers a malt-forward, sweet profile, you might find the refreshing bitterness a bit too sharp. It definitely leans into that aggressive, piney West Coast style, which might be a bit polarizing if you aren’t a dedicated IPA fan.

For those who prefer their beer a bit more ‘pillowy’ and tropical, this Hazy IPA is the one to grab. It’s got a much softer vibe than the West Coast version, focusing on juicy tropical hop flavors that really coat the tongue.

I love that it maintains a medium body and lively mouthfeel, which is usually the first thing to go in low carb NA beers. It feels substantial when you drink it, almost like a fresh juice blend but with that essential subtle dry bitterness on the finish to remind you it’s a craft brew.

It’s the ideal companion for a backyard BBQ or a sunny afternoon when you want to stay sharp. The only real catch is that the fruity aromas can sometimes come across as a bit one-dimensional if it isn’t chilled perfectly.

If it warms up too much, you lose that crisp, smooth citrus edge that makes the first few sips so satisfying.

If you’re looking for a beer that fits a healthy lifestyle without the buzz, this Electro-Lime Mexican Style Lager from Best Day Brewing is a total game changer. I tried this during a backyard BBQ, and honestly, the fresh lime purée and sea salt give it that authentic ‘cerveza’ bite that most non-alcoholic beers usually miss.

It’s brewed with Motueka hops, which adds a nice tropical aroma that makes it feel like a premium craft choice rather than a sacrifice. It’s perfect for anyone watching their macros since it’s low carb and low sugar, and it’s vegan and non-GMO to boot.

You should grab this if you want the ‘crack a cold one’ ritual on a weeknight without the next-day brain fog. The only real bummer is that while the lime is bright, the body is a bit thin compared to a full-strength lager, so it can feel a little watery if it isn’t ice-cold.

Michelob ULTRA is essentially the gold standard for anyone who wants to grab a beer after a long run or a gym session without undoing all their hard work. It’s a Premium American Light Lager that is famous for being incredibly light on the stomach, featuring only 95 calories and a tiny 2.6g of carbs.

When you drink this, you’re getting a very crisp taste with a clean finish that doesn’t linger or feel heavy. It’s the ultimate ‘social’ beer because you can have a few at a party and never feel bloated.

It’s made with just the basics—barley, hops, yeast, and water—so there’s no artificial junk inside. However, the trade-off for those low stats is the flavor; it is very mild and lacks complexity, so if you are a fan of bold, hoppy IPAs, this might taste a bit too much like sparkling water to you.