Low Carb Low Alcohol Beer Review (Updated | May 3rd)

If you’ve been searching for a non-alcoholic option that doesn’t taste like flavored water, this Athletic Brewing Company brew is a total game-changer. I usually find that low-carb beers lose that satisfying ‘weight’ on the tongue, but their proprietary brewing process keeps the body intact using a blend of rice and malt.

It’s the perfect companion for a post-hike reward or a long afternoon at a BBQ where you want to stay sharp. It pours with a decent head and has that crisp, refreshing snap you’d expect from a traditional light lager.

This is definitely for the person who lives an active lifestyle but still loves the ritual of a cold one. The only real downside I’ve noticed is that while the malt body is impressive for an NA beer, it can feel a bit thinner than a full-strength craft ale if it warms up even slightly in your hand, so you really have to drink it ice cold to get the best experience.

Partake is honestly doing something wizard-like with their Non-Alcoholic IPA. When you look at the stats—only 10 calories and 0g of carbs—you expect it to be completely flavorless, but it actually packs a punch of grapefruit and floral notes.

It’s brewed with just the basics like water, barley, and hops, making it a great vegan and gluten-friendly choice for the health-conscious drinker. I’d recommend this to anyone who is strictly tracking macros but misses the bitterness of a hoppy IPA.

It has a very light, effervescent body that feels more like a sparkling hop water with a beer soul. However, because there are literally zero carbs to provide a sugar backbone, the lingering grapefruit pith bitterness on the finish can be a bit intense for some.

If you don’t like a dry, astringent aftertaste, this might be a tough sell, but for hop-heads on a diet, it’s a miracle in a can.

If you are trying to cut back on sugar or following a strict keto diet, Partake is basically the holy grail of the non-alcoholic world. Most ‘light’ beers still sneak in a few grams of carbs, but this variety pack manages to hit 0g carbs and a mere 10 to 25 calories per can.

I was skeptical about how it would taste with such a thin ingredient profile, but the citrusy notes and hop bitterness in the IPA are surprisingly punchy. It is brewed with just the basics—water, barley, hops, and yeast—making it a very clean, vegan and gluten-friendly option.

You should buy this if your primary goal is weight management or staying in ketosis without giving up the ritual of a cold one. The real downside here is the mouthfeel; because it lacks the sugars and alcohol density, it feels very thin and watery compared to a traditional craft brew.

It quenches a thirst, but don’t expect a heavy, creamy texture.

Best Day Brewing has really nailed the ‘craft’ feel with their Kolsch Style Ale. If you’re someone who actually enjoys the nuances of a light, toasted malt, this is the one to grab.

It doesn’t taste like a ‘diet’ drink; it tastes like a professional crisp, easy-drinking ale that happens to be non-alcoholic. It is low carb and low sugar, making it much healthier than a standard lager, but it retains a smooth body that many other NA beers lose during the dealcoholization process.

I love that they use non-GMO and vegan ingredients to keep things high-quality. This is the perfect companion for a post-hike celebration or a mid-week taco night when you want to stay sharp.

However, while it is low carb, it isn’t ‘zero’ carb like some competitors, so you have to track the macros if you are being hyper-vigilant. It is a premium choice for flavor purists who prioritize taste over absolute zero-calorie stats.

If you’re like me and hate committing to a full case of one flavor, this Best Day Brewing Variety Pack is a total lifesaver. I tried this because I wanted something that actually tasted like a craft brew without the mid-afternoon slump.

The Kölsch is surprisingly crisp, and the Hazy IPA hits those juicy notes you’d expect from a standard craft pour. It’s perfect for anyone trying to cut back on booze while keeping the ‘crack a cold one’ ritual alive during a weeknight BBQ or a Saturday hike.

Because they use non-GMO and vegan ingredients, it feels a bit lighter on the stomach than the heavy stuff. However, keep in mind that since it’s a rotating mix, you might fall in love with a limited-edition style like the Electro-Lime only to find it replaced in your next box.

It’s a great way to explore the brand, but the lack of a fixed lineup can be a bit of a gamble if you’re picky about specific styles.

Finding a decent gluten-free beer is hard enough, but finding one that’s also non-alcoholic and actually tastes good feels like a miracle. The Go Brewing Freedom Variety Pack really impressed me with its Freedom Amber; it has those smooth, toasty caramel notes that most NA beers completely miss.

If you’re a hop-head, the Hazy IPA brings a solid citrus punch without that watery mouthfeel that plagues cheaper alternatives. This is the go-to choice for the health-conscious crowd who needs to avoid gluten but still wants a small-batch craft experience.

It’s brewed specifically for people who want to stay sharp and active. The one thing to watch out for is the West Coast Pale—while it’s bold, it has a very distinct floral bitterness that might be a bit polarizing if you prefer a more mellow, traditional lager taste.

It’s definitely a ‘craft’ profile through and through, so expect some strong flavors.

If you have ever loved a classic Blue Moon with a slice of orange, you will be shocked at how close this non-alcoholic Belgian Style Wheat gets to the real thing. It hits those familiar notes of Valencia orange peel and coriander right away, giving you that bright, citrusy punch without the heavy alcohol hit.

It is the perfect choice for someone who wants to stay social at a BBQ or watch the game without feeling foggy the next morning. I found it pairs incredibly well with seafood or spicy Asian dishes, as the crispness cuts right through the heat.

It feels like a ‘grown-up’ drink rather than just a sugary soda replacement. The only real bummer here is the mouthfeel; because it lacks the alcohol density, it can feel a bit thinner and more watery on the finish than the original version.

Still, for a dealcoholized brew, it is a massive win for flavor fans.

This variety pack from Busty Lush is a total breath of fresh air if you are tired of boring, watery lagers. You get a mix of a Blonde Ale, Tropical Sour, and Oatmeal Stout, which is rare in the NA world.

The Tropical Sour is the standout for me, using dragon fruit and passion fruit puree to get a tartness that feels genuinely craft-made. If you are watching your intake, the calorie counts are great, ranging from 46 to 97 calories per can.

It is a fantastic gift for someone exploring sobriety who still misses the complexity of a stout or a sour. The brand has a cool, female-forward design that looks great on a bar cart.

However, the Oatmeal Stout is a bit of a gamble; while it uses maple syrup and fenugreek, it lacks that creamy, heavy richness you expect from a traditional dark beer.

If you are trying to cut back on the booze but still crave that distinct European lager bite, this non-alcoholic Heineken is a total game changer. I remember being skeptical about ‘fake’ beer, but this one actually uses the same natural ingredients as the original, just with the alcohol gently removed.

It has that familiar skunky, floral aroma and a crisp finish that makes it perfect for a weeknight BBQ when you have an early meeting the next day. It is the ideal choice for health-conscious drinkers or designated drivers who want to hold a green bottle and feel part of the crowd.

The 0.0% alcohol content means no hangover, which is a massive win. However, while it nails the flavor profile, it does feel a bit thinner in body than a standard Heineken.

It lacks that slight malty weight on the tongue, so don’t expect a heavy mouthfeel, but for a zero-alcohol option, it is easily one of the most convincing swaps out there.

For anyone watching their macros but still wanting a real buzz, Michelob ULTRA is basically the gold standard of the ‘fitness beer’ world. It is a light American lager that prioritizes a refreshingly clean finish over heavy complexity.

With only 95 calories and a tiny 2.6g of carbs, it fits into almost any diet, whether you are doing keto or just being mindful. I usually recommend this for post-run hangouts or long summer afternoons because it is incredibly easy to drink and won’t leave you feeling bloated.

It is brewed with just barley, hops, yeast, and water, avoiding any artificial junk. The 4.2% ABV is high enough to be social but low enough to keep things responsible.

The real downside here is the lack of bold flavor; if you are a craft beer fan who loves bitter IPAs or rich stouts, this might taste a bit like bubbly water to you. It is built for refreshment, not for deep tasting notes.