Is Non-Alcoholic Beer Lower in Calories Than Regular Beer?

Non-alcoholic beer (0–0.5% ABV) is lower in calories than standard full-strength beer — but often not by as much as people expect, and frequently higher in sugar and carbohydrates. The sugar penalty matters significantly for anyone following a low-carb diet, managing blood sugar, or trying to reduce overall sugar intake.

Why non-alcoholic beer isn't always the healthier choice

Alcohol contains 7 kcal per gram, so removing it does reduce calories. But beer's other calorie source — carbohydrates from grain — remains. And to compensate for the flavour lost when alcohol is removed, most mainstream non-alcoholic beers add sugar or use minimal fermentation to retain residual sweetness. The result is often a beer with fewer calories from alcohol but dramatically more sugar.

Non-alcoholic vs low-calorie beer: the comparison

Tennents Light has fewer calories per can than most mainstream alcohol-free beers — and a fraction of the carbs and sugar. For anyone managing blood sugar, following keto, or simply wanting minimal sugar in their drink, full-strength low-calorie beer is the better choice.

Shop low calorie beer at DrinkWell

• Lean Brew IPA — 99 kcal, 3g carbs, 0g sugar, 4.5% ABV, from £17.99
• Tennents Light — 60 kcal, 0.7g carbs, 0g sugar, 3.5% ABV, £34.99 for 24
• Full low calorie beer collection
• Keto beer — under 3.5g carbs per can

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