Let’s face it — most of us enjoy a cold beer now and then, but if you’re watching your sugar intake or living a healthier lifestyle, you might be wondering: can beer actually be part of a low-sugar diet?
The good news is: yes, it can.
Whether you’re counting carbs, cutting back on sugar, or just want something lighter that won’t weigh you down, this guide covers everything you need to know about low sugar beers — including what to look for and which ones to try.
Unlike sweetened beverages, most beers don’t contain added sugar. But that doesn’t mean they’re sugar-free. Some beers, especially heavier styles like stouts, sours or pastry beers, can contain more residual sugar due to unfermented malt and flavour additions.
Low sugar beers are typically:
Fully fermented (meaning yeast has converted most sugars into alcohol)
Lower in alcohol and calories
Free from added sugars, syrups or fruit juice concentrates
Crisp, clean, and easy to drink
They can be. While beer isn’t a health drink, opting for low sugar options can help you:
Reduce calorie intake
Avoid energy crashes from excess carbs
Support low-sugar or keto-style diets
Stay refreshed without bloating
Combine that with responsible drinking and a balanced lifestyle, and beer doesn’t have to be off the menu.
Here are some of the best low sugar, lighter-style beers available at Beerhunter right now — perfect for mindful drinking without compromising on flavour.
The kings of low-alcohol craft beer. Mash Gang brew everything from crisp IPAs to dessert stouts at just 0.5% ABV — and they’re surprisingly complex. Fully fermented, low sugar, and packed with flavour.
Try if you like: Proper craft taste without the crash.
Brewed with a unique “first press” method, this ultra-clean Japanese lager is dry, smooth and naturally low in sugar. It’s made with rice and malt only — no additives, no sweetness.
Try if you like: Light, refreshing lagers with minimal carbs.
Authentic German Helles brewed in the Bavarian Alps. It’s crisp, clean, and brewed for full fermentation — leaving very little residual sugar behind.
Try if you like: Classic, no-nonsense beer that doesn’t overload your system.
British craft meets classic German style. This unfiltered pilsner is dry, bright and brewed with simplicity. No added sugars, no unnecessary extras — just great beer with a lean body.
Try if you like: Modern lagers made with real care.
Check the ABV – Lower ABV often means fewer residual sugars
Go for dry styles – Lagers, dry IPAs, pale ales
Avoid fruity or flavoured beers – Especially ones with lactose or sweet adjuncts
Watch for “milk” or “pastry” in the name – These tend to be higher in sugar
Stick with known low-carb producers – Like Mash Gang or traditional German brewers
Whether you’re managing your sugar intake or simply want to feel better after a few pints, there’s no need to ditch beer altogether. Low sugar beers offer a cleaner, crisper way to enjoy your favourite drink — without the crash or compromise.
Explore our full selection of low alcohol and low sugar beers and find the one that fits your lifestyle.
Like this guide? Check out our Beerhunter Blog for more product tips, gift ideas, and seasonal beer roundups — designed to help you drink smarter, not less.
For those cutting back on alcohol without compromising on flavour, explore our best alcohol-free beers.
