Discovering the best beer for diabetics is a journey worth embarking on. While sugary beverages are generally discouraged for diabetics, this article aims to guide readers toward diabetic-friendly options in the world of beer.
By exploring various beer styles, the brewing process, and key considerations, we uncover low-sugar choices that can be enjoyed responsibly. We have examined various beer styles, explored their brewing process, and will uncover key considerations for selecting the ideal beer for diabetics.
More than 37 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes of which 90-95% have type 2 diabetes. If you are among the 37 million Americans, you can enjoy a light beer in moderation with no threat of wreaking havoc on your blood sugar levels.
Whether you’re a beer enthusiast seeking guilt-free indulgence or simply looking to expand your beverage choices, this comprehensive guide will help you make informed decisions that balance enjoyment with a healthy lifestyle. So, raise a glass as we navigate the realm of diabetes-friendly beers together.
Best beer for diabetics
Please note that the information provided is a general overview and may vary slightly depending on the specific brand and variant of the beer.
ingredients, and the reason why they are considered good for individuals with diabetes:
| Beer | Sugar Content (12 oz.) | Carb Content (12 oz.) | Protein Content (12 oz.) | Calories (12 oz.) | Alcohol by volume (ABV) | Ingredients | Reason for Diabetic-Friendliness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budweiser Select 55 | 0 g | 1.9 g | 0.5 g | 55 | 2.4% ABV | Water, Corn, Barley Malt, Malt Extract, Hop Extract, yeast | Doesn’t skimp on taste but lower alcohol content and very little flavor |
| Miller 64 | 0 g | 2.4 g | 0.5 g | 64 | 2.8% | Water, barley malt, corn, yeast | An American-style light lager that is very low in Calories |
| Miller Lite | 0 g | 3.2 g | 1 g | 96 | 4.2% | Water, barley malt, corn, yeast | Low sugar and carb content, lower alcohol by volume, refreshing taste |
| Coors Light | 0.5 g | 5.3 g | 0.6 g | 104 | 4.2% | Water, barley malt, corn syrup, yeast | Low sugar and carb content, light and crisp flavor |
| Beck’s Premier Light | 3.2 g | 7 g | 1.9 g | 64 | 2.3% | Water, malted barley, hops, yeast | Relatively low sugar and carb content, lighter beer option |
| Corona Premier | 0.8 g | 2.6 g | 0.7 g | 90 | 4.0% | Water, barley, corn, hops, yeast | Low sugar, carb, and calorie content, light and refreshing |
| Busch Light | 0.7 g | 3.2 g | 0.9 g | 95 | 4.1% | Water, barley malt, corn, yeast | Low sugar and carb content, lower alcohol by volume |
| Guinness Draught | 0 g | 9.9 g | 1.0 g | 125 | 4.2% | Water, barley, hops, yeast, nitrogen | Lower carb content, moderate alcohol, and low sugar content |
| Michelob Ultra | 0.6 g | 2.6 g | 0.6 g | 90 | 4.2% | Water, barley, hops, yeast | Low carbohydrate and calorie content, suitable for low-carb diets |
| Amstel Light | 0 g | 5 g | 1.7 g | 95 | 3.5% | Water, malted barley, hops, yeast | Moderately low sugar and carb content, lower alcohol by volume |
| Yuengling Light Lager | 0.8 g | 3.2 g | 1 g | 99 | 4.2% | Water, barley, corn, hops, yeast | Low sugar content, moderate carb and protein content |
Please note that the “sugar content” listed refers to the sugar content derived from the brewing process and does not include added sugars. Additionally, it’s important for individuals with diabetes to consume alcohol in moderation and consider their overall dietary and health needs when making beverage choices.
1. Budweiser Select 55
Bud Select 55 is an exceptionally light and diabetic-friendly brew that is brewed by Anheuser-Busch, one of the largest beer producers in the world. The brewery has a rich history dating back to 1852 and is located in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Select has been on the market since 2005.
Budweiser Select 55 is a popular choice for diabetics due to its exceptionally low sugar content, carb content, and calorie count. It offers a light and enjoyable beer experience while keeping carbohydrate intake to a minimum.
Ingredients
Budweiser Select 55 is crafted using a blend of filtered water, barley malt (handpicked and premium two-row and six-row), hops, rice, and yeast which are all 100% natural ingredients. These four premium ingredients contribute to the beer’s flavor and character. The golden lager is thus made with caramel malts; milled, polished, graded Verdant rice; and a blend of imported and domestic hops.
Like other beers, it follows the brewing process which is milling, mashing, straining, brew kettle, primary fermentation, beechwood lagering, and finishing.
The beer thus contains cereals and their derivatives, barley and barley products, and corn and its derivatives. Moreover, it does not contain declaration obligatory allergens.
To note, however, is that the beer is made from barley which means it contains gluten. It combines a blend of a combination of barley caramel malt and corn to give you the characteristic flavor.
Nutrition Content (per 12 oz. serving):
- Sugar: Budweiser Select 55 contains approximately 0 grams of sugar.
- Carbohydrates: It has around 1.9 grams of carbohydrates.
- Protein: A 12 oz. serving of Budweiser Select 55 provides 0.5 grams of protein.
- Fats: Budweiser Select 55 is a fat-free beverage.
- Calories: It contains approximately 55 calories, making it an extremely low-calorie beer option.
Tasting Notes
Budweiser Select 55 is renowned for its ultra-light and crisp taste with no bad taste or aftertaste. It offers a subtle grainy flavor profile (toasted caramel malts, corn, wheat & cereal grains) with mild hop bitterness. The beer is designed to provide a light and refreshing drinking experience, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a low-calorie and low-carb option.
On pouring the beer into a glass, you will notice the clear golden-yellow color. You will also be attracted to taste it by the light aromas of caramel malts, grainy wheat & husky corn combined with notes of cooked vegetables & herbal hops.
However, people who take the beer complain that it doesn’t have a strong beer taste. That may not be a problem for people looking for a beer with one of the lowest calorie outputs. Some people also recommend adding lime flavoring to improve the taste.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
Bud Select 55 is one of the beers with the lowest alcohol content brewed today. It is brewed to perfection by complementing the full flavor of Bud Select which has a higher alcohol content but with an ultra-low calorie output.
Budweiser Select 55 has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 2.4%. This extremely low ABV ensures that individuals can enjoy the flavors of the beer while minimizing alcohol consumption.
Other Considerations:
- Gluten Content: Budweiser Select 55 is brewed with barley malt, which contains gluten. Therefore, individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should exercise caution and explore gluten-free beer alternatives.
- Crisp Carbonation: Budweiser Select 55 features moderate carbonation, contributing to its refreshing and effervescent mouthfeel. It’s important for individuals sensitive to carbonated beverages to consume them in moderation.
As with any alcoholic beverage, moderation is key, and individuals with diabetes should consider their overall dietary needs and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
2. Miller 64
Like Bud Select 55 described above, Miller 64 is a popular choice for diabetics due to its remarkably low sugar, carbohydrate, and calorie content. It offers a lighter beer option that allows individuals to enjoy the flavors of a beer while being mindful of their dietary needs.
Miller 64 is a light and diabetic-friendly brew with fewer calories than most other brews on the market today. It is brewed by the Miller Brewing Company, a subsidiary of Molson Coors Beverage Company.
The brewery has a long-standing history dating back to 1855 and is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. The brewery combined a fresh, crisp flavor in a low-calorie beer that is Miller 64.
Ingredients
Miller 64 is crafted using high-quality ingredients including filtered water, barley malt, corn syrup, cereal grains, and hops. The beer is made from purified water sourced from deep old aquifers, lakes, and cold springs.
Like Miller Lite below, Miller Lite is made from selected crystal barley malt, roasted and toasted corn syrup. The beer brewing thus never uses high fructose corn syrup. German yeast and Galena hops from the Pacific Northwest are some of its other ingredients.
These ingredients contribute to the beer’s flavor and overall composition. The beer thus contains no preservatives and is made from all-natural ingredients.
Nutrition Content (per 12 oz. serving):
- Sugar: Miller 64 contains an extremely low amount of sugar, with less than 1 gram.
- Carbohydrates: It has around 2.4 grams of carbohydrates.
- Protein: A 12 oz. serving of Miller 64 provides less than 1 gram of protein.
- Fats: Miller 64 is a fat-free beverage.
- Calories: It contains approximately 64 calories, making it one of the lowest-calorie beer options available.
Tasting Notes: Miller 64 offers a light and crisp taste profile. It is characterized by subtle malt flavors, mild hop bitterness, and a refreshing finish. The beer is specifically brewed to provide a lighter and more balanced beer experience, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a beer with reduced calorie and carbohydrate content.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): Miller 64 has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 2.8%. This lower ABV ensures a milder alcoholic effect, allowing individuals to enjoy the flavors of the beer while keeping alcohol consumption moderate.
Other Considerations:
- Gluten Content: Miller 64 is brewed with barley malt, which contains gluten. As a result, individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should exercise caution and explore gluten-free beer alternatives.
- Crisp Carbonation: Miller 64 features a moderate level of carbonation, enhancing its refreshing nature. Individuals sensitive to carbonated beverages should consume it in moderation.
As always, moderation is key, and individuals with diabetes should consider their overall dietary goals and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
3. Miller Lite
If you are looking for a refreshing and diabetic-friendly brew, look no further than Miller Lite. The beer when taken in moderation will keep your sugar levels in check while also satisfying your thirst.
Miller Lite is brewed by the Miller Brewing Company and is an ideal choice for the summer season. The brewery has a long history dating back to 1855 and is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Miller Lite was introduced in 1975 in the United States.
Ingredients
The ingredients of American Style diabetic beer (Miller Lite) include water, barley malt, corn, and yeast. These classic beer ingredients contribute to the flavor and character of the brew.
The water that is used to produce Miller Lite is purified water from deep old aquifers, lakes, and cold springs.
The selected crystal barley malt is then used in the brew together with roasted and toasted corn syrup (not high-fructose). To brew Miller, German yeast is used to give you a crisp and great-tasting light beer. Galena hops from the Pacific Northwest are used to give the beer the characteristic taste.
Nutrition Content (per 12 oz. serving)
- Sugar: Miller Lite contains approximately 0 grams of sugar.
- Carbohydrates: It has around 3.2 grams of carbohydrates.
- Protein: A 12 oz. serving of Miller Lite provides 1 gram of protein.
- Fats: Miller Lite is a fat-free beverage.
- Calories: It contains approximately 96 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie beer option.
Tasting Notes
Miller Lite is known for its crisp, clean, and sweet caramel finish. It offers a light and refreshing profile with subtle grainy notes from the malt. The color of the great-tasting beer is golden-color. The taste profile will be from the barley and corn infused with a Galena hops-driven aroma and a fresh, fruity, clean nose.
The beer has a moderate carbonation level that enhances its drinkability, making it a popular choice for those seeking a lighter beer experience.
It gives you a soft white crown of dense bubbles due to carbonation when poured into a glass. Moreover, the beer has a light body and is thus less filling
Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
Miller Lite has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.2%. This moderate ABV contributes to the beer’s enjoyable and sociable nature, allowing individuals to savor the flavors while keeping alcohol consumption in moderation.
Even though doctors recommend that a diabetic selects the lightest beer on the market -under 4% alcohol is ideal, the beer with 4.2% alcohol content fits the bill because of the low sugar content and calorie output.
Other Miller Lite Considerations:
- Gluten Content: Miller Lite is brewed with barley malt, which contains gluten. Therefore, it may not be suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Moderate Carbonation: The beer’s moderate carbonation can provide a refreshing sensation, but individuals who are sensitive to carbonated beverages may want to consume it in moderation.
Miller Lite is a popular choice for diabetics due to its relatively low sugar content, carb content, and calorie count. However, it’s important to note that moderation is key when consuming alcoholic beverages, and individuals with diabetes should consider their overall dietary needs and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
4. Coors Light
Coors Light is brewed by the Coors Brewing Company, a subsidiary of Molson Coors Beverage Company. The brewery has a rich heritage dating back to 1873 and is situated in Golden, Colorado, USA.
Ingredients
Coors Light is crafted using a combination of water, barley malt, corn syrup, and yeast. These ingredients play a vital role in shaping the beer’s flavor profile.
Nutrition Content (per 12 oz. serving):
- Sugar: Coors Light contains approximately 0.5 grams of sugar.
- Carbohydrates: It has around 5 grams of carbohydrates.
- Protein: A 12 oz. serving of Coors Light provides 1 gram of protein.
- Fats: Coors Light is a fat-free beverage.
- Calories: It contains approximately 102 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie beer option.
Tasting Notes
Coors Light is renowned for its crisp and refreshing taste. It offers a light-bodied character with subtle notes of grains and a clean finish. The beer is often enjoyed for its smoothness and easy-drinking nature, making it a popular choice for those seeking a lighter beer experience.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
Coors Light has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.2%. This moderate ABV level allows individuals to enjoy the flavors of the beer responsibly while maintaining a balanced approach to alcohol consumption.
Other Considerations:
- Gluten Content: Coors Light is brewed with barley malt, which contains gluten. Therefore, individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should be cautious and consider gluten-free beer alternatives.
- Refreshing Carbonation: Coors Light features a moderate level of carbonation, contributing to its refreshing and effervescent mouthfeel.
Coors Light is often favored by diabetics due to its relatively low sugar content, carb content, and calorie count. As with any alcoholic beverage, moderation is crucial, and individuals with diabetes should consider their overall dietary needs and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
5. Beck’s Premier Light
Beck’s Premier Light is brewed by Brauerei Beck & Co., a renowned German brewery with a long history dating back to 1873. The beer was launched in America in 2005. The brewery is located in Bremen, Germany, and is recognized for its commitment to quality and traditional brewing techniques.
Ingredients
Beck’s Premier Light is crafted using a blend of filtered water, malted barley, aromatic hops, and yeast. These ingredients contribute to the beer’s characteristic flavors and overall composition.
The German beer is made in an American light lager style with a bottom-fermented technique. The beer is made from milled, polished barley malt.
Nutrition Content (per 12 oz. serving):
- Sugar: Beck’s Premier Light contains approximately 3.2 grams of sugar.
- Carbohydrates: It has around 7 grams of carbohydrates.
- Protein: A 12 oz. serving of Beck’s Premier Light provides 1.9 grams of protein.
- Fats: Beck’s Premier Light is a fat-free beverage.
- Calories: It contains approximately 64 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie beer option.
Tasting Notes
Beck’s Premier Light offers the Beck’s Pilsner signature light, crispness, and dry finish in its taste profile, inspired by German brewing traditions. It showcases subtle malt flavors with a balanced hop bitterness and a clean finish.
The beer has an aroma of sweet caramel, bread, and some fruity notes. The beer is designed to provide a refreshing and enjoyable drinking experience, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking a lighter beer with reduced calorie and carbohydrate content.
It is a pale-colored light beer with a clear see-through body in addition to the thick white head containing enough carbonation. This carbonation creates bubbles and a crackling sound but no lacing.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
Beck’s Premier Light has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 2.3%. This lower ABV ensures a milder alcoholic effect, allowing individuals to savor the flavors of the beer while keeping alcohol consumption moderate.
Other Considerations:
- Gluten Content: Beck’s Premier Light is brewed with malted barley, which contains gluten. Therefore, individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should exercise caution and explore gluten-free beer alternatives.
- Moderate Carbonation: The beer features a moderate level of carbonation, contributing to its refreshing and effervescent character.
Beck’s Premier Light is a favored option for diabetics due to its relatively low sugar, carbohydrate, and calorie content. It offers a light and flavorful beer experience while keeping carbohydrate intake in mind.
6. Corona Premier
Corona Premier is a refreshing and diabetic-friendly mexican lager brewed by Grupo Modelo, a Mexican brewery founded in 1925. The brewery is located in Mexico City, Mexico, and is well-known for its commitment to quality and the use of traditional brewing techniques.
The beer is a low calorie output version of the crisp pilsner beer Corona light. Corona Premier was launched in 2018 as a low alcohol content beer per 12 oz. serving.
Ingredients
Corona Premier is crafted using water, malted barley, corn, hops, and yeast. These ingredients play a crucial role in shaping the beer’s flavor profile and overall composition.
The malted barley maize or rice comes laced with an antioxidant, ascorbic acid and a stabilizer known as propylene glycol alginate with hops and yeast.
The ingredients give the beer a familiar aroma of fresh-cut grass and fruit-honey fragrance.
Nutrition Content (per 12 oz. serving):
- Sugar: Corona Premier contains approximately 0 grams of sugar, making it a sugar-free beer option.
- Carbohydrates: It has around 2.6 grams of carbohydrates.
- Protein: A 12 oz. serving of Corona Premier provides less than 1 gram of protein.
- Fats: Corona Premier is a fat-free beverage.
- Calories: It contains approximately 90 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie beer choice.
Tasting Notes:
Corona Premier offers a light and refreshing taste, characteristic of Mexican lagers. It features subtle malt sweetness, a hint of corn, and a clean, crisp finish. The beer is renowned for its smoothness and easy drinkability, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a lighter beer experience.
The taste is accompanied by a touch of the malt on the nose added to the familiar aroma of fresh-cut grass and fruit-honey fragrance.
The beer has a bready mouthfeel and a clean and refreshing feel. The taste can be made better by adding a lime and pinch of rock salt.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
Corona Premier has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4%, which is a moderate level. This ABV allows individuals to enjoy the flavors of the beer responsibly while keeping alcohol consumption in check.
Other Considerations:
- Gluten Content: Corona Premier is brewed with malted barley, which contains gluten. Therefore, individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should be cautious and consider gluten-free beer alternatives.
- Carbonation Level: The beer features moderate carbonation, enhancing its refreshing nature. Individuals who are sensitive to carbonated beverages should consume it in moderation.
Corona Premier is favored by diabetics due to its low sugar content, carbohydrate count, and calorie level. The beer should be taken in moderation, and individuals with diabetes should consider their overall dietary needs and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Can diabetics drink beer?
A diabetic can drink beer in moderation which is no more than one or two beers in a day. This is perfectly safe for diabetics but beer should never be drunk on an empty stomach and you need to check the blood sugar often while drinking and up to a day after you are done with drinking.
Note that beers, ales, and ciders contain some carbs and low amounts of sugar and will elevate your blood sugar initially. However, since we have some low-sugar or carb-content beers, these are the best beer a diabetic can take.
Actually, light drinking (no more than one to two drinks a day) may be beneficial to diabetes patients. Moreover, the choice should be the lightest beer on the market (under 4% alcohol is recommended by doctors) to help keep diabetes in check.
The sugar content in beer actually takes more time to flush away from the body. Note that regular beers have 15 grams of carbohydrates per 12 oz. serving. This calls for a diabetic to choose a low-calorie or mild beer to ensure the sugar content taken is minimized.
How much sugar is in a pint of beer?
The amount of sugar in a pint of beer can vary depending on the type and brand of beer. Generally, most beers contain a minimal amount of sugar. The sugar content in beer primarily comes from the fermentation process, where yeast converts the sugars in the malted barley into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
During this process, a significant portion of the sugar is consumed by the yeast. As a result, the residual sugar content in most beers is relatively low.
On average, a regular pint of beer typically contains around 1-2 grams of sugar. However, it’s important to note that this can vary depending on factors such as the style of beer (e.g., lagers, ales, stouts), any added flavorings or ingredients, and the brewing process followed by different breweries. Some specialty beers or craft brews may have slightly higher sugar content due to added ingredients like fruits or spices.
Conclusion
When it comes to enjoying a cold beer, individuals with diabetes often face the challenge of finding options that fit within their dietary restrictions. Fortunately, there are diabetic-friendly beer choices available that allow them to savor the flavors while keeping their blood sugar levels in check.
We have described the following beers which are the best for diabetics:
- Budweiser Select 55 with 2.4% ABV and 55 calories
- Miller 64 with 2.8% alcohol content and 64 calories
- Miller Lite with 4.2% ABV and 96 calories
- Coors Light
- Beck’s Premier Light
- Corona Premier
- Guinness Draught
- Busch Light
- Amstel Light
- Michelob Ultra
- Yuengling Light Lager
However, as a diabetic, you need to take any alcoholic drinks in moderation while also monitoring the sugar content while taking the beer and up to 24 hours later.
