We’ve all been there, wanting to kick back with a cold beer but not wanting to wreck our health goals in the process.
Well, low-calorie beers are here to save the day! As health trends continue to grow, more and more people are swapping their usual pints for something a little lighter, and it's easy to see why. But what’s really behind the rise in low-calorie beer, and why are people making the switch?
Health and wellness are having a moment with everyone from fitness influencers to wellness bloggers preaching the importance of clean living, more people are making conscious choices about what they put into their bodies.
And when it comes to alcohol, low-calorie beers are the perfect compromise to take care of your liver better - every little bit counts eh? You get to enjoy a beer without feeling like you’ve ruined all your progress at the gym.
Why choose low-calorie beers?
Mindful drinking is another huge trend these days. It's not about saying "no" to alcohol, it’s about being more intentional with what you drink. Low-calorie beers fit perfectly into this. They let you enjoy a cold one with friends, but without the dreaded "hangover guilt" or that sluggish feeling the next day.
Plus, with fewer calories and often less alcohol, they’re a solid choice if you're looking to keep your drinking habits in check, without feeling like you’re missing out.
Taste without compromise
Remember when low-calorie beers used to taste a bit off? Thankfully, those days are long gone. Today’s low-calorie beers have the flavour and punch of their full-calorie cousins but without the heaviness. Whether you like a crisp lager, a hoppy IPA or something fruity, there’s a lighter option out there that still delivers on taste. So, no more worrying about bland, watered-down beers; low-calorie options are all about flavour too.
Liam Scandrett, spirits educator at The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) comments: “The no and low-alcohol drinks market continues to grow in appeal with consumers who are looking to moderate their alcohol consumption during the festive season. Not only has the range available in bars and supermarkets grown, but the quality of liquids inside the bottle or can has increased dramatically over the last few years.
“No longer are we limited to substandard non-alcoholic versions of alcoholic classics, but producers are having considerable success in creating original flavour and texture profiles, freed from the imperative to imitate. We can find these innovative brands alongside their traditional favourites, which thankfully have invested in improving the quality of non-alcoholic equivalents too.
“Compromising on alcohol consumption should be applauded, but compromising on taste should be avoided, and thankfully those who choose to drink less no longer have to do both.”
Best low-calorie beers at a glance:
Find out more below
Lowrise Lager
Lowrise gets the top spot as my favourite low-calorie beer. At just 87 calories per 330ml, it has 35 per cent fewer calories than the average lager, which makes it an easy choice when I want to enjoy a beer without any guilt.
Brewed with New Zealand Nelson Sauvin hops and British lager malts, it pours a hazy, light-golden hue. The tropical and stone fruit aromas are just the start; the crisp malts, firm bitterness, and hoppy, dry finish make each sip delicious. Plus, it’s gluten-free and vegan-friendly, so perfect for those who want great taste with fewer calories.
Buy now £2.20, Waitrose
Brewdog Cold Beer Lager
For a crisp, refreshing pint with fewer calories, Brewdog Cold Lager is the one. At just 125 calories per 100ml, it’s great to sip on without overdoing it.
Brewed with a mix of pale malts and Cascade hops, it has a clean, light taste with a nice balance of citrusy hops and malty sweetness. It’s smooth, crisp and incredibly easy to drink, which is exactly what I look for in a low-calorie option.
Buy now £3.99, Brewdog
Gosnells Raspberry Hibiscus Nectar
It’s not technically a beer, but it drinks like one with its crisp, light and sparkling nature. Raspberry Hibiscus Nectar by Gosnells is my favourite fizzy, fruity drink when I want something refreshing with fewer calories. At just 110 calories per 330ml can, it’s the perfect alternative to sugar-heavy fruit ciders.
I love a pink drink and this one bursts with tart berry and cranberry flavours, delivering a satisfying punch with every sip.
Gosnells' nectars are made from 100 per cent natural ingredients, fermented blossom honey, and are gluten-free with no sulphites.
Buy now £60.00, Amazon
Adnams Ghost Ship 0.5%
For a taste of a full-bodied pale ale without the alcohol content, Adnams Ghost Ship needs to be on your radar. At just 0.5 per cent ABV, it’s packed with bold, citrusy goodness, along with elderflower, gooseberry and a hint of warming rye spice.
Brewed just like the brand’s regular pale ales, it undergoes full fermentation before the alcohol is "smuggled away”, leaving behind all the flavour and none of the buzz. It's the perfect choice for those who want all the taste of a pint but no hangover.
Price for 16.
Buy now £36.95, Amazon
Raze The Bar, Signature Brew x Travis
A collaboration between the iconic band Travis and the award-winning Signature Brew, Raze the Bar is perfect if you're a fan of the band or just a lover of great lagers.
For those looking to enjoy a lager with a little extra character, this may just be the one for you. With a soft malt backbone and a touch of Bavarian hops, it offers delicate spice and lemon zest flavours that make each sip feel special.
At 4.8% ABV, it's a sessionable lager that’s ideal for enjoying across a few rounds.
Buy now £3.90, Forest Wines
Camden Town Brewery Eazy Hazy IPA
At just 89 calories per can, the Camden Town Brewery Eazy Hazy IPA delivers all the hoppy, fruity goodness without the hefty calorie count.
With vibrant citrus, tropical fruit flavours and balanced bitterness, this crisp, easy-drinking IPA is perfect for those moments when I am on the hunt for a refreshing beverage that’s full of character. Whether you're new to IPAs or a seasoned enthusiast, Eazy IPA is an effortlessly sessionable choice that proves you can enjoy great taste while keeping it light.
Price for 24.
Buy now £30.00, Amazon
Skinny Brands Lager
Skinny Brands Lager proves that it is possible to enjoy a low-calorie beer without sacrificing taste. At just 89 calories per 330ml, it has a light, malty backbone and a smooth finish.
Brewed with quality ingredients, the lager has all the flavour you’d come to expect, just simply without the extra calories. Perfect for anyone looking to cut back but still enjoy a full-bodied beer.
Buy now £3.79, Amazon
Prime Time Lager
The better-for-you beer brand, Prime Time, was created for those who love beer and want to maintain a balanced lifestyle, but don’t want to compromise on taste.
All Prime Time beers contain just 95 calories per 330ml can and 4g of carbs, all whilst being 4.2 per cent ABV.
The product range features the classic Prime Time Lager, a light, crisp and refreshing lager, the Prime Time Lager+ which is the world’s first caffeine-infused lager and the Prime Time IPA which is a light and zesty pale ale.
Buy now £24.99, Amazon
Verdict
With only 87 calories per 330ml, Lowrise Low Calorie Lager was a light, refreshing experience without sacrificing flavour.
The combination of New Zealand Nelson Sauvin hops and British lager malts gave me a perfect balance of tropical aromas, crisp malts, and a hoppy, dry finish. It’s also gluten-free and vegan, so it was a crowd-pleaser at my get-together.
