Modus Hoperandi. Get to the Hopper. Larry Bird’s Haircut. Those are just a few of the excellent beer names I discovered while researching this article, and I think I’m better for it. But many of those brews pack a heavy carb load, which can be challenging when it comes to managing blood sugars.
However, there are low carb beer options! Have you ever tried a low carb beer? They do exist, and according to some beer connoisseurs I talked with, low carb beers aren’t terrible. There are actually some nice tasting ones. Some of the trouble with lower carb beers are that they have a tendency to be weaker in terms of flavor, but it’s all about what you’re looking for, and what you’re willing to compromise.
If you want to be informed about what you’re drinking – which includes keeping tabs on carbs – read on.
The lowest carb beer I found was Marston’s Resolution, coming in at 85 calories and 1.65 grams of carb per bottle. It’s not a beer we’d find here in the States, but it’s more easily found in the United Kingdom. Survey says it tastes refreshing and the double fermentation process makes its carb load almost undetectable.
Michelob Ultra, weighing in at 95 calories and with 2.6 grams of carb per bottle, is a more common beer, and found regularly at bars. It doesn’t boast a lot of flavor, much like its counterpart, Natural Light (95 calories, 3.2 grams of carb). But if you’re looking for options without the high carb load, it’ll do.
You can dip into some more European stock with a bottle of Amstel Light (95 calories, 5 grams of carb). Another option from the Netherlands is Heineken Premium Light (99 calories, 7 grams of carbs) These are really popular beers and very common in American bars. (As a side note, the Heineken label is green, so there’s your Irish connection.)
Want to go light? How about a Corona Light (109 calories, 5 grams of carb), or a Bud Light (110 calories, 6.6 grams of carbs), or a Sam Adams Light (119 calories, 9.7 grams of carbs)? All three are readily available in most markets and are mellower on your blood sugars than your average high-carb beer.
And if you’re living with diabetes and celiac disease, there are a few gluten-free beers on the market that might work for you. Omission Lager, coming in at 140 calories and 11 grams of carbs, is touted as a beer that “pleases all palates, including those of average beer drinkers and craft connoisseurs.” A pint of Magners tasty gluten-free, Irish cider is another option, with 125 calories and 9 grams of carb.
Ready to go full Irish? The carb count jumps up a bit from the lowest carb beers, but if we’re celebrating in moderation, just be mindful. If you’re interested in a stout, try the Brooklyn Dry Irish Stout from Brooklyn Brewing Company, ringing in at 13 grams of carbs and 117 calories. And for the quintessential St. Paddy’s Day pint, go for the Guinness Draught. With 9.9 grams of carbs and 126 calories, you can enjoy this rich, coffee-esque flavor with minimal bolusing.
As always, review these tips on managing diabetes and alcohol consumption, and always have a designated driver if you’re considering consuming. Be safe, have fun, and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day like you’re Dublin-born.
I drink Bud Light on the regular since I go out to concerts so much. I can keep the carbs low and not get too drunk while I am photographing. Also, I really do like the watery taste ;)
Mich Ultra for me, for the last 15 years, unless I’m at the local Oskar Blues Brewery, then it’s a pint or two of Momma’s Little Yellow Pils and adjust for the 22 gms carb and smile.