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Drinks / Beer & Seltzer

How many carbs in a hard cider?

Not keto-friendly

Not really. A 12 oz hard cider has about 12–25 g of carbs, 48 to 100% of a 25 g daily limit in one drink.

Share of a 25 g net-carb day (high end)100%

Where the carbs come from

Apple juice, with sugar left after fermentation. Sweet ciders are higher than dry ones.

How to order it

Look for a brut or extra-dry cider with the carbs printed on the label.

Lower-carb orders

Beer & Seltzer, lowest to highest

Beer keeps some of the malt sugar and starch that yeast did not ferment, which is why a regular beer has more carbs than a glass of dry wine. Light and ultra-low-carb beers are brewed to ferment almost all of it out.

At a glance

Serving12 oz
Carbs12–25 g
CategoryBeer & Seltzer
VerdictNot keto-friendly

Typical range for a standard pour. Carbs in drinks are mostly sugar, so net and total carbs are about the same.

The rule for beer & seltzer

Ultra-low-carb beer and plain hard seltzer are the keto picks. Regular, craft and non-alcoholic beers add up quickly.

Add up your night

Carb ranges are approximate and vary by brand, recipe and pour. Alcohol can hit harder on a low-carb diet. Do not drink if pregnant or underage, and talk to your doctor about alcohol if you take medication or have diabetes. See our health disclaimer.

Quick answers

Is hard cider keto?

Not really. A 12 oz hard cider has about 12–25 g of carbs, 48 to 100% of a 25 g daily limit in one drink.

How many carbs are in hard cider?

About 12–25 g per 12 oz. Apple juice, with sugar left after fermentation. Sweet ciders are higher than dry ones. Brands, recipes and pours vary, so treat it as a range.

How do I order hard cider on keto?

Look for a brut or extra-dry cider with the carbs printed on the label.

What is the lowest-carb beer or seltzer?

Hard seltzer (1–3 g), Ultra-low-carb beer (2–3 g), Light beer (3–7 g). Ultra-low-carb beer and plain hard seltzer are the keto picks. Regular, craft and non-alcoholic beers add up quickly.

Free pocket guide

The drink chart, in your pocket

The Keto Dress Code includes a one-page drink carb chart and the bar orders that work anywhere.

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