Swaps / beer
The best keto substitutes for beer
A regular beer has about 12.8 grams of carbs. If you want the ritual of a cold one, there are much lighter pours.
Regular beer: 12.8 g netVodka soda: 0 g net
4 swaps that work
01Ultra-low-carb beer2–3 g · 12 oz
- Best for
- Game day and cookouts
- How
- Look for about 2 to 3 grams of carbs on the label.
02Light beer5.7 g net · 12 oz (355 g)
- Best for
- When the choice is limited
- How
- Lower than regular beer but not free; count them.
03Hard seltzer2.1 g net · 12 oz (355 g)
- Best for
- Warm weather
- How
- Plain or lightly flavored versions have only a couple of grams.
04Vodka soda0 g net · 1.5 oz (42 g)
- Best for
- Bars and parties
- How
- Spirits with soda and lime have essentially no carbs.
Tips from the kitchen
- Craft beers, IPAs and stouts usually run higher than regular beer.
- Alcohol can hit harder on keto; alternate with water.
Net carbs per serving
From our food database. Serving sizes differ, so they are listed.
Recipes that use these swaps
Quick answers
What is the best keto substitute for beer?
It depends on the dish. Ultra-low-carb beer is best for game day and cookouts; Light beer is best for when the choice is limited; Hard seltzer is best for warm weather.
How many carbs does the swap save?
A serving of regular beer (12 oz (355 g)) has about 12.8 g of net carbs. Vodka soda (1.5 oz (42 g)) has about 0 g.
Is regular beer keto?
Not keto-friendly. A bottle has about 13 grams of carbs.
Every swap, already made
The 28-Day Plan builds these swaps into four weeks of meals, with every macro counted and one grocery list a week.
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