With summer on the horizon, many people are looking for low-calorie drink options to help them cut down on carbs and prepare for beach season.
Low-calorie beer is a popular option for those who are looking for a lighter low caloric version of their favorite drink offering all the flavor. Even some of the UK’s biggest brands, like Tennents, have started producing low-cal versions of their most popular drinks. This highlights an exciting new trend on the beer scene.
But what exactly is low-calorie beer? And how do brewers cut out the calories but keep the flavor? In this article, we’ll explain all the details about switching to low-calorie beer!
Table of Contents
How Is Low-Calorie Beer Made?
There are a few ways that low-calorie beers, or ‘light beers’, can be brewed to have a lower-calorie count than their usual pairing.
The first is to use lighter ingredients as a whole. This often results in a different flavor from standard beers, as it is by all accounts a ‘lighter’ recipe – however, it’s a good way to play with the formula to ensure you get a beer that contains fewer calories and sugars than a standard brew.
The other popular method is to adjust the brewing formula to create a lighter beer. Some ways in which breweries made do this include:
- Adjusting the malt bill – It is important to adjust the malt bill to reduce the number of calories in a beer. Brewers may use a combination of different base malts and grains to control the amount of fermentable sugars in the wort. A higher amount of grains that yield fewer sugars can help to reduce calorie content.
- Reducing alcohol content – ‘Light beer’ often appeals to consumers because it tends to be not only low-calorie but also low-alcohol. Brewers may adjust the fermentation process or dilute the wort to achieve a lower alcohol level.
- Minimizing residual sugars – Brewers may want to create a drier beer by ensuring the yeast ferments most of the available sugars in the brew. This can be achieved through temperature control during fermentation and selecting yeast strains that are more attenuative.
- Dilution: A simple way to lower calorie levels is dilution. This is the process where more water is added to the beer before or after the process of fermentation. The quantity of water is more than normal to reduce the calorie content whilst maintaining the desired flavor and alcohol level.
There are lots of other different methods that other breweries might use to lower the calorie content of their beers. How they go about doing this will depend on the company, their brewing technology, and ingredients availability.
Does Low-Calorie Beer Taste Good?
One of the most popular questions people ask when thinking of switching to low-calorie beer is, ‘Does it even taste good?’.
You will find that some light beers comprise an entirely different brewing process to their standard beers, while others adjust the process slightly to cut calories wherever possible without losing the core of their product’s flavors and textures.
Many companies will try to make their low-calorie versions of standard beers taste as close as possible to the original beer, whilst others may try a new formula entirely.
Overall, just like trying any other beer, it will be a process of trial and error to find a light beer that you think tastes good. If a brand you like offers a low-cal version of one of your favorites, give that a try first – you might be surprised how close it tastes to the original!
Is Low-Calorie Beer Healthier Than Normal Beer?
In general, you can consider low-calorie beer healthier than standard beer because it usually contains fewer sugars and carbohydrates.
For those who feel bloated or uncomfortable after drinking beers, light beer might be a more comfortable tipple for you to enjoy. However, it’s important to remember that light beer is still beer – therefore, it’s best enjoyed in moderation!
Drinking ten low-calorie beers won’t be healthier than drinking two or three regular beers, so ensure you stick with what you enjoy and pace yourself when consuming alcohol of any volume or calorie count.
Is Low-Calorie Beer Gluten-Free?
Low-calorie beers are not inherently gluten-free because the gluten content depends on the ingredients used during the brewing process.
Traditional beers are brewed using barley which contains gluten, and many light beers follow a similar brewing process. On the other hand, many breweries do produce low-gluten or gluten-free beers that have been brewed, especially to cater to those with gluten intolerances.
If you want a gluten-free low, calorie beer, look out for Coeliac UK-certified products. These beers have been certified to have a low enough gluten content to be considered gluten-free and safe for consumption by people with coeliac.
So, What Is Low-Calorie Beer?
In conclusion, low-calorie beer takes many different forms, but it’s effectively a lighter version of your favourite brews!
If you’re looking for a tipple that will help you reduce your calorie intake whilst getting you the same great flavor and refreshment you crave on a hot summer’s day, look no further than a light beer!
