Today we tackle a subject that is near and dear to me. Well… dearer to my weekend and overnight bike trips. Low carb beer. When I started keto over two years ago, I never thought I would be able to taste beer again. I just assumed the carb counts and sugar would be far too high. Turns out I’m wrong. There are two leaders in the low carb beer industry and today we will have them battle head-to-head for weekend supremacy.
The Low Carb Beer Contenders
Let me be clear, the only reason these two are in this battle is because they are the leaders in the industry and happen to be my favorites. Molson Ultra and Michelob Ultra are both great tasting, low-carb, and not filled with junk chemicals.
We are going to get into some specifics about each, but please know there are other options out there that are delicious. They’re just not on my radar. I encourage you to check those out as well, but if you’re just putting your feet in the keto beer arena, I recommend you start with these to heavy weights. Or in this case… light weights.
Low Carb Beer #1 – Molson Ultra
This was the first one I ever tried and my goodness that first pull tasted divine. I was a little concerned as Molson Ultra only comes in at 3.0% alcohol, but that fear was quickly laid to rest. When your body is in ketosis alcohol reacts much differently. That difference means you get tipsy a lot easier. 3% was all I needed.
On the website for big time brewers Molson/Coors it describes Ultra as “a bright, light, and subtly sweet. A low carb alternative with bold carbonation to balance malty sweetness and light hop bitterness.” I would say that, but I get stuck on saying it’s yummy.
Molson Ultra’s Numbers
The numbers are amazing as well. A can comes in at just 70 calories, .5g protein, 0 sugar, and just 2 carbs. Most light style lagers are lower in calorie count, but Molson Ultra hits all the macros needed to stay in ketosis.
Molson Ultra has been around for quite a few years and was formerly called Molson 67. After poor sales it was rebranded to its current name and pushed as a “healthy” option for beer lovers. Since that change Molson Ultra has exploded in sales It’s quicky becoming one of the top selling light beers in North America.
Low Carb Beer #2 – Michelob Ultra
I can almost guarantee most of you have heard of Michelob Ultra. This staple in the light beer market has been around for more than a decade and at one time was called the “Gatorade of beer.” This was in part to its health-conscious marketing and people such as Lance Armstrong being ambassadors for the brand. Perhaps the most famous push for Michelob Ultra was the very famous Superbowl commercials featuring Chris Pratt.
Michelob Ultra is brewed by one of the largest beer companies in the world Anheuser-Busch. It’s described as a light lager brewed with German hops known as Herkules Hops. The website says the ingredients create “a robust flavor with a light citrus aroma and a crisp, refreshing finish.” Once again, I will leave it as “yummy.” I’m also a big fan of their slogan, “it’s only worth it if you enjoy it.”
Michelob Ultra’s Numbers
Although the calorie count and carb counts are a little higher than Molson, they are still well within your keto diet on a special night out. A can comes in at 95 calories with 0 sugars, and 2.5g carbs. I assume those extra carbs are due to the alcohol content being stronger at 4.0%. That is starting to get into the Canadian beer numbers I’m used to.
Michelob Ultra has been for years in the top 3 sellers for light beers so it’s easy to call them the king. One taste will show you why. Even Wendy who hates beer will sit down and enjoy one of these bad boys on a hot day.
Who Wins in the Battle of the Low Carb Beers
This is very easy. We win. Having two major brewers that are stocking shelves at the local beer store is a great thing. Fortunately, both also have amazing flavor that gives you back something you thought you may never have again. I highly recommend both Michelob and Molson. They truly taste amazing, and I can’t stress enough how nice it is to go out with friends and not have to pick the menu apart and explain why you can’t drink what they are drinking. In this case, ordering a beer is just ordering a beer.
**Can Opening Sound** Bill
