Low Carb Beers Introduction

Low Carb beers burgeoned into existence and popularity around 2004 in conjunction with the low carb Atkins Diet.  The low carb beers complimented the low carb Atkins diet, originally conceptualised in Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution books published from 1972 pinnacled with  Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution published in 2002.  The second book varied slightly from the original but the low carb principals of the original remained.

Low carb beers however are not just for the Atkins dieter, lower carbs means lower caloires, so anyone on a diet or training regime can benefit....or even those without specific dieting or training needs....why bother with the extra calories if don't need them!?

Beers being made from malted barley would be expected to contain some carbohydrate in the form of maltose, however during the fermentation process the yeast metabolises the maltose converting it to alcohol and carbon dioxide is released.  There is therefore a relatively low concentration of carbs in most beers anyway but some brands will obviously have more than others and specialist low carb beers have focused there efforts to minimise their carb contents.  Most beers/largers will give between 11 and 20grams per UK pint, most of their low carb or light (often referred to as "lite" in the USA) will give between 5 and to grams of carbs whilst some go as low as 3.41 grams (Marstons low if you were asking!).  Claims often look a bit lower than this but Americans (who dominate the low carb beer brewing market) normally give their carbs per serving measure using a 330ml bottle which is a more common measure over there than the traditional British pint!

Over the course of this blog I will be reviewing low carb beers for nutritional stats (focused on the carbs and cals aspects) flavour, price and availability in the UK.  Availability in the UK being a bit of a bug bear of mine as I have really struggled to find low carb brews on the UK high street or even in prominent supermarkets....Online has not been much better to be honest, majestic wines occasionally coming up trumps or cash and carries like Macro or Bookers so where possible I will link or at least sign post to stockists.  If anyone else wants to chip in and share intel let me know!