Beer Carbohydrates

Can you tell me more about the carbohydrates in beer? Do you have any information on this?
(November 16, 2010)

Beer Carbohydrates

Unlike other alcoholic hard drinks, beer carbohydrate count is significant; however beer is also known to contain alcohol which tends to give the individual more calories. It is almost 7 calories per gram which is significantly higher than the calories provided by carbohydrates in beer, which is just 4 calories per gram. Hence while calculating how many carbohydrates in beer are present for the calorie count of beer one needs to also consider the calories that are contributed by alcohol. Beer is typically prepared by cooking malted barley and when the barley is brewed the initial liquid that is formed contains maltose. However as the liquid ferments the maltose serves as food to the yeast which is added as per the beer making process and this process converts the maltose to natural carbonation and alcohol.


Hence most of the famous and popular beers are known to be very low in maltose and simple sugars. Beer carbohydrates are mainly found on account of the fact that most beers are prepared from whole grains which are known to be one of the richest sources of carbohydrates. Many people tend to think that consuming beer will give them a large waistline or a typical; beer belly.

However this need not necessarily be the case as most beers are fat free and nowadays there are plenty of light beers that are easily available that claim to be low in carbohydrates and calories and are even allowed to be on the diet plan on many low carb diets. However one needs to know that like any other food or beverage the consumption of beer in excess along with some fatty food accompaniment will eventually result in weight gain, especially in the abdominal area. One needs to also consider the fact that whenever there is alcohol in the body the alcoholic calories are first used by the body as a source of energy before the fat or carbohydrate. Many people have a misconception that the maltose in beer may be a rich source of carbs. However the truth is that the fermentation process of beer tends to use up most of the maltose in the beer and hence the amount of beer carbohydrates is not very high. As an alternative people may decide to consume ale which is known to have a lower carbohydrate count as compared to beer. On the other hand, stout is known to be one of the richest sources of carbohydrates and hence should be strictly avoided.

Beer Carbohydrates

About 2-3 grams of carbohydrates are seen in 100 ml of beer. Malted barley is the main source of fermentable sugars in beer. Both malted and unmalted cereals, namely wheat, sorghum, maize and rice are used in addition to sugar syrup. Malting of the cereals helps in the breakdown of certain of storage proteins and cellular materials. These are culprits in the development of amylases and other hydrolytic enzymes.

These enzymes are helpful in the digestion and breakdown of starch to fermentable sugars. Starch is digested when they are mashed, thereby resulting in enough amylolytic activity. Beer is not acted upon much by salivary amylase, as it stays in the mouth for less time. Oligo-1,6-glucosidase, seen on the mucosal cells are helpful in digestion of the branched dextrins. This results in the reduced blood sugar rise after consumption of beer.

Beer in excess results in beer bellies and hinders with the judgement and skills relatred to driving. They are devoid of fat and cholesterol. Beer, in general contains more of dextrins and lesser of free sugars. Certain kinds of beer are added with sugar, such as sweet stouts and ales. Lesser amount of carbohydrates are seen in low carbohydrate beers, as the dextrins are less digested.