One 12-ounce Budweiser Zero has 50 calories, 0 g sugar, and about 11.5 g carbs.
Calories
Carbs
ABV
Basic
- 12 fl oz can
- 50 kcal baseline
- Chilled, straight
Standard
Better
- 16 fl oz pour
- ~67 kcal estimate
- Frosted glass
Tall
Best
- 24 fl oz share
- ~100 kcal total
- Cold, slow sip
Shareable
Budweiser Zero Calorie Count — What One Can Contains
Here’s the straight read on this alcohol-free lager: a standard 12-ounce can lands at 50 calories with 0 grams of sugar and about 11.5 grams of carbohydrates. That’s lean for a malt-based drink. It’s built to taste like the classic lager without the buzz or the heavy energy load.
Why the calories sit that low: no alcohol. Ethanol packs 7 calories per gram, so removing it trims energy in a big way. What’s left are mostly carbohydrate calories from the malt. That’s where the ~11.5 g carb figure comes from, while sugar reads as zero on the can and brand page (the brand highlights the 0 g sugar claim along with the 50 kcal figure). Sources: Budweiser’s official product page confirms the calories and zero sugar, and federal guidance explains how beers under FDA oversight carry a Nutrition Facts panel, which is why this data is shown clearly on the package and site.
Quick Comparison To Regular Lager And Other NA Picks
Context helps. Regular lager sits far higher on calories, and many non-alcoholic options still run more than this can. The table below lines up common numbers you’ll bump into.
| Beverage | Calories | Carbs (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Budweiser Zero | 50 | ~11.5 |
| Regular American Lager | ~145 | ~10–12 |
| Generic Non-Alcoholic Beer | ~64–70 | ~12–15 |
| O’Doul’s (NA) | ~66 | ~13 |
Regular-strength lager often lands near 145 calories per 12 ounces, while non-alcoholic options commonly range from the mid-60s into the 90s. MedlinePlus lists 153 for a typical beer serving, and several nutrition databases peg mainstream lager near the mid-140s; brand pages for NA picks list far less, including the 50-calorie line for this can.
Dialing in your daily plan is easier once you know your daily calorie intake. Slot in one can as 50 kcal and adjust meals or snacks around it. Keep it simple: log the drink, match the day’s targets, and move on.
How Those 50 Calories Break Down
With the alcohol out, calories come from carbohydrates and trace protein. No fat here. In malt-based drinks, most of the energy sits in the carbs, and a tiny amount can come from protein from the grain. Budweiser’s page highlights zero sugar per serving, so the carbs reflect starches and dextrins rather than added sugars.
What About Carbs And Sugar?
Carbs are the main lever. One can sits near 11–12 grams. Sugar clocks at 0 g per the label claim. That’s a handy setup for anyone tracking added sugars while still wanting a crisp lager taste.
Alcohol, Calories, And Why NA Drops The Count
Ethanol brings 7 calories per gram. Pulling alcohol to zero lowers energy even when carbs stay present. That’s the big reason a 12-ounce regular lager can run almost triple the calories of this alcohol-free pour. Research and public health sources use the same 7 kcal per gram figure for alcohol.
Label Facts, Serving Sizes, And Smart Swaps
Alcohol-free beers that fall under FDA oversight use the Nutrition Facts format, so you’ll see calories, carbs, and other standard lines on the can. That clarity helps you scale serving sizes on the fly.
Serving Size Math You Can Use
One way to plan is to treat the drink as ~4.2 calories per ounce (50 ÷ 12). That makes scaling easy at the bar or at home.
| Pour Size | Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 12 fl oz can | 50 | Standard serving |
| 16 fl oz pint | ~67 | Great for a tall pour |
| 24 fl oz share | ~100 | Split with a friend |
Comparing To Regular Beer
A pint of regular lager (16 ounces) commonly lands above 200 calories. MedlinePlus lists 153 per 12 ounces for a standard beer, so scaling up by ounces shows how fast energy can climb with alcohol present.
Taste, Food Pairings, And When It Fits Best
Flavor sits on the classic American-style lager profile: light malt, gentle hops, crisp finish. It pairs neatly with salty or savory bites where bitterness might clash. Think grilled chicken skewers, a turkey burger, or a small bowl of pretzels. Because the can is only 50 calories, it’s simple to budget alongside a meal or a snack.
When You’re Cutting Back On Alcohol
Sometimes you want the taste without the buzz. A zero-alcohol lager scratches that itch—movie night, a weekday dinner, or a post-workout hang where you’re hydrating and socializing. Calories stay in check, and you skip the ethanol altogether.
When You’re Tracking Carbs
If you run a carb budget, log ~11–12 grams for the can. Sugar is listed at 0 g, which helps if you’re watching added sugars. The rest of your day can bend around that single line: trim a slice of bread at lunch, swap a side at dinner, or add a short walk to keep the ledger tidy.
How It Stacks Up Against Other NA Beers
Plenty of non-alcoholic beers land in the 60–90 calorie range per 12 ounces. This one sits lower. Nutrition databases put O’Doul’s near 66 calories a can, and generic NA beer often clocks in the mid-60s. Brand claims for this lager fix the number at 50, which is on the lean end of the shelf.
Packaging And What To Watch On Labels
Look for the Nutrition Facts panel and the 0.0% ABV line. That combo tells you you’re working with an alcohol-free malt beverage that reports calories and macros like a standard food item, under FDA’s labeling umbrella for these products.
Practical Tracking Tips
Plan The Day Around The Can
Logging 50 calories is easy math. Pair it with lean protein and fibrous sides at dinner to keep satiety high while the carb count stays reasonable.
Pair It With Movement
Short walks help balance a day that includes snacks and drinks. If you keep steps on your phone or watch, your beverage choice fits right into the bigger picture.
FAQs You Might Be Wondering About—Answered Inline
Is There Any Alcohol?
The brand states 0.0% ABV. That’s why the calorie count sits low compared with regular lager.
Does Sugar Read As Zero?
Yes—sugar is listed at 0 g per can on the brand page. Carbs come from malt, not added sugar.
Where Can I Verify The Numbers?
The brand’s product page lists 50 calories and 0 g sugar. Health references and databases outline common beer calorie ranges, which match the comparison above.
Healthy Drinking Patterns And Context
If you’re managing weight or tracking energy, alcohol-free drinks can be a handy swap on nights when you’re skipping ethanol. Regular beer adds alcohol calories on top of carbs; that’s why totals climb fast. Research and public health sources keep using the 7 kcal per gram figure for ethanol, which explains the gap you see on labels.
Curious about broader habits and targets? Try our calorie deficit guide for a fuller walkthrough on balancing intake and movement.
Bottom Line On This Can
Count one 12-ounce Budweiser Zero as 50 calories with roughly 11.5 grams of carbs and no sugar. It’s an easy swap when you want the taste of lager without alcohol or a heavy energy load. For full details straight from the source, the brand’s page spells out the numbers, and federal guidance explains why these alcohol-free malt drinks carry Nutrition Facts on the label.