Better Beer: Is It Actually Better for You

Few things in Australian beer culture spark as much debate as the promise of a “healthier” beer. Better Beer, a zero-carb, low-calorie lager co-created by comedian Nick Cogger and his mates, has quickly become a staple on bottle shop shelves since its launch in early 2023. Whether you’re counting carbs or just curious if the hype holds up, this guide digs into the facts behind the brand.

Co-owners: Nick Cogger, Matt Ford, Jack Steele · Alcohol content (Middy): 3% ABV · Carbohydrates: 0g per can · Product range: Lager, Ginger Beer, Non-alcoholic · Distribution: Dan Murphy’s, BWS, Liquorland

The six key specs below come straight from the brand’s own publications and independent calorie references.

Is Better Beer a good beer?

What do customer reviews say about Better Beer?

• Better Beer markets itself as “Australia’s #1 zero carb beer” (Better Beer – official brand site)
• OzBargain users noted a popular deal at $45 for a 24-pack of Zero Carb Lager (OzBargain – user deal forum)
• General sentiment on social media praises the zero-carb profile and sessionability

The implication: customer buzz is driven more by the health angle than by traditional beer flavour notes. The brand’s own claims are strong, but independent taste tests are scarce.

How does Better Beer compare to other mid strength beers?

Three common mid-strength options, one pattern: Better Beer Middy is the standout for carb content, but alcohol is lower.

Data for XXXX Gold and Great Northern Mid based on typical mid-strength ranges from The Girl and Her Beer – independent beer-calorie guide. The trade-off: Better Beer Middy cuts carbs to zero but has slightly less alcohol than its peers.

Who is the owner of Better Beer?

Who are the co-founders of Better Beer?

• Nick Cogger – comedian and publican, the driving force behind the brand (Better Beer – official brand site)
• Matt Ford and Jack Steele – co-owners, also known as part of the comedy duo The Inspired Unemployed (per the brand’s media statements)

What this means: Better Beer is run by entertainers who understand the social side of drinking – a factor that shapes its marketing, which is playful and health-conscious.

What is the story behind Better Beer’s creation?

• The brand was created by a team that wanted a “refreshing, zero carb, zero sugar, low calorie beer” (Better Beer – official brand site)
• Nick Cogger, a health-conscious drink enthusiast, sought a beer that fit his lifestyle without sacrificing taste

The pattern: the founding story is built around the tension between enjoying a beer and staying healthy – a classic Australian contradiction now turned into a product.

Does Better Beer have alcohol?

What is the alcohol content of Better Beer?

• Better Beer Zero Carb: 4.2% ABV (Better Beer – official brand site)
• Better Beer Middy: 3% ABV – marketed as “ultra low carb mid-strength” (Better Beer – official brand site)

So yes, both variants contain alcohol. The Middy is officially a mid-strength beer; the Zero Carb is a standard-strength lager.

How many calories and carbs does Better Beer have?

• Zero Carb: 87 calories per serving (355ml can) (Better Beer – official brand site)
• Both variants: 0g carbs, 0g sugar
• A beer-calorie calculator confirms that lower ABV generally means lower calories (Upstream Brewing – brewery blog and calculator)

Why this matters: at 87 calories per can, Better Beer Zero Carb is about half the calories of a standard full-strength beer (~150–180 cal). That’s a meaningful difference for anyone tracking intake.

Is Better Beer a mid strength beer?

Only the Middy variant falls into the mid-strength category (3% ABV). The Zero Carb at 4.2% is standard strength. The brand makes a point of offering both: one for session drinking, one for when you want a bit more kick.

Why is it called Better Beer?

What is the meaning behind the name?

• The name directly reflects the brand’s positioning: a “better” alternative to traditional beer – lower carbs, lower calories, yet still a proper beer (Better Beer – official brand site)
• The tagline “Day for it” encourages moderate, guilt-free enjoyment

The catch: “better” is subjective. For someone prioritising carb intake, it’s better; for someone prioritising maximum alcohol or traditional flavour, it might not be.

How does the brand differentiate itself?

• Zero carb, zero sugar, low-calorie – a rare combo in the Australian beer aisle
• Health-conscious marketing via comedians, not stuffy ad agencies
• Emphasis on “sessionable” – you can have a few without overdoing alcohol or carbs

The implication: Better Beer doesn’t compete on taste alone; it competes on lifestyle fit. That’s a niche that’s growing, especially among younger, health-aware drinkers.

Is Better Beer actually better for you?

Is low carb beer really better for you?

• Lower calories and carbs can help with weight management if you’re substituting regular beer (The Girl and Her Beer – independent beer-calorie guide)
• But it’s still alcohol – moderation is key, and lower carb doesn’t mean “health drink”

How does Better Beer compare to regular beer in terms of health?

The table below compares Better Beer’s nutritional profile with standard beers.

Data for VB and XXXX Gold from The Girl and Her Beer – independent beer-calorie guide. The pattern: Better Beer slashes carbs completely and cuts calories by 30–40% compared to standard beer. The catch: you lose some alcohol and mouthfeel, which may matter to craft enthusiasts.

What are the pros and cons of Better Beer?

Ultimately, Better Beer is a legitimate option for health-conscious drinkers, but it remains an alcoholic beverage that should be consumed responsibly.

Clarity section: confirmed vs. unclear

Based on the available research, here’s where the evidence stands.

Quotes

“We wanted to create a beer that you can enjoy without the guilt – something that fits into a healthy, active lifestyle.”

– Nick Cogger, co-founder (Better Beer – official brand site)

“Lower-ABV beers generally have fewer calories, but the calorie savings depend on how much you drink – it’s not a magic bullet.”

– The Girl and Her Beer (independent beer-calorie guide)

Summary

Better Beer delivers on its promise of zero carbs and fewer calories, making it a legitimate alternative for health-conscious beer drinkers in Australia. But it’s a better choice only within the context of moderation and substitution – not as a free pass to drink more. For the average Australian who wants to enjoy a few cold ones on a summer afternoon without derailing their diet, the Middy is a smart session option. For those who want the classic strength without the carbs, the Zero Carb holds up. The trade-off is real, and the brand’s honesty about it – through its lighthearted “Day for it” tagline – feels refreshingly human. Just don’t confuse “better” with “healthy”.

For a deeper look at Better Beer’s health credentials, check out this Better Beers health guide that examines its alcohol content and ownership.

Frequently asked questions