Better Beer Review: Owners, Alcohol & Is It Healthier

Better Beer promises a healthier pint without skimping on taste, but do the claims hold up? Co-created by two comedians and a health-focused entrepreneur, this Australian brand has made a splash at bottle shops nationwide.

Co-owners: Matt Ford, Jack Steele (The Inspired Unemployed), and Nick Cogger · Alcohol content: Zero alcohol (0% ABV) and mid-strength (3% ABV) variants · Headquarters: New South Wales, Australia (brewed in NSW) · Product range: Lager, Ginger Beer, Zero Carb, No Alcoholic

Five quick facts about the Better Beer brand — from founding details to where it’s made.

Is Better Beer a good beer?

Consumer reaction is mixed. On Untappd, the Zero Carb lager holds a rating of 2.8 out of 5 from 3,195 ratings (Untappd). That places it below many mainstream craft options but not in disaster territory. Community reviews on Reddit suggest the taste is acceptable for a low-carb beer, though not exceptional — one user noted that “zero alcohol and zero carb is a difficult combination to nail” (Reddit keto Australia).

What do customer reviews say about Better Beer?

Besides the Untappd score, a YouTube review from January 2022 called it a “solid session beer” (YouTube). A more recent video from September 2024 featured a taste test of Australia’s new no‑carb beers and placed Better Beer among the contenders (YouTube).

How does Better Beer compare to other low-alcohol beers?

• Zero Carb: Better Beer markets itself as Australia’s #1 Zero Carb beer (Better Beer).
• Competitors: Vively names Burleigh Bighead and Pure Blonde as top zero‑carb picks alongside Better Beer (Vively low-carb beer analysis).

Who is the owner of Better Beer?

Better Beer is independently owned by a trio with distinct backgrounds: Matt Ford and Jack Steele (the comedy duo behind The Inspired Unemployed) and Nick Cogger, founder of Torquay Beverage Co. (Better Beer official site). Cogger is described on LinkedIn as a “health‑conscious drink enthusiast” (LinkedIn company page).

What is the background of the founders?

• Matt Ford: comedian known for The Inspired Unemployed podcast and social media content.
• Jack Steele: comedian, co‑host of the same podcast.
• Nick Cogger: founder of Torquay Beverage Co., a craft beverage venture focused on healthier alternatives.

How did The Inspired Unemployed get involved?

The duo joined the brand as co‑owners and marketing faces, leveraging their large social‑media following to promote the low‑carb, low‑alcohol message. Their involvement helps explain Better Beer’s rapid retail rollout across major chains.

Does Better Beer have alcohol?

Yes, but the alcohol content varies by variant. Better Beer offers a zero‑alcohol (0% ABV) lager and a mid‑strength lager at 3% ABV (Better Beer product page). Both are marketed as low‑carb and “better for you.”

What are the alcohol percentages for each variant?

• Better Beer Zero Alcohol: 0% ABV
• Better Beer Mid‑Strength Lager: 3% ABV
• Better Beer Zero Carb: 0% ABV
• Better Beer Ginger Beer: 0% ABV

Is Better Beer non‑alcoholic?

Most of the range is non‑alcoholic. Only the mid‑strength lager (3% ABV) contains alcohol, though at a level far below the typical full‑strength beer (4.5–5% ABV). According to Untappd, the mid‑strength entry is confirmed at 3% ABV (Untappd brewery page).

Why is it called Better Beer?

The name directly reflects the founders’ mission: to create a beer that tastes good and fits a healthier lifestyle, without the guilt (Better Beer ‘Our Story’). The tagline “Day For It” reinforces the idea of drinking a beer any time of day — even during a workout or a workday.

What does the brand name signify?

“Better” refers to the nutritional profile — zero carbs, low calories — not to an absolute quality claim versus all other beers. The brand positions itself as a smarter choice for health‑conscious Australians.

How does the story from the official website explain the name?

According to the official story, the idea started when the co‑founders noticed a gap in the market for a crisp, refreshing beer that didn’t compromise on health. They wanted something they could drink while staying active and social (Better Beer).

Is Better Beer actually better for you?

That depends on your definition of “better.” Better Beer Zero Carb contains zero carbohydrates per serve and is low in calories (Better Beer). Compared to a standard full‑strength lager (which typically has 10–15g carbs), it’s a clear win for carb‑counters. However, Vively notes that many low‑carb beers still contain alcohol (unless zero‑ABV) and can have hidden sugars (Vively analysis).

How does Better Beer compare to regular beer in calories and carbs?

One example: Carlton Pure Blonde is marketed as having 70% fewer carbs than regular beer (Matthews Liquor for diabetics). Better Beer takes it further by offering a zero‑carb version — appealing for keto and diabetic diets.

What does the analysis of low‑carb beers say about Better Beer?

Vively includes Better Beer Zero Carb among its top zero‑carb picks, alongside Burleigh Bighead (Vively low‑carb guide). The article suggests that while these beers reduce carbs, alcohol content still matters for health goals. For those seeking both zero alcohol and zero carbs, Craftzero notes the combination is tough to achieve (Craftzero).

The pattern: Better Beer leads on carb reduction but trails in taste ratings.

Detailed specs for Better Beer’s core variants.

“Better Beer was born from a simple idea: why can’t you have a beer that’s both delicious and good for you?”

— Better Beer official website, ‘Our Story’ page

“Nick Cogger is a health-conscious drink enthusiast and founder of Torquay Beverage Co.”

— LinkedIn company page of Better Beer

“Zero alcohol and zero carb is a difficult combination to nail.”

— Reddit user, r/ketoaustralia (forum discussion)

Better Beer succeeds at what it promises: a zero‑carb, low‑calorie drink available in both zero‑alcohol and mid‑strength forms. But the lack of transparent nutritional data and a middling community rating mean the “better” label works best for carb‑counters, not taste enthusiasts. For health‑minded Australians who prioritise macros over mouthfeel, the choice is clear — reach for a can of Zero Carb. For those who want flavour with their health kick, Better Beer remains a work in progress.

For more details on alcohol content and ownership, refer to our comprehensive Better Beer guide covering all variants and health considerations.

Frequently asked questions