DRINKERS are being duped into believing low-carbohydrate beers are healthy, and need protection from questionable marketing, the Cancer Council Victoria claims.
Despite advertising it’s better for you, an analysis of so-called low-carb beer shows it is no better at preventing a beer gut than a normal brew. Research by the Cancer Council Victoria’s Live Lighter campaign also shows the marketing is working, with more than a third of male and almost a quarter of female drinkers believing low-carb beer is healthier.
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Because the carbohydrate content of beer is already low — accounting for only 1-3 per cent of the total kilojoules in most beers — cutting its content has a negligible impact on the healthiness of the drink, Live Lighter campaign manager Alison McAleese said.
Instead, it is the actual alcohol content of a beer that accounts for more than 80 per cent of its kilojoules.
Ms McAleese said the only effective way to cut beer’s impact on your waistline is to drink lower alcohol brews. “Carbohydrates really makes a very tiny difference — the best thing you can do is pick a lower alcohol or light beer,” Ms McAleese said. “The marketing around certain beers definitely contributes to the misconception.”