Is There Really a “Diabetic Beer”? Why Stoney’s Earned the Nickname
Since 1907, Stoney’s Beer has been brewed with pure, honest ingredients. No added sugars, no syrups, and no fillers. Over the decades, loyal fans have given Stoney’s some memorable nicknames. You may have heard “The No Hangover Beer” from the 1960s, but there was another phrase that people passed around: “The Diabetic Beer.”
Now, to be clear, we never created or marketed that title ourselves. But the nickname has history, and it came from something very real: people living with diabetes noticed that Stoney’s tasted great without leaving them with the same sugar spikes they got from other beers.
What Makes Beer a Challenge for People with Diabetes?
If you’ve ever searched “is beer bad for diabetics?” or “can diabetics drink beer?” you’ve probably seen the same answer: it depends. That’s because beer affects blood sugar in several ways:
Added Sugars & Syrups: Many mass-produced beers include sugar, corn syrup, or other additives, which raise blood glucose levels quickly.
Carbohydrates in Beer: All beer contains carbs, but different brewing methods can impact how much and how fast your body processes them.
Alcohol’s Double Effect: Alcohol can lower blood sugar at first, but then raise it later as your liver processes it.
Fillers & Additives: The more “extras” in the beer, the more unpredictable the impact on blood sugar.
So when people with diabetes looked for a “beer with no added sugar,” Stoney’s stood out.
Why Did Stoney’s Get Called the “Diabetic Beer”?
Unlike many beers, Stoney’s has always been brewed with:
All-natural ingredients
No added sugars or syrups
No unnecessary fillers or junk
Because of that, Stoney’s felt “cleaner” to drink. People with diabetes noticed it didn’t spike their blood sugar the same way as other beers, and word of mouth gave Stoney’s the reputation as “the beer for diabetics.”
Of course, every person is different, and no beer is truly “diabetes-friendly.” But the nickname came from a real difference in how Stoney’s was brewed and that’s something we’ve proudly kept consistent since 1907.
Is There a Beer for Diabetics?
If you’re Googling this question, you’re not alone. The truth is: there’s no official “diabetic beer.” But here’s what to look for if you’re trying to find a better option:
Check for added sugars — the fewer, the better.
Look for beers brewed simply — fewer fillers usually means a cleaner profile.
Choose moderation — even sugar-free or low-carb beers can still affect blood glucose.
This is exactly why people with diabetes gravitated toward Stoney’s in the past: it was brewed naturally, with no added sugars.
A Quick Note on Responsibility
Let’s be crystal clear: Stoney’s Beer is not a medical product, and we’re not recommending it as a “treatment” for diabetes. Anyone with diabetes should consult their doctor before drinking alcohol.
That said, we think it’s pretty amazing that people noticed the difference in Stoney’s brewing process enough to give it that nickname, and that story is worth remembering.
Pure, Honest Beer Since 1907
Whether people called it “The No Hangover Beer” or “The Diabetic Beer,” both nicknames came from the same truth: Stoney’s has always been brewed without shortcuts. No added sugars. No fillers. No gimmicks.
Just pure, honest beer. The way it’s been since 1907.
