You’ve probably seen the bright cans in the fridge at your local bottle shop and wondered: what’s the deal with Better Beer? It’s an Australian mid-strength brand that promises a healthier pint without sacrificing taste. Let’s dig into the facts—who owns it, what’s inside, and whether it lives up to the name.

4 related posts

Alcohol by volume (ABV): 3% (mid strength) ·
Calories per can: 0 (Zero Carb variant) ·
Owner: Matt Ford, Jack Steele, Nick Cogger ·
Available at: Dan Murphy’s, BWS

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact brand net worth (Better Beer our story)
  • Specific sales figures (Casella Family Brands)
  • Why third-party listings show 4.2% ABV instead of the official 3% (Untappd)
  • Whether the ginger beer is certified halal (requires further verification) (Better Beer our story)
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • National distribution through Casella network (Casella Family Brands)
  • Continued focus on low-calorie, zero-carb variants (Better Beer zero carb page)
  • Potential expansion into zero-alcohol market (ginger beer already available) (Casella Family Brands)

Better Beer positions itself as a lighter, smarter option for everyday drinking, as shown in the specs below.

Six key specs, one pattern: Better Beer positions itself as a lighter, smarter option for everyday drinking.
Spec Value
Brand Name Better Beer
Type Mid-strength lager / ginger beer
ABV (official) 3% (mid strength)
ABV (reported on Untappd) 4.2% (according to user reviews on Untappd)
Calories (Zero Carb) 0 (zero carb variant); 87 calories per can (reported on YouTube review)
Carbohydrates 0g (Zero Carb variant)
Sugar 0g (Zero Carb variant)
Packaging 355ml tins, 330ml stubbies
Availability Dan Murphy’s, BWS, on tap at hundreds of Australian bars
Distribution Partner Casella Family Brands (2024)
Owner Matt Ford, Jack Steele, Nick Cogger
Brewed In Yenda, New South Wales, Australia

Does Better Beer have alcohol?

Yes, Better Beer is an alcoholic beverage — but with lower alcohol than a full-strength lager. The standard Better Beer lager contains 3% ABV, making it a mid-strength beer under Australian regulations (Better Beer official site). That’s about 30% less alcohol than a typical full-strength beer (around 4.6% ABV).

However, some third-party listings show a different number. Untappd records a Better Beer Company beer at 4.2% ABV (Untappd), and a YouTube review also measured 4.2% (YouTube review). The brand itself markets its flagship as mid-strength, so the variance may reflect different batches or variants. The zero-alcohol ginger beer variant contains 0% ABV (Better Beer zero carb page).

Why this matters

For the health-conscious drinker, the official 3% ABV means fewer units per session — but the conflicting reported figures suggest not all cans may be identical. The trade-off: you get sessionability but lose the punch of a craft IPA.

The implication: the official 3% ABV may be the standard, but third-party reports suggest caution.

Who is Better Beer owned by?

Better Beer is co-owned by Australian comedians Matt Ford and Jack Steele (of The Inspired Unemployed fame), together with their mate Nick Cogger (Better Beer official site). The three founded the brand in 2021 after talking about creating a beer that was “missing” from the market — a lighter, cleaner option that didn’t compromise on taste (The Inspired Unemployed). The company describes itself as independently owned (Better Beer LinkedIn).

In 2024, Better Beer partnered with Casella Family Brands for exclusive distribution across Australia (Casella Family Brands). The brand retains ownership and management of the brand under the arrangement. Casella stated that Better Beer had been brewed at their Yenda brewery since 2021, giving it production stability from the start (Casella Family Brands).

The pattern: Better Beer is a celebrity-backed independent brand that leverages a major brewer’s distribution network while staying separate.

Is Better Beer a good beer?

Opinions are mixed. The brand positions itself as a “crisp, refreshing low-calorie beer” (Better Beer Our Story). A YouTube review described the standard lager as tasting “nice” and “slightly almost a mid-strength beer in taste” (YouTube review). On Reddit, some users call it “very mid” but acceptable for session drinking — a beer you can have a few of without feeling heavy.

The zero carb variant removes carbs and sugar, which some drinkers say leaves a lighter mouthfeel. The brand’s own marketing highlights a “clean finish” as a key attribute.

  • Positive mentions on social media for its drinkability.
  • Reddit users note it’s not a flavour bomb but reliable for social drinking.
  • Untappd average rating: around 3.2/5 (user reviews on Untappd).
The trade-off

If you’re looking for a bold craft beer, Better Beer probably won’t impress. But if your goal is a lower-calorie, lower-alcohol lager you can drink a few of on a hot day, it hits the mark — especially the zero carb version.

The takeaway: Better Beer satisfies a specific need for sessionable low-calorie beer.

Is Better Beer healthy?

Compared to a standard full-strength beer, Better Beer offers several health-conscious advantages. Its 3% ABV means fewer alcohol units per can (Better Beer official site). The Zero Carb variant contains zero carbohydrates and zero sugar, and reportedly only 87 calories per can (YouTube review). That’s roughly half the calories of a typical full-strength lager.

The brand explicitly markets itself as a “better-for-you” beer, with the founders saying they created it to “remove all the bad stuff” (Better Beer Our Story). The low-calorie, low-carb positioning appeals to fitness-minded drinkers and those watching their waistline.

What this means: Better Beer is not “healthy” in a nutritional sense (it’s still alcohol), but it is a lower-guilt option within the beer category.

Why is it called Better Beer?

The name reflects the founders’ mission to create a beer that fits a modern, health-aware lifestyle. The official story: “Two ex-tradies from Sydney’s South Coast and Nick Cogger from Torquay” wanted a beer that was “better” — not just in taste, but in ingredients and alcohol load (Better Beer Our Story).

The brand’s tagline on its website is “A beer for the day you’re having” — suggesting it’s designed for everyday drinking, not just weekends. The “Better” in the name is a direct challenge to the industry: better ingredients, better alcohol management, better for your body.

The implication: the name is both a product promise and a marketing hook.

Upsides

  • Low calorie and zero carb option
  • Mid-strength ABV for sessionable drinking
  • Widely available in major retailers
  • Transparent ownership (celebrity-backed but independent)
  • Clean finish, easy drinking

Downsides

  • Not a full-flavour craft beer
  • Conflicting ABV reports (3% vs 4.2%)
  • Ginger beer halal status unclear
  • Limited to Australia (no international distribution confirmed)
  • Sales figures not publicly available

Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Better Beer is a mid-strength beer with 3% ABV (Better Beer official site)
  • Co-owned by Matt Ford, Jack Steele, Nick Cogger (Better Beer LinkedIn)
  • Zero carb variant exists and is available in 355ml tins and 330ml stubbies (see snapshot)
  • Available at Dan Murphy’s and BWS (Better Beer zero carb page)
  • Production at Yenda brewery by Casella Family Brands since 2021 (see snapshot)
  • Casella became exclusive distributor in 2024 (see snapshot)

What’s unclear

  • Exact net worth of the brand
  • Specific annual sales figures
  • Whether the ginger beer variant is certified halal (requires direct verification from brand)
  • Why certain third-party listings show 4.2% ABV instead of the official 3%

The pattern: what is known is well-sourced, but several aspects remain unverified.

Quotes from the founders and reviewers

“Better Beer is co-owned by Aussie comedians, Matt Ford & Jack Steele (The Inspired Unemployed) together with their mate Nick Cogger.”

Better Beer official website (brand statement)

“We talked about making a beer we felt was missing – something you could sink all day and still get up and do stuff.”

The Inspired Unemployed (co-owner perspective)

“It tastes nice, slightly almost a mid-strength beer in taste. Really clean finish.”

YouTube reviewer (consumer review)

“The beer has been produced at the CFB-owned brewery in Yenda since 2021.”

Casella Family Brands (distribution partner)

For the average Australian beer drinker, the choice is straightforward: if you want a lighter, healthier everyday lager with a clean finish, Better Beer delivers — especially the zero carb variant. If you’re chasing big flavour or international credentials, you might look elsewhere. The brand’s future depends on converting casual buyers into repeat customers, and that will come down to consistency and trust in the numbers.

Additional sources

craftypint.com, foodmag.com.au, facebook.com, open.spotify.com

For a deeper look at the nutritional claims behind the brand, read Is It Actually Better for You.

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

Where can I buy Better Beer?

Better Beer is available at Dan Murphy’s, BWS, and on tap at hundreds of bars across Australia (Better Beer).

How much does Better Beer cost?

Pricing varies by retailer. A 6-pack of Better Beer typically ranges from AUD $18–$22 for the standard lager; the zero carb variant may be slightly higher. Check Dan Murphy’s or BWS for current prices.

How many calories are in Better Beer?

The standard Better Beer lager contains about 110–120 calories per 355ml can (estimated based on 3% ABV). The Zero Carb variant has reportedly only 87 calories (YouTube review).

Does Better Beer offer a zero alcohol option?

Yes, Better Beer produces a ginger beer with 0% ABV (Better Beer zero carb page).

Can Muslims drink Better Beer ginger beer?

The ginger beer is non-alcoholic (0% ABV), but whether it is certified halal has not been confirmed by the brand. Consumers should contact Better Beer directly for certification details.

What is the net worth of Better Beer?

The exact net worth of Better Beer is not publicly disclosed. As an independent brand, it does not publish financial statements. Casella Family Brands’ involvement suggests significant distribution scale but ownership remains private.

Is Better Beer gluten-free?

Better Beer does not explicitly label its products as gluten-free. The standard lager is brewed from barley, which contains gluten. Drinkers with gluten sensitivities should verify with the brand before consumption.

These questions address the most common consumer concerns.

Related reading

These articles provide further context on brand ownership and profiles.