If you’ve ever enjoyed a few pints and ended up feeling puffed out and bloated, you’re not alone. Beer bloating is a common and uncomfortable side effect that can leave you feeling sluggish and full long before the evening’s over. But what if the way you pour your beer could make a difference? Specifically, does pouring beer into a glass make you less bloated?
Pouring beer into a glass can make you feel less bloated. It releases excess carbonation during the pour, meaning less gas ends up in your stomach. Drinking straight from a bottle or can traps that gas, leading to more bloating and discomfort.
At Seven Cellars, we’re passionate about enhancing your drinking experience—not just by offering the finest selection of craft beers and lagers, but also by helping you enjoy them in the most satisfying way. In this blog, we’ll explore whether glass-poured beer really does reduce bloating, why carbonation matters, and how to pour beer like a pro.
Why Does Beer Make You Bloated in the First Place?
Beer is naturally carbonated, either through fermentation or by being artificially infused with carbon dioxide (CO₂). Every sip you take contains dissolved gas, which can build up in your stomach and intestines. This trapped gas is one of the main culprits behind that all-too-familiar bloated sensation.
Here are the main reasons beer can cause bloating:
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Carbonation: The bubbles in beer are filled with CO₂. When you drink it, especially straight from a bottle or can, you're swallowing more gas that releases in your digestive system.
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Volume: Beer is often consumed in larger quantities than other drinks, meaning more liquid and gas for your stomach to deal with.
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Fermentation by-products: Some beers, particularly those that are bottle-conditioned or unfiltered, contain residual yeast and sugars that can ferment in your gut, producing additional gas.
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Alcohol and digestion: Alcohol slows down your digestive system, which can lead to a build-up of gas and fluid.
What Happens When You Pour Beer into a Glass?
Pouring beer into a glass isn't just about presentation—it can actually change the drinking experience significantly. When beer is poured properly, a good amount of the CO₂ escapes as foam (also known as the "head"). This means less gas ends up in your stomach.
Here’s why that matters:
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Releasing CO₂ early: Pouring into a glass allows carbonation to escape into the air rather than your stomach.
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Creating a proper head: A foamy head acts as a buffer and slows the release of remaining carbonation as you drink.
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Aeration: Pouring gently introduces air, which helps with aroma release and encourages more CO₂ to escape before it reaches your gut.
Drinking directly from a can or bottle traps most of the CO₂ inside the liquid. That gas then expands in your stomach, causing bloating and discomfort.
Can Pouring Beer Reduce the Amount of Gas You Swallow?
Yes, it can. The process of pouring beer into a glass—especially when done correctly—allows a controlled release of carbonation. The more CO₂ you allow to escape before drinking, the less you’ll experience in your digestive tract later.
Drinking from a bottle or can vs a glass:
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Bottle/can: You’re drinking the liquid along with its full dissolved CO₂ content. No opportunity for the gas to escape until it reaches your stomach.
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Glass: CO₂ escapes during the pour, especially if you allow a generous foam head to form, which reduces how much gas remains in the beer.
This small change in drinking habit can lead to a noticeably more comfortable experience.
Tips for Pouring Beer to Minimise Bloating
Pouring beer properly is part science, part art. If your goal is to reduce bloating and enjoy your beer to the fullest, here are some best practices to follow:
1. Use a clean, dry glass- Residues from detergent or grease can interfere with head formation and carbonation release.
2. Pour at a 45-degree angle- Start by tilting your glass and pouring the beer down the side. This creates a smooth pour with minimal turbulence.
3. Straighten midway to form a head- As the glass fills, tilt it upright to encourage foam. Aim for 2–3cm of head—this helps CO₂ escape in a controlled way.
4. Don’t pour too gently- Overly gentle pours trap more gas inside the liquid, which defeats the purpose.
5. Avoid pouring too fast- A sudden gush can cause excessive foam, wasting the beer and creating a mess.
Other Ways to Prevent Bloating When Drinking Beer
While pouring technique plays a key role in reducing bloating, it's not the only factor at play. Several other habits and choices can influence how your body responds to beer, particularly when it comes to digestion and gas build-up. Here are some practical strategies to help you enjoy your pint without the puffiness.
1. Choose Less Carbonated Styles
Not all beers are equally fizzy. Some styles are naturally lower in carbonation, making them a better choice for those who are prone to bloating. Here are a few options worth considering:
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Real ales: Often served via hand pump (or cask-conditioned), these traditional beers are typically flat or lightly carbonated, thanks to natural fermentation methods.
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Stouts and porters: These rich, dark beers generally contain less CO₂, and their thicker mouthfeel can make them feel gentler on the stomach.
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Nitro beers: These beers use nitrogen instead of carbon dioxide, producing a creamy texture and smooth bubbles that are less likely to expand in your gut.
By choosing a beer with lower carbonation, you're already taking a step towards reducing excess gas intake.
2. Drink at a Moderate Pace
Chugging beer may be popular in certain settings, but it’s not doing your digestive system any favours. Drinking too quickly can lead to swallowing more air and gas, which contributes to bloating.
Instead, sip slowly and mindfully, giving your body time to process both the liquid and the bubbles. Not only does this reduce the chances of discomfort, but it also allows you to better appreciate the flavours and aromas of your drink.
3. Don’t Pair Beer with Salty Snacks
Crisps, nuts, and salted pretzels are common pub staples—but they’re not ideal if you want to avoid bloating. Salt causes your body to retain water, which can leave you feeling swollen or puffy.
If you do fancy a snack, opt for less salty alternatives like fresh vegetables, unsalted popcorn, or light cheese. These will complement your beer without adding to the bloat.
4. Stay Hydrated
Alcohol is a natural diuretic, meaning it increases urine output and can quickly lead to dehydration. Dehydration, in turn, can slow digestion and contribute to bloating.
Drinking water between beers not only helps you stay hydrated but also assists in flushing excess gas and supporting smoother digestion. A good rule of thumb: for every pint of beer, drink at least one glass of water.
5. Pay Attention to Gut Health
Your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in how your body digests food and processes gas. An imbalance of gut bacteria can lead to increased bloating, especially when consuming foods or drinks that are harder to digest—like beer.
To keep your gut in top shape:
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Include fibre-rich foods like oats, leafy greens, lentils, and whole grains in your diet.
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Add probiotics such as yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, or kombucha to support good bacteria.
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Avoid overuse of antibiotics and highly processed foods, which can disrupt your gut flora.
Over time, a healthy gut can make a noticeable difference in how your body reacts to beer and other carbonated drinks.
6. Consider Gluten Sensitivity
For some people, bloating after beer isn’t just about carbonation—it could be linked to gluten. Most beers are brewed from barley or wheat, both of which contain gluten. If you're sensitive or intolerant to gluten, even a small amount can cause digestive discomfort, including gas, bloating, and cramps.
If you’ve noticed that beer consistently makes you feel bloated—even when it's low in carbonation—it might be worth trying a gluten-free beer. These are brewed with alternative grains like rice, sorghum, or millet, or have had the gluten removed through special brewing processes.
At Seven Cellars, we stock a curated selection of high-quality gluten-free beers that don’t compromise on flavour. Swapping to a gluten-free option could be the simple change that makes all the difference to your drinking experience.
Myth-Busting: Common Misconceptions About Beer and Bloating
“Foam is bad”
Wrong. Many people think foam is wasteful or unpleasant, but in fact, it’s essential for flavour and gas release. Avoiding foam just traps more CO₂ in your drink.
“Light beers don’t bloat you”
Not necessarily. Colour has little to do with carbonation. Some lagers and pale ales are extremely fizzy, while some dark beers are much smoother.
“It’s all in your head”
Bloating isn’t just a psychological phenomenon—there’s real gas buildup involved, driven by how beer interacts with your digestive system.
Conclusion: Should You Pour Beer into a Glass?
Absolutely. If you’re looking to reduce bloating and enjoy your beer in greater comfort, pouring it into a glass is a simple but highly effective step. It encourages carbonation to escape where it belongs—in the air, not in your stomach—and enhances the aroma, appearance, and flavour of your pint.
Whether you’re sipping a hoppy IPA, a refreshing pilsner, or a bold stout, using a proper glass can elevate the experience from bloated to brilliant.
At Seven Cellars, we offer an expertly curated selection of craft beer, lager, and real ale—perfect for every palate. Whether you’re after low-carbonation options or just want to explore new styles, we’ve got the right brew for you.
