Foster’s is one of the most recognised lager brands in the world, famous for its Australian branding and the amber nectar tagline, though the version sold in most markets is brewed under licence rather than in Australia. It is a mainstream pale lager, light and clean with a gentle character, built for easy, casual drinking. Here is how it tastes, what is in it, and where it lands.
Foster’s Lager at a glance
| Style | Pale lager |
| ABV | Around 5.0% |
| Calories | Around 145 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 12g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Foster’s brand; brewed under licence by market |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, cereals, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | Around $8 to $13 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Foster’s is a light, clean pale lager with a mild flavor and a gentle finish, built for easy drinking over character.
The full review
It pours pale gold and clear with a quick white head. The aroma is light and clean, faintly grainy with a touch of sweetness and very little hop presence. It is mild and unassuming.
On the palate it is crisp and light with a soft malt base, a clean grain flavor and a gentle finish with just a hint of bitterness. It is smooth and easy, an inoffensive everyday lager with no rough edges and not much to distinguish it from the other mainstream macros.
It does the job it is built for: cold, crisp refreshment for a casual session or a barbecue. The oversized cans are part of the appeal, and it goes down easily with pub food, but there is nothing here to slow down for. The Australian branding is louder than the beer.
Value is fair. It sits at everyday prices and is often sold in large cans, so it makes reasonable sense for easy-drinking quantity, even if the flavor never rises above ordinary.
The amber nectar is more about the branding than the beer.
- Crisp, clean and easy-drinking
- Light and smooth
- Often sold in large cans
- Affordable everyday pricing
- Very light on flavor and character
- Not actually brewed in Australia for most markets
- Nothing to set it apart
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a light, clean, no-fuss lager for easy drinking. If you like this, a Carling or a Budweiser are natural comparisons.
Foster’s Lager FAQs
What does Foster’s taste like?
Crisp and light with a soft malt base, a clean grain flavor and a gentle finish. A mild, easy-drinking everyday lager.
How strong is Foster’s?
It is around 5.0% ABV in most markets, a full-strength pale lager, though exact strength can vary by region.
How many calories are in Foster’s?
Around 145 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 12g of carbs.
Is Foster’s actually Australian?
The brand is Australian in origin and branding, but the Foster’s sold in most markets, including the US and UK, is brewed under licence rather than in Australia.
Is Foster’s vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, cereals, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Foster’s gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten.
Why is Foster’s called the amber nectar?
It is a long-running marketing tagline tied to the brand’s Australian image, not a description of a darker beer. Foster’s is a pale lager.
Is Foster’s a lager?
Yes, it is a pale lager.
Where to buy Foster’s Lager
Foster’s is sold across the US and you can have it delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Foster’s is a light, clean, easy-drinking pale lager that does the basics well: cold, crisp refreshment for a casual occasion. It has little real character, and the Australian branding promises more personality than the beer delivers, but for no-fuss everyday drinking it does its job. A fair three out of five. See how it stacks up in our beer reviews and guides.
For the full ranked lineup, head to our top lager beers guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Foster’s Lager?
Foster’s Lager is a Pale lager, at Around 5.0% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Foster’s Lager?
Foster’s Lager has an ABV of Around 5.0%.
How many calories are in Foster’s Lager?
Foster’s Lager has Around 145 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Foster’s Lager gluten free?
Foster’s Lager: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Foster’s Lager have carbs?
Yes, Foster’s Lager has Around 12g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Foster’s Lager taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
What is a good alternative to Foster’s Lager?
If you can’t find Foster’s Lager, Carling Black Label is a close alternative in the same Pale lager category.
How much does Foster’s Lager cost?
Foster’s Lager typically runs Around $8 to $13 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Foster’s Lager without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Foster’s Lager?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Pale lager like Foster’s Lager. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
