Coopers Dextrose vs Brew Enhancer: Which One Should You Use

March 27, 2025

Choosing Between Coopers Dextrose and Brew Enhancer: What’s Best for Your Homebrew?

Every homebrewer faces the big question: how do you get the perfect balance of alcohol content, body, and flavour? Sugar plays a big role in fermentation, but choosing between Coopers Dextrose and Brew Enhancer can feel like a rite of passage. Let’s dive into what each brings to the brewing process and which one might be right for your next batch.

What is Coopers Dextrose?

Coopers Dextrose is a fermentable sugar that completely breaks down during fermentation, giving you more alcohol without affecting the taste or body of your beer. It leaves no residual sweetness or flavours, making it an excellent choice if you want to boost alcohol without interfering with the original profile of your brew.

Quantity: 1kg
Composition: 100% dextrose
Effect on Flavour: None—it ferments out completely
Best Used For: All beer styles where you want a clean fermentation

What is Brew Enhancer?

Brew Enhancers, often a mix of dextrose, maltodextrin, and sometimes dry malt extract, offer more than just fermentable sugar. They influence mouthfeel, head retention, and depth of flavour. In short, if you want a fuller-bodied beer with a richer character, Brew Enhancer is your go-to.

Quantity: Varies by manufacturer
Composition: A mix of fermentable sugar and other ingredients
Effect on Flavour: Adds body and smoothness
Best Used For: Lagers, ales, and stouts that benefit from a fuller texture

Which One Should You Use?

The choice boils down to your brewing goals:

If you want a clean fermentation and a higher alcohol content—Coopers Dextrose is the way to go. Since it fully ferments, it leaves no trace behind except a higher ABV.
If you’re after a bigger body and more depth—Brew Enhancer is ideal. It helps your beer feel more rounded and can help with head retention.
For brews that require a light body, like pilsners—Stick with Coopers Dextrose for a crisp, clean profile.
For malt-forward styles, like stouts—Brew Enhancer adds the richness you want.

What’s the Best Way to Use Them?

Regardless of which you choose, knowing when and how to add your sugars makes a difference. For a standard homebrew kit, simply swap out the white sugar in the recipe for your chosen option. Dissolve it in warm water before mixing it in to ensure even fermentation. If you’re experimenting, you might even find a blend of the two works best for your taste.

The Verdict

Both ingredients serve their purpose in homebrewing, and the best choice depends on the outcome you’re after. If you want to craft a beer with clean alcohol production, Coopers Dextrose is the answer. If body and texture are on your mind, Brew Enhancer will deliver. The best part? You get to play around and see what works best for your brewing style.

Happy brewing! 🍻

Cheers,
Candeece