How Many Carbs Are in a Corona? A Comprehensive Breakdown

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

With the popularity of low-carb diets, many people are asking, "how many carbs are in a Corona?" A standard 12-ounce bottle of Corona Extra contains approximately 13-14 grams of carbohydrates, a figure that varies significantly across different Corona varieties.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed nutritional overview of various Corona beer products, including the carbohydrate, calorie, and alcohol content for each type. It offers a clear comparison to help you understand what you're consuming.

Key Points

Corona Extra: A standard 12-ounce bottle contains 13-14g of carbohydrates and approximately 148 calories.
Corona Light: This light lager has a much lower carb count, with only 4.8-5g of carbohydrates per 12-ounce serving and 99 calories.
Corona Premier: The brand's lowest-carb option, offering just 2.6g of carbohydrates and 90 calories per 12-ounce serving.
Corona Cero: The alcohol-free version contains a significant 12.8g of carbs per 330ml bottle, though it is alcohol-free.
Low-Carb Options are Available: For those on low-carb diets, choosing Corona Light or Premier over the standard Extra can make a substantial difference.
Brewing Process Matters: The carb count in beer is determined by the fermentation process and the malt content, not just the alcohol.
Comparison with Other Beers: Corona's carb counts are consistent with similar beers in their respective categories, with many low-carb options having comparable stats to Corona Premier.

Understanding the Nutritional Profile of Corona Beers

Corona, a globally recognized Mexican beer brand, offers a refreshing taste often associated with relaxing beachside moments. However, for those monitoring their nutritional intake, understanding the specific content of each product is crucial. While a standard Corona Extra contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates, the company also produces lighter versions that cater to those seeking a lower-carb option. The amount of carbs in a Corona is not a single, fixed number but depends entirely on the specific product variant.

The Nutritional Breakdown of Corona Extra

Corona Extra is the brand's most famous product and the benchmark for its nutritional values. A standard 12-fluid-ounce bottle contains the following average nutritional analysis:

Calories: 148-153 calories
Carbohydrates: 13-14 grams
Protein: 1.2 grams
Fat: 0 grams
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 4.6%

This makes Corona Extra a standard lager in terms of carbohydrate content, on par with many other mainstream premium beers. The refreshing taste and light body, combined with the lime ritual, often belie its carb count, which can add up for those enjoying multiple servings.

The Low-Carb Alternative: Corona Light

For those watching their carb intake more closely, Corona Light offers a significantly reduced carbohydrate count. This pilsner-style lager provides a similar flavor profile with a much lighter nutritional footprint. A 12-fluid-ounce serving of Corona Light contains approximately:

Calories: 99 calories
Carbohydrates: 4.8-5 grams
Protein: 0.8 grams
Fat: 0 grams
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 4.0%

This makes Corona Light a viable choice for individuals on a low-carb diet. The reduction in calories and carbs is achieved through different brewing processes, which result in a lighter, less caloric beer.

Going Even Lighter: Corona Premier

Taking the low-carb concept even further, Corona Premier is positioned as an exceptionally smooth, ultra-light beer. It's marketed towards a health-conscious audience and boasts an impressive nutritional profile. A 12-fluid-ounce serving of Corona Premier has:

Calories: 90 calories
Carbohydrates: 2.6 grams
Protein: 0.7 grams
Fat: 0 grams
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 4.0%

For those on a strict keto or low-carb diet, Corona Premier is one of the most carb-friendly choices available from the brand. The trade-off is a slightly different flavor and texture, but for many, the nutritional benefits outweigh this difference.

The Alcohol-Free Option: Corona Cero

For individuals avoiding alcohol entirely, Corona Cero offers a no-alcohol lager with its own nutritional considerations. A 330ml (approx. 11.2 fl oz) bottle contains:

Calories: 56 calories
Carbohydrates: 12.8 grams
Sugar: 2.1 grams
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 0.0%

Interestingly, the carbohydrate content of the alcohol-free version is still substantial, similar to Corona Extra, highlighting that carbohydrates in beer come from the original malts and grains, not just the alcohol itself. The sugar content, which is minimal in the alcoholic versions (as it's converted to alcohol), is more pronounced here.

A Comparative Table of Corona Varieties

To provide a clear side-by-side comparison, here is a table detailing the key nutritional information for a 12-fluid-ounce serving of the different Corona products mentioned. All values are approximate based on average nutritional analyses.


Product	Calories	Carbohydrates (g)	ABV (%)
Corona Extra	148-153	13-14	4.6%
Corona Light	99	4.8-5	4.0%
Corona Premier	90	2.6	4.0%
Corona Cero (330ml)	56	12.8	0.0%

A Broader Perspective on Beer Carbs

It's important to remember that Corona's carb counts are typical for their respective beer categories. Other mainstream light beers like Michelob Ultra (2.6g carbs) and Miller Lite (3.2g carbs) offer similar or slightly lower carb counts than Corona Premier, while standard lagers from other brands often mirror the carb content of Corona Extra. The key differentiator is the brewing process. Brewers achieve lower carbs by fermenting more of the sugars, or by starting with a different malt profile.

For a broader understanding of how beer carbs fit into a healthy lifestyle, consulting resources like the Brewers Association website can be helpful. Their information on different beer styles provides context for why certain styles have higher or lower carb counts. Brewers Association

Conclusion: Choosing Your Corona Wisely

So, how many carbs are in a Corona? The answer depends on which version you choose. Corona Extra has 13-14 grams of carbs, while the lighter options like Corona Light (around 5g) and Corona Premier (2.6g) provide significantly fewer. By understanding the nutritional differences between each Corona product, you can make a choice that aligns with your dietary preferences, whether you're following a strict low-carb regimen or simply trying to be more mindful of your intake. The key is to be aware of the facts and enjoy your drink responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Corona Premier has the lowest carb count of the alcoholic versions, with just 2.6 grams of carbohydrates per 12-ounce serving.

A 12-ounce bottle of Corona Extra contains 13-14 grams of carbs, which is considered a moderate to standard amount for a premium lager, but higher than dedicated low-carb beers.

Yes, Corona Light is a good option for a low-carb diet, containing only about 5 grams of carbs per 12-ounce bottle. However, Corona Premier offers an even lower carb count.

Interestingly, Corona Cero contains 12.8 grams of carbs per 330ml bottle. Because the sugars are not converted to alcohol, the carb content remains high.

No, the carb count varies significantly depending on the specific product. Corona Extra has the highest carb count among the alcoholic varieties, while Premier has the lowest.

Corona Extra is comparable to other standard lagers, while Corona Premier and Light are in line with or slightly higher than other low-carb and light beer options on the market.

Adding a lime wedge does not significantly alter the carb count of the beer. The small amount of juice from the lime will have a negligible impact on the total nutritional value.