Is Michelob Ultra Healthier Than Coors Light?

January 4, 2026 •

4 min read

Michelob Ultra boasts 95 calories and 2.6 carbs per 12-ounce serving, while Coors Light contains 102 calories and 5 grams of carbs for the same size. This immediate difference in nutritional information leads many to question: is Michelob Ultra healthier than Coors Light, and what other factors should consumers consider?

Quick Summary

A nutritional breakdown comparing Michelob Ultra and Coors Light, detailing calories, carbohydrates, and alcohol content. The article provides insight into which beer is better for calorie or carb-conscious consumers and outlines ingredients and brewing processes.

Key Points

Calorie Count: Michelob Ultra contains fewer calories (95) than Coors Light (102) per 12-ounce serving.
Carbohydrate Content: Michelob Ultra has significantly fewer carbs (2.6g) than Coors Light (5g).
Alcohol by Volume: Both beers share the same alcohol content at 4.2% ABV.
Ingredient Differences: Michelob Ultra uses rice in its recipe, while Coors Light uses corn syrup, affecting the final nutritional makeup.
Not Gluten-Free: Despite their light profile, neither Michelob Ultra nor Coors Light is safe for a gluten-free diet as both contain barley.
Dietary Choice: Michelob Ultra is the better choice for those prioritizing lower calories and carbs, but both are low-cal options relative to standard beers.
Moderation is Key: For overall health, responsible consumption is more important than the minor nutritional differences between these two light beers.

Nutritional Showdown: Michelob Ultra vs. Coors Light

When choosing a light beer, nutritional information is often the deciding factor for health-conscious consumers. Both Michelob Ultra and Coors Light are positioned as lighter alternatives to traditional beer, but a closer look reveals key differences. Beyond the raw numbers, the overall 'healthiness' depends on your specific dietary goals, such as tracking calories, limiting carbs, or managing alcohol intake.

Comparing the Core Ingredients

Both Michelob Ultra and Coors Light are light lagers, but their ingredients and brewing methods have subtle variations. Michelob Ultra lists water, rice, barley malt, and hops as its ingredients. The addition of rice often contributes to a lighter body and crisp finish. Coors Light, on the other hand, is made with water, barley malt, corn syrup, and hop extract. The use of corn syrup is a notable difference, as it can affect the overall carbohydrate count and fermentation process.

The Brewing Process: Filtration and Fermentation

The brewing methods also play a role in the final product. Coors Light emphasizes its use of Rocky Mountain water and its cold-lagered, cold-filtered, and cold-packaged process. This process is central to its brand identity as 'The World's Most Refreshing Beer.' Michelob Ultra is brewed with a 'perfect balance of hops and grains' to create its signature smooth taste. Both brewing processes are designed to produce a light-bodied, easy-to-drink lager, but the specific ingredients and techniques yield different nutritional outcomes.

Gluten Status: A Key Distinction

For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, the gluten content of a beer is a crucial consideration. Both Michelob Ultra and Coors Light are brewed using barley malt, a grain that contains gluten. Therefore, neither beer is considered gluten-free. This is an important distinction, as some sources can be misleading. While trace amounts may be present in the final product due to the filtering process, they are not suitable for a strict gluten-free diet. There are, however, certified gluten-free beers and alternative beverages like hard seltzers available for those who need to avoid gluten completely.

How to Choose the Right Beer for Your Diet

Choosing between Michelob Ultra and Coors Light depends on your primary dietary focus. If your main goal is to minimize calorie and carbohydrate intake, Michelob Ultra is the clear winner. Its lower calorie and carb counts make it a more favorable choice for strict diet plans or weight loss goals. However, Coors Light offers slightly more substance in its profile, which some may find more satisfying. Ultimately, both are relatively low-calorie options compared to many standard beers, but the choice boils down to a personal preference for taste and specific nutritional needs.

Comparison Table: Michelob Ultra vs. Coors Light (per 12 fl oz serving)


Feature	Michelob Ultra	Coors Light
Calories	95	102
Carbohydrates	2.6g	5g
Protein	0.6g	1g
Alcohol by Volume (ABV)	4.2%	4.2%
Key Grains	Rice, Barley Malt	Barley Malt, Corn Syrup

Conclusion: Which is the Healthier Option?

So, is Michelob Ultra healthier than Coors Light? From a purely nutritional standpoint, Michelob Ultra is the healthier choice due to its lower calorie and carbohydrate content per serving. Both beers have the same ABV, but Michelob Ultra offers slightly better nutritional metrics for those managing their weight or following a low-carb diet. However, for a healthy lifestyle, moderation is the most important factor. The difference of just 7 calories and 2.4 grams of carbohydrates per beer is minimal in the grand scheme of a balanced diet. Ultimately, the 'healthiest' choice is the one consumed responsibly as part of an active lifestyle.

A Quick Rundown

For fewer calories: Michelob Ultra wins with 95 calories versus Coors Light's 102.
For lower carbs: Michelob Ultra is the clear winner, with 2.6 grams compared to 5 grams.
For taste: This is subjective and depends on personal preference. Both are light and crisp lagers.
For gluten content: Both contain barley and are not safe for gluten-free diets.
For overall health: The difference is minor, and responsible consumption is the most important health consideration.

For more information on general nutritional guidelines, you can consult a reputable health resource like the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Beyond the Beer: The Bigger Picture

While comparing the nutritional data is useful, it's essential to remember that light beers, and alcohol in general, are not health foods. Excessive consumption of any alcoholic beverage can have negative health consequences, including weight gain and liver damage. Focusing on overall diet and exercise is far more impactful than splitting hairs over a few calories between two very similar light lagers. The best approach is to enjoy your beverage of choice in moderation while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

For those on a ketogenic diet, Michelob Ultra is the superior choice because it contains fewer carbohydrates (2.6g) compared to Coors Light (5g) per serving, making it easier to stay within daily carb limits.

Yes, there is a slight difference. A 12-ounce serving of Coors Light has approximately 1 gram of protein, while Michelob Ultra has about 0.6 grams.

No, neither beer is gluten-free. Both are brewed with barley, a gluten-containing grain, and are not suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

While both are light lagers, the specific ingredients and methods impact the taste. Michelob Ultra's use of rice and a perfect balance of grains creates a crisp, smooth taste, whereas Coors Light's cold-brewing process results in a refreshing, light-bodied flavor.

The primary nutritional differences are calories and carbs. Both contain trace amounts of protein and negligible amounts of vitamins and minerals. The key distinction for most people will be the calorie and carbohydrate counts.

From a purely numbers perspective, Michelob Ultra is slightly better for weight loss due to its lower calorie and carb count. However, the most significant factor is overall moderation and a balanced diet.

For most people, the difference between rice and corn syrup in these beers is negligible regarding health impact. The total number of calories and carbohydrates is the most relevant metric for dietary purposes, and the main takeaway is that both are heavily processed with minimal nutritional value beyond energy from alcohol and carbs.