Is Miller64 a Light Beer? An Examination of Miller's Extra Light Lager

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

With only 64 calories per 12-ounce serving, Miller64 is positioned as an "Extra Light" beer, but does it qualify as a standard light lager? While it certainly falls into the light beer category due to its low-calorie count, its notably low alcohol by volume (ABV) of 2.8% sets it apart from many mainstream light beers. This distinction is key to understanding its place in the market and how it compares to alternatives.

Quick Summary

Miller64 is an extra-light American lager known for having 64 calories and 2.4 grams of carbohydrates per serving, along with a low 2.8% ABV. It is a light beer, though with a significantly lower alcohol content than typical light lagers, appealing to those seeking moderation.

Key Points

Miller64 is an extra-light beer: It has 64 calories and 2.8% ABV, making it one of the lightest beers on the market.
Low calorie and carb count: At 64 calories and 2.4g of carbs per serving, it appeals to those seeking a diet-conscious option.
Significantly lower ABV: Its 2.8% alcohol content is much lower than typical light beers like Miller Lite (4.2%).
Rebranded as Miller Extra Light: In 2024, the brand shifted its focus from calories to its low alcohol content to target the growing low-ABV market.
Best for moderation: This beer is ideal for consumers who want a highly sessionable beer that allows for balanced and moderate alcohol consumption.
Flavor profile is very mild: The taste is light and crisp, which may not appeal to drinkers seeking a more robust or traditional beer flavor.

Understanding the "Light" in Miller64

Miller64, now known as Miller Extra Light, is unequivocally a light beer, but it exists in a subcategory of its own. The term "light beer" generally refers to a brew that is lower in calories and/or alcohol than a standard beer. Miller64 achieves this through both metrics, with a remarkably low 64 calories and a 2.8% ABV. This makes it one of the lightest commercial beers available, catering to consumers who prioritize calorie reduction and moderate alcohol consumption. The brand was introduced to offer a fresh, crisp flavor profile for those seeking a healthier balance in their lifestyles, which is a key driver for its continued popularity.

The Brewing Process Behind a Lighter Lager

The reason for Miller64's low stats can be attributed to its specific brewing process. While the exact formula is proprietary, it follows the general practices for creating light beer. This typically involves extending the fermentation period or using specific enzymes to break down more of the carbohydrates into fermentable sugars. This results in a drier, lower-calorie, and lower-carb final product. In Miller64's case, the process also results in a lower ABV. Ingredients for Miller64 include water, barley malt, corn syrup (dextrose), yeast, and hop extract. It is important to note that the corn syrup is used during fermentation and is not present in the final product.

Miller64: A Comparison with Other Light Lagers

To truly grasp where Miller64 fits in the market, it helps to compare it directly with its most well-known counterpart, Miller Lite, and other popular options. The following table provides a quick side-by-side view of their nutritional and alcohol profiles per 12-ounce serving.


Feature	Miller64 (Extra Light)	Miller Lite	Michelob Ultra	Corona Light
Calories	64	96	95	99
ABV	2.8%	4.2%	4.2%	4.0%
Carbs	2.4g	3.2g	2.6g	5.0g

This comparison highlights how Miller64 significantly undercuts standard light lagers in both calories and alcohol content. While Miller Lite and Michelob Ultra offer comparable carbohydrate counts, their higher ABV and calorie counts place them in a different category of light beer. Miller64's positioning as an "Extra Light" beer is well-earned, and it appeals to a consumer segment seeking the absolute lowest calorie and alcohol options.

The Rise of Low-ABV Offerings

The rebrand of Miller64 to Miller Extra Light in 2024 was a strategic move by Molson Coors to align with evolving consumer preferences. The shift emphasized the beer's low ABV rather than just its low calorie count, signaling a broader market trend towards moderation. The market for low and non-alcoholic beer has been growing steadily, and the rebrand positions Miller64 perfectly to capitalize on this shift. This focus on low-ABV options reflects a consumer desire for sessionability—the ability to enjoy multiple beers without significant impairment. The new focus helps distinguish Miller64 from other light beers that, while lower in calories, still carry a more standard alcohol content.

Why Choose Miller64?

Choosing Miller64 is often a deliberate decision driven by specific lifestyle choices. The primary benefits include:

Extremely Low Calorie Count: With only 64 calories, it is one of the lowest-calorie beers on the market.
Low Alcohol by Volume: At 2.8% ABV, it is ideal for moderate consumption and for those who enjoy the taste of beer without a strong buzz.
Low Carbohydrates: The 2.4 grams of carbs per serving make it suitable for individuals following a low-carb diet.
Crisp Flavor: Many reviewers note its light, clean, and refreshing taste.

The Ideal Consumer for Miller64

Miller64 is not for everyone. Beer enthusiasts looking for a complex, robust flavor profile will likely be disappointed. Its taste is often described as very mild, with some comparing it to sparkling water. However, for its target audience, these characteristics are its main selling points. The ideal consumer is someone who:

Is calorie-conscious or on a low-carb diet.
Prefers a very light, easy-drinking, and highly sessionable beer.
Wants to enjoy the ritual of having a beer without the heavier alcohol content or caloric impact.

Conclusion: A Clear Answer for a Niche Category

Is Miller64 a light beer? Yes, and it's an extra-light one at that, existing in its own subcategory defined by its extremely low calorie and alcohol content. Its unique profile of 64 calories, 2.4g carbs, and 2.8% ABV makes it a standout option for consumers who prioritize health-conscious choices and moderation. The 2024 rebranding to Miller Extra Light further solidifies its position as a go-to option in the expanding low-ABV market. While its milder flavor may not appeal to all beer drinkers, its dedicated consumer base values its crisp, refreshing nature and guiltless appeal. For those seeking the lightest possible beer, Miller64 is a clear frontrunner. For additional information on Molson Coors' brand strategy, you can visit their blog to learn more about the rebrand.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference lies in their nutritional and alcohol content. Miller64 has 64 calories and 2.8% ABV, while Miller Lite contains 96 calories and 4.2% ABV.

Yes, Miller64 is an excellent choice for people on a diet due to its extremely low-calorie count of 64 and low carbohydrate count of 2.4g per 12-ounce serving.

Miller64 has a fresh, crisp, and very light flavor profile. Its taste is significantly milder than a standard light lager due to its low ABV and calorie count.

The rebranding was a strategic decision by Molson Coors to shift the marketing focus from just calories to the beer's low alcohol by volume (ABV), appealing to the growing low-ABV market.

No, Miller64 is not gluten-free. While it is low in carbs, it is brewed with barley malt and corn syrup, which are not gluten-free ingredients.

Yes, you can still get drunk on Miller64, but its low 2.8% ABV means it would take more beer consumed over a shorter time period compared to beers with higher alcohol content.

Miller Extra Light, formerly known as Miller64, is widely available in many stores where beer is sold, including grocery stores and specialty beverage retailers.