For many, the pleasure of a cold beer often comes with the concern of its calorie count. Fortunately, the market offers numerous low-calorie options, with a handful standing out for their impressively low figures. The primary determinants of beer calories are alcohol by volume (ABV) and residual carbohydrates, so the lightest beers typically have a lower alcohol content and fewer leftover sugars after fermentation.
The Lightest of the Light: Ultra-Low Calorie Options
When calorie counting is the top priority, a few beers lead the pack. These brews are engineered for minimal calories and often have a lower ABV to achieve their ultralight status.
- Budweiser Select 55: This is one of the lowest-calorie beers on the market, with just 55 calories per 12-ounce serving. To achieve this, it has a very low 2.4% ABV and only 1.9 grams of carbohydrates. It is often described as crisp and refreshing.
- Miller 64: Another contender for the lightest beer, Miller 64 contains just 64 calories per 12-ounce serving. Its light, crisp profile is a result of a 2.8% ABV and only 2.4 grams of carbs.
- Bud Light Next: This option, notable for having zero grams of carbohydrates, clocks in at 80 calories per 12-ounce serving. It sacrifices some alcohol content to reduce calories, with a 4% ABV.
Popular Low-Calorie Light Lagers
Beyond the ultra-light category, several well-known brands offer a balance of flavor and fewer calories, typically landing in the 90–100 calorie range per 12 ounces. These are popular choices for their widespread availability and consistent taste.
- Michelob Ultra: A highly popular choice for active lifestyles, Michelob Ultra has 95 calories per 12-ounce serving, a 4.2% ABV, and 2.6 grams of carbohydrates.
- Corona Premier: This light lager offers 90 calories per 12-ounce serving and a 4% ABV, paired with just 2.6 grams of carbohydrates. It provides a crisp taste with a mild citrus note.
- Miller Lite: The "original light beer" is a solid option with 96 calories and 3.2 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving, alongside a 4.2% ABV.
- Coors Light: Known for its refreshing quality, Coors Light contains 102 calories and 5 grams of carbohydrates per 12-ounce serving, also with a 4.2% ABV.
The Role of Alcohol and Carbs in Calorie Content
To understand why some beers are lighter than others, it helps to know how calories are created during the brewing process. The yeast ferments the sugars from malted grains to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
Alcohol is energy-dense, containing about 7 calories per gram, nearly double that of carbohydrates and protein. This makes ABV the most significant factor in a beer's final calorie count. Higher ABV beers, such as IPAs, can have significantly more calories than standard lagers. For example, a low-alcohol option like Budweiser Select 55 (2.4% ABV) is much lower in calories than a standard beer (around 5% ABV).
Residual Sugars and Carbohydrates
Not all sugars in the brewing process are fermented by the yeast. The remaining unfermented sugars, or residual carbs, also contribute to the calorie total. Some beers, particularly specialty or craft brews, may have added ingredients or a process that leaves more residual sugars, increasing their caloric load. Brewers of light beers often use adjuncts and precise brewing methods to minimize residual carbohydrates.
Popular Low-Calorie Beer Comparison Table
For a quick overview, here's how some of the most popular low-calorie beers stack up against each other based on a standard 12 oz. serving:
| Beer Name | Calories (12 oz) | ABV (%) | Carbs (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budweiser Select 55 | 55 | 2.4% | 1.9 |
| Miller 64 | 64 | 2.8% | 2.4 |
| Bud Light Next | 80 | 4.0% | 0 |
| Corona Premier | 90 | 4.0% | 2.6 |
| Michelob Ultra | 95 | 4.2% | 2.6 |
| Miller Lite | 96 | 4.2% | 3.2 |
| Coors Light | 102 | 4.2% | 5.0 |
The Non-Alcoholic Alternative
For those seeking the absolute lowest calorie option with the taste of beer, non-alcoholic (NA) brews are the definitive answer. With the alcohol virtually removed, NA beers have drastically fewer calories. For example, a Heineken 0.0 has only 69 calories per 330ml bottle, compared to 148 calories for a regular Heineken.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance for Your Diet
While Budweiser Select 55 is demonstrably the lowest-calorie alcoholic beer available, many excellent options exist that balance flavor with moderate calorie counts. The best choice depends on your priorities—be it minimal calories, a specific flavor profile, or a specific ABV. By understanding the relationship between ABV, carbs, and calories, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your nutritional goals.
For a broader look at the science behind brewing, the American Homebrewers Association offers detailed insights into the process.(https://homebrewersassociation.org/how-to-brew/how-many-calories-are-in-beer/)
