What beer is lowest in calories? A comprehensive guide to light beers

December 19, 2025 •

3 min read

While the average 12-ounce serving of regular beer contains around 150 calories, several options exist for those seeking a lower-calorie alternative. The lowest calorie beers achieve this by reducing both the carbohydrate and alcohol content, as alcohol is the primary source of calories in beer.

Quick Summary

This guide examines the beers with the fewest calories, including popular options and lesser-known brands. It details the nutritional content of light beers, explains how alcohol and carbohydrates contribute to calories, and provides a comparison table for informed choices.

Key Points

Budweiser Select 55 has the lowest calories: With just 55 calories per 12-ounce serving, it is one of the lightest options available from a major brewer.
Lower ABV means fewer calories: Alcohol is the primary source of calories in beer, so lower alcohol content directly correlates with fewer calories.
Low-carb beers are typically low-calorie: Brands with fewer carbohydrates, such as Bud Light Next and Michelob Ultra, are excellent choices for calorie-conscious consumers.
Craft breweries offer flavorful light options: For those who want more flavor, many craft brewers produce low-calorie session IPAs and other light styles.
Non-alcoholic beers are the lowest option: Non-alcoholic beers, like Heineken 0.0, offer robust flavor with minimal calories, often under 70 per serving.
Prioritize reading the labels: Always check the nutritional information for calories, ABV, and carbs to make the most informed decision about your beer choice.

The Quest for the Lowest Calorie Beer

For those watching their caloric intake, the good news is that brewers have developed numerous options that significantly cut down on calories without completely sacrificing flavor. The primary factor influencing a beer's calorie count is its alcohol by volume (ABV). Alcohol contains roughly 7 calories per gram, nearly as much as fat, and more than carbohydrates or protein. Consequently, beers with a lower ABV naturally have fewer calories.

The second major factor is the residual sugar and carbohydrates left after fermentation. Light beers are often brewed with fewer fermentable sugars or are fermented longer to convert more of these sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process is key to creating a low-calorie profile.

Budweiser Select 55: The Calorie King

For many, the undisputed winner in the lowest-calorie category is Budweiser Select 55. As its name suggests, a 12-ounce serving contains only 55 calories. To achieve this, it has a very low ABV of 2.4% and an extremely low carbohydrate count of just 1.9 grams. While it's certainly the lightest option available from a major brewer, the trade-off is a very subtle, mild flavor that some may find too light.

Other Popular Low-Calorie Contenders

Beyond the lowest options, many other popular light beers offer a great balance of drinkability and low calories. Brands like Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, and Corona Premier have become household names for their relatively low-calorie profiles. They cater to consumers seeking a beer that fits a more active or health-conscious lifestyle.

The Rise of Low-Calorie Craft Beers

For beer drinkers who prefer more flavor than mass-market light lagers typically offer, a growing number of craft breweries are producing excellent low-calorie options. These session IPAs and light ales often use a sophisticated blend of hops and malts to create a flavorful experience without a high calorie count. Brews like Lagunitas DayTime IPA or Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty IPA prove that low calories don't have to mean a flavorless beer.

Decoding Beer Labels

When shopping for a low-calorie beer, looking at the nutritional information is the most reliable method. In the United States, this information is often displayed on packaging or available on the brewer's website. Look for the calorie count, ABV, and carbohydrate content to make the most informed decision. A good rule of thumb is that lower ABV and lower carb content will almost always translate to a lower calorie count.

Comparison of Popular Low-Calorie Beers

To help you make a decision, here is a comparison of some of the most popular low-calorie beers available today. All data is based on a standard 12-ounce serving.


Beer Name	Calories	ABV	Carbs	Flavor Profile
Budweiser Select 55	55	2.4%	1.9g	Light, crisp, with subtle malt notes
Miller64 Extra Light	64	2.8%	2.4g	Very light and refreshing
Bud Light Next	80	4.0%	0g	Zero-carb, light and crisp
Corona Premier	90	4.0%	2.6g	Crisp with mild citrus notes
Michelob Ultra	95	4.2%	2.6g	Smooth, light malt flavor
Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty IPA	95	4.0%	3.6g	Fruity hops with a dry finish
Miller Lite	96	4.2%	3.2g	Light-bodied, balanced taste
Lagunitas DayTime IPA	98	4.0%	3g	Light IPA with bold, hoppy flavor
Coors Light	102	4.2%	5g	Refreshing with subtle maltiness

The Non-Alcoholic Alternative

For those seeking the absolute minimum in calories, non-alcoholic (NA) beers are an excellent choice. Many NA beers contain significantly fewer calories than their alcoholic counterparts. For example, a Heineken 0.0 has 69 calories compared to a regular Heineken's 139. NA craft options like Athletic Brewing's Run Wild IPA also offer robust flavor with minimal calories, around 65 per can.

Conclusion

While Budweiser Select 55 generally holds the title for the lowest-calorie beer, the best choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences for flavor and alcohol content. The market for low-calorie options has expanded dramatically, offering everything from ultra-light lagers to flavorful session IPAs. By considering both ABV and carbohydrate content, you can find a beer that perfectly fits your dietary goals without sacrificing your enjoyment. Remember, moderation is always key when incorporating alcoholic beverages into a healthy lifestyle. For further reading on beer nutrition, check out resources like Verywell Fit's comprehensive guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Budweiser Select 55 is widely regarded as the lowest calorie beer, containing just 55 calories per 12-ounce serving. It achieves this with a very low alcohol content of 2.4%.

Most light beers are low in carbs, but some vary. Options like Michelob Ultra are known for being both low-calorie and low-carb, whereas some flavored light beers can have higher carb and sugar content.

For the most part, yes. Since alcohol is a primary calorie source in beer, a lower ABV will almost always result in a lower calorie count. However, some light beers can have moderate ABV while still being low-calorie due to having very few carbs, like Bud Light Next.

Guinness Draught is surprisingly low in calories compared to many darker or craft beers. At around 125 calories per 12-ounce serving, it is a relatively moderate choice, though not as low as the lightest options.

Several craft breweries now offer excellent low-calorie options that are full of flavor. Examples include Lagunitas DayTime IPA and Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty IPA, which pack a hoppy, fruity punch with around 95-98 calories per serving.

Yes, non-alcoholic (NA) beers typically have significantly fewer calories than standard or light beers because they lack the high-calorie alcohol content. Many NA beers fall well below 100 calories per serving.

Yes. Even low-calorie beer contributes to your overall daily caloric intake. If you consume more calories than you burn, regardless of the source, you can still gain weight. Moderation is key.