What has the lowest calories in beer?

One gram of alcohol contains 7 calories, which is almost as many as a gram of fat. This is why alcohol content is a primary driver of calories in any beer. Understanding this is key to finding what has the lowest calories in beer and making an informed choice for your dietary goals.

Quick Summary

The beer with the absolute lowest calories is typically a very low-alcohol or non-alcoholic brew. Budweiser Select 55 and Miller 64 offer the lowest options for alcoholic beer, with many popular light lagers following close behind. Alcohol and carbohydrate content are the main factors determining a beer's calorie count.

Key Points

• Lowest Calorie Contenders: Budweiser Select 55 (55 calories) and Miller 64 (64 calories) are the lightest alcoholic beers available.

• Non-Alcoholic Options : Non-alcoholic beers like Athletic Lite and Guinness 0 offer the lowest overall calorie counts, often under 70 calories per 12 oz.

• Primary Calorie Source: The main source of calories in beer is alcohol, followed by carbohydrates; lower ABV means fewer calories.

• Popular Light Beers: Options like Michelob Ultra (95 cal), Corona Premier (90 cal), and Miller Lite (96 cal) provide a balance of flavor and fewer calories.

• The Craft Compromise: For flavorful, hoppy beer, some craft breweries produce session IPAs like Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty (95 cal) and Lagunitas DayTime (98 cal) with reduced calories.

• How to Choose: Prioritize based on whether you want the absolute lowest calories, a balance of flavor, or an alcohol-free experience.

Understanding Calories in Beer

Most people know that beer can contribute significantly to their daily calorie intake, but few understand the source. The calories in beer primarily come from two components: alcohol and carbohydrates. Alcohol, containing 7 calories per gram, is the most significant contributor. This is why higher ABV (Alcohol By Volume) beers, like IPAs or stouts, tend to be more calorific than standard lagers. The remaining calories come from residual sugars and carbs left over after the fermentation process. To produce a lower-calorie beer, brewers must reduce either the alcohol content, the carbohydrate content, or both.

The Rise of Light and Ultra-Light Beers

In recent decades, the brewing industry has responded to consumer demand for healthier options by creating a wide range of light and ultra-light beers. These products are specifically engineered to minimize caloric intake without completely sacrificing flavor. They typically achieve this through a modified brewing process that reduces fermentation time or uses special yeasts to consume more of the fermentable sugars.

The Absolute Lowest Calorie Alcoholic Beer

For those seeking the absolute lowest calorie alcoholic options, the focus is on brews designed for minimal caloric impact. Budweiser Select 55 stands out with just 55 calories and 2.4% ABV per 12 oz serving. Miller 64 is another ultra-light option, containing 64 calories and 2.8% ABV per 12 oz. These beers prioritize calorie reduction significantly.

Popular Low-Calorie Beer Options

A variety of popular light beers offer a good balance of taste and reduced calories. Michelob Ultra is a well-known choice with 95 calories and 2.6g of carbs per 12 oz (4.2% ABV). Corona Premier offers a crisp option with 90 calories and 2.6g of carbs. Miller Lite provides 96 calories and 3.2g of carbs, while Coors Light has 102 calories and 5g of carbs.

Low-Calorie Craft and Non-Alcoholic Alternatives

The market now includes low-calorie craft beers and non-alcoholic (NA) options, offering some of the lowest calorie counts overall. Examples of low-calorie craft beers include Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty IPA (95 calories, 3.6g carbs) and Lagunitas DayTime (98 calories, 3g carbs). For NA options, Athletic Lite has only 25 calories and 5g of carbs, while Guinness 0 offers a low-calorie stout experience with about 60 calories and 13.5g of carbs.

How to Choose the Right Low-Calorie Beer for You

When choosing a low-calorie beer, consider whether your priority is the absolute lowest calorie count, a balance of flavor, or an alcohol-free option. Ultra-light or non-alcoholic beers are lowest in calories, while light lagers and session IPAs offer a compromise. Pay attention to carbohydrate counts, especially for low-carb diets.

Low-Calorie Beer Comparison Table (Per 12 oz Serving)

Beer Name	Calories	ABV	Carbs	Flavor Profile
Budweiser Select 55	55	2.4%	1.9g	Very light, almost watery
Miller 64	64	2.8%	2.4g	Crisp and extra light
Michelob Ultra	95	4.2%	2.6g	Crisp, light malt flavor
Corona Premier	90	4.0%	2.6g	Crisp with mild citrus notes
Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty IPA	95	4.0%	3.6g	Fruity, hoppy with a dry finish
Guinness 0 (NA)	~60	0.0%	~13.5g	Rich, roasted coffee & chocolate
Athletic Lite (NA)	25	<0.5%	5g	Clean, light lager

Conclusion

For those wondering what has the lowest calories in beer, very low-alcohol or non-alcoholic options, such as Budweiser Select 55 and Athletic Lite, are top contenders. The lowest calorie counts result from reducing both alcohol and carbohydrates. Many popular light lagers and craft session IPAs offer a balance of flavor and lower calories. The best low-calorie beer depends on individual taste and dietary goals. You can find nutritional information on brewery websites or labels, keeping alcohol content in mind for calorie reduction. For more on alcohol and health, consult resources like the NHS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which beer is the lowest in calories with alcohol?

Budweiser Select 55 is typically cited as one of the lowest-calorie alcoholic beers available, containing just 55 calories per 12-ounce serving.

Why do non-alcoholic beers have fewer calories?

Non-alcoholic beers have fewer calories primarily because they lack the high-calorie alcohol component. Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, so removing it dramatically reduces the overall calorie count.

What is the difference between Michelob Ultra and Budweiser Select 55?

Michelob Ultra has more calories (95) and a higher alcohol content (4.2% ABV) than Budweiser Select 55 (55 calories, 2.4% ABV). This results in Michelob Ultra having a more traditional, balanced beer taste compared to the lighter Select 55.

Are all light beers low in carbs?

Not all light beers are low in carbs. While many have reduced carbs, some non-alcoholic or lighter versions may still contain a moderate amount of carbohydrates, so it's important to check the nutrition label for specific carb counts.

Do low-calorie craft beers taste good?

Yes, many low-calorie craft beers are specifically engineered to maximize flavor while minimizing calories. Brands like Dogfish Head and Lagunitas have successfully created low-calorie IPAs that retain their characteristic hoppy and fruity notes.

Is Guinness Draught surprisingly low in calories?

Yes, for a dark stout, Guinness Draught is relatively low in calories, with around 125 calories per 12-ounce serving. This is less than many standard lagers and IPAs.

How can I find the calorie count of a specific beer?

For beers in the US, you can often find nutritional information on the product label. Additionally, many breweries list nutritional details for all their products on their official websites.