What's the best low calorie beer? A Nutritional Guide

October 5, 2025 •

3 min read

While a regular beer can easily contain over 150 calories per 12-ounce serving, many light options provide less than 100 calories, a significant difference for those mindful of their intake. Finding what's the best low calorie beer depends on balancing your specific dietary goals with your personal flavor preferences.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of top low-calorie beer options, spanning ultra-light, macro, and craft varieties. It details how brewers reduce calories, offers a nutritional comparison table, and explores how to choose the right beer based on individual diet and taste.

Key Points

Mindful Moderation: Drinking low-calorie beer in moderation is key to maintaining a healthy diet and weight.
Alcohol is Key: The biggest factor in a beer's calorie count is its alcohol by volume (ABV), as alcohol contains almost twice the calories per gram as carbohydrates.
Ultra-Low Options Exist: Brands like Budweiser Select 55 and Miller 64 offer the absolute lowest calorie counts for those prioritizing minimal intake.
Flavorful Alternatives: The craft beer market now provides low-calorie, flavorful options like Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty, proving low-cal doesn't have to mean low-taste.
Non-Alcoholic for Zero-Proof: For zero alcohol and very few calories, options like Athletic Brewing's Lite and Guinness 0.0% offer guilt-free enjoyment.
Consider the 'Hidden' Calories: Be mindful of the calories in alcohol itself; even low-calorie beer still contributes to daily caloric intake without providing nutrients.

The Science Behind Low-Calorie Brewing

For health-conscious individuals, understanding how beer is made and where its calories originate is key to making informed choices. Calories in beer come mainly from two sources: alcohol and carbohydrates, which are residual sugars leftover after fermentation. Since alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, higher alcohol by volume (ABV) beers naturally contain more calories.

To reduce the calorie count, brewers use several techniques:

Reducing ABV: Simply lowering the alcohol content is the most direct way to cut calories. Many ultra-light beers have an ABV of 3-4%.
Extended Fermentation: Using specific yeasts or adding enzymes helps break down more fermentable sugars.
Ingredient Selection: Brewers may use fermentable sugars like rice or corn syrup or ingredients like monk fruit to add body without calories.

Macro and Craft Low-Calorie Options

The market for low-calorie beer has expanded beyond traditional macro-brews to include flavorful craft options and non-alcoholic alternatives. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize the absolute lowest calorie count, flavor complexity, or a no-alcohol experience.

Top Ultra-Light Beers (Under 70 Calories)

For drinkers who want the bare minimum in calories, these options sacrifice some alcohol content but remain refreshing. Examples include Budweiser Select 55 (55 calories, 1.9g carbs), Miller 64 (64 calories, 2.4g carbs), and Molson Ultra (70 calories).

Popular Light Beers (70-100 Calories)

These strike a balance between flavor and calorie reduction. Noteworthy options include Michelob Ultra (95 calories, 2.6g carbs), Corona Premier (90 calories, 2.6g carbs), Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty (95 calories, 3.6g carbs), and surprisingly, Guinness Draught (about 125 calories).

Flavor-Forward Craft and Non-Alcoholic Selections

For those prioritizing taste or avoiding alcohol, modern brewing offers alternatives. Craft brands like Dogfish Head and Lagunitas offer light IPAs with complex flavors in a low-cal package. Non-alcoholic options like Athletic Brewing Co.'s "Athletic Lite" (25 calories) and Guinness 0.0% provide a zero-alcohol, low-calorie choice.

How to Choose the Right Low-Calorie Beer

When picking a beer, consider your taste preferences, nutritional goals (calories and carbs), ABV, and the social setting. Lower ABV generally means fewer calories, and checking carb counts is important for low-carb diets.

The Low-Calorie Beer Comparison Table


Brand	Calories (12 oz)	Carbs (12 oz)	ABV	Tasting Notes	Reference
Budweiser Select 55	55	1.9g	2.4%	Light-bodied, crisp, clean
Miller 64 Extra Light	64	2.4g	2.8%	Fresh, crisp, light
Michelob Ultra	95	2.6g	4.2%	Crisp, light malt, refreshing
Corona Premier	90	2.6g	4.0%	Crisp, mild citrus, smooth
Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty	95	3.6g	4.0%	Hoppy, tropical (pineapple, mango, citrus)
Guinness Draught	125*	10g	4.2%	Creamy, roasted malt, chocolate
Bud Light Next	80	0g	4.0%	Light, smooth, hint of sweetness

Note: Guinness Draught has a higher calorie count but is included for its surprisingly low number relative to other stouts.

Important Considerations for Alcohol and Your Diet

All alcohol contains 'empty' calories with little nutritional value. Moderate drinking, defined by the CDC as up to one drink per day for women and two for men, is recommended to minimize health impacts. Drinking with food can also help manage appetite and slow alcohol absorption.

Conclusion

The best low-calorie beer is a matter of personal preference, considering taste, ABV, and calorie content. Options range from ultra-light lagers to flavorful craft IPAs and non-alcoholic brews. Enjoying these in moderation allows for fitting beer into your nutritional goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, light beer typically has a less robust flavor profile compared to regular beer due to its lower alcohol and carbohydrate content. Brewers may use specific techniques to retain flavor, but the taste is generally lighter and crisper.

Among common options, Budweiser Select 55 is one of the lowest, with just 55 calories per 12-ounce serving. Many non-alcoholic beers can be even lower in calories.

Not necessarily. Many low-calorie beers are brewed from grains that contain gluten. However, some brands, like Omission, specialize in gluten-free beer options, which may also be low in calories.

Beers like Bud Light Next achieve zero carbs by using advanced brewing processes and specific yeasts that break down nearly all the fermentable sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, leaving no residual carbohydrates.

No, this is a common misconception. The primary determinant of a beer's calorie content is its alcohol level, not its color. Guinness Draught is a notable dark stout that is relatively low in calories compared to many standard lagers and IPAs.

Yes, you can include low-calorie beer in a diet as long as it is done in moderation and factored into your overall calorie count. The key is mindful consumption to avoid overindulgence.

A 'session IPA' is a style of IPA with a lower alcohol content, making it suitable for longer drinking sessions. These beers often have fewer calories than their higher-ABV IPA counterparts.