What is the Lightest Alcoholic Beer?

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

In 2010, AB InBev's Budweiser Select 55 was introduced and widely billed as the world's lightest beer. As a product of the brewing giant behind the Budweiser brands, it offers a famously low calorie count and low ABV, answering the question, 'What is the lightest alcoholic beer?' for many drinkers.

Quick Summary

An exploration of the lightest alcoholic beers reveals that the answer depends on whether you prioritize low calories or low alcohol by volume (ABV). American light lagers often target low calories, while other regions focus on low-ABV brews. Different brewing techniques result in a range of light options for health-conscious and casual drinkers.

Key Points

Budweiser Select 55 is historically known as one of the lightest: Clocking in at just 55 calories and 2.4% ABV, it's a frontrunner for the lowest calorie and alcohol content among major brands.
'Light' means different things: In the U.S., 'light' typically refers to low calories and carbs, whereas in the UK, it often means low alcohol by volume (ABV).
Non-alcoholic beers are the absolute lightest: True 0.0% ABV beers are the lightest by alcohol content, with many popular brands delivering great flavor with no alcohol.
Session beers offer low ABV and good flavor: Craft breweries are focusing on flavorful, lower-ABV 'session beers' (3-4.5% ABV) that are easy to drink for longer periods.
Lighter beers are made with special techniques: Brewers reduce calories and ABV by using adjuncts like rice or corn, adding enzymes, and even diluting the final product with water.
Check the label for the full story: For accurate information, always check both the calorie count and the ABV on a beer's label, as low calories and low ABV don't always go hand-in-hand.

The quest for the 'lightest' beer can lead to two different paths: one focused on the lowest calorie count and the other on the lowest alcohol by volume (ABV). While the two often correlate, they are not always the same, and understanding the nuances is key for both the casual drinker and the health-conscious connoisseur.

Low-Calorie vs. Low-ABV: The Defining Difference

In the American market, the term 'light beer' is most often associated with fewer calories and carbohydrates, a result of specific brewing techniques. In contrast, a low-ABV beer is one designed for 'sessionable' drinking, where the goal is to have multiple drinks without a high level of intoxication. For example, the ABV for Bud Light in the UK is 3.5%, while in the U.S. it is higher, around 4.2%. This difference in market focus is a crucial point when assessing which is truly the lightest alcoholic beer.

Brewing Techniques for Lighter Beers

Brewers achieve a lighter product through several methods, targeting both calorie and ABV reduction. One common approach is using adjuncts like rice or corn in addition to the traditional malted barley. These fermentable sugars are converted more efficiently, leaving fewer residual carbohydrates in the final product. Another method involves adding exogenous enzymes to break down virtually all carbohydrates, creating a very light, low-carb beer. In some cases, a higher-alcohol base beer is simply diluted with water to reach the desired ABV and calorie count.

American Light Lagers: The Calorie Kings

For those primarily focused on calorie reduction, certain American light lagers have historically dominated the market. Budweiser Select 55 and Miller 64 are two well-known examples engineered to offer minimal calories. However, in recent years, craft breweries have also entered the space, providing low-calorie options that do not sacrifice flavor.

Comparison of Leading Light Beers


Beer Name	Brand	ABV	Calories (per 12oz)	Carbs (per 12oz)	Primary Focus
Budweiser Select 55	Anheuser-Busch	2.4%	55	1.9g	Calories
Miller 64	Miller Brewing	2.8%	64	2.4g	Calories
Michelob Ultra	Anheuser-Busch	4.2%	95	2.6g	Calories/Carbs
Bell's Light-Hearted IPA	Bell's Brewery	3.7%	110	8.7g	ABV/Flavor
Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty IPA	Dogfish Head	4.0%	95	3.6g	Calories/Flavor
Goose Island So Lo	Goose Island Beer Co.	3.0%	98	8.4g	ABV/Flavor

The Rise of Low-ABV and Session Beers

Beyond the macro-brews, the craft beer world has embraced the concept of 'session beers'—lower-alcohol brews that allow for extended drinking. These often range from 3% to 4.5% ABV and prioritize flavor over an extremely low-calorie count. Examples include session IPAs, grisettes, and German leichtbiers. A grisette, for example, is a Belgian-style beer similar to a saison but at a lower ABV, offering complexity without the heavy alcohol content.

Notable Session Beer Examples

Evil Twin Bikini Beer (2.7% ABV): A crisp and flavorful craft option that keeps the alcohol and calories down.
Jester King Le Petit Prince (2.9% ABV): A farmhouse-style beer that is refreshing and complex for its low ABV.
Notch Brewing Pils (4.0% ABV): This pilsner shows that a sessionable beer can still deliver the character of a classic style.

The Lightest of All: Non-Alcoholic and 'True 0.0%' Beers

For those seeking the absolute lightest option, non-alcoholic and alcohol-free beers are the answer. Non-alcoholic beers legally contain less than 0.5% ABV, while true alcohol-free options boast a 0.0% ABV. Advances in brewing have significantly improved the taste of these alternatives, making them a viable choice for enjoying a beer flavor with no alcoholic kick. Brands like Athletic Brewing, Lagunitas (with its Freewave IPA), and Lucky Saint offer popular options in this category.

Conclusion: Defining 'Lightest'

Ultimately, what constitutes the "lightest" alcoholic beer depends on the consumer's primary goal. Is it the lowest calorie count for health-conscious drinking, or the lowest ABV for sessionability? For the absolute lightest option, a non-alcoholic or alcohol-free beer is the clear winner, with some even offering a full-bodied flavor profile. For those seeking a low-calorie traditional experience, brands like Budweiser Select 55 and Miller 64 offer well-established options. Finally, for flavor-focused enthusiasts, the growing world of session beers provides a rich landscape of low-ABV brews that don't compromise on character. The best approach is to check the label for both ABV and calorie information to find the beer that aligns with your personal definition of 'lightest.' For a comprehensive guide on different beer styles, visit the Craft Beer & Brewing website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Budweiser Select 55 is widely recognized as one of the lowest-calorie alcoholic beers available, with only 55 calories per 12-ounce serving.

In the U.S., light beer typically has a slightly lower alcohol content compared to its regular counterpart, but the primary focus is reduced calories and carbs. However, dedicated low-ABV beers have significantly less alcohol.

A light beer is defined by having fewer calories and carbohydrates than a standard beer. A low-alcohol beer, also known as a session beer, is defined by its lower ABV, typically 3% to 4.5%.

Light beers are often brewed using adjuncts like rice or corn and specific enzymes that help yeast convert more sugars into alcohol during fermentation. This leaves fewer residual carbohydrates and, therefore, fewer calories in the final product.

A session beer is a brew with a low alcohol by volume (ABV) that is designed for extended drinking sessions without causing a high level of intoxication. Many session beers offer great flavor despite their lower ABV.

Yes, some dark beers can be lower in calories and alcohol than certain light beers, depending on the brewing process. It's a misconception that all dark beers are heavier. Always check the nutrition information.

No, advances in brewing technology have allowed for the creation of light beers, including session IPAs and light lagers, that offer robust flavor profiles without being watery or bland.