What is the lowest calorie regular beer?

January 1, 2026 •

2 min read

With more than 55 calories, Budweiser Select 55 is one of the lowest-calorie beers available. The lowest calorie regular beer is often a light beer, but the exact winner can vary based on your definition of "regular" and your desired alcohol content.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the lowest-calorie beer options, explaining the difference between ultra-light and popular light choices. It examines the calorie-alcohol relationship and how brewing methods impact nutrition, offering a comprehensive comparison to help you choose a beer that fits your dietary goals.

Key Points

Lowest Calorie Contender: Budweiser Select 55 is one of the lowest-calorie beers available, with just 55 calories per 12-ounce serving.
Ultra-Light vs. Popular Light: Ultra-light beers like Miller64 (64 calories) offer the absolute minimum calories, while popular light options like Michelob Ultra (95 calories) balance flavor with a low-calorie profile.
Alcohol and Calories: Beer calories primarily come from alcohol and carbohydrates, meaning beers with lower ABV tend to have fewer calories.
Brewing Methods Matter: Brewers can reduce calories through longer fermentation times or using specific ingredients, which affects the final calorie and carbohydrate count.
Consider Your Preference: Your personal best choice depends on whether you prioritize the absolute lowest calorie count or a balance of flavor and moderate calories, so comparing options is key.

Understanding the Calories in Beer

Beer calories primarily come from alcohol and carbohydrates, with alcohol contributing about 7 calories per gram. Higher alcohol by volume (ABV) typically means a higher calorie count. Brewers can reduce calories by limiting residual sugar after fermentation.

The Difference Between Regular and Light Beer

Generally, light beer has fewer calories and less alcohol than standard beer, though the term lacks a strict legal definition. A "regular" beer with low ABV can still be low in calories. Some brews balance low calories with flavor through careful ingredients and extended fermentation.

The Contenders for the Lowest Calorie Beer

Ultra-light options are typically the lowest-calorie beers. Some contenders include Budweiser Select 55, Miller64, Corona Premier, Michelob Ultra, and Tennent's Light. Details on calorie counts and ABV can be found on {Link: getlabtest.com https://www.getlabtest.com/news/post/lowest-calorie-beer-guide} and other brand websites {Link: Molson Coors https://www.molsoncoors.com/brands/our-brands/miller64-extra-light?region=951} {Link: Corona USA https://www.coronausa.com/pages/corona-premier} {Link: Michelob ULTRA https://www.michelobultra.com/products/beers/michelob-ultra}.

Comparing Popular Light Beers

A comparison of calorie and carbohydrate content (per 12 oz) for popular low-calorie beers is provided below:


Beer Name	Calories (12 oz)	Carbs (g)	ABV (%)	Flavor Profile
Budweiser Select 55	55	1.9	2.4	Very light, crisp
Miller64	64	2.4	2.8	Light, clean, subtle sweetness
Corona Premier	90	2.6	4.0	Crisp, refreshing, mild citrus notes
Michelob Ultra	95	2.6	4.2	Light, subtle citrus aroma, crisp finish
Miller Lite	96	3.2	4.2	Light-bodied, balanced, classic lager flavor
Coors Light	102	5.0	4.2	Refreshing, subtle maltiness

Beyond the Big Brands

Craft breweries are also developing low-calorie options using techniques that reduce calories while preserving flavor. Examples are mentioned as SkinnyBrands Lager and Brewdog’s Lightspeed Hazy IPA.

How to Choose Your Lowest Calorie Beer

It is important to consider both the calorie count and the ABV when choosing a beer. Experimenting with different options from the comparison table can help determine your preferred balance of taste, alcohol content, and calorie level. For further information on beer nutrition, the Beer Connoisseur is a helpful source.

The Role of Brewing in Calorie Content

Brewing techniques, such as longer fermentation periods to allow more sugar consumption by yeast or the use of adjuncts like corn or rice, can lead to lower calorie and carbohydrate levels. Non-alcoholic beers also contain very few calories because they lack alcohol.

Conclusion

While beers like Budweiser Select 55 are among the lowest in calories, the ideal choice depends on individual taste and desired ABV. The market offers numerous low-calorie beers, allowing consumers to find one that aligns with their dietary goals and preferences. Understanding how calories are determined and comparing various brands facilitates an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Budweiser Select 55 is one of the beers with the fewest calories, containing just 55 calories per 12-ounce serving.

Yes, Michelob Ultra has 95 calories per 12 oz. serving, which is fewer than many other popular light beers like Bud Light (110 calories) and Coors Light (102 calories).

Ultra-light beers, such as Budweiser Select 55 or Miller64, are specifically engineered for the absolute lowest calorie count, often resulting in a lighter flavor and a lower ABV. Regular light beers, like Michelob Ultra or Miller Lite, offer a slightly fuller flavor with a higher ABV but still remain significantly lower in calories than standard lagers.

Yes, many craft breweries now produce excellent low-calorie beers, including session IPAs and light lagers, by using innovative brewing techniques and flavor-forward hops.

Non-alcoholic beers are typically very low in calories because alcohol is a major source of calories in beer. For example, Heineken 0.0 has significantly fewer calories than its full-strength counterpart.

The main factors influencing calorie content are alcohol by volume (ABV) and residual carbohydrates. Stronger beers and those with a higher sugar content after fermentation will have more calories.

No, a beer's color is not a reliable indicator of its calorie content. Darker beers like Guinness Draught are often surprisingly low in calories, while some lighter beers can have higher calorie counts depending on their brewing process and ingredients.