What type of beer has the fewest calories? Your Guide to Lighter Brews

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the calorie content in beer can range dramatically, from as low as 55 calories in an ultra-light variety to over 300 in a heavy brew. If you're looking to minimize your caloric intake while enjoying a cold one, understanding what type of beer has the fewest calories is key to making a smarter choice.

Quick Summary

Non-alcoholic and ultra-light beers typically have the lowest calorie counts, with some options containing as few as 55 calories per 12-ounce serving. Calories in beer are primarily derived from alcohol and carbohydrates, with lower ABV and reduced sugar content resulting in fewer calories overall.

Key Points

Non-Alcoholic (NA) beers have the fewest calories: With the alcohol removed, NA beers typically contain between 20 and 70 calories per 12-ounce serving.
Ultra-light lagers are the leanest alcoholic option: Brands like Budweiser Select 55 (55 calories) and Miller 64 (64 calories) offer minimal calories due to very low ABV and carb counts.
Alcohol content is the main calorie driver: A beer's ABV (alcohol by volume) is the most significant factor in its calorie total, with higher ABV beers having more calories.
Standard light beers are a good middle ground: Most popular light lagers like Michelob Ultra and Miller Lite contain 95-110 calories per serving, offering a balance of flavor and fewer calories.
Be mindful of serving sizes: A large draft pint can contain significantly more calories than a standard 12-ounce bottle, even for the same beer style.
Check labels for ABV and carbs: For the most accurate information on a specific beer's calorie content, look for nutritional information on the packaging or the brewery's website.

The Science Behind Beer Calories

To understand which beer is the leanest, you need to know where the calories come from. The two primary sources of calories in beer are alcohol and residual carbohydrates (sugars). Alcohol is particularly calorie-dense, providing about 7 calories per gram—almost as much as fat. Therefore, a beer's alcohol by volume (ABV) is the most significant factor in its calorie count. Beers with higher ABVs, such as imperial stouts or double IPAs, are naturally more calorific than standard lagers or light beers.

Carbohydrates, which include sugars that weren't fully fermented by the yeast, also contribute to the final calorie total. Brewing techniques can be adjusted to reduce both ABV and residual carbs, resulting in lower-calorie products.

The Lowest Calorie Beer Types

Non-Alcoholic (NA) Beer

Without a doubt, non-alcoholic (NA) beers consistently offer the lowest calorie counts. Because most of the alcohol is removed, the most significant source of calories is eliminated. Many NA options contain between 20 and 70 calories per 12-ounce serving, with some brands like Surreal Natural Bridges Kolsch Style boasting as few as 17 calories. However, some NA brews may have higher carbohydrate counts to maintain body and flavor, so it is always wise to check the nutritional information.

Ultra-Light Lagers

For those who still want a little alcohol, ultra-light lagers are the next best thing. These beers are specifically engineered to be low in both alcohol and carbohydrates. They offer a very minimal calorie count, often under 70 calories for a 12-ounce portion. Examples of these options include Budweiser Select 55 (55 calories) and Miller 64 Extra Light (64 calories). The trade-off is a lighter, sometimes less complex flavor profile compared to regular beers.

Standard Light Lagers

Moving slightly up the calorie scale are standard light lagers. This is the most common and widely available category of reduced-calorie beer. They typically hover in the 95 to 110 calorie range for a 12-ounce serving and offer a more familiar, traditional lager taste than their ultra-light counterparts. Popular choices include Michelob Ultra (95 calories), Miller Lite (96 calories), and Coors Light (102 calories).

Making Your Choice: A Comparison Table

Below is a comparison of typical calorie counts for a standard 12-ounce serving across different beer types:


Beer Type	Example	Approximate Calories (12 oz)	Primary Calorie Source	Notes
Non-Alcoholic	Surreal Natural Bridges	17-70	Carbohydrates	Alcohol removed, lowest calorie option.
Ultra-Light Lager	Budweiser Select 55	55-70	Alcohol & Carbs	Very low ABV and carb count.
Standard Light Lager	Michelob Ultra	95-110	Alcohol & Carbs	Moderate ABV, reduced carbs.
Regular Lager	Budweiser	140-160	Alcohol & Carbs	Higher ABV and carbohydrate content.
Session IPA	Lagunitas DayTime	100-150	Alcohol & Carbs	Lower ABV than regular IPAs, more flavorful.
Craft IPA	Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing	200-250	Alcohol & Carbs	High ABV and complex ingredients.
Heavy Stouts/Porters	Bell's Porter	180-250+	Alcohol & Carbs	Higher ABV and residual sugars from roasted malts.

Practical Tips for Reducing Beer Calories

Keeping your calorie intake in check doesn't mean you have to give up beer entirely. By following a few simple strategies, you can enjoy your brew without overindulging.

Read the label: The ABV is a powerful indicator. The lower the alcohol content, the fewer calories. If nutritional information is available, check for both ABV and carbohydrates.
Choose smaller portions: Simply opting for a bottle instead of a large draft pint can significantly reduce your calorie consumption per sitting.
Hydrate with water: Drinking a glass of water between beers can help slow your pace and increase your feeling of fullness, reducing your overall alcohol and calorie intake.
Explore non-alcoholic and ultra-light options: Give these varieties a try. Thanks to modern brewing methods, many taste profiles have improved significantly and can be surprisingly enjoyable.
Beware of draft pours: At restaurants and bars, draft servings have increased over the years. A 16-20 ounce glass can easily add 200-250 calories or more, so be mindful of the size you order.

The Health-Conscious Breweries

Several breweries now focus on creating lower-calorie and lower-alcohol options, from mainstream companies to craft breweries. This has given consumers a wider variety of lighter, yet flavorful, beers to choose from. Brands like Dogfish Head and Lagunitas have released popular lower-calorie versions of their flagship styles, proving that taste doesn't have to be sacrificed for a lighter brew.

Conclusion

For those watching their caloric intake, the best option for the fewest calories is a non-alcoholic beer. If you prefer a brew with some alcohol, ultra-light lagers such as Budweiser Select 55 or Miller 64 offer the next lowest counts. When choosing any beer, remember that alcohol content is the biggest calorie driver, so a lower ABV is a reliable indicator of a lighter drink. By being mindful of your choices and consumption habits, you can find a lighter brew that fits your dietary goals while still enjoying the rich world of beer.

Center for Science in the Public Interest: Alcoholic Beverages Calorie Count

Frequently Asked Questions

The lowest calorie alcoholic beers are typically ultra-light lagers, such as Budweiser Select 55 (55 calories) and Miller 64 Extra Light (64 calories) per 12-ounce serving.

Yes, non-alcoholic beers contain calories, but usually far fewer than their alcoholic counterparts. Calories in NA beers come from the carbohydrates (residual sugars) remaining after the brewing process. Some can have as few as 17 calories.

A beer's calorie count is primarily determined by its alcohol and carbohydrate content. Beers with a higher Alcohol by Volume (ABV) and more residual sugars will have a higher calorie count.

While not always, craft beers often have higher calorie counts than mainstream commercial beers. This is because they frequently have higher ABVs and contain more residual sugars from complex malts and ingredients.

Surprisingly, a 12-ounce serving of Guinness Draught is relatively low in calories for a dark stout, at around 130 calories. This is because it has a modest 4.2% ABV compared to other heavy stouts.

To reduce beer calories, opt for non-alcoholic or light beer, choose smaller portion sizes (like a bottle instead of a large draft), and hydrate with water between drinks to slow your consumption.

Alcohol is the more significant contributor to a beer's calorie count, providing 7 calories per gram compared to carbohydrates' 4 calories per gram. This is why ABV is the most direct indicator of a beer's calorie density.