What's the Lowest Calorie Beer You Can Get?

November 14, 2025 •

2 min read

According to NHS figures, an average pint of standard beer contains around 240 calories, roughly the same as a Mars bar. If you're looking to cut down on calories, finding the lowest calorie beer you can get is key to enjoying a drink without derailing your health goals.

Quick Summary

A comprehensive guide detailing the lowest-calorie beer options available, including ultra-light, non-alcoholic, and popular light beers. This overview provides calorie counts, ABV, and carb information for top brands, helping you find a brew that fits your dietary needs and taste preferences.

Key Points

Budweiser Select 55 often ranks lowest: Budweiser Select 55 is typically considered among the lowest calorie beers.
Non-alcoholic beers are very low in calories: Non-alcoholic options like Heineken 0.0 are low-calorie alternatives.
Lower ABV often means fewer calories: A beer's lower alcohol content is a key factor in its low calorie count.
Popular light beers balance taste and calories: Brands such as Michelob Ultra and Corona Premier offer a compromise between flavor and calorie reduction.
Craft brewers are developing low-calorie options: The craft beer movement is introducing new low-calorie beers with good flavor.
Moderation is essential: Even with low-calorie choices, enjoying beer in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle is recommended.

Discovering the Ultra-Lightest Beers

When searching for the absolute lowest calorie beer you can get, focus on 'ultra-light' and non-alcoholic options. These beers reduce calories by lowering alcohol content and carbohydrates, resulting in less than 70 calories per 12-ounce serving. Budweiser Select 55 is often cited as the lowest, with just 55 calories, while Miller 64 has 64 calories.

The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Options

A significant source of calories in beer is alcohol. Non-alcoholic beers eliminate or reduce this, making them very low in calories. For instance, Heineken 0.0 contains only 69 calories per 330ml bottle, much less than standard lager. Many craft breweries now offer flavorful non-alcoholic alternatives with minimal calories.

Popular Light Beers vs. the Ultra-Low

Popular light beers offer a balance of flavor and lower calories, typically between 70-100 calories. Michelob Ultra and Corona Premier are well-known examples.

Comparing Calorie and Carb Content

For a detailed comparison of low-calorie beer options including calories, ABV, and carbs, please refer to {Link: getlabtest.com https://www.getlabtest.com/news/post/lowest-calorie-beer-guide}.

Making Your Choice: Factors Beyond Calories

Choosing a low-calorie beer involves more than just the calorie count; taste, alcohol by volume (ABV), and ingredients matter. Some ultra-light options may lack flavor. However, non-alcoholic craft beers are improving in this regard. Higher ABV generally correlates with more calories. Lower ABV beers like Budweiser Select 55 and Heineken 0.0 are naturally lower in calories. Moderation is crucial regardless of calorie count, and pairing low-calorie beer with a healthy lifestyle is key. Consult a medical professional for specific health conditions.

The Evolution of Low-Calorie Brewing

Consumer demand for healthier options has driven significant changes in the beer industry. Since the 'light beer' trend of the 1970s, brewers now use advanced techniques to create low-calorie beers with improved flavor. Methods include reducing fermentable sugars, using different yeast strains, and innovative hop varieties. Craft breweries offer diverse, flavorful low-calorie options beyond major brands.

For more information on beer, diet, and health, the National Institutes of Health is a valuable resource.

Conclusion

The lowest calorie beer options include ultra-lights like Budweiser Select 55 and non-alcoholic choices such as Heineken 0.0. Your ideal choice depends on your preference for calories, flavor, or a combination. To make an informed decision that suits your dietary needs and tastes, consider factors beyond just calorie count and remember that moderation is always key.

Frequently Asked Questions

The absolute lowest calorie beer is typically Budweiser Select 55, which contains just 55 calories per 12-ounce serving. Non-alcoholic options like Heineken 0.0 are also extremely low, with around 69 calories.

While most light beers are lower in calories than their standard counterparts, the calorie count varies significantly. Some, like Michelob Ultra, are very low (95 calories), while others might be closer to 110 calories per 12 oz.

Calories in beer come primarily from alcohol and carbohydrates. The alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage and the number of carbohydrates are the main factors used to determine the total calorie count.

Yes, non-alcoholic beer still contains calories, mainly from residual sugars and carbohydrates left after the brewing process. For example, Heineken 0.0 has 69 calories per 330ml.

For weight loss, the best option is one that fits your calorie goals while satisfying your taste. Ultra-light beers like Budweiser Select 55 and Miller 64 are the lowest, but flavorful, sub-100-calorie craft IPAs are also available if you prefer more taste.

While not as low as ultra-light options, Guinness Draught is surprisingly moderate in calories for a stout, containing around 125 calories per 12-ounce serving. This is less than many standard lagers.

Some ultra-light beers are criticized for a lack of flavor due to reduced alcohol and carbohydrates. However, many modern low-calorie and non-alcoholic options from craft breweries use advanced techniques to maintain a robust flavor profile.