Which alcoholic beer has the least calories? The ultimate guide to low-cal brews

October 27, 2025 •

4 min read

The average pint of a standard 5% ABV beer contains around 215 calories, equivalent to a bag of crisps. For those seeking a lighter alternative, knowing which alcoholic beer has the least calories can help manage weight while still enjoying a beverage in moderation.

Quick Summary

This article explores ultra-light and low-calorie alcoholic beer options, detailing how alcohol content and carbohydrates influence calorie count. It compares popular brands and provides practical tips for making healthier choices while enjoying a brew.

Key Points

Budweiser Select 55 is the lowest: With just 55 calories per 12-ounce serving, it is one of the lightest alcoholic beers available.
ABV and carbs are key: The primary sources of beer calories are alcohol (7 kcal/g) and carbohydrates (4 kcal/g), meaning lower ABV and carb content lead to fewer calories.
Light beers offer balance: Popular light beers like Michelob Ultra (95 calories) and Miller Lite (96 calories) offer a middle ground between flavor and calorie reduction.
Dark beers can be low-cal: Contrary to popular belief, Guinness Draught is surprisingly low in calories (~125 per 12 oz), demonstrating that color does not indicate calorie count.
Moderation is essential: Incorporating light beer into a diet is best done in moderation, alongside a healthy lifestyle, to avoid excessive calorie intake.
Read nutritional labels: For the most accurate calorie information, check the manufacturer's website or the product label, as calorie counts can vary by brand and style.

The Calorie Conundrum in Beer

When it comes to enjoying a beer while being mindful of calorie intake, the sheer variety of options can be overwhelming. The number of calories in a beer is primarily driven by two factors: alcohol content and residual carbohydrates. Alcohol contains roughly 7 calories per gram, nearly twice as much as carbohydrates, which contain about 4 calories per gram. This is why beers with a higher Alcohol by Volume (ABV) typically pack more calories, while lower ABV beers are generally lighter.

Many brewers create 'light' or 'ultra-light' beers by reducing both the alcohol content and the amount of fermentable sugars. This process can be achieved by using different grains or by stopping fermentation earlier. The result is a less calorically dense beverage, though some may perceive a lighter body and taste.

Ultra-Light Beer Options (Under 70 Calories)

For the absolute lowest calorie count, some specific brands stand out. These beers are brewed to be exceptionally light in both alcohol and carbohydrates.

Budweiser Select 55: As its name suggests, this option contains just 55 calories per 12-ounce serving, making it one of the lowest-calorie alcoholic beers on the market. Its ABV is also very low, at 2.4%.
Miller 64: This beer comes in with 64 calories per 12-ounce serving and has a 2.8% ABV, offering another very light choice.
Molson Ultra: With 70 calories per serving, Molson Ultra is a slightly heavier but still very low-calorie option, designed for the health-conscious consumer.
Beck's Premier Light: A European option with only 64 calories per 330ml serving, it is a noteworthy inclusion in the ultra-light category.

Popular Low-Calorie Choices (70-100 Calories)

If you're willing to trade a few extra calories for a more robust flavor, a wide range of popular light beers fall into the 70-100 calorie range. These are often easier to find and balance calorie reduction with a more satisfying taste profile.

Michelob Ultra: A well-known brand, Michelob Ultra offers 95 calories per 12-ounce bottle, alongside a 4.2% ABV and a low carbohydrate count.
Corona Premier: This is another excellent choice at 90 calories per serving, featuring a crisp taste with subtle citrus notes.
Heineken Light: Offering 99 calories and a 3.3% ABV per 12-ounce serving, this beer provides a familiar flavor with fewer calories than its full-strength counterpart.
Miller Lite: With 96 calories per 12-ounce serving and a 4.2% ABV, Miller Lite is a staple for those seeking a balance of flavor and low calories.
Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty IPA: For craft beer fans, this low-calorie IPA offers hoppy flavor at just 95 calories and 4% ABV, thanks to the use of monk fruit.

Surprising Low-Calorie Choices

Sometimes, a beer's appearance can be deceiving when it comes to calorie content. For instance, some darker beers can be surprisingly low in calories compared to other heavy brews.

Guinness Draught: Despite its dark color and creamy texture, a standard 12-ounce serving of Guinness Draught has approximately 125 calories, which is comparable to or even lower than many standard lagers. This is due to its brewing process, which uses roasted barley and nitrogen to create its signature head, rather than relying on a high ABV or sugar content.

Making an Informed Decision

Choosing a low-calorie beer depends on personal preferences for taste and alcohol content. The most important rule to remember is that calorie counts come primarily from alcohol and carbs. Higher ABV beers, especially craft options like double or imperial IPAs, can easily contain 200-300 calories or more per serving. By contrast, session IPAs are often brewed to be lower in calories while retaining some of the hoppy flavor.

If reducing calorie intake is your main goal, opting for a lower ABV is the most effective strategy. Always check the nutritional information if available, or consider a non-alcoholic option for the lowest possible calorie count. For example, Heineken 0.0 has significantly fewer calories than its alcoholic version.

Comparison of Popular Beers by Calories (per 12 oz)


Beer Name	Calories	ABV	Carbs	Flavor Profile
Budweiser Select 55	55	2.4%	1.9g	Very light, minimal flavor
Miller 64 Extra Light	64	2.8%	2.4g	Extremely light, crisp
Bud Light Next	80	4.0%	0g	Zero carbs, crisp finish
Corona Premier	90	4.0%	2.6g	Crisp with citrus notes
Michelob Ultra	95	4.2%	2.6g	Crisp, light malt flavor
Guinness Draught	125	4.2%	10g	Creamy, roasted malt
Standard Lager (e.g., Budweiser)	~150	5.0%	Varies	Traditional full-bodied lager
Craft IPA (Average)	180-200+	6-8%+	Varies	Hoppy, full-flavored

Finding Your Fit in a Nutrition Diet

Incorporating beer into a balanced nutrition plan is about moderation and choosing wisely. The key takeaway is that not all beers are created equal in terms of calorie density. Understanding the relationship between ABV, carbohydrates, and calories is your best tool for making informed choices. For those strictly watching their intake, the ultra-light options provide the best balance of enjoyment and minimal calories.

However, if flavor is a priority, exploring the wider range of light beers, including surprisingly light options like Guinness, offers a way to enjoy richer tastes without a massive caloric load. Pairing these choices with a healthy meal and lifestyle will prevent a few beers from derailing dietary goals.

Remember that while low-calorie beers can be a tool for managing weight, excessive alcohol consumption of any kind is linked to weight gain and other negative health effects. Always drink responsibly and in moderation.

For more detailed nutritional information and comparison tables, consider consulting reputable sources like the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Conclusion

For those on a nutrition diet, the best alcoholic beer with the least calories is generally one with a low ABV and low carbohydrate content. Options like Budweiser Select 55 and Miller 64 offer the absolute minimum, while brands like Michelob Ultra, Corona Premier, and Miller Lite provide a classic light beer experience with slightly more calories. Even darker beers like Guinness Draught can be a surprisingly low-calorie choice. By paying attention to the alcohol and carb content, you can make smarter choices that align with your dietary goals without sacrificing the occasional refreshing brew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Budweiser Select 55 is often cited as one of the lowest-calorie options, containing just 55 calories per 12-ounce serving. Other contenders include Miller 64 (64 calories) and Beck's Premier Light (64 calories per 330ml).

Yes, as a general rule, beers with a higher Alcohol by Volume (ABV) tend to have more calories. This is because alcohol is more calorically dense than carbohydrates, which also contribute to the final calorie count.

Yes, surprisingly, Guinness Draught is a relatively low-calorie option. A 12-ounce serving contains around 125 calories, which is lower than many regular lagers and stouts. Its rich texture comes from roasted barley and nitrogen, not excessive calories.

While often used interchangeably, 'light beer' is typically defined by a brand as having fewer calories than its standard version. Low-calorie beers, however, are a broader category of brews that are simply lower in calories compared to standard beer, regardless of brand comparison.

Yes, consuming too many calories from any source, including low-calorie beer, can lead to weight gain. The key is moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption can also impede the body's ability to burn fat, compounding the caloric effect.

Craft brewers also offer low-calorie options. Examples include Lagunitas Daytime IPA (98 calories) and Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty IPA (95 calories). Some newer brands, like SkinnyBrands Premium Lager (89 calories), are also entering the market.

Non-alcoholic beers are typically the lowest-calorie option because alcohol is a major calorie source. However, calorie counts can still vary depending on ingredients and residual sugar. For example, Heineken 0.0 has 69 calories per 330ml bottle, while some craft non-alcoholic beers might differ.