Which Beer Has 60 Calories? An Exploration of Ultra-Light Options

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

An exact 60-calorie option is a rarity in the mainstream U.S. beer market, with most domestic light beers hovering between 80 and 100 calories. This article explores which beer has 60 calories or comes closest to this ultra-low target, examining specific brands and their nutritional details.

Quick Summary

Discover the ultra-light beer options closest to 60 calories, including Miller 64 and Budweiser Select 55. Learn about their nutritional profiles and compare them to other popular light beers to find the right brew for your dietary goals.

Key Points

Miller 64 is the closest domestic option: At 64 calories per 12-ounce serving, Miller 64 is one of the closest ultra-light beers widely available in the U.S. to the 60-calorie mark.
Budweiser Select 55 is the lowest domestic: For the absolute lowest calorie count among major U.S. brands, Budweiser Select 55 offers just 55 calories per serving.
Tennent's Light Lager is a 60-calorie international option: A 330ml bottle of this UK-based beer contains precisely 60 calories and is noted for being very low-carb.
Bud Light NEXT is zero-carb: This option provides a slightly higher but still very low count of 80 calories, with zero carbs, making it a different kind of diet beer.
Prioritize based on your goals: Choose between lowest calories (Select 55), lowest carbs (Bud Light NEXT), or closest to 60 calories (Miller 64) depending on your dietary priorities.
Calorie reduction links to ABV and carbs: Lower calories in beer are directly tied to a reduction in both alcohol content and carbohydrates, which provides less fermentable sugar for the yeast.

What Beer Has 60 Calories?

While a major domestic beer brand with exactly 60 calories per 12-ounce serving is not common in the United States, several options come very close. In fact, some international or non-alcoholic varieties may hit that exact number. The key to finding the lightest beers is often looking beyond the standard 'light beer' category to ultra-light or specific non-alcoholic brands.

The Closest Domestic Contender: Miller 64

Miller 64 is the closest and most widely available domestic option to hit the 60-calorie mark. A 12-ounce serving contains 64 calories, making it a popular choice for those strictly watching their caloric intake. Its stats are impressive, boasting only 2.4 grams of carbohydrates and a modest 2.8% alcohol by volume (ABV). This provides a crisp, light-bodied lager that doesn't feel overly watery, though its flavor profile is certainly subtle. Previously marketed as MGD 64, the rebranding hasn't changed its ultra-light reputation.

Going Even Lighter: Budweiser Select 55

For those who prioritize the lowest possible calorie count above all else, Budweiser Select 55 offers an even lighter brew. With just 55 calories per 12-ounce bottle, this golden lager surpasses the 60-calorie target, making it a compelling choice for diet-conscious drinkers. It also features a minimal 1.9 grams of carbs and a 2.4% ABV, showcasing how calorie reduction in beer is primarily achieved by lowering both alcohol and carbohydrate content.

An International Option: Tennent's Light Lager

For consumers in markets like the UK, Tennent's Light Lager is a very popular example of a beer that delivers exactly 60 calories per 330ml bottle. This makes it a perfect example of a truly 60-calorie product, albeit less common in the U.S. market. It's also known for being a very low-carb option, aligning with the dietary goals of many who prefer ultra-light beverages.

Choosing Your Ultra-Light Beer

When deciding on a low-calorie beer, it's important to consider more than just the calorie count. Other factors like ABV, carb content, and overall taste play a crucial role in finding a beer that fits both your diet and your palate. Do you prioritize a lower ABV, or is a crisp taste more important? Understanding these trade-offs will help you make a better choice.

Factors to consider when choosing a low-calorie beer:

Calorie Count: The most direct indicator for weight management. Options under 70 calories are the most diet-friendly.
Carbohydrates: Important for those on keto or other low-carb diets. Some beers achieve low calories with near-zero carbs.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): Lower ABV often correlates with lower calories, but it's not always a direct link. Consider if you're aiming for a sessionable beer.
Flavor Profile: The brewing process can greatly impact the final taste. Some ultra-light beers might taste watery, while others maintain a crisp, clean finish.
Availability: Some brands are more widely available than others. Miller 64 and Budweiser Select 55 are common domestic choices, while brands like Tennent's Light may require a more specific retailer.

Comparison of Ultra-Light Beer Options


Beer Brand	Calories (12oz)	Carbs (12oz)	ABV	Notes
Miller 64	64	2.4g	2.8%	Closest major US brand to 60 calories.
Budweiser Select 55	55	1.9g	2.4%	The absolute lowest calorie domestic option.
Bud Light NEXT	80	0g	4.0%	Zero-carb option for those focused on carbs.
Michelob Ultra	95	2.6g	4.2%	Very popular, slightly higher calorie and ABV.
Tennent's Light (UK)	60 (330ml)	0.7g (330ml)	3.4%	European option with exact 60-calorie count.

Beyond the Numbers: Taste and Experience

For many, the flavor of a beer is just as important as its nutritional content. Both Miller 64 and Budweiser Select 55 offer a very light, mild taste. Bud Light NEXT, by removing all carbohydrates, offers a super crisp profile that appeals to those seeking a seltzer-like lightness. International options and non-alcoholic beers also offer unique flavor profiles at very low calorie counts, so it can be worth exploring these alternatives.

Conclusion

While a widely-distributed 60-calorie beer is not a common find in the US, Miller 64 comes exceptionally close with 64 calories. If your primary goal is to find the lowest possible calories, Budweiser Select 55 is the winner at 55 calories. However, if you are open to imports, Tennent's Light Lager offers a perfect 60 calories for a 330ml serving. The best choice ultimately depends on your balance of calorie goals, carbohydrate restrictions, and desired flavor. By considering all the ultra-light options, you can find a beer that perfectly fits your active and balanced lifestyle.

For more information on the wide world of low-calorie alcoholic options, you can explore resources like The Nourish Center's guide to low-carb and low-alcohol beers.

Frequently Asked Questions

No major US brand has exactly 60 calories per 12-ounce serving, but Miller 64 is the closest, with 64 calories. Budweiser Select 55 is even lower at 55 calories.

Budweiser Select 55 is the lowest calorie option among widely available domestic beers in the United States, containing just 55 calories per 12-ounce bottle.

Among the lowest-carb options are Bud Light NEXT (0g carbs) and Budweiser Select 55 (1.9g carbs). Miller 64 also features a very low carb count at 2.4g.

No, a standard 12-ounce Michelob Ultra contains 95 calories and 2.6 grams of carbs. While a low-calorie beer, it is not as low as the brands targeting the sub-70 range.

The calorie count in beer is primarily influenced by its alcohol content and, to a lesser extent, its carbohydrate content. Higher alcohol content leads to more calories, while lower residual sugars and carbs reduce the overall total.

Generally, yes. The absence of alcohol, which is high in calories, means non-alcoholic beers tend to have significantly lower calorie counts, though some may contain carbs and sugar.

Tennent's Light Lager, primarily available in the UK, achieves its precise 60-calorie count (per 330ml) by being brewed to be extremely low in both carbohydrates and alcohol.