Which is the most light beer? Comparing the lightest options

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

With only 55 calories per 12-ounce serving, Budweiser Select 55 holds the title for the most light beer available from a major brewery. For health-conscious drinkers, understanding that 'light' can refer to calories, carbs, and alcohol content is key to finding the right brew.

Quick Summary

This guide compares popular major-brand light beers, analyzing their calorie, carb, and alcohol content to determine which brew is truly the lightest. It breaks down the key factors that define a light beer and helps readers make an informed choice based on their health goals.

Key Points

Budweiser Select 55 is the lightest major brand beer: With only 55 calories, 1.9g of carbs, and 2.4% ABV, it is the lowest calorie option among well-known brands.
'Light' can mean low calories, carbs, or alcohol: A beer's 'lightness' can be defined by different factors, so it's important to check nutritional information to match your priorities.
Brewing techniques reduce calories and carbs: To achieve a 'light' profile, brewers use methods like adding enzymes or adjusting the mashing process, which affects the flavor profile.
Flavor can be impacted by 'lightness': The subtle flavor of light beers can fade more quickly than higher-ABV brews, so checking for freshness is recommended.
Craft breweries now offer flavorful light options: Modern craft light beers challenge the stereotype of being watered-down, providing nuanced flavor profiles in a lower-calorie package.
Popular light beers vary significantly: Beers like Michelob Ultra (95 calories) and Coors Light (102 calories) offer different calorie-to-carb ratios, showcasing variety within the category.

Defining 'Light': More Than Just Color

While the term 'light beer' often conjures images of pale, crisp lagers, the definition is more nuanced. Lightness is primarily measured by three factors: calories, carbohydrates, and alcohol by volume (ABV). Most light beers achieve their low-calorie profile by using specific brewing techniques, such as extending the mashing process or adding enzymes to convert more starches into fermentable sugars. Some of the lightest beers on the market even have zero carbs.

The Lightest of the Light

When searching for the single lightest option, the focus shifts to beers with the absolute lowest caloric counts. These brews are specifically engineered for minimum impact, often sacrificing some flavor complexity for the lowest numbers possible.

Budweiser Select 55: With just 55 calories and 2.4% ABV, this beer is widely considered the lightest available from a major American brewery.
Miller 64: A close contender at 64 calories and 2.8% ABV, Miller 64 has long been a key player in the ultra-light category.
Bud Light Next: Anheuser-Busch's zero-carb offering, Bud Light Next, contains 80 calories and 4% ABV, proving that low calories and zero carbs don't always equate to the lowest ABV.
Corona Premier: This crisp option weighs in at 90 calories and 4.0% ABV, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a slightly higher alcohol content than the absolute lightest brews.

Comparing the Most Popular Light Beers

For many drinkers, 'light beer' means the major market leaders, which offer a balance of flavor and low-calorie appeal. While not the absolute lightest, their numbers are impressive.

Key Data for Popular Light Beers (per 12 oz)


Brand	Calories	Carbs	ABV
Budweiser Select 55	55	1.9g	2.4%
Miller 64	64	2.4g	2.8%
Bud Light Next	80	0g	4.0%
Corona Premier	90	2.6g	4.0%
Michelob Ultra	95	2.6g	4.2%
Miller Lite	96	3.2g	4.2%
Coors Light	102	5g	4.2%
Bud Light	110	6.6g	4.2%

Beyond the Macros: Factors in Flavor and Freshness

While calorie and carb counts are objective metrics, flavor is subjective. The brewing techniques that make a beer light can also affect its taste. Adjuncts like rice or corn, for instance, are used to lighten the body and help ferment more sugars, contributing to the beer's overall profile. Because light beers have fewer preservatives in the form of alcohol, their delicate hop and malt flavors can also fade more quickly over time. For the best taste experience, it's always recommended to check the package date and buy beer from a refrigerated section.

The Rise of Craft Light Beers

The light beer market is no longer dominated solely by macrobrews. Many craft breweries have successfully entered the space, offering flavorful, sessionable options for beer lovers. These craft interpretations challenge the notion that light beer must be flavorless, proving that a low-calorie, low-ABV brew can still deliver a complex taste profile. Options like Oskar Blues One-y IPA and Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty IPA offer hoppy, citrusy flavor without a heavy calorie load.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Brew

Ultimately, the question of which is the most light beer has a nuanced answer. If your priority is the absolute lowest calorie count, Budweiser Select 55 is the clear winner among major brands. However, if you're seeking the ideal balance of flavor, carbs, and alcohol, your choice will vary. Consulting a table of nutritional information is the best way to determine the right light beer for your preferences and health goals. With an increasing number of options from both major and craft breweries, finding a light beer that satisfies both your palate and your waistline has never been easier.

For more insights into the health benefits of responsible drinking, consult reliable health resources like the American Heart Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

Budweiser Select 55 is the lowest calorie light beer from a major brand, containing just 55 calories per 12-ounce serving.

No, the term 'light' can refer to a beer having fewer calories, fewer carbohydrates, or lower alcohol by volume (ABV), and these can differ by country. In the U.S., it typically emphasizes calories and carbs.

Bud Light Next is known for having zero carbs per 12-ounce serving, though its calorie count (80) is not the lowest overall.

Light beer is generally lower in calories and alcohol than regular beer. However, overall health depends on moderation and lifestyle. A single regular beer may be 'healthier' than drinking several light beers.

Brewers use specific techniques, such as adding enzymes during the mashing process, to break down more sugars into fermentable material. This reduces the final beer's alcohol and calorie content.

While some light beers have a reputation for being watery, modern brewing techniques—especially in the craft sector—have led to flavorful light beers that do not sacrifice character for low calories and ABV.

Yes, many craft breweries now produce excellent light and 'session' beers that are lower in calories and ABV but still offer complex and satisfying flavors.