Which Type of Beer Is Lowest in Calories?

November 13, 2025 •

3 min read

Calories in beer come primarily from alcohol and carbohydrates, which means beers with lower ABV and fewer residual sugars are naturally the leanest. This is why extremely light beers and non-alcoholic options are consistently the lowest in calories.

Quick Summary

This article explores different beer types to determine which is lowest in calories, highlighting why ABV is a key factor. It provides a detailed comparison of light lagers, non-alcoholic varieties, and higher-calorie craft brews to help drinkers make informed, health-conscious choices.

Key Points

Alcohol and Carbs Drive Calories: A beer's calorie count depends primarily on its alcohol content (7 kcal/g) and carbohydrates (4 kcal/g).
Non-Alcoholic is King: Non-alcoholic beers, by containing very little or no alcohol, are typically the absolute lowest in calories.
Ultra-Light Lagers are a Top Choice: Beers like Budweiser Select 55 (55 calories) are specifically formulated to be extremely low in both ABV and carbs.
Check the ABV: For regular beers, a lower alcohol by volume generally means a lower calorie count.
Higher ABV Means More Calories: Craft styles like Imperial IPAs and strong Belgian ales will contain significantly more calories due to higher alcohol content and residual sugars.
Don't Judge a Beer by Its Color: Not all dark beers are high in calories; Guinness Draught is a notable exception, being lower in calories than many people assume.
Session IPAs Offer Flavor and Fewer Calories: For hop lovers, session IPAs provide a flavorful experience with a lower ABV and reduced calorie count.

The Science Behind Beer Calories

Understanding where beer's calories come from is crucial for anyone trying to find the lightest options. The two main contributors are alcohol and residual carbohydrates. Alcohol contains roughly 7 calories per gram, nearly as much as fat, while carbs have 4 calories per gram. Beers with a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) and more unfermented sugars (which contribute to sweetness and body) will always have a higher calorie count. This is why a heavy Imperial Stout is more calorie-dense than a light, crisp pilsner.

The Lowest-Calorie Contenders

When searching for the lowest-calorie beer, you can broadly divide your options into three categories: ultra-light beers, light beers, and non-alcoholic options. Ultra-light lagers are brewed specifically to have a very low ABV and minimal carbohydrates, making them some of the leanest alcoholic options available. Non-alcoholic beers, by definition, eliminate or drastically reduce the most caloric ingredient—alcohol—and are often the absolute lowest in calories.

Ultra-light lagers: Brewed for minimal calories, brands like Budweiser Select 55 (55 calories) and Miller 64 (64 calories) are perfect for extreme calorie watchers.
Non-alcoholic beers: With an ABV of 0.5% or less, these can range from 25 to 70 calories per 12 oz, making them extremely diet-friendly. Popular options include Athletic Lite (25 calories) and Guinness 0 (60 calories).
Light and Session IPAs: These are excellent choices for drinkers who want hop flavor with fewer calories. Session IPAs, like Lagunitas DayTime, are designed for lower ABV and often fall under 100 calories.

Why Higher-ABV Beers Pack More Calories

Conversely, beer styles with a high ABV are often associated with high caloric content. These styles typically have a more complex grain bill, which adds more fermentable sugars. During fermentation, more of these sugars are converted into alcohol, and often, more residual sugars are left behind, leading to a higher calorie count.

Imperial and Double IPAs: With ABVs often over 7%, these are packed with calories from both alcohol and heavier malt profiles.
Stouts and Porters: While a standard Guinness Draught is surprisingly low in calories for its style (126 calories), many other richer stouts and porters, especially Imperial versions, can exceed 200–300 calories per serving.
Belgian Ales: Styles like Belgian Trippel have high alcohol content, pushing their calories much higher, sometimes well over 200 calories per glass.

Comparing Popular Beer Calories


Beer Type	Example	Average Calories (12 oz)	Average ABV (%)	Primary Reason for Lower Calories
Ultra-Light Lager	Budweiser Select 55	55–70	2.4–2.8%	Extremely low ABV and carbs.
Non-Alcoholic	Athletic Lite	25–70	<0.5%	No alcohol; some carbs retained.
Light Lager	Michelob Ultra	95–110	4.0–4.2%	Lower ABV and less residual sugar than regular versions.
Session IPA	Lagunitas DayTime	95–110	4.0–4.5%	Hoppy flavor but lower ABV and malt content.
Regular Lager	Budweiser	140–160	5.0%	Standard ingredients, moderate calories.
Stout	Guinness Draught	126–180	4.2–5.8%	Surprisingly moderate for a dark beer, but can vary widely.
Craft IPA	Sierra Nevada Pale Ale	180–220	5.6–6.7%	Higher ABV and more complex malt and hop additions.

Making Informed Choices for Healthier Drinking

Choosing a lower-calorie beer doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. The rise of craft-brewed light and session IPAs demonstrates that you can find complexity and hop character in a leaner package. For those prioritizing minimal calories, non-alcoholic beers offer the best caloric value, completely eliminating the primary source of calories in traditional beer. The key is to check the ABV and nutrition information on labels when available, as calorie counts can vary even within the same style, especially among craft brewers. Whether you prefer a refreshing lager or a flavorful IPA, there's a low-calorie option to suit your palate.

Conclusion

For those asking which type of beer is lowest in calories, the answer consistently points towards ultra-light lagers and non-alcoholic varieties. Brands like Budweiser Select 55 and Athletic Lite offer the fewest calories by minimizing or eliminating alcohol and limiting carbohydrates. However, for those who want a more traditional beer experience, many light lagers and session IPAs provide a great balance of flavor and fewer calories compared to their full-strength counterparts. By paying attention to a beer's ABV, you can make smarter, more health-conscious choices without giving up your favorite beverage completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Budweiser Select 55 is one of the lowest-calorie alcoholic beers, with just 55 calories per 12 oz serving.

Most non-alcoholic beers are significantly lower in calories than regular beer because they lack alcohol. Some, however, might have a higher carb count for flavor, so it's always best to check the nutritional label.

Many people assume stouts and porters are high in calories due to their rich flavor and dark color. While many are, some, like Guinness Draught, are surprisingly low in calories (126 per 12 oz) and can be a more moderate option than a high-ABV IPA.

A 'session IPA' is a type of India Pale Ale with a lower alcohol content, typically below 5% ABV. This lower ABV, combined with less malt, results in a beer that has fewer calories than a standard IPA.

Taste is subjective, and while some light beers are known for being less flavorful, modern brewing techniques have produced many delicious low-calorie and sessionable options. Many people find they prefer the clean, crisp taste of a lighter beer.

Moderation is key. One or two light beers can fit into a calorie-controlled diet for some people. The key is to track total calorie intake and ensure you're maintaining a caloric deficit for weight loss.

Not necessarily. While 'light' beer is a common low-calorie designation, some craft brewers create low-calorie options across different styles, such as session IPAs, without labeling them as 'light.' Always check the nutritional information to be sure.