We tested and ranked the best low calorie beers available, evaluating them on taste, nutritional profile, availability, and overall value. Whether you are counting calories, cutting carbs, or just trying to make smarter choices without giving up beer entirely, this comprehensive guide will help you find your new go to option.
How We Ranked These Beers
Our ranking methodology considered five key factors:
- Taste Quality (40%): Does it actually taste like beer? Is it enjoyable to drink?
- Nutritional Profile (25%): Calories, carbs, and alcohol content combined
- Value (15%): Price per serving relative to quality
- Availability (10%): Can you actually find it at most stores?
- Versatility (10%): Does it work for different occasions and pairings?
We focused on beers with 100 calories or fewer per 12 ounce serving. Some excellent light beers slightly exceed this threshold but were excluded to maintain a strict definition of low calorie.
The Complete Rankings
1. Michelob Ultra (Best Overall)
Calories: 95 | Carbs: 2.6g | ABV: 4.2%
Michelob Ultra remains the gold standard for low calorie beer, and for good reason. It delivers a clean, crisp taste with subtle citrus notes and a light malt backbone. The carbonation level is perfect, providing refreshment without excessive fizziness.
What sets Michelob Ultra apart is balance. Many low calorie beers sacrifice too much flavor in pursuit of minimal calories. Ultra manages to taste like actual beer while maintaining impressive nutrition stats. At 95 calories and only 2.6 grams of carbs, it works for virtually any diet including keto.
Best for: Daily drinking, fitness enthusiasts, keto dieters, anyone new to low calorie beer
Availability: Excellent. Found at virtually every grocery store, convenience store, bar, and restaurant in America.
2. Corona Premier
Calories: 90 | Carbs: 2.6g | ABV: 4.0%
Corona Premier is the lowest calorie mainstream beer on this list at just 90 calories. It offers the signature Corona taste profile with bright, slightly sweet notes and that distinctive smoothness Corona drinkers love, just in a lighter package.
The beer works exceptionally well with a lime wedge, which adds minimal calories while enhancing the flavor significantly. It is particularly good for warm weather drinking and pairs beautifully with Mexican food, seafood, and lighter fare.
The only knock against Corona Premier is the slightly lower ABV at 4.0%, meaning you get marginally less alcohol per calorie than some competitors. For most people, this difference is negligible.
Best for: Summer drinking, beach and pool occasions, Mexican food pairings
Availability: Very good. Widely distributed but slightly less universal than Michelob Ultra.
3. Miller Lite
Calories: 96 | Carbs: 3.2g | ABV: 4.2%
Miller Lite technically qualifies as a low calorie beer at 96 calories, and it brings more traditional beer flavor than the ultra light options. You get actual hop bitterness, genuine malt character, and a fuller body that feels more substantial.
For beer lovers who want to cut calories without feeling like they are drinking sparkling water, Miller Lite hits a sweet spot. It tastes like beer, not like a diet version of beer. The trade off is slightly higher carbs at 3.2 grams, which may matter for strict keto but works fine for general calorie counting.
Miller Lite also offers excellent value, often priced lower than premium light beer options while delivering comparable or better taste.
Best for: Traditional beer drinkers cutting calories, watching sports, casual drinking
Availability: Excellent. One of the most widely distributed beers in America.
4. Amstel Light
Calories: 95 | Carbs: 5g | ABV: 3.5%
Amstel Light brings European brewing heritage to the low calorie category. It has a slightly more complex flavor profile than American light lagers, with subtle herbal hop notes and a cleaner finish. The Dutch brewing tradition shows in the quality of ingredients and careful balance.
The downsides are notable: higher carbs at 5 grams and lower alcohol at 3.5% ABV. This makes Amstel Light less efficient from a calories to alcohol ratio, but the superior taste may justify it for many drinkers.
Amstel Light also commands a premium price compared to domestic options, which affects its value proposition.
Best for: Imported beer fans, those who prioritize taste over strict macros
Availability: Good. Available at most larger grocery stores and many bars.
5. Budweiser Select 55
Calories: 55 | Carbs: 1.9g | ABV: 2.4%
Budweiser Select 55 is the lowest calorie beer on the mainstream market at just 55 calories per 12 ounce serving. For pure calorie minimization, nothing else comes close. You could drink four of these for fewer calories than a single craft IPA.
The catch is significant: it barely tastes like beer. The 2.4% ABV means it is less alcoholic than most hard seltzers. The flavor is extremely light, bordering on nonexistent. Some describe it as beer flavored water.
Select 55 has its place. If you are at an event where you want to hold a beer for hours without getting intoxicated, or if you are deep in a calorie deficit and want occasional beer taste, it serves that purpose. But it is not the best drinking experience.
Best for: Extreme calorie restriction, designated drivers who want a beer, all day events
Availability: Moderate. Found at larger stores but not as ubiquitous as other Budweiser products.
6. Beck’s Premier Light
Calories: 64 | Carbs: 3.9g | ABV: 2.3%
Beck’s Premier Light offers German brewing quality in an ultra low calorie package. At 64 calories, it provides more flavor than Budweiser Select 55 while still keeping calories impressively low. The German brewing tradition adds subtle complexity with proper hop character.
Like Select 55, the very low ABV limits its appeal for those who actually want alcohol’s effects. But for taste at minimal caloric cost, Beck’s Premier Light delivers better than most ultra low options.
Best for: Those wanting better taste than Select 55 with similar low calories
Availability: Limited. Harder to find than domestic options.
7. Heineken Light
Calories: 99 | Carbs: 6.8g | ABV: 3.3%
Heineken Light delivers the signature Heineken taste in a lighter package. You get that distinctive European lager character with grassy hop notes and clean malt flavor. It tastes more like its full calorie parent than most light beer spinoffs.
The nutritional profile is less impressive. At 6.8 grams of carbs, it is on the high end for light beers. The 3.3% ABV means lower alcohol efficiency. These numbers may not work for strict carb counters.
However, for Heineken fans who want a lighter option, this delivers the taste they love with meaningful calorie savings versus regular Heineken.
Best for: Heineken loyalists wanting lighter option, European lager fans
Availability: Good. Found at most grocery stores and many restaurants.
8. Natural Light
Calories: 95 | Carbs: 3.2g | ABV: 4.2%
Natural Light, affectionately known as Natty Light, offers solid low calorie stats at a budget friendly price. At 95 calories and 3.2 grams of carbs, it is nutritionally comparable to premium options while costing significantly less.
The taste is basic but inoffensive. It is light, clean, and refreshing without any off flavors. It will not impress beer connoisseurs, but it gets the job done without drama. For budget conscious calorie counters, the value proposition is hard to beat.
Best for: Budget drinking, large parties, college nostalgia
Availability: Excellent. Widely distributed at competitive prices.
9. Busch Light
Calories: 95 | Carbs: 3.2g | ABV: 4.1%
Busch Light delivers similar stats to Natural Light at a similarly low price point. It is slightly smoother with less of the rough edges some detect in Natty Light. The corn adjunct creates a subtle sweetness that some drinkers prefer.
Busch Light has built a cult following, particularly in rural America and among hunting and fishing enthusiasts. It is a no pretense beer that delivers exactly what it promises at an honest price.
Best for: Value seeking, outdoor activities, casual drinking
Availability: Excellent. Particularly strong distribution in the Midwest and South.
10. Keystone Light
Calories: 101 | Carbs: 5g | ABV: 4.1%
Keystone Light barely squeaks under our 100 calorie threshold at 101 calories (we rounded). It offers acceptable light beer taste at rock bottom prices. The flavor is mild and unoffensive, if unremarkable.
The higher carb count at 5 grams makes it less suitable for keto drinkers. But for pure calorie counters focused on price, Keystone Light represents strong value.
Best for: Budget parties, price conscious drinking
Availability: Very good. Found at most grocery and convenience stores.
Complete Nutritional Comparison
| Beer | Calories | Carbs | ABV | Cal/ABV Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budweiser Select 55 | 55 | 1.9g | 2.4% | 22.9 |
| Beck’s Premier Light | 64 | 3.9g | 2.3% | 27.8 |
| Corona Premier | 90 | 2.6g | 4.0% | 22.5 |
| Michelob Ultra | 95 | 2.6g | 4.2% | 22.6 |
| Amstel Light | 95 | 5.0g | 3.5% | 27.1 |
| Natural Light | 95 | 3.2g | 4.2% | 22.6 |
| Busch Light | 95 | 3.2g | 4.1% | 23.2 |
| Miller Lite | 96 | 3.2g | 4.2% | 22.9 |
| Heineken Light | 99 | 6.8g | 3.3% | 30.0 |
| Keystone Light | 101 | 5.0g | 4.1% | 24.6 |
The calories per ABV ratio shows how efficiently each beer delivers alcohol for the calories consumed. Lower numbers are better. Corona Premier and Michelob Ultra lead in efficiency, while Heineken Light is least efficient.
Best Low Calorie Beer by Category
Best for Keto: Michelob Ultra
At 2.6 grams of carbs, Michelob Ultra lets you enjoy beer without blowing your carb budget. You could have three of these and still be under 8 grams of carbs. Corona Premier ties on carbs but has slightly less alcohol.
Best Tasting: Miller Lite
If actual beer flavor matters more than hitting the absolute lowest numbers, Miller Lite delivers the most satisfying drinking experience. It tastes like beer, not like compromise.
Best Value: Natural Light or Busch Light
These budget champions deliver competitive nutrition stats at prices that make premium options look overpriced. Perfect for parties or regular consumption when cost matters.
Lowest Calories: Budweiser Select 55
At 55 calories, nothing comes close. Choose this when you want beer taste at minimal caloric cost, and accept the trade off of very low alcohol.
Best Import: Amstel Light
For those who prefer imported European lagers, Amstel Light offers Dutch quality with respectable low calorie stats.
Best for Summer: Corona Premier
The bright, refreshing profile with optional lime makes Corona Premier perfect for hot weather drinking. It is the quintessential beach and poolside beer.
How Low Calorie Beer Compares to Alternatives
Understanding how low calorie beer stacks up against other drink options helps with informed decisions:
| Drink | Calories | Carbs | ABV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Cal Beer (avg) | 95 | 3.5g | 4% |
| Hard Seltzer | 100 | 2g | 5% |
| Regular Beer | 150 | 13g | 5% |
| Craft IPA | 200+ | 15g+ | 6%+ |
| Glass of Wine | 125 | 4g | 12% |
| Vodka Soda | 97 | 0g | varies |
Low calorie beer is nutritionally competitive with hard seltzers while offering a completely different drinking experience. Both are far superior to regular beer or craft beer from a calorie perspective.
Tips for Enjoying Low Calorie Beer
Serve It Cold
Low calorie beer tastes best when very cold. The light body and subtle flavors are enhanced by temperature. Let it warm up and the flaws become more apparent. Keep it in the back of your fridge where it is coldest.
Use the Right Glass
A pilsner glass or tall glass shows off the clarity and carbonation of light beer while maintaining temperature better than a wide pint glass. The narrow shape also concentrates the subtle aromas.
Add Citrus When Appropriate
A lime or lemon wedge adds brightness that complements many light beers, particularly Corona Premier and Mexican style options. The citrus oils add aroma and the juice adds subtle flavor without significant calories.
Pair with Lighter Foods
Light beer pairs best with lighter fare: grilled chicken, fish, salads, vegetables, and Mexican food. It gets overwhelmed by rich, heavy dishes that would match better with fuller bodied beers.
Manage Expectations
Low calorie beer is not trying to compete with craft beer for complexity and depth. Appreciate it for what it is: a refreshing, responsible choice that lets you enjoy beer without derailing your health goals.
The Future of Low Calorie Beer
The low calorie beer category continues to evolve with several trends worth watching:
- Flavor innovations: Brands are adding subtle natural flavors to create more interesting low calorie options
- Craft crossovers: Some craft breweries are developing their own low calorie lines
- Higher ABV options: New products aim to deliver more alcohol per calorie
- Better marketing: Brands are targeting fitness enthusiasts and health conscious consumers more directly
- Organic and natural: Premium low calorie beers with cleaner ingredient lists are emerging
Conclusion
The best low calorie beer depends on your priorities. Michelob Ultra earns top marks for balancing excellent taste, outstanding nutrition, and universal availability. Corona Premier wins on pure calorie efficiency. Miller Lite delivers the best actual beer taste. Budget options like Natural Light and Busch Light provide solid value.
Whatever your choice, today’s low calorie beers let you enjoy beer without the nutritional guilt of regular and craft options. At roughly 95 calories and 3 grams of carbs, they fit into almost any dietary approach while still delivering the refreshment and social enjoyment that makes beer appealing.
Use our DrinkLeader database to look up specific beers and compare options side by side. And remember that the best beer is the one you enjoy drinking, regardless of what any ranking says.
Nutritional information sourced from manufacturer data and USDA database. Values may vary slightly by region and batch.
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