Low-Calorie Beer Guide: Delicious Options Under 100 Calories

What Beer is Lowest in Calories?

Great news for beer lovers and health enthusiasts! Finding tasty low-calorie beers has never been easier. Whether you’re a beer expert or just starting out, this guide will help you discover delicious options that let you enjoy your drink without the extra calories.

Finding low-calorie beers doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or variety. Light lagers are popular, but low-calorie options exist across various beer styles, including IPAs and stouts.

Checking calorie information is now easier than ever, as many brewers provide this information on their packaging or websites. It’s important to note that “low calorie” doesn’t necessarily mean “low alcohol,” so moderation is key. From well-known brands to craft beers, there’s a low-calorie option available for everyone.

With a wide variety of lighter choices available, you can enjoy your favorite beers without exceeding your calorie goals. From crisp lagers to refreshing ales, there are plenty of options to suit every taste and occasion. Cheers to enjoying beer responsibly while savoring every sip!

Caps of different beer bottles
Caps of different beer bottles

Table of Contents

What Exactly Is a Light Beer?

A variety of beer bottles lined up
A variety of beer bottles lined up

The term “light beer” often gets misunderstood. Many people think it is just about having lower alcohol content (ABV). While it is true that a lot of light beers have less alcohol, the main point is their lower calorie count.

Brewers make light beers with different ingredients and a special brewing process. Low-calorie beers usually have fewer fermentable sugars, which leads to fewer calories. This does not mean you lose flavor.

Brewers are good at making light beers that still taste great and feel refreshing. Next time you look for a low-calorie beer, remember that “light beer” is mainly about reducing calories, but still keeping it fun to drink.

Exploring the Best Low-Calorie Beer Options

You can find a wide range of beers, from light lagers to low-calorie stouts.  Here are some of the best low-calorie beers, including popular brands and some hidden gems.

Michelob Ultra

Michelob Ultra light beer in a bottle
Michelob Ultra light beer in a bottle

Michelob Ultra is a popular choice for those seeking a light lager that is low in carbohydrates and calories. Many fitness enthusiasts enjoy this beer because it complements an active lifestyle. 

It offers a clean and pleasant flavor, with only 95 calories and 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving, which helps it stand out in the market.

This beer is made using specific grains and a special fermentation method that reduces leftover sugars. This careful process gives Michelob Ultra a light, refreshing taste. 

Whether you are going to the gym or just want a treat without guilt, Michelob Ultra is a great low-calorie beer option.

Lagunitas DayTime IPA

For people who love hops and want a low-calorie drink without losing taste, Lagunitas DayTime IPA is perfect. This session beer offers bold flavors from a mix of citrusy and floral hop varieties, all with just 98 calories.

Lagunitas finds the sweet spot between flavor and lightness by using pale malts and plenty of hops. The result is a crisp and tasty IPA that is easy to enjoy on a hot day.

Miller Lite

Light beers in cans including Miller Lite, Coors Light, and Bud Light
Light beers in cans including Miller Lite, Coors Light, and Bud Light

Miller Lite is a favored option for those who are conscious of their calorie consumption. This American light lager is recognized for its refreshing and crisp flavor, with just 96 calories in a 12-ounce serving.

As one of the first light beers, Miller Lite played a significant role in establishing the trend for low-calorie beers. It still has many fans today. 

Its light body, mild hoppy smell, and clean finish make it a good option for any event. Whether you are having a barbecue with friends or just relaxing after a long day, Miller Lite gives you a great beer experience without extra calories.

Corona Light

A bottle of Corona Extra with ice cubes and lemon slices
A bottle of Corona Extra with ice cubes and lemon slices

Corona Light is famous for being a go-to choice for relaxing and enjoying sunny days. It often rates as one of the best light beers. 

With just 99 calories in each serving, it’s great for anyone looking for a crisp and easy drink. This pale lager is made from a mix of barley malt, corn, and hops.

Its light body and slightly sweet taste, especially when you add a lime wedge, make it perfect for days at the beach, backyard barbecues, or lighter meals.

Budweiser Select 55

Classic Budweiser beer in cans
Classic Budweiser beer in cans

Budweiser Select 55 is an ultra-light beer with a mere 55 calories per serving. It offers a crisp, smooth taste, making it a perfect choice for those who want a lighter option without sacrificing the classic Budweiser flavor.

In comparison, Bud Light contains 110 calories, 6.6 grams of carbohydrates, and has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.2%, while Budweiser Zero has only 50 calories and zero alcohol.

Brewers follow a special brewing process to create this light beer. They mix select grains and use an extended fermentation process. This helps reduce residual sugars. Even with its low calories, Budweiser Select 55 has a crisp and clean flavor that fans of Budweiser will love.

It is a great choice for people looking for a light and refreshing beer that fits with their wellness goals.

Coors Light

A six-pack Coors Light beer cans
A six-pack Coors Light beer cans

Coors Light is recognized for its crisp and clean taste as a light lager. Many people appreciate this American classic for its refreshing beer experience. Each 12-ounce serving contains 102 calories, making it a good balance of flavor and refreshment.

You can easily recognize its iconic silver cans. Coors Light is made with a mix of two-row barley and corn. This combination gives it a light body and a bit of sweetness. Traditional hops add a balanced bitterness, creating a crisp finish that helps quench your thirst.

Yuengling Light Lager

Yuengling Light Lager is the result of America’s oldest brewery, combining history with a lighter beer. With just 99 calories per serving, it’s a good choice for those who want something refreshing without sacrificing taste.

This light lager finds the right mix of flavor and refreshment. It is made using a special blend of grains and a traditional lager yeast, giving it a clean, crisp taste. Yuengling’s focus on quality is clear, even in this lighter lager.

Shiner Light Blonde

Shiner Light Blonde hails from the Spoetzl Brewery located in Shiner, Texas. This light beer demonstrates that beverages with low calories can still deliver excellent flavor. It offers a smooth, laid-back taste and contains just 99 calories per serving.

Shiner Light Blonde stands out due to its delightful combination of sweet malt and mild hop bitterness. The brewery uses high-quality malts, such as pale and wheat, which contribute to its light body and slight sweetness. 

This results in a refreshing and flavorful beer. It’s perfect for hot Texas days or whenever you’re in the mood for a lighter brew.

Heineken Light

Bottles of Heineken and Corona Light beers
Bottles of Heineken and Corona Light lager

Heineken Light shows that you can enjoy great taste without having a lot of calories. This international lager has just 90 calories in each serving. It keeps that well-known crisp and slightly hoppy flavor. 

Heineken makes this happen by using a careful brewing method. They mix premium barley malt with special A-yeast.

This yeast gives Heineken its unique taste, which many people say is a bit fruity with a fresh finish. Whether you are getting away or just want a familiar brand, Heineken Light passes our taste test with fewer calories.

Amstel Light

Bottles of Amstel Light lager
Bottles of Amstel Light lager

Amstel Light is a refreshing lager that contains 95 calories per 12-ounce serving. This light beer is crafted with a lower carbohydrate content, offering just 5 grams of carbs, making it a suitable choice for those mindful of their carbohydrate intake. 

With an ABV of 3.5%, Amstel Light provides a mild and enjoyable drinking experience, perfect for social gatherings or relaxing moments. Its balanced flavor profile and crisp finish make it a refreshing option for beer enthusiasts looking for a lighter alternative.

Guinness Draught

Guinness Draught in cans with ice cubes
Guinness Draught in cans with ice cubes

Many people are surprised to learn that Guinness Draught, the famous Irish stout, has a lower calorie count compared to other beers. While it is not traditionally considered a low-calorie beer, Guinness Draught contains fewer calories than many other stouts and porters and regular beers.

Despite its rich and creamy texture with a strong flavor, a 12-ounce glass of Guinness Draught contains only 125 calories. This makes it a lighter option compared to many light lagers.

Roasted barley gives it a dark color and hints of coffee and chocolate, but it doesn’t add much to the calorie count. Instead of using a lot of fermentable sugars, Guinness uses a special mix of nitrogen and carbon dioxide to create its creamy foam.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a beer low-calorie?

Low-calorie beers are popular among those who want to enjoy a brew without consuming too many calories. These beers are made with fewer fermentable carbohydrates, resulting in a lower alcohol by volume (ABV) and a lighter beverage overall. This makes them appealing to those who prefer low-ABV drinks.

However, it’s important to understand that a lower ABV doesn’t automatically mean that non-alcoholic beer is low in calories. To ensure you’re choosing a truly low-calorie option, it’s advisable to carefully check the beer’s label for accurate nutritional information.

Can low-calorie beers still taste good?

Low-calorie beers can still taste great. Breweries use different methods, like adding hops and using various grains, to make them full of flavor. Many brands provide delicious options that do not have zero calories. You can enjoy a refreshing brew without losing taste.

How do I choose the best low-calorie beer for me?

To pick the best low-calorie beer, think about a few things. These include the alcohol content, ingredients, and calorie count. Choose light beers, look at nutritional labels, and try out different brands in moderation. This will help you find one that fits what you like.

Final Thoughts

Low-calorie beer options have become increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers looking to enjoy refreshing drinks without compromising their wellness goals. In addition to popular choices like Michelob Ultra’s light lager and Budweiser Select 55, there are several other delicious options available in the market.

If you’re a fan of classic brews, Miller Lite offers a timeless appeal with its lower calorie content. Coors Light is a fantastic choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor for those who enjoy a crisp and light taste. These low-carb low-calorie beer selections provide a guilt-free way to unwind and savor your favorite beverage.

Choosing a low-calorie beer doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste or quality. Thanks to advancements in brewing techniques, breweries have become skilled at creating a good beer with a lower calorie count.

Whether you’re monitoring your calorie intake or simply prefer a lighter option, exploring the world of low-calorie beers can help you discover new favorites that fit your health-conscious lifestyle. 

You can also check out these low-carb alcoholic drinks in cans and low-carb beer options.

Cheers to enjoying your favorite low-calorie brew while maintaining your commitment to well-being!