Beer is often considered the "lesser evil" compared to liquor because it’s fermented and typically lower in alcohol. However, this isn’t always the case. Some craft or high-alcohol beers can contain anywhere from 170 to 350 calories, as noted by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. These calories, primarily from alcohol and carbohydrates, can add up quickly, leading to a calorie surplus—exactly what you want to avoid if you're aiming for fat loss.
This is where lighter beers come in. These lower-calorie options generally contain around 100 calories, with reduced alcohol content. Not only do they offer fewer calories, but you're also less likely to get buzzed and give in to late-night cravings. Below, we've curated a list of the best low-calorie beers that don’t compromise on flavor, perfect for both casual drinkers and craft beer enthusiasts.
Coors Light
Nutrition (Per 12 ounces):
Calories: 102
Carbs: 5 g
ABV: 4.2%
Coors Light, with its crisp, refreshing taste, is a popular go-to for a summer pick-me-up. At just 102 calories and 4.2% ABV, it’s light, easy to drink, and widely available at grocery stores and gas stations alike. Crafted with Moravian barley for its golden hue, it also includes hop extract, lager yeast, and a touch of corn syrup to initiate the fermentation process.
Bud Light
Nutrition (Per 12 ounces):
Calories: 110
Carbs: 6.6 g
ABV: 4.2%
The familiar blue cans from your college days are surprisingly light on calories, with just 110 calories and 6.6 grams of carbs. Bud Light’s barley-forward flavor, coupled with its subtle hoppy bitterness, makes it an easy-drinking favorite. It's no wonder it held the title of America’s most popular beer for years. Whether you’re enjoying one at a summer cookout or sharing a six-pack at the park, Bud Light is a reliable party staple.
Michelob Ultra Pure Gold
Nutrition (Per 12 ounces):
Calories: 85
Carbs: 2.5 g
ABV: 3.8%
Michelob Ultra Pure Gold is a light lager with delicate citrus notes and a crisp, refreshing finish, especially when chilled. Unlike most beers, this low-cal option is made from USDA-certified organic barley malt and rice. Each 12-ounce bottle has fewer than 90 calories and a lower alcohol content of 3.8% ABV. For comparison, the classic Michelob Ultra—a similarly health-conscious option—contains 95 calories, 2.6 grams of carbs, and a slightly higher ABV at 4.2%.
Heineken Light
Nutrition (Per 12 ounces):
Calories: 90
Carbs: 6 g
ABV: 3.3%
Heineken Light delivers the same refreshing flavor, mild bitterness, and crisp finish that fans of the original Heineken love, but with 52 fewer calories. This lighter take on the classic Dutch pale lager offers just 90 calories and a lower ABV of 3.3%. Packaged in the iconic green bottle, it’s an ideal companion for summer Fridays—or any Friday!
Corona Premier
Nutrition (Per 12 ounces):
Calories: 90
Carbs: 2.6 g
ABV: 4%
Corona Premier is a lighter take on the classic Mexican cerveza, with just 90 calories and 2.6 grams of carbs, making it the lowest-calorie option in Corona’s lineup. Despite its light profile, you’d never guess, thanks to its fruity, smooth flavor that's even mellower than Corona Light. With subtle notes of malt and honey, this easy-drinking brew is perfect for lounging on the beaches of Acapulco or relaxing in a backyard lawn chair.
Miller64 Extra Light
Nutrition (Per 12 ounces):
Calories: 64
Carbs: 2.4 g
ABV: 2.8%
Miller64 offers a lighter alternative to its popular sibling, Miller Lite, with 32 fewer calories and a refreshingly subtle crispness. While it’s less robust than a traditional full-bodied beer, it still hits the spot. With just 64 calories and 2.8% ABV, this low-cal, extra light option is a smart choice when you’re looking for something lighter than a hard seltzer.
Budweiser Select 55
Nutrition (Per 12 ounces):
Calories: 55
Carbs: 1.9 g
ABV: 2.4%
At just 55 calories and under 2 grams of carbs per can, Budweiser Select 55 lets you enjoy a second round without the guilt. With roughly the same calories as a cucumber and a modest 2.4% ABV, this ultra-light beer is as refreshing and easy to drink as you’d expect from a low-alcohol brew.
Blue Moon Light
Nutrition (Per 12 ounces):
Calories: 95
Carbs: 3.6 g
ABV: 4%
Blue Moon LightSky is a Belgian-style wheat ale known for its refreshing citrus notes, thanks to the tangerine peel it's brewed with. Slightly more bitter than the original Blue Moon, it has an IBU of 10 compared to the classic’s 9. The best part? Its lower calorie count means you can enjoy this flavorful wheat beer more often than just once in a blue moon. Be sure to serve it with an orange slice to enhance those vibrant citrus flavors.
Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty Lo-Cal IPA
Nutrition (Per 12 ounces):
Calories: 95
Carbs: 3.6 g
ABV: 4%
For IPA lovers looking to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor, Dogfish Head's Slightly Mighty Lo-Cal IPA is the perfect solution. At just 95 calories per 12-ounce can—far less than the typical 200-calorie IPA—this brew offers the same bold, hoppy taste. Dogfish Head achieves this by using monk fruit, a nearly calorie-free sweetener, instead of unfermentable sugars that usually add extra calories. The result is a beautifully hazy, golden IPA with subtle fruity notes and a satisfying, mild bitterness.
Amstel Light
Nutrition (Per 12 ounces):
Calories: 95
Carbs: 5 g
ABV: 3.5%
Amstel Light, dubbed the "beer drinker's light beer," is a Bavarian-style brew that strikes the perfect balance of flavor without being bland. With subtle honey notes and a crisp, refreshing finish, it's easy to drink, and the lower alcohol content means you're unlikely to feel an immediate buzz after just one bottle. A 12-ounce serving contains 95 calories and 5 grams of carbs, making it a light but satisfying choice.
Kona Brewing Co. Light Blonde Ale
Nutrition (Per 12 ounces):
Calories: 99
Carbs: 4 g
ABV: 4.2%
Kona Brewing Co.'s Light Blonde Ale will whisk you away to the western shores of Hawaii with just a few sips. This light, refreshing brew boasts fruity hints of sweet mango, making it an ideal companion for light, low-calorie dishes like salads and seafood (preferably freshly caught). With a mellow bitterness of just 18 IBU (International Bitterness Units), this golden ale is one of the least bitter in Kona Brewing's lineup, making it a crowd-pleaser, even for those who don’t typically drink beer.
Lagunitas DayTime IPA
Nutrition (Per 12 ounces):
Calories: 98
Carbs: 3 g
ABV: 4%
Lagunitas DayTime IPA delivers a hop-forward punch with under 100 calories and just 4% ABV, making it perfect for day parties, backyard barbecues, and any casual gathering. Designed for those who love the boldness of a pale ale but want a lighter option, this low-ABV IPA comes in at 30 IBUs, offering a pleasant bitterness. Notes of orange, grapefruit, eucalyptus, and tropical hints of passionfruit and melon balance the hoppy bite, creating a refreshing yet flavorful brew.'