What is a Light Beer?
Determining what exactly qualifies as a light beer isn’t necessarily easy, since there are no clear-cut, hard-and-fast rules, and regulations vary widely by region. FDA guidelines dictate that a food product that calls itself “light” must have at least 33% fewer calories compared to a standard calorie product. Meanwhile, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) simply says a light beer must have a significant decrease in calories compared to the full-calorie version. However, according to TTB requirements, if a beer calls itself a “light,” “lite” or low-carb product, it must include a statement of average analysis on the label, which lists important basic content information such as serving size, calories and carbohydrates.
Calories and Alcohol Content
Most beer drinkers are interested in a beer’s alcohol content—after all, that’s the whole reason many people drink beer in the first place. Because most of the calories in beer come from alcohol, typically when you reduce the calories of a beer, you also decrease the alcohol content—but that’s not always the case. To gauge the alcohol content, you want to look at the Alcohol by Volume (ABV), which is a standard measurement used to determine alcohol content. The higher the ABV, the more alcohol that drink contains. According to the National Institutes of Health, a standard 12 oz. regular beer typically has around 5% alcohol content. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
Best Low-Calorie Beers
Coors Light - $7.27 for a 6-pack
Calories: 102 Carbs: 5g ABV: 4.2% You know there must be a reason why Coors Light is one of the most popular light beers – and it could be because of its “cold as the Rockies” process that ensures it stays cold all the way to your fridge. The “silver bullet” is a tried-and-true classic.
Bud Light - $7.27 for a 6-pack
Calories: 110 Carbs: 6.6g ABV: 4.2% Another popular leader among the light beer category, Bud Light has a strong fan following, and that’s likely due in large part to the familiar, reliable taste created by four simple ingredients.
Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty IPA - $10.99 for a 6-pack
Calories: 95 Carbs: 3.6g ABV: 4% Dogfish Head credits Slightly Mighty is “the #1 Selling Low-Cal IPA In America” and says that’s due in no small part to the years of research and experimentation that went into crafting the perfect formula for this beer. The secret is the “magic of monk fruit.”
Heineken Light - $15.49 for a 6-pack
Calories: 90 Carbs: 6g ABV: 3.3% Heineken’s light beer is brewed with the brand’s “signature A-yeast,” which the company says is responsible for the just-right bitterness and smooth finish.
Bud Light NEXT - $14.99 for a 12-pack
Calories: 80 calories Carbs: 0 ABV: 4% Bud Light’s very first zero-calorie beer was nearly ten years in the making – but for those seeking to avoid carbs while still enjoying their favorite drink, it was worth the wait. The invigorating taste and rich flavor means you won’t feel like you are missing out on anything—except, of course, unwanted carbs.
FLIGHT by Yuengling - $14.99 for a 12-pack
Calories: 95 Carbs: 2.6g ABV: 4.2% America’s oldest brewery embraces the low-calorie beer market with FLIGHT, which has a sharp, clean taste and all of the high-quality ingredients you would expect from a brewery that has lasted this long.
Michelob ULTRA - $22.98 for a 24-pack
Calories: 95 Carbs: 2.6g ABV: 4.2% This light lager blends Herkules hops – known for their tangy, floral taste that also offers hints of melon – with wholesome, natural grains for the perfect flavor combination.
Miller Lite - $19.98 for a 24-pack
Calories: 96 Carbs: 3.2g ABV: 4.2% Known as “the original light beer,” Miller Lite dates back to 1975, so you know they must be doing something right. It’s less filling – and the budget-friendly price is a nice bonus.
Corona Premier - $18.99 for a 12-pack
Calories: 90 calories Carbs: 2.6 g ABV: 4.0% You’ll enjoy the subtle traces of fruit and honey blended with malt that gives Corona Premier its sweet, sharp taste. This Mexican lager is perfect for BBQs and summer festivities, as it pairs well with grilled chicken and fish.
Roadhouse Highwayman Pilsner - $4.99 per 16-ounce can
Calories: 110 Carbs: Not specified ABV: 4% This low-calorie offering from Roadhouse Brewing Co. strikes the perfect balance of deep, rich taste with a light crispness. It’s perfect for when you’re hanging out with friends by the campfire.
Miller 64 Extra Light - $7.99 (and up) for a 6-pack
Calories: 64 Carbs: 2.4g ABV: 2.8% Miller takes light beer to the next level with this great-tasting brew that slashes the calories and carbs yet somehow still manages to deliver a great taste experience.
Busch Light - $12.73 for an 18-pack
Calories: 95 Carbs: 3.2g ABV: 4.1% A longer brewing process allows this low-calorie version of Busch to keep the classic taste while reducing the carbs and calories.
Shiner Light Blonde - $9.99 (and up) for a 6-pack
Calories: 99 Carbs: 3.8g ABV: 4.2% This beer hails from Texas, so it’s not surprising that it has a bigger, bolder taste than you might expect from a light beer. Made from high-quality aroma hops known for producing excellent flavor.
Beck’s Premier Light – $9.49 (and up) for a 6-pack
Calories: 64 Carbs: 3.9g ABV: 2.3% This German beer has a fruity, refreshing taste that’s not muted or watered-down like you find in some light beers. Great for a summer BBQ.
Guinness Draught - $10.99 (and up) for a 6-pack
Calories: 125 Carbs: 9.4g ABV: 4.2% Think you can’t enjoy the legendary Guinness flavor while minimizing your calories? Think again. Guinness Draught gives you that iconic coffee-like aroma at only around 125 calories per serving. While it’s not specifically marketed as a “light” or low-calorie beer, it seems to fit under that umbrella, based on its caloric content, which is reasonable and less than many “standard” beers.
Island Active - $14.99 for a 12-pack
Calories: 88 Carbs: 2.6g ABV: 4.2% As you can probably guess from the name, this beer is made for people who are always on the go – although it also tastes just as good when you’re enjoying a glass while lounging on the deck watching the sunset. Either way, this light lager and its low carb and calorie count certainly won’t weigh you down. Stick with the original flavor or try the new Lime, Mango, or Watermelon varieties.
Bell’s Light Hearted Ale - $11.99 (and up) for a 6-pack
Calories: 110 Carbs: 8.7g ABV: 3.7% Midwesterners will likely recognize the Bell’s Brewery name, but may not be aware that the brewery known for their Two Hearted Ale IPA introduced a lower-calorie sister version which the company says has “all of the Heart” without as many calories.
Blue Moon LightSky Tropical Wheat – $18.88 (and up) for a 12-pack
Calories: 95 Carbs: 3.4g ABV: 4% If you like your beer to have a bit of a tropical citrus attitude, this is the one for you. Brewed with pineapple and orange peel, this Blue Moon beer delivers an invigorating, distinctive taste. Also try the Citrus Wheat variety.
Athletic Lite - $13.99 for a 6-pack
Calories: 25 Carbs: 5 ABV: N/A This non-alcoholic beer from Athletic Brewing Co. puts a whole new spin on light beer. It’s carefully crafted using organic grains and perfect for those with an active lifestyle.
Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager – starting at $11 for a 6-pack
Calories: 140 Carbs: 11g ABV: 4.7% Perfect for summer get-togethers on the beach, this Baja-inspired Mexican lager is brewed with sea salt and lime to give it just the right amount of kick—without extra calories.
Partake Peach Gose - $29.99 for a 12-pack
Calories: 15 calories Carbs: 2g ABV: N/A Looking for a non-alcoholic beer without a lot of carbs or calories? This variety from Partake has a refreshing sweet peach flavor that’s just sweet enough and not too tart.
Wallenpaupack Brewing Company Smallmouth IPA - $5 per pint
Calories: 102 Carbs: 3g ABV: 4.4% You may have never heard of the Wallenpaupack Brewing Company, but those who know (and judge) beer and breweries certainly do, as this 6-year-old brewery located in the heart of the Poconos has been winning all sorts of impressive awards. Introduced in 2020, Smallmouth IPA is the brand’s first low-calorie beer and its citrus berry flavor has earned it many fans already. Right now, it’s only available in PA, but that gives you a great excuse to make a trip to the beautiful Poconos.
Keystone Light - $13.55 for an 18-pack
Calories: 101 Carbs: 4.7g ABV: 4.1% This light beer provides a satisfying taste experience – and let’s face it, the price is pretty appealing, as well. Next up, find out how many calories are actually in a pound.
