College Student Beer Preferences: What's Their Favorite Brew?

Beer is a staple of college life, often associated with parties, socialising, and relaxation. While college students' drinking habits have evolved to include liquor and hard seltzer, beer remains a popular choice. This is especially true for male students, who are almost nine times more likely to drink beer than their female counterparts. With a variety of brands to choose from, college students tend to opt for beers that are cheap, refreshing, and easily accessible.

Popular cheap beers for college students

Beer is a staple drink for college students, and with good reason—it's affordable, refreshing, and perfect for parties or winding down after a long day. Here are some of the most popular cheap beers among college students that won't break the bank:

Michelob Ultra

Michelob Ultra is a popular choice for health-conscious students watching their waistlines. It has a lower carb and calorie count compared to other beers, making it a trendy option for those who enjoy craft beer but don't want the extra calories. Its relatively healthy profile has made it quite popular among students.

Corona Extra

Corona Extra is a classic that has been around since 1925 and is loved by people of all ages. It's affordable, and its sales have increased in recent years, making it a go-to choice for student parties. Its crisp and well-balanced flavour, along with its affordable price, have solidified its place as a favourite among college students.

Bud Light

Produced by Anheuser-Busch InBev, Bud Light is one of the most popular beers in the US, especially among students. Its thin and watery texture might not be for everyone, but it's precisely this unique refreshing taste that sets it apart as an American classic. It's also low on calories, so students can enjoy a few without worrying about the consequences.

Coors Light

Coors Light, from the Molson Coors Beverage Company, gained popularity among students due to its mysterious aura. For several years, it wasn't available nationwide in the US, but that all changed in the 1990s. Now, it's a staple for students looking for a crisp, refreshing, and affordable beer. It's easy to find and perfect for those on a tight budget.

Milwaukee's Best Ice

This beer, also from the Molson Coors Beverage Company, stands out for its unique flavour. It's chilled below freezing during the brewing process, resulting in ice crystals that give it a smooth flavour. The combination of its taste and affordable price has made it a highly popular choice among college students.

Corona Light

Corona Light is the healthier alternative to Corona Extra, with very few calories. This cheap Mexican beer is gaining popularity among students and beer drinkers of all ages. It's typically served cold with a lime wedge and salt, making it a refreshing choice for those who want a dry and crisp taste.

Budweiser

Budweiser is an internationally renowned brand that needs no introduction. It's a favourite among students and people of all ages worldwide. The secret to its unique taste lies in the Beechwood pieces added during production, which help eliminate undesirable flavours. It's a beer that makes students feel good and tastes good, too!

Honourable Mentions

Other popular beers among college students include Busch, Coors Banquet, Natural Light (aka Natty Light), Keystone, Pacifico, Tecate Reds, and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. For those looking for a local flavour, Hamms is a popular choice in Minnesota, while Pearl Beer is a cheap lager from Texas.

Beer brands with unique flavours

Beer is a popular drink among college students, and some brands are more favoured than others. While college students have their go-to beers, they also seek unique flavours. Here are some beer brands with distinctive tastes that have become popular among students:

Michelob Ultra

Michelob Ultra is one of the most popular beers among students due to its relatively healthy profile compared to other beers. It has a lower carb and calorie count, making it a trendy choice for those who enjoy craft beer but want to watch their weight. Its uniqueness and affordability make it a favourite among college students.

Corona Extra

Corona Extra, originating in Mexico in 1925, has gained immense popularity among students worldwide. Its sales have increased over the years, making it a staple at student parties. Its crisp and well-balanced flavour, along with its affordable price, have solidified its place as a favourite.

Bud Light

Produced by Anheuser-Busch InBev, Bud Light is known for its uniquely refreshing taste. Some may find it watery and thin, but it stands out from other brands. Its lack of strong flavours makes it a classic American choice, and its low-calorie content allows students to enjoy more without worrying about the calories.

Coors Light

Coors Light, from the Molson Coors Beverage Company, gained popularity among American students due to its mysterious aura. It was unavailable nationwide for a long time, but in the 1990s, it became easily accessible across the US. It is a crisp, refreshing, and affordable beer, making it a go-to choice for students on a budget.

Milwaukee's Best Ice

Milwaukee's Best Ice, another offering from Molson Coors Beverage Company, is known for its unique flavour. The brewing process involves chilling the beer below freezing, resulting in ice crystal formation. This gives the beer a smooth flavour that students love. Its affordable price further adds to its popularity among cost-conscious students.

Corona Light

Corona Light is the healthier alternative to Corona Extra, with fewer calories and a dry, refreshing taste. Students often serve it cold with a lime wedge and salt. Its popularity extends beyond college students, gaining favour among beer drinkers of all ages.

While these beers are popular for their unique flavours, college students also have their preferred beer choices, including well-known brands such as Corona, Bud Light, Coors, and Budweiser.

Beer brands with health-conscious options

While beer is often associated with a high number of calories and carbs, there are several options for health-conscious drinkers. Many beer brands now offer low-calorie, low-carb, gluten-free, and non-alcoholic options. Here are some beer brands with health-conscious options:

Michelob Ultra

Michelob Ultra is a popular choice among college students due to its relatively healthy profile compared to other beers. It has a lower carb and calorie count, making it a good option for those watching their waistline but still wanting to enjoy a craft beer.

Budweiser

This internationally renowned brand is loved by students worldwide. Budweiser uses beechwood pieces during the production process to enhance the flavour and remove undesirable fermentation products.

Bud Light

Produced by Anheuser-Busch InBev, Bud Light is a popular American classic, known for being watery, thin, and refreshing. It is also low in calories, making it a guilt-free choice for students.

Corona Light

Corona Light is the healthier alternative to Corona Extra, with very few calories. This cheap Mexican-style beer is gaining popularity among students and drinkers of all age groups.

Heineken Light

Heineken Light is a refreshing, low-calorie option for environmentally and health-conscious drinkers. With just 90 calories and 6 grams of carbs, it offers the classic crisp taste of Heineken without compromising on health.

Athletic Lite Non-Alcoholic Light Brew

For those who enjoy the taste of beer but want to avoid alcohol, Athletic Lite offers a vegan, low-calorie option. With only 25 calories and 5 grams of carbs, it's a great choice for those watching their weight.

Ghostfish Shrouded Summit White Ale

This gluten-free beer is perfect for those with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease. It's brewed with millet, rice, and buckwheat, offering the taste of a classic wheat ale without the gluten.

Hoegaarden Original White Ale

Hoegaarden's Original White Ale is double-fermented, resulting in a sweet and sour brew with hints of orange and coriander. The fermentation process also adds gut-supporting live yeast, making it a great choice for gut health.

Abita Purple Haze

Abita Purple Haze is a unique beer brewed with fresh raspberry puree, adding essential B and C vitamins. It's a great option for those who want the health benefits of beer without the typical beer taste, as it has a sweeter, fruitier flavour.

Blue Moon LightSky

Blue Moon LightSky is a low-calorie, low-carb rendition of the classic Blue Moon brew. It offers notes of tangerine and tropical hops while keeping the calorie count under 100.

Full Sail Session Lager

Full Sail Session Lager is a full-bodied, old-school brew with a unique flavour and a low calorie count, making it a healthier option for summer gatherings or meals.

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

This award-winning brew combines hints of orange blossom and grapefruit for a refreshing taste. With a moderate alcohol content, it's a good choice for those looking to reduce their calorie intake without sacrificing flavour.

While enjoying a cold beer, it's important to remember that drinking in moderation is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Beer brands with international recognition

Beer is a staple drink for college students, and some brands are more popular than others. While preferences vary, certain beers have achieved international recognition among students. Here are some of the most well-known and beloved beers among college students:

Budweiser

An internationally renowned brand, Budweiser is loved by students and people of all ages worldwide. Its unique taste is attributed to the addition of Beechwood pieces during the brewing process, which helps eliminate undesirable fermentation flavours. This beer is produced by the company Anheuser-Busch InBev, which is also responsible for another student favourite, Bud Light.

Corona Extra

Corona Extra is another beer that has gained international popularity among college students. Its sales have increased over the years, making it a well-known brand. Originating in Mexico in 1925, Corona Extra is known for its affordable price and crisp, well-balanced flavour. Its lighter version, Corona Light, is also a popular choice among students due to its low-calorie content.

Coors Light

Coors Light, produced by the Molson Coors Beverage Company, gained popularity among American students due to its mysterious aura. Previously unavailable nationwide, Coors Light became easily accessible in the 1990s and quickly rose to become one of the most favoured beers by students. Its refreshing, crisp flavour and affordability make it a go-to choice for students on a budget.

Michelob Ultra

Michelob Ultra is popular among students due to its relatively healthy profile compared to other beers. With lower carb and calorie counts, it is a preferred choice for those who enjoy craft beer but are conscious of their health and weight. Its affordability further adds to its appeal among students.

Milwaukee's Best Ice

This beer, also produced by the Molson Coors Beverage Company, stands out for its unique flavour. Milwaukee's Best Ice is chilled during the brewing process, resulting in the formation of ice crystals that impart a smooth flavour. Its affordable price, combined with its distinct taste, has made it a highly popular choice among college students.

While these beers have achieved widespread recognition, it is important to note that drinking preferences can vary based on region, gender, and individual taste. Additionally, the availability and marketing of certain brands can also influence their popularity among college students.

Beer brands with a historical presence

Beer is one of the oldest alcoholic drinks, with references to it dating back to the fifth millennium BC. It has been a staple in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia and is now a ubiquitous drink worldwide.

Heineken

Heineken is a Dutch beer brand that has stood the test of time. It is the oldest brand in the top 10 at 142 years old and is still heavily consumed globally.

Budweiser

Once branded the "King of Beers", Budweiser has been dethroned with the entry of Asian beers into the global market. However, it remains a top brand, commanding a 2.5% market share.

Bud Light

Part of the Anheuser-Busch InBev family, Bud Light has been one of the most popular beers in America, especially among students, since its conception in 1982.

Coors Light

Coors Light, produced by the Molson Coors Beverage Company, is a Miller beer that was not available across America for several years, adding an air of mystique. Since the 1990s, it has been widely available and is one of the most popular beers among students.

Corona Extra

Corona Extra, part of Constellation Brands, is extremely popular among students, with sales increasing over the past few years. It originated in Mexico in 1925.

Schlitz

The Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company was once one of the largest beer producers in the US, constantly exchanging the top spot with Anheuser-Busch until the 1950s. The brand is still alive today, especially in the Midwest, as a sentimental favourite.

Falstaff Beers

Falstaff Beers were produced by the Falstaff Brewing Company, a major American brewery founded in St Louis, Missouri, in 1903. The brand was bought out in 1975 and production ceased in 1990.

Lucky Lager

Originally launched in 1934 by the General Brewing Company in San Francisco, Lucky Lager became one of the more popular beers in the Western US in the 1950s and 1960s. The brand has been revived in recent years and is now brewed by 21st Amendment Brewing in San Leandro.

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