Best Low-Calorie Brews: Light But Mighty Beers

Beer is often associated with empty calories, but there are now many low-calorie options available that don't compromise on taste. The number of calories in a beer is directly related to its alcohol content, with one gram of alcohol containing about seven calories. So, when looking for a low-calorie beer, it's best to choose one with a lower alcohol by volume (ABV). Here are some of the strongest low-calorie beers on the market.

Low-calorie lagers

Lagers are the most popular type of beer, known for their crisp, light, and clean taste. While they are typically associated with higher calorie counts, there are several low-calorie options available that can be perfect for those watching their weight or maintaining health goals. Here are some of the best low-calorie lagers to consider:

Budweiser Select

This lager has an ABV of 2.4% and contains only 55 calories, making it one of the lowest-calorie options on the market. It is a refreshing and crisp choice, perfect for summer days.

Molson Ultra

With an ABV of 3% and 70 calories, Molson Ultra offers a slightly higher alcohol content while still keeping the calorie count low.

Sleeman Light

Sleeman Light is a lager with an ABV of 4% and 90 calories. It offers a balance between a slightly higher alcohol content and a reasonable calorie count.

Coors Light

Coors Light is a popular choice among those seeking low-calorie options. With an ABV of 4.2% and 102 calories, it maintains a refreshing and crisp taste while keeping the calorie count relatively low.

Amstel Light

Amstel Light has been a crowd favourite for over 150 years. With an ABV of 4% and 95 calories, it offers a delicious mix of barley malt and hops, making it a reliable choice for summer gatherings.

Corona Light

Corona Light is similar to the well-loved Corona but with fewer calories and carbs. It has an ABV of 3.7% and 99 calories, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy a Corona without compromising their health goals.

Yuengling Light Lager

Yuengling is a top pick among beer drinkers, and their light lager version maintains the flavour profile of their flagship beverage. With an ABV of 3.8% and 99 calories, it offers a crisp and refreshing taste with minimal calories.

These low-calorie lagers provide a great way to enjoy a beer without compromising your health and fitness goals. Remember, even though these beers have fewer calories, it's important to consume them in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Low-calorie ales

Ales are typically produced in northern, colder countries such as Canada, Germany, and Belgium, and are commonly made by microbreweries. They are brewed at higher temperatures and fermented using a different yeast strain than lagers. Ales tend to have a fruity taste and a stronger, bitterer flavour. India Pale Ale (IPA) and saison are among the most popular varieties.

• Le Petit Prince (2.9% ABV): 75 calories
• Dogfish Head Slighty Mighty (4% ABV): 95 calories
• Lagunitas DayTime (4% ABV): 98 calories
• Boulevard Brewing Easy Sport (4.1% ABV): 99 calories
• Lakefront Eazy Teazy (3.4% ABV): 99 calories
• Kona Kanaha Blonde Ale (4.2% ABV): 99 calories
• Southern Tier Swipe Light (4% ABV): 110 calories
• Mural Agua Fresca Cerveza (4% ABV): 110 calories
• Harpoon Rec League (3.8% ABV): 120 calories
• Boston Beer 26.2 Brew (4% ABV): 120 calories
• Firestone Walker Easy Jack (4% ABV): 120 calories
• River Trip Pale Ale (4.8% ABV): 128 calories
• Oarsman Ale (4% ABV): 137 calories
• Southern Tier 8 Days a Week Blonde Ale (4.8% ABV): 144 calories
• Fat Tire Amber Ale (5.2% ABV): 160 calories

Other low-calorie options

In addition to ales, there are several other types of low-calorie beers available, including lagers, stouts, gluten-free beers, and non-alcoholic beers. Here are some examples:

• Budweiser Select (lager, 2.4% ABV): 55 calories
• Guinness Extra (stout, 5.6% ABV): 126 calories
• Coors Edge (non-alcoholic, 0.5% ABV): 45 calories
• Heineken 0.0 (non-alcoholic, 0.0% ABV): 69 calories
• Budweiser Prohibition Brew (non-alcoholic, 0.0% ABV): 150 calories

Low-calorie stouts

Stouts are a type of ale that use roasted barley to create a rich, dark colour. While they are known for being higher in calories, the roasting process generally affects the colour of the beer rather than the calorie count. So, if you're watching your waistline but still want to enjoy a stout, there are some low-calorie options to try.

One of the best-known low-calorie stouts is Guinness Extra, which has 126 calories per 12 ounces (354 ml) serving. This is surprising, as Guinness is often perceived as being higher in calories than many beers, perhaps due to its creamy head and rich flavour. However, its dark colour and sweetness come from small amounts of roasted barley, while its creamy texture comes from using CO2 and nitrogen in its carbonation.

Other low-calorie stouts include Odell Brewing Cutthroat (145 calories), Young's Double Chocolate Stout (150 calories), Taddy Porter (186 calories), Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout (190 calories), and Murphy's Irish Stout (192 calories).

While it is possible to find low-calorie stouts, it's important to note that reducing the alcohol content will also reduce the flavour. Alcohol is a byproduct of fermented sugar, and those rich, dark flavours in stouts come from residual unfermented sugars from the malts. So, while you can find stouts with fewer calories, they may have less flavour.

Low-calorie gluten-free beers

While it is generally challenging to find a gluten-free beer, it is even more difficult to find one that is also low in calories. However, there are a few excellent options available.

Omission Ultimate Light

This light-bodied golden ale is similar to many craft beers. It has a light, malty flavour with a slight hoppiness and citrus notes. Beer Advocate rates it 3.57 out of 5, and it is praised for maintaining great flavour while offering 4.2% ABV and health benefits. It is brewed with traditional beer-making ingredients, and then the gluten is removed, making it suitable for people with celiac disease. It contains only 5 grams of carbohydrates and 99 calories per 12 ounces, for about $10.00 per six-pack.

St. Peter's Sorgham Beer

This caramel brown English Brown Ale is known for its sweet molasses-like taste. It contains 4.2% ABV and 126 calories, and it pairs well with baked sweet potatoes and steaks or chicken cacciatore. The central grain in the beer is sorghum, a gluten-free grain with a neutral, lightly sweet flavour. The American Chemical Society notes that sorghum is safe for people with celiac disease. St. Peter's Sorgham Beer is priced at about $6.50 for a 16.9-ounce bottle.

Joseph James FoxTail Pale Ale

This 5% ABV pale ale is made from organic brown rice and brewed in Henderson, Nevada. It is light and crisp, making it perfect for summer. It has a mixture of hops and cider-like qualities, making it a great choice for a backyard barbecue or a day at the beach. It contains 130 calories in a 12-ounce can and costs $9.80 for a six-pack.

Glutenberg Blonde

This gluten-free beer has 4.5% ABV and 160 calories.

Green's IPA

This gluten-free beer has 6% ABV and 160 calories.

Holidaily Favorite Blonde

This gluten-free beer has 5% ABV and 161 calories.

Coors Peak

This gluten-free beer has 4.7% ABV and 170 calories.

Low-calorie non-alcoholic beers

Non-alcoholic beers are a great option for those who want to enjoy a cold beverage without the negative side effects of alcohol. They are also perfect for those who are looking to reduce their alcohol intake or cut down on calories. Typically, non-alcoholic beers have significantly fewer calories than alcoholic beers, and in some cases, they can have up to 77% fewer calories.

Non-alcoholic beers usually have an ABV of 0.5% or lower, which results in a lower-calorie content. However, it is important to note that not all non-alcoholic beers are created equal, and some may still contain a significant number of empty calories and carbs. Thus, it is always recommended to read the labels carefully.

• Coors Edge has only 41 calories per serving, making it one of the lowest-calorie options available.
• Run Wild IPA by Athletic Brewing is a craft beer created with athletes in mind. It has just 65 calories and is an excellent choice for those seeking a healthier option without compromising on taste.
• Partake Brewing Blonde is a Canadian beer with only 15 calories and 2 grams of carbs per serving. It may be on the lighter side in terms of taste, but it is an excellent option for those prioritizing calorie count.
• Heineken 0.0 is a non-alcoholic beer with 0.0% ABV, ensuring that you avoid all alcohol content while lowering your calorie intake. A 12-ounce serving has 69 calories.
• Big Drop Paradiso is another excellent option, with only 16.2 calories per 100ml. That means a pint of this non-alcoholic beer will contain only 76.6 calories, which is significantly fewer than a pint of regular craft beer.
• Athletic Brewing Athletic Lite is a deceptively simple yet expertly crafted beer with only 25 calories, 5 carbs, and organic grains. It is a refreshing option that can be enjoyed during any casual occasion.
• Brewdog offers a range of non-alcoholic beers, including the Hazy AF, Elvis AF, Punk AF, and Clock Work AF, all of which come in 6-packs.

So, if you're looking for a low-calorie, non-alcoholic beer, these options are definitely worth considering. They provide a great way to enjoy the taste of beer without the negative side effects of alcohol and the high-calorie content.

Frequently asked questions