Best Low-Cal Mexican Beers: Taste Without The Guilt

Mexican beers are diverse, ranging from light beers to dark beers, and the country is one of the world's top producers. When it comes to calorie content, Mexican beers vary. Some of the lowest-calorie Mexican beers include Corona Premier, which has fewer calories and carbs than Corona Light, and Tecate Light, which was the first low-calorie beer introduced to the Mexican market. Other low-calorie options include Modelo Especial Light, which was launched in 1994, and Corona Light, which was introduced in 1989 as Grupo Modelo's first low-calorie beer.

Mexican beers with the least calories

Mexican beers are diverse, from light lagers to dark beers and Munich-style brews. If you're looking for Mexican beers with the least calories, here are some options to consider:

Corona Premier

Corona Premier is a lighter version of the classic Corona beer. It has fewer calories and carbs than Corona Light, which has 99 calories and 5 grams of carbohydrates. Corona Premier is described as having a "light sweetness and grassiness that improves with a squeeze of lime." It's a great option if you're looking for a refreshing Mexican beer with a lower calorie count.

Modelo Oro Light Beer

Modelo Oro Light Beer is a low-calorie option from the Modelo family. While the exact calorie count is not readily available, light beers typically have fewer calories than their regular counterparts.

Dos Equis Mexican Pale Ale

Dos Equis offers a Mexican Pale Ale that is likely to have fewer calories than some of the heavier beers on the market. However, the exact calorie information for this particular beer is not easily accessible.

Saint Archer Mexican Lager

Saint Archer's Mexican Lager is another option for those seeking a lighter beer. Lagers tend to be crisp and light, and while the specific calorie information is not available, it is likely to be lower in calories compared to some of the richer, darker beers.

Redhook El Sonido Mexican-Style Lager

Redhook's El Sonido Mexican-style Lager is another choice for those seeking a lighter option. Mexican-style lagers are often known for their crisp and refreshing qualities, making them a good choice for those conscious of their calorie intake.

Tecate Light

Tecate Light, produced by Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc, was the first low-calorie beer introduced to the Mexican market. It has fewer calories than its regular counterpart, Tecate, while still retaining its traditional flavour.

Corona Light

Corona Light, introduced in 1989, is Grupo Modelo's first low-calorie beer. It has 30% less calories than Corona Extra, the top-selling Mexican beer abroad. Corona Light has 99 calories and 5 grams of carbohydrates.

When choosing a low-calorie beer, it is important to consider not only the calorie count but also the overall carbohydrate content and added sugars, especially in flavoured varieties. Additionally, remember to consume alcohol in moderation, as excessive alcohol intake can have negative health consequences.

Mexican beers with the most calories

While Mexican beers are typically associated with light and refreshing flavours, some pack a more substantial caloric punch. Here is a list of Mexican beers with higher calorie counts:

Carta Blanca

Carta Blanca is one of Mexico's oldest beer brands, first brewed by Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc in 1890. It is a pilsner-style beer with a strong hop flavour. While the exact calorie count is not readily available, it is considered a regular beer in terms of alcohol content, typically placing such beers in the 140-150 calorie range.

Indio

Indio is a smooth, dark beer that has been produced since 1905. It was originally named Cuauhtemoc after the Aztec Emperor, but the name was changed to Indio due to its popularity with customers who asked for the beer "with the Indian". The beer has a unique, refreshing quality that makes it ideal for Mexico's varied climate. While the exact calorie count is not listed, it is likely to be higher due to its stronger flavour and darker colour.

Bohemia

Bohemia is a light, rich lager beer and one of Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc's oldest brands. It has a significant hops flavour and a dense, clear appearance. While the calorie count is not specified, regular beers typically fall in the 140-150 calorie range, and Bohemia's rich flavour suggests it may be on the higher end.

Dos Equis Ambar (XX)

Dos Equis Ambar (XX) is a Vienna-style dark beer first produced by a German brewer in 1897. It was marketed as 'Siglo XX' to commemorate the new century. While the exact calorie count is not listed, dark beers tend to have a higher calorie count, and Dos Equis Ambar is likely no exception.

Noche Buena

Noche Buena is a rich, dark beer with a strong flavour, only sold in Mexico during the festive season, from October to December. This seasonal brew is likely to have a higher calorie count due to its robust flavour and colour.

While these beers have a higher calorie content, it is important to remember that they also offer a more intense flavour experience and are designed to be enjoyed in moderation.

Mexican beer exports

Mexico is one of the world's top beer-producing countries, with a large range of beers brewed in the country. The country's two dominant beer corporations, Cerveceria Modelo (Grupo Modelo) and Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc-Moctezuma (FEMSA), supply over 90% of all beer in Mexico and export to various countries, including the US, Asia, Europe, and South America.

Grupo Modelo's Corona Extra is the top-selling Mexican beer abroad, exported to 159 countries. Other Grupo Modelo beers exported internationally include Corona Light, Modelo Especial, and Pacifico. Corona Premier, a lower-calorie version of Corona with fewer calories and carbs, is also exported to the US.

Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc-Moctezuma's principal beer, Sol, is exported to Asia, Europe, and South America. Their other popular beer, Dos Equis, is the best-selling non-domestic dark beer in the US. Additionally, their Tecate beer is exported to the US and was the first beer to be sold in cans in Mexico.

Beyond the big two breweries, smaller Mexican breweries also contribute to exports. For example, Beer Lounge in Guadalajara produces ales that are exported to other countries.

The export of Mexican beer has significantly contributed to the country's beer market, with exports accounting for approximately 2.2 billion US dollars. The major brewers' extensive distribution networks play a crucial role in delivering their branded beers worldwide, even to remote locations.

The history of Mexican beer production and its global success is fascinating. Even before the Europeans arrived, ancient civilizations in Mexico were fermenting plants and corn grains to produce alcoholic beverages. After Mexico's War of Independence, and with the influence of German immigrants, beer production flourished, and by the early 20th century, it had become a significant industry. The subsequent consolidation of the industry in the 1920s further solidified Mexico's position as a leading beer exporter.

Mexican beer history

Mexico has a long history of brewing beer, dating back to the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. While fermented alcoholic beverages, such as pulque (made from the fermented sap of the maguey or agave plant), were consumed by Mesoamerican cultures long before the 16th century, the Spanish introduced European-style beer brewed with barley. However, beer production during the colonial period was limited due to a lack of materials and strict restrictions and taxes imposed by the Spanish authorities.

In the middle of the 16th century, the first official concession to brew European-style beer was granted to Alfonso de Herrero. Despite facing challenges due to competition from native beverages and high costs, European-style beer gradually gained popularity, especially among colonial authorities. After the Mexican War of Independence, the industry was freed from colonial restrictions, and beer production began to flourish.

The arrival of German and Austrian immigrants during the Second Mexican Empire of Maximilian I of Mexico in the 19th century further boosted the development of the beer industry. These immigrants brought additional knowledge and expertise, leading to the opening of many breweries across the country. By 1918, there were 36 brewing companies in Mexico.

During the 20th century, the industry consolidated, and today, two corporations, Grupo Modelo (now owned by AB InBev) and Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma (owned by Heineken N.V.), control 90% of the Mexican beer market. Mexico has become a leading exporter of beer, with its products reaching over 150 countries worldwide.

The majority of beers produced in Mexico are lagers, pilsners, Vienna-style light and dark beers, and Munich dark beers. Beer is typically served cold and is often accompanied by lime juice or enjoyed as a michelada, a beer cocktail with lime juice, salt, and various spicy sauces.

Mexican beer market share

Mexico has become a leading player in the global beer market, with the country ranking as the third-largest producer of beer in the Americas in 2022. The Mexican beer market is experiencing significant growth, driven by customer preferences for beer, the popularity of craft beer, and the increasing demand for low-alcohol and non-alcoholic options.

The country's rich brewing history, cultural significance of beer, and well-known local beer brands, such as Corona and Modelo, have contributed to the market's development. Additionally, Mexico's growing economy, increasing disposable income, and young population have also played a role in the expansion of the beer market.

The Mexican beer market is dominated by two major corporations, Cerveceria Modelo (Grupo Modelo) and Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc-Moctezuma (FEMSA), which together supply over 90% of the country's beer. Domestic sales of beer in Mexico exceed six billion dollars, with exports accounting for about 2.2 billion dollars. The major brewers operate seventeen brewing plants in eleven states and support over ninety barley-producing centers. They also have an extensive retail distribution network, delivering their branded beers nationwide, even to remote small towns and villages. The beer industry is one of the most important beverage subsectors in Mexico, providing direct employment to more than 90,000 people and indirect employment to approximately 800,000 people.

While small, independent microbreweries are less common in Mexico compared to the US and Europe, there is a growing trend of microbreweries like Cerveceria San Angel and Beer Lounge in Guadalajara. These microbreweries tend to produce ales, offering a diverse range of beers to Mexican consumers.

The popularity of Mexican beer has led to an increase in exports, particularly to the neighbouring US market. In 2022, Mexico became the leading beer exporter globally, with 97% of its beer exports going to the United States. The mild taste of Mexican beer, such as Corona, has also made it popular for cocktails and mixed beverages like micheladas, further contributing to its international success.

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