Michelob Ultra Vs Modelo: Which Beer Is Healthier?

Beer lovers often wonder which brew is the healthiest option. When comparing Modelo and Michelob Ultra, two popular beers that have been booming while the rest of the US beer industry remains flat, there are several factors to consider. Both beers are more expensive than market-leading light beers, which contributes to their appeal as consumers increasingly seek premium products. However, when it comes to health, Michelob Ultra has a clear advantage. With only 95 calories and 2.6 grams of carbohydrates per 12 ounces, it offers a lower-calorie alternative to regular beer without sacrificing flavour or quality. Additionally, Michelob Ultra is gluten-free, making it a better choice for those with gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease. On the other hand, Modelo, a pilsner-style Mexican lager, may offer a certain prestige associated with imported beer, but it lacks the health benefits of its competitor. So, if you're looking for a healthier option, Michelob Ultra is the way to go.

Michelob Ultra is gluten-free

Michelob Ultra is not gluten-free. While it is a popular beer, particularly for those with an active lifestyle, it contains glutenous ingredients. The main ingredients in Michelob Ultra include malted barley, hops, yeast, and water. Barley is a gluten grain, and even though Michelob Ultra contains a shallow level of gluten, it is not suitable for those with extreme gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

The gluten content in Michelob Ultra is between 20 and 100 parts per million (PPM), which is considered safe for those with mild gluten sensitivity. However, for those with higher sensitivity or celiac disease, it is recommended to consume beers that are specifically labelled as "gluten-free". These beers are made with gluten-free grains such as malted sorghum, millet, rice, and buckwheat.

Michelob Ultra Pure Gold, on the other hand, is considered a gluten-free option. It is made with organic ingredients and does not contain any glutenous grains. This beer has undergone a specific USDA organic certification process due to its organic ingredients and low-calorie content. Extensive testing has been conducted by the brewers to ensure that all traces of gluten have been removed, making it a suitable option for those on a strict gluten-free diet or with gluten sensitivities.

While Michelob Ultra may not be gluten-free, the company does offer other gluten-free options, such as Shock Top Honey Creek Hard Apple Cider, O’Douls Non-Alcoholic Beer, and ZiegenBock Lager Ale. These alternatives allow individuals with gluten intolerances or sensitivities to enjoy refreshing drinks without sacrificing taste or worrying about potential health concerns related to consuming gluten.

Modelo Especial is a Mexican import

Modelo Especial is brewed by Grupo Modelo, a large brewery in Mexico that exports beer to most countries worldwide. The brewery was founded in 1925 by a group of twenty-five Spanish immigrants, including Braulio Iriarte and Martín Oyamburu. Grupo Modelo is the leader in Mexico in beer production, distribution and marketing, with 63.0% of the total market share as of December 31, 2008. It has seven brewing plants in Mexico, with an annual installed capacity of 60 million hectoliters.

In addition to Modelo Especial, Grupo Modelo's export brands include Corona and Pacífico. The company also brews brands specifically for the domestic Mexican market and has exclusive rights in Mexico for the import and distribution of Anheuser-Busch products, including Budweiser, Bud Light and O'Doul's. Grupo Modelo also imports the Tsingtao Brewery brand from China and the Carlsberg brand from Denmark.

In May 2023, Modelo Especial became the top-selling beer in the United States by retail sales volume, surpassing Bud Light. While both beers are owned by the same parent company outside of the US, the Modelo brand is owned by Constellation Brands within the country. This means that, in the US, Modelo is not affiliated with AB InBev.

Michelob Ultra has 95 calories per 12-ounce serving

Michelob Ultra is a light beer with 95 calories per 12-ounce serving. This is significantly lower than a typical beer, which has around 150-200 calories. With only 95 calories per can or bottle, Michelob Ultra is a good choice for people watching their calorie intake or trying to lose weight. It also has 2.6 grams of carbohydrates, which is lower than most other beers on the market. This makes it a good option for those trying to maintain their weight as well.

The low-calorie count of Michelob Ultra is due in part to its specialised brewing process, which ensures that there are no traces of wheat or barley in the final product. This also makes it gluten-free, which can be beneficial for those with gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease. In addition to being low in calories and carbohydrates, Michelob Ultra is also sugar-free.

The taste of Michelob Ultra is crisp and refreshing, with a slight malty corn-like flavour and a low hop presence. It is crafted to ensure maximum flavour while still being low in calories and carbs, and many drinkers prefer it over other light beers for its taste.

Michelob Ultra was launched in 2002 and was originally targeted towards Baby Boomers, with the tagline "Lose the carbs. Not the taste." However, it ended up resonating more with younger, sporty audiences and has become popular among health-conscious drinkers, fitness enthusiasts, and athletes. It has been marketed as a sports drink and has featured athletes such as Lance Armstrong and Kerri Walsh Jennings in its ads.

Michelob Ultra is also one of the more expensive light beers, which has helped it benefit from the shift towards premium products. It has positioned itself as a brand for drinkers leading active lifestyles and is more popular with women than competing beers.

Modelo costs 25% more than Bud Light or Coors Light

Modelo Especial is currently the best-selling beer in America, having dethroned Bud Light in 2023. This is largely due to a boycott of Bud Light that began in April 2023, which saw the brand lose a whole generation of hardcore shoppers. Modelo's sales have more than doubled since Constellation, its distributor, took ownership in 2013.

Constellation Brands, the company that distributes Modelo, posted an 11% increase in sales in its second-quarter earnings, released in June 2023. This was bolstered by its beer business, which also includes Corona. Modelo's sales in grocery and beer stores surpassed Bud Light's over the course of 2023, according to NIQ data.

Modelo's success is also attributed to its marketing strategy, which has expanded its reach beyond its traditional core Hispanic customer. About 50% of Modelo's growth in recent years has come from increased distribution. The company tripled its marketing budget for the brand, pushing it beyond its core Hispanic base to a national audience, including with advertisements during National Football League games.

On average, Modelo costs about 25% more than Bud Light or Coors Light. This pricing strategy has helped the brand benefit from the shift toward premium products that's driving growth across the food-and-beverage landscape. According to Jim Sabia, chief marketing officer at Constellation, the higher price point is appealing to customers who want to trade up.

Michelob Ultra is marketed as a sports drink

Michelob Ultra has been marketed as a sports drink for over a decade. Its marketing strategy has helped it become one of the most popular beers in the US. With major marketing efforts and endorsements by sports stars like Lance Armstrong and Kerri Walsh Jennings, Michelob Ultra has become one of America's top light beers.

Michelob Ultra's marketing campaign has been so successful that it has been called the "crown jewel" of beers, strategically answering the people's call for a beer that is lower in carbs and calories. The brand's tagline, "Lose the carbs. Not the taste," has resonated with health-conscious consumers, including those on the Atkins diet. The beer's low-calorie and low-carbohydrate content, with only 95 calories and 2.6 grams of carbohydrates per 12-ounce serving, has been a key selling point.

The marketing of Michelob Ultra as a sports drink has been so effective that it has attracted a younger, sporty audience, even though it was originally targeted towards Baby Boomers. The brand's association with health and wellness, as well as its sponsorship of sporting events like the New York City Marathon, has helped it gain a wide following among consumers seeking a healthier alternative to traditional beer options.

Michelob Ultra's positioning as a sports drink has also contributed to its success in the Latino market, with significant growth in Chicago, one of the most competitive beer marketplaces in the US. The brand's social acceptance and broad appeal have further solidified its position as a top-selling beer in the country.

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