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10 Best Low-Calorie Beers, According to Beer Experts
You don't need extra carbs to have a great craft brew.
Back in the day, there was a memorable series of TV commercials in which one group of dudes would yell "Less filling!" before the other side shouted back, "Tastes great!" The idea — which is even more appealing today — was that instead of compromising on taste, low-calorie or "light" beers could satisfy both sides of the (admittedly silly) argument. In the decades since those commercials first aired, the number and variety of light beers has exploded, and connoisseurs of the brews say they taste better than ever. "Beer is such a diverse beverage that brewers have a number of tools to use,” says Jeff Alworth, author of The Beer Bible.
But how exactly do you make a beverage that is known for the type of belly it creates lower in calories? Lucy Burningham, the author of My Beer Year, explains that brewers do this by reducing the carbohydrates that come from malt and grains. The alcohol content is also reduced. “One gram of alcohol contains about 7 calories, which is a very concentrated form of calories,” Burningham explains.
There are so many low-calorie beers available now that it is easy to zero in on the one that will make your taste buds tingle. Alworth says to start by thinking about the kind you already enjoy. For example, if you like hoppy IPAs, look for session IPAs, which he says are lower in alcohol, and therefore ,lower in calories. More into lagers? Look for a low-calorie lager, which just so happens to be the best-selling beer category in the U.S.
To help you find the top low-calorie pours for your frosty mug, food and nutrition experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute sampled and assessed multiple options, taking into account taste as well as ingredients. Here are the 10 they deem the very best.
One of the newest additions to the low-cal beer lineup is this refreshing lager from New England–based Harpoon. Tasters enjoyed its "crisp, summery flavor," and said it would be a good accompaniment to a meal, since the very light flavor wouldn't overpower the food. And you can feel good about drinking it: A portion of the proceeds helps fund scholarships for families of fallen service members and first responders.
A lighter spin on the classic beer to drink down with your favorite tacos — or with anything, really — Corona Premier is similar to the Corona you already love, but it contains fewer calories and carbs. "It has a light sweetness and grassiness that improves with a squeeze of lime," one of our testers said. This lager sort of tastes like your favorite seltzer, just hoppier.
At just 85 calories per bottle, Michelob Ultra Pure Gold has the fewest calories of any beer on this list, but that doesn't mean it's any less tasty than the others. The refreshing flavor is slightly citrusy and the brew has a super lightweight mouth feel. Bonus points to make you feel good while you sip: It's USDA-certified organic and free of artificial colors and flavors.
Americans have been downing Michelobs for more than a century, making it as familiar as that old friend sitting down at the end of the bar. Michelob Ultra has a light malty taste and subtle citrus aroma. An extended mashing process ensures that its texture is super smooth. And you won't find any artificial colors or flavors in this brew.
Heineken consistently ranks as one of the most popular beers in the U.S., and the Light version maintains the flavors that have made it such a perennial favorite. Heineken Light is lean, fruity and slightly sweet — with a lighter feel and fewer calories than the original. It has just the right amount of earthiness that adds a layer of sophistication without adding heaviness. Our testers loved the subtle malt flavor and light bitterness.
If you want to enjoy a light beer that's a little more flavorful, try this one from Dogfish Head, which is known for its fruity brews. This one has notes of pineapple, coconut and citrus. It's also made with monk fruit to cut down on sugar content, which delivers the punch of a traditional IPA without the extra calories.
When you want to go with a classic, reach into the cooler for a Miller Lite — it delivers a clean, crisp taste without being watery. If you don't like beer that's too hoppy or too bitter, this one will be right up your alley.
Founded in Hawaii, Kona Brewing Co. refers to all its beers as “liquid aloha.” This lower-calorie option goes especially well with grilled seafood. The flavor is sweet and bright, just like a perfect island day. "It's a great summer beer. Light, crisp and refreshing," one of our testers said.
You may think of dark and creamy Guinness Stout as a heavy beer, but this rich-tasting Irish brew is actually low in calories. "Guinness Draught is creamy in texture but not heavy," one of our testers commented, adding that it has notes of coffee and chocolate. The taste will linger in your mouth; it's one to savor.
Created in Northern California, Lagunitas has a laid-back vibe, and this IPA is perfect for a relaxing afternoon (hence the name). "Fruity flavors and a low ABV make this a great hot weather, easy drinking pick," one of our testers said of Lagunitas Daytime IPA. Expect notes of pineapple, melon, grape and lemongrass.
Calories
98
Carbs
3
ABV
4%
Style
IPA
Brewer
Lagunitas
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
A senior editor in the Hearst Health Newsroom, Kaitlyn Phoenix has over 10 years of experience reporting on healthy food and beverages and has interviewed countless top medical professionals.
Emily Laurence is a certified health coach and has over seven years reporting on healthy foods and beverages.
Our team of food and nutrition experts evaluated a variety of low-calorie beers to find ones with the best flavor profiles. We also consulted experts in the industry for their feedback. Our top picks offer a variety of options, from ales to lagers, so there is something for everyone and every occasion.
Kaitlyn Phoenix is a senior editor in the Hearst Health Newsroom, where she reports, writes and edits research-backed health content for Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman's Day. She has more than 10 years of experience talking to top medical professionals and poring over studies to figure out the science of how our bodies work. Beyond that, Kaitlyn turns what she learns into engaging and easy-to-read stories about medical conditions, nutrition, exercise, sleep and mental health. She also holds a B.S. in magazine journalism from Syracuse University.
Emily is a freelance writer and certified health coach who specializes in writing about mental health, fitness, healthy food, and social justice issues. Emily spent six years as an editor and writer at Well+Good, covering everything from food trends to serious issues like the opioid crisis in America and gun violence. She has also worked at Seventeen, Elle, and Twist magazines. She regularly writes for publications including Forbes, Parade, Shape, and The Huffington Post. Emily lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her cat Evie.