The Best Low-Calorie Beers, According to Beer Experts (2024)

In the heat of the summer, there’s sometimes nothing better than a satisfying, ice-cold beer. Unfortunately, beers can be a source of “empty calories” or calories that don’t provide many nutrients. The good news is there are plenty of low-calorie or light beers available today that aren’t a complete buzzkill. Even better, there’s been so much innovation in the brewing industry that you don’t have to sacrifice the taste you love just to save on calories. “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 do brewers actually reduce the calories in a beer? Companies start by lowering the number of carbohydrates that come from malt and grains, says Lucy Burningham, the author of My Beer Year. The alcohol content is also reduced. “One gram of alcohol contains about 7 calories,” explains Burningham. Still, when selecting a low-calorie beer, be mindful of overall carbohydrate content and added sugars in flavored varieties.

To help you find the best low-calorie beer for your taste buds, experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute sampled and assessed many, taking into account taste as well as ingredients. Other staff members added their favorite low-carb beers, as well as low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages to the list, so you can find a great-tasting brew, no matter what your mood.

One of the lightest lagers on the market — and the lowest calorie alcoholic beer on this list — this Bud comes in at only 55 calories with less than 2 carbs per can. Many reviewers of this refreshing, crisp option rate it highly for being the “perfect summer beer” that’s “low alcohol, but enough to keep it interesting.”

With 75 calories per can, this low-cal beer is a dry, unspiced table beer brewed in Texas. Jester King says they sought out to “make a low-alcohol beer that’s dry, drinkable, refreshing, crisp, hoppy with a little bit of beguiling yeast character that only wild fermentation with native yeast can create.” And they did just that. Reviewers like how “well-balanced” it is, with “fantastic, fruity flavors” that give it some welcome tartness without a ton of calories.

This light-bodied pale ale boasts crisp notes of citrus and melon, giving it the perfect flavor profile for a hot day. One reviewer, who ranks it highly, say it's “refreshing and light but still has some hop character,” while another dubbed it “perfect for summer porch drinking.”

With a little over 100 calories per can, Coors Light lives up to its name. And it's a mainstay in many coolers for good reason: Reviewers frequently rate it highly for being a refreshing option on a hot summer day, whether you’re at the beach or lounging at an all-day barbecue.

Yuengling is often a top pick among beer drinkers and this light version — with less than 100 calories — packs a crisp punch that maintains the same flavor profile of their flagship beverage that’s known for its caramel malt flavor and mild hop character. Reviewers of this beloved brew have crowned it the “one of the best light beers on the market” while others note that it’s “very tasty, not bitter” and an “excellent drinkable blend of light flavor, with next to no guilt for drinkers that want to watch calories and carbs.”

Amstel Light has been on the market for over 150 years and remains a crowd favorite as a sub-100 calorie thirst-quencher with its delicious mix of barley malt and hops. When you’re stocking the cooler this summer, this one is sure to be a reliable crowd pleaser.

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.

This nonalcoholic IPA came recommended by multiple tasters, thanks to its “crisp, not too hoppy” appeal. It also has the same level of carbonation as a beer, which helps mimic the real thing. Brewed with a blend of five Northwest hops, it’s bound to win over craft beer lovers. With nearly 2,000 five-star reviews, it already has. Many reviewers noted that it earns high marks for its “real IPA taste” that’s “light, complex, snappy.”

At just 85 calories per bottle, Michelob Ultra Pure Gold is one of the beers on this list with the fewest calories, 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.

Tasters in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen are big fans of this nonalcoholic option, remarking that it “tastes like beer but has sparkling water vibes.” Other reviewers note that it’s “not too sweet” and has “good hop flavor,” making it a solid option for IPA lovers looking to limit their alcohol consumption. Another bonus: This dry-hopped sparkling water has zero calories or carbs.

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.