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13 Best Light Beers with Great Taste

a pint of light beer on a table

Finding the ideal ratio of flavor to less calories in beer doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. This article introduces you to a variety of brews that demonstrate that you can have it all as we delve into the world of light beers that deliver big flavor without being heavy. The taste of light beers has evolved flavorfully, providing a wide variety of choices to satisfy palates and the trend toward lighter libations. Crafted with care by world-class breweries, these beers exhibit a pleasing combination of tastes with a reduced caloric content. This guide navigates the world of light beers, highlighting those that excel in taste without the calorie load, from crisp lagers to refreshing ales and creative twists. Come explore these beers with us as we show that flavor doesn’t have to sacrifice deliciousness to be light. They’re the ideal partners for anyone looking for a satisfying yet refreshing drink.

Miller Lite

miller lite

There are times when you have to stay true to a tested and trusted beer. When it comes to a true light beer, Miller Lite is it.  Despite solid competition in the light beer industry, Miller Lite remains king. It remains one of the finest beers around.  After its launch in 1975, it has gone on to transform the contemporary brewing sphere. It did this by providing its drinkers with low alcohol and minimal calorie drinks. This beer is of American pilsner descent. And despite it being a regular beer style, it has more flavor than most brews.  The blend of malt and hops is equal. It is so equal that the taste of each is well evident. The crisp and smooth finish of the beer is very satisfying. In calories, it weighs 96 calories and 4.2 percent alcohol level. Meanwhile, its price is very affordable for most pockets. 


Swipe Light

Swipe Light
Source: Instagram

In the beer industry, high-fermenting ales get perceived as flavorful and potent, but you hardly find this beer style around.  When you do find it around, it is well-brewed. And the taste is terrific. One such distinct light beer brand is the Swipe Light, made by the Southern Tier Brewing Company. You have to love this.  The contemporary design of the light beer transcends from its content to its container. Even the name sounds trendy. With a serving of barbecue meat, a chilled can would make a great match.  The Swipe Light’s made with four variants of malt. It’s blended with two kinds of hop and has a bright citrus color. Also, the bitterness is minimal with 15 IBUs. The calorie level is about 110, while the alcohol level is 4%. 

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Slightly Mighty

Slightly Mighty
Source: Instagram

India pale ale’s hoppy character does not fit the type when it comes to the light beer category. But the Dogfish Head Brewing company changed that notion. They proved that stereotype wrong with the production and promotion of Slightly Mighty. It is surprising how it contains only 95 calories and is at a 4.0% alcohol level.  The ticking ingredient is the monk fruit. This fruit provides needed sweetness and does not add calories to this light beer.  Slightly Mighty is a phenomenal beer with a lustered taste. It does not only have an adequate amount of bitter hoppiness. Its other ingredients are well portioned. The bitterness is so minimal that sweet tooth drinkers will love it too. It is very much available, but it is pretty expensive. 


Nite Light

Nite Light
Source: Instagram

The satisfaction in a can of Nite Light is one that you won’t find in any other light beer. The brewing company, Night Shift, dedicated detailed attention to this beer.  The taste of the light beer is ecstatic. The prime and smooth feel when sipped is unbeatable. Comparison is most times made between this beer and macro brew light lagers. But it always proves its class with its tastier nature than its peers. The alcohol volume in this beer’s estimated at 4.3%. Moreover, in calories, it weighs 120 per bottle. Judging from these constituents, this beer is not the lightest of all light beers. But if you need the best beer for revitalization after a stressful day, Nite Light’s got you.  As regards its container, it is available in small and tall cans. Also, it is pretty cheap, but it is somehow scarce in bars. 


Beck’s Premier Light

Beck's Premier Light
Source: Instagram

Most times, when a beer has a German origin, they’re not so particular about some things. These things include calorie and carbs count. Thus, these German-style beers are most times inhibited.  But somehow, Beck’s Premier Light considers health conscious drinking Americans. As an American, when you taste it, you can relate to it. This is because it’s made in American fashion. Have you once tasted Beck’s classic German pilsner? Try to, and you’ll notice the similarity with Beck’s Premier Light. The beer has some taste of fruit. While its crispy and dry signature is unmistakable considering its fermenting source. When it comes to light beers, this one has to be the lightest of all. It has to be. In calories, it contains only 64. In carbs, it has only 3.9 grams.  For alcohol volume, it is very minimal, 2.3 percent. You can mix this with some fruit crush and serve it to adults at parties. It is also relatively cheap.


Corona Light

3 bottles of corona light

I love a good Corona, especially in the summer, but I find that Corona Extra is a bit heavy. Corona Light has the same great flavor, but it’s much lighter. It only has 99 calories and 4.8 carbs, so it’s much less filling. Corona Light is a pilsner-style lager brewed with barley malt, non-malted cereals, and hops. It has aromas of honey, fruit, and malt, and pairs well with spicy food and citrus – which is why I always add a lime to this beer. Corona Light is my go-to summer beer, and while it’s light it’s not one of those flavorless light beers. This is an effortlessly drinkable lager.

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Brooklyn Post Road Pumpkin Ale

Brooklyn Post Road Pumpkin Ale
Source: Instagram

This beer type has autumn desires in mind. Thus, it is almost impossible to expect it to be low in calories, especially considering it’s brewed with pumpkin.  The New York’s Brooklyn Brewery drink not only contains a whopping 165 calories. It also has a 5% alcohol volume. Some would even argue that the calorie level is relatively low. This is after considering the pumpkin’s high-calorie level. Its other ingredients include barley malt and a bit of spice. It has a deep orange color.


Yuengling Light Lager

yuengling light lager 12 pack

This beer was launched in 2001 by America’s oldest brewery. And since then, it has remained a top choice for drinkers when it comes to light beers. It is also relatively low in calories at 99. The Yuengling Light Lager only contains 3.2% of alcohol volume.  It’s also a bit denser than the Yuengling’s Flight, an ultra-light beer. So regardless of your drinking capacity, the brewery has you catered for. As for the taste, it is pretty distinct. You can taste caramel and toasted malt notes in it. Meanwhile, it has an amber color. These attributes seem peculiar to this category. It appears more like a native lager.  Finally, despite the beer holding the “craft beer” tag, it’s pegged at a moderate price. So, it is affordable to pedestrian drinkers.


Harpoon Rec League Pale Ale

Harpoon Rec League Pale Ale
Source: Instagram

Despite being an orthodox beer brand, the Harpoon Rec. League’s label breathes contemporary air. The New England Harpoon Brewery creation is a 120 calorie pale ale. It combines a mix of chia seeds and Mediterranean sea salt. These variables provide healthy additives such as Vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and electrolytes. The benefits make you feel at ease thinking of gulping down a can.  This light beer has a golden hue with a bit of haze. As for the flavors inherent in it, there are the mango and grapefruit flavors.  They’re blended to give a distinct mouthfeel. And have a sharp bitterness that captures your buds. It is not in every bar but is reasonably available. 


Omission Ultimate Light Golden Ale

Omission Ultimate Light Golden Ale 6 pack

Most beers get brewed from barley. Thus, it is almost impossible to avoid gluten. If, as a drinker, you have an ailment that requires you to abstain from gluten.  The light beer for you is Omission Brewing Company’s Light Golden Ale. It adheres to the policies of the brewery to exclude gluten from all its products. It does not promise it’s 100% gluten-free, but it can never get compared to its competition.  As opposed to regular beer makers, Golden Ale beer used different ingredients. These ingredients include barley, hops, and malts. Its taste is like regular beer, but it keeps gluten exclusion in mind. Unlike other beers, it does not have any extra or exotic flavors in it. Its flavors are only citrus hop flavors. The bitterness level is at a mild 10 IBUs, and it also has an almost dry finish. Its calorie level is at 99, carbs are at 2, and its alcohol volume is at 4.2 percent. To be candid, you will find it hard not to love this light beer—coupled with the fact that it’s not so expensive. Check out other gluten-free beers in you’re gluten intolerant!

See also  9 Gluten Free Beers Everyone Can Enjoy

Shiner Light Blonde

shiner light blonde ale 6 pack

One of the towns in Texas that produce some great beer is the Shiner. You can find the famous Spoetzl Brewery there. And one of the fine productions of this brewery is the Shiner Light Blonde.  Unlike the peculiar craft beer, this light lager is relatively moderate in its price. Despite its considerate pricing, the beer is the definition of the complete package.  The crisp, smooth and flavored taste of this beer is sensational. It tastes well designed and refined. It has not only been in existence since 2011, but it has also bagged notable awards. The carbonation of this drink is well done. You can already feel the intentional shade of sweetness and the pleasance of the flavor. It gives you a feeling of utter satisfaction when you drink it.  For calories, it contains 99, while the alcohol volume is 4.2%. For anyone used to regular American light beers, this is a step up. It is somewhat exclusive because you won’t always find it everywhere.


Kona Light Blonde Ale

kona light blonde ale bottles

If you’re really looking for something light, check out Kona Light Blonde Ale. This light beer from Kona Brewing Co is only 99 calories but offers plenty of the same taste as Kona Big Wave, their golden ale. Kona Light Blonde Ale is light and crisp, made with pale malt and caramel malt. It pairs well with light fare like grilled fish and salads, perfect for a day at the beach. I think this beer is a great choice for summer, and it is even made with mango so there are hints of fruitiness.


Bud Light

bud light bottles

Bud Light is one of the most popular beers in America and around the world. Being this popular, Bud Light has a lot of fans as well as haters. While some serious beer drinkers won’t drink this classic light beer, it’s a best seller for a reason. Bud Light is beloved for its smooth, light, and crisp taste. It’s brewed with a simple recipe of four high quality ingredients. It has a 4.2% ABV and only 110 calories per can. While you may love or hate Bud Light, you can’t deny that it has a grip on light beer drinkers around the world. It’s a favorite for tailgates, sporting events, and college kids. Bud Light has also joined the seltzer game – check out our favorite Bud Light seltzers.

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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