The Light Side of the Lager

For years, light beer got the kind of respect usually reserved for gas station hot dogs and off-brand cola. You drank it when you had to, not because you wanted to. But things have changed. Light lagers have grown up a little bit, or at least, some of them learned to fake it real well. And if you’re counting calories but still want something that tastes like an actual beer, there’s a new hope.

I went full Jedi for this one and cracked open a bunch of light lagers under 110 calories to find out if any of them are actually worth drinking when you’re not just mowing the lawn or floating in a sad inflatable pool.

Michelob Ultra – 95 calories

The poster child for “I work out sometimes.” It’s crisp, clean, and tastes like someone whispered the word “beer” near a glass of sparkling water. But hey, it goes down easy, and if your priorities are abs first, hops second, it does the job.

Miller Lite – 96 calories

Honestly? Still one of the best. It’s not flashy, but it tastes like actual beer. A little bready, a little bitter, and somehow still refreshing without feeling like you’re sipping beer-flavored water. Respect.

Yuengling Light Lager – 99 calories

This one’s sneaky good. A little more flavor, a hint of caramel maltiness, and enough body that it doesn’t feel like a diet version of itself. Plus, you get to feel slightly fancy saying you’re drinking America’s oldest brewery. Very colonial, very chill.

Corona Premier – 90 calories

It’s got that classic Corona beach vibe, but without the bloat. Lime slice not optional. Flavor is mellow, real mellow, but if you’re sitting in the sun and eating tacos, you won’t mind.

Amstel Light – 95 calories

Smoother than expected. Feels like it’s been hanging around European beer halls long enough to know what it’s doing. Not a flavor bomb, but not a total ghost either.

Now look, none of these are gonna hit like a triple-hopped, barrel-aged whatever. That’s not their job. These beers are for tubing down rivers and grilling questionable meat in the backyard. And for under 110 calories? Some of them punch above their weight class.

Bottom line: flavor doesn’t have to take a total vacation when you go light. Just don’t expect fireworks. Expect a good, cold drink that lets you have two or three without needing to Google “beer belly prevention.”

May the light (lager) be with you.

Cheers.