As a nutritionist, I am often asked about the calories and nutritional value of different alcoholic beverages. One beer that frequently comes up is Michelob Ultra, which markets itself as a lower-calorie option. At just 95 calories per 12-ounce serving, Michelob Ultra contains significantly fewer calories than most regular beers, which average around 150 calories per 12-ounce serving.
In terms of other nutrition facts, a 12-ounce serving of Michelob Ultra contains 2.6 grams of carbohydrates. This carb count is lower than other low-calorie beers like Natural Light and Busch Light, which have 3.2 grams of carbs per serving. Michelob Ultra also contains 0.6 grams of protein per serving.
While the calorie and carb count is similar to other light beers on the market, Michelob Ultra stands out in terms of taste. According to experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute, Michelob Ultra has a cleaner, crisper taste compared to other low-calorie options. This makes it one of the best-tasting low-calorie beers available.
In addition to having fewer calories, Michelob Ultra is considered a low-alcohol beer with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 4.2%. This is lower than the average ABV of a regular beer, which is typically around 5%. So not only does Michelob Ultra have fewer calories, but a lower alcohol content as well. For those watching their calorie and alcohol intake, Michelob Ultra can be a satisfying light beer option.
Calories in a 12 Ounce Michelob Ultra Serving
A 12 ounce serving of Michelob Ultra contains 95 calories.
This is significantly less than the average 150 calories found in 12 ounces of regular beer. In the world of light beers, Michelob Ultra is one of the lowest calorie options available from major domestic beer brands.
For comparison:
- Bud Light has 110 calories per 12oz
- Miller Lite has 96 calories
- Coors Light has 102 calories
- Natural Light has 95 calories
- Busch Light has 95 calories
So Michelob Ultra just edges out Natural Light and Busch Light as the lowest calorie domestic light beer per serving.
ABV Percentage
In addition to having lower calories, Michelob Ultra is considered a low alcohol beer. It has an alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage of 4.2%.
This is lower than the average ABV of around 5% that you would find in regular beers. While lower in alcohol than regular beer, the 4.2% ABV is typical among popular light beers like Bud Light, Miller Lite, and Coors Light which also have around 4-5% ABV.
Other Nutrition Facts in Michelob Ultra
Beyond calories and alcohol percentage, here are some other key nutrition facts found in a 12 ounce serving of Michelob Ultra:
- Total carbohydrates: 2.6 grams
- Protein: 0.6 grams
- Total fat: 0 grams
Michelob Ultra’s Low Carb Count
What really makes Michelob Ultra stand out nutrition-wise is its low carb count. At just 2.6 grams of carbohydrates per 12 ounce serving, it contains fewer carbs than many other light beers.
For comparison against other low calorie beer brands:
- Natural Light has 3.2 grams of carbs
- Busch Light has 3.2 grams of carbs
- Bud Select 55 has 2.6 grams of carbs
- Miller Genuine Draft 64 has 2.8 grams of carbs
So along with having slightly lower calories than Natural Light and Busch Light, Michelob Ultra also has 0.6 grams less carbs than those two brands.
This makes Michelob Ultra one of the lowest carb beers you’ll find from a major beer company. The low carbohydrate count is a big selling point for people following reduced carb diets like keto.
How Does Michelob Ultra Taste?
When it comes to light beer, there is often a trade off between calories/carbs and taste. Some dieters complain that low calorie or low carb beers sacrifice too much on flavor.
But food experts who have taste tested Michelob Ultra say it strikes a great balance between light beer drinkability and flavor.
The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute taste test a variety of low calorie beers every year. They consistently rate Michelob Ultra as one of the best tasting options among low calorie beer brands.
Good Housekeeping’s tasting notes for Michelob Ultra describe it as:
- “Crisp and refreshing”
- “Clean taste”
- “Well-balanced with subtle citrus, grainy malt”
Dietitians and nutritional experts praise Michelob Ultra’s ability to delivery solid flavor for a low calorie beer. It gives beer drinkers an option they can enjoy without all the extra calories or carbs.
Alcohol Content in Michelob Ultra
Earlier we mentioned that Michelob Ultra contains 4.2% alcohol by volume (ABV). This percentage is fairly standard among popular light beer brands.
To give more perspective:
- Regular beer averages around 5% ABV
- Bud Light has 4.2%
- Miller Lite has 4.2%
- Coors Light has 4.2%
- Natural Light has 4.2%
- Busch Light has 4.5%
So Michelob Ultra matches its biggest competitors with the 4.2% ABV. The alcohol content is lower than what you’d find in most craft beers, ales, stouts or regular strength beer.
The combination of low calorie, low carb, and moderate alcohol content makes Michelob Ultra a popular choice for athletes or those who want to keep alcohol consumption moderate while socializing.
Сomparison Еable of Michelob Ultra versus Other Beers
| Beer | Calories (12oz) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | ABV % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelob Ultra | 95 | 2.6 | 0.6 | 4.2% |
| Bud Light | 110 | 6.6 | 1.0 | 4.2% |
| Miller Lite | 96 | 3.2 | 1.0 | 4.2% |
| Coors Light | 102 | 5.0 | 1.0 | 4.2% |
| Corona Light | 99 | 5.0 | 1.4 | 4.1% |
| Natural Light | 95 | 3.2 | 0.9 | 4.2% |
| Busch Light | 95 | 3.2 | 0.7 | 4.1% |
| Guinness | 125 | 10.0 | 1.0 | 4.2% |
| Heineken | 142 | 11.0 | 1.0 | 5.0% |
| Budweiser | 145 | 10.6 | 1.3 | 5.0% |
| Blue Moon | 153 | 12.0 | 1.5 | 5.4% |
Key takeaways:
- Michelob Ultra has the lowest calories and carbs compared to major domestic light beer brands like Bud Light, Miller Lite, Coors Light, Natural Light and Busch Light.
- Michelob Ultra has moderate alcohol content (4.2% ABV) which is typical for a light beer.
- Compared to regular strength beers like Guinness, Heineken, Budweiser and Blue Moon, Michelob Ultra is significantly lower in calories, carbs and alcohol.
- For the combination of low calories (95 per 12oz), low carbs (2.6g), and lower alcohol (4.2% ABV), Michelob Ultra is one of the most nutritious beers among popular brands.
Low Calorie Beer Options for Weight Loss Diets
For people following diets like keto, Paleo, low carb, or intermittent fasting, low calorie beers like Michelob Ultra can be an appealing alcohol choice that fits with nutritional goals.
Some of the benefits of choosing Michelob Ultra or other light beer if watching your weight include:
- Lower calorie intake – At just 95 calories per 12oz, Michelob Ultra can fit into a daily calorie deficit needed for weight loss.
- Reduced carb intake – The 2.6 grams of carbs is low enough to stay in ketosis for keto dieters.
- Lower alcohol – The 4.2% ABV won’t spike blood sugar as high as regular beers. Helpful for low carb and intermittent fasting.
- Gluten-free – Michelob Ultra is made with gluten-free grains, making it an option for gluten-free diets.
Of course, overusing any alcoholic drinks carries health risks. But an occasional Michelob Ultra is a smart choice nutrition-wise if substituting for higher calorie beer. Just be sure to account for the alcohol calories if strictly tracking nutrition intake.
Michelob Ultra Infusions – Flavored Low Cal Beer
Michelob Ultra also offers flavored beers under the Infusions line. These are fruit-flavored light beers infused with natural flavors.
Some of the Michelob Ultra Infusions flavors include:
- Lime and Prickly Pear Cactus
- Peach Pear
- Spicy Pineapple
- Zesty Blood Orange
The nutrition stats on Michelob Ultra Infusions are similar to the original Michelob Ultra:
- Calories: 95 per 12 oz
- Carbs: 4.8g per 12 oz
- ABV: 4%
So the flavored versions still clock in at under 100 calories and 5 grams of carbs. The flavors provide more variety for low calorie beer drinkers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Michelob Ultra
Is Michelob Ultra really low in calories?
Yes, Michelob Ultra is one of the lowest calorie beers you can find from a major brand. Each 12 oz serving contains just 95 calories.
How many carbs are in Michelob Ultra?
Michelob Ultra contains 2.6 grams of carbohydrates per 12 ounce serving. This is lower than most other light beers.
Does Michelob Ultra have gluten?
The regular Michelob Ultra is brewed with barley and wheat so it does contain gluten. However, they offer a gluten-free version called Michelob Ultra Pure Gold that is brewed without gluten-containing grains.
Is Michelob Ultra healthy?
No beer is truly healthy, including Michelob Ultra. However, as far as nutritional content, Michelob Ultra is healthier than regular beers with its lower calories, carbs, and alcohol content. It’s considered one of the more nutritious beer options.
How many calories in a Michelob Ultra 16 oz bottle?
A 16 oz bottle of Michelob Ultra contains around 130 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrates. The ABV is 4.2%.
What is the alcohol content of Michelob Ultra?
Michelob Ultra has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.2%. This is lower than most regular beers which average around 5% ABV.
Does Michelob Ultra have more or less alcohol than Bud Light?
Michelob Ultra and Bud Light both have 4.2% ABV, so they contain the same alcohol percentage. Other major light beers like Miller Lite, Coors Light, and Natural Light also have around 4-5% ABV.
Is Michelob Ultra good for weight loss?
The lower calories and carbs in Michelob Ultra make it one of the better beer options if you’re watching your weight. But calories from alcohol can still contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.
Making the Most Nutritious Beer Choice
When choosing a beer, keep in mind that the healthiest options are always non-alcoholic drinks like water, unsweetened tea, black coffee, and sparkling water.
But if opting for an alcoholic beverage, light beers like Michelob Ultra are among the best options for limiting calories, carbs, and alcohol. This makes them ideal if you want to indulge in beer more nutritiously.
Just keep your intake moderate and avoid overdoing it. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no more than 2 drinks per day for men or 1 drink per day for women. One 12oz beer would equal one alcoholic drink.
While no beer is truly healthy, Michelob Ultra offers far more nutritional benefits than full strength beers. Its combination of refreshingly clean taste and light calories/carbs make it a go-to choice for dieters or calorie-conscious beer lovers.