GITNUX REPORT 2024

Bud Light Reigns as Most Popular Light Beer in US

Bud Light reigns as top light beer in the US market with 13.2% share dominance.

Author: Jannik Lindner

First published: 7/17/2024

Statistic 1

Bud Light has 4.2% alcohol by volume (ABV)

Statistic 2

Coors Light has 4.2% ABV

Statistic 3

Miller Lite has 4.2% ABV

Statistic 4

Michelob Ultra has 4.2% ABV

Statistic 5

Corona Light has 4.0% ABV

Statistic 6

Bud Light has won 5 World Beer Cup awards

Statistic 7

Coors Light has received 3 Great American Beer Festival medals

Statistic 8

Miller Lite has won 4 World Beer Cup awards

Statistic 9

Michelob Ultra has received 2 Great American Beer Festival medals

Statistic 10

Corona Light has won 1 World Beer Cup award

Statistic 11

Bud Light was first introduced in 1982

Statistic 12

Coors Light was launched in 1978

Statistic 13

Miller Lite was introduced in 1975

Statistic 14

Michelob Ultra was first brewed in 2002

Statistic 15

Corona Light was introduced to the US market in 1989

Statistic 16

Bud Light is brewed using rice as an adjunct

Statistic 17

Coors Light uses a cold-filtering process

Statistic 18

Miller Lite is brewed using a proprietary yeast strain

Statistic 19

Michelob Ultra undergoes a longer brewing process for fewer carbs

Statistic 20

Corona Light is brewed with a blend of barley malt and non-malted cereals

Statistic 21

Bud Light is available in over 80 countries

Statistic 22

Coors Light is sold in more than 40 countries

Statistic 23

Miller Lite is distributed in over 50 countries

Statistic 24

Michelob Ultra is available in more than 30 countries

Statistic 25

Corona Light is sold in over 120 countries

Statistic 26

Bud Light is the best-selling light beer in the US

Statistic 27

Bud Light holds 13.2% of the US beer market share

Statistic 28

Coors Light is the second most popular light beer in the US

Statistic 29

Miller Lite ranks third in light beer sales in the US

Statistic 30

Michelob Ultra is the fastest-growing light beer brand in the US

Statistic 31

Light beer accounts for approximately 42% of all beer sold in the US

Statistic 32

Bud Light's market share decreased by 0.5% in 2020

Statistic 33

Coors Light's market share remained stable in 2020

Statistic 34

Miller Lite's market share increased by 0.1% in 2020

Statistic 35

Michelob Ultra's market share grew by 0.8% in 2020

Statistic 36

Corona Light's market share decreased by 0.2% in 2020

Statistic 37

Bud Light spent $252 million on advertising in 2020

Statistic 38

Coors Light's advertising expenditure was $146 million in 2020

Statistic 39

Miller Lite spent $119 million on advertising in 2020

Statistic 40

Michelob Ultra's advertising budget was $100 million in 2020

Statistic 41

Corona Light's advertising expenditure was $62 million in 2020

Statistic 42

Bud Light has 110 calories per 12 fl oz serving

Statistic 43

Coors Light contains 102 calories per 12 fl oz serving

Statistic 44

Miller Lite has 96 calories per 12 fl oz serving

Statistic 45

Michelob Ultra contains 95 calories per 12 fl oz serving

Statistic 46

Corona Light has 99 calories per 12 fl oz serving

Statistic 47

Bud Light has 6.6 grams of carbs per 12 fl oz serving

Statistic 48

Coors Light contains 5 grams of carbs per 12 fl oz serving

Statistic 49

Miller Lite has 3.2 grams of carbs per 12 fl oz serving

Statistic 50

Michelob Ultra contains 2.6 grams of carbs per 12 fl oz serving

Statistic 51

Corona Light has 5 grams of carbs per 12 fl oz serving

Statistic 52

Bud Light Seltzer was launched in 2020 to compete in the hard seltzer market

Statistic 53

Coors Light introduced color-changing cans in 2007

Statistic 54

Miller Lite reintroduced its original white can design in 2014

Statistic 55

Michelob Ultra launched organic seltzer in 2021

Statistic 56

Corona Light introduced a new slim can design in 2019

Statistic 57

Bud Light sold 27.2 million barrels in 2020

Statistic 58

Coors Light sold 14.6 million barrels in 2020

Statistic 59

Miller Lite sold 12.4 million barrels in 2020

Statistic 60

Michelob Ultra sold 10.9 million barrels in 2020

Statistic 61

Corona Light sold 3.2 million barrels in 2020

Statistic 62

Bud Light's packaging is made from 99% recycled aluminum

Statistic 63

Coors Light aims to make packaging 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025

Statistic 64

Miller Lite reduced water usage by 17% between 2015 and 2020

Statistic 65

Michelob Ultra's parent company pledged to brew beer using 100% renewable electricity by 2025

Statistic 66

Corona Light's parent company aims to achieve net-zero emissions across the value chain by 2040

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Summary

  • Bud Light is the best-selling light beer in the US
  • Bud Light holds 13.2% of the US beer market share
  • Coors Light is the second most popular light beer in the US
  • Miller Lite ranks third in light beer sales in the US
  • Michelob Ultra is the fastest-growing light beer brand in the US
  • Light beer accounts for approximately 42% of all beer sold in the US
  • Bud Light Seltzer was launched in 2020 to compete in the hard seltzer market
  • Coors Light introduced color-changing cans in 2007
  • Miller Lite reintroduced its original white can design in 2014
  • Michelob Ultra launched organic seltzer in 2021
  • Corona Light introduced a new slim can design in 2019
  • Bud Light has 110 calories per 12 fl oz serving
  • Coors Light contains 102 calories per 12 fl oz serving
  • Miller Lite has 96 calories per 12 fl oz serving
  • Michelob Ultra contains 95 calories per 12 fl oz serving

Hold onto your pint glasses because were about to dive into the frothy world of Americas favorite thirst-quenchers – light beers! With Bud Light leading the charge, capturing a refreshing 13.2% of the US beer market share, and Coors Light and Miller Lite following closely behind, its clear that the lighter side of brews is where its at. From Michelob Ultras meteoric rise to the innovative can designs of Corona Light, these low-calorie, low-carb sips are not just about the numbers – theyre about the taste, the marketing budgets, and even the environmental pledges. So, grab a cold one and join us on a hoppy journey through the stats and stories behind Americas most popular light beers!

Alcohol Content

  • Bud Light has 4.2% alcohol by volume (ABV)
  • Coors Light has 4.2% ABV
  • Miller Lite has 4.2% ABV
  • Michelob Ultra has 4.2% ABV
  • Corona Light has 4.0% ABV

Interpretation

In a world where choices seem endless, the battle of the light beers appears to be a deadlock as Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Lite, and Michelob Ultra all come out swinging with their 4.2% alcohol by volume. However, it seems Corona Light may have underestimated the importance of that extra 0.2%, finding itself just shy of the mark in this boozy arms race. When it comes to light beers, every percentage point truly does count. So cheers to those who aim for the stars, or in this case, the 4.2% mark!

Awards and Recognition

  • Bud Light has won 5 World Beer Cup awards
  • Coors Light has received 3 Great American Beer Festival medals
  • Miller Lite has won 4 World Beer Cup awards
  • Michelob Ultra has received 2 Great American Beer Festival medals
  • Corona Light has won 1 World Beer Cup award

Interpretation

In the fiercely competitive world of light beers, Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Michelob Ultra, and Corona Light are the undisputed heavyweights, duking it out for supremacy with an arsenal of accolades. With Bud Light leading the pack boasting 5 World Beer Cup awards, it's as clear as a freshly poured pint that these brews are not just light on calories, but heavy on quality. Coors Light may have fewer medals, but its 3 Great American Beer Festival wins pack a punch. Miller Lite's 4 World Beer Cup victories prove it's not to be underestimated, while Michelob Ultra and Corona Light hold their own with a respectable 2 and 1 award each. So, the next time you reach for a light beer, remember that behind those fizzy bubbles lies a fierce battle for brewing supremacy. Cheers to the champions of the light beer world!

Brand History

  • Bud Light was first introduced in 1982
  • Coors Light was launched in 1978
  • Miller Lite was introduced in 1975
  • Michelob Ultra was first brewed in 2002
  • Corona Light was introduced to the US market in 1989

Interpretation

The Most Popular Light Beer statistics read like a timeline of questionable decision-making in the world of beer branding. From the hazy days of disco in the 70s to the dawn of the new millennium, these brews have been quenching the thirst of partygoers and calorie-counting enthusiasts alike. It's as if each year, someone at these breweries said, "Hold my beer, let's make it lighter." Whether the goal was to appeal to health-conscious consumers or simply to keep the beer belly at bay, there's no denying that light beer has become a staple in fridges across America. Cheers to the brewers who dared to craft a lighter libation, even if it meant tampering with the sacred recipe of an age-old drink.

Brewing Process

  • Bud Light is brewed using rice as an adjunct
  • Coors Light uses a cold-filtering process
  • Miller Lite is brewed using a proprietary yeast strain
  • Michelob Ultra undergoes a longer brewing process for fewer carbs
  • Corona Light is brewed with a blend of barley malt and non-malted cereals

Interpretation

In the competitive world of light beers, each top contender brings something unique to the table. Bud Light turns rice into gold with its adjunct brewing, Coors Light keeps it cool with a cold-filtering process, Miller Lite goes hipster with a proprietary yeast strain, Michelob Ultra takes its time for a low-carb lifestyle while Corona Light blends barley malt with non-malted cereals for a truly international flavor. These statistics show that when it comes to beer, beauty is in the eye of the beer-holder, with each brew bringing its own special twist to light up the competition. Cheers to the diversity in the brews we choose!

Global Presence

  • Bud Light is available in over 80 countries
  • Coors Light is sold in more than 40 countries
  • Miller Lite is distributed in over 50 countries
  • Michelob Ultra is available in more than 30 countries
  • Corona Light is sold in over 120 countries

Interpretation

These statistics on the global reach of popular light beers seem to suggest that while world peace may be elusive, a cold, refreshing beer in hand is a universal language understood in over 120 countries courtesy of Corona Light. From the lively fiestas in Mexico to the bustling streets of Tokyo, these light brews are spreading their hoppy diplomacy one frosty mug at a time, bridging cultures and quenching thirsts worldwide. Remember, when in doubt, grab a light beer and raise a toast to the diverse flavors that unite us all. Cheers!

Market Share

  • Bud Light is the best-selling light beer in the US
  • Bud Light holds 13.2% of the US beer market share
  • Coors Light is the second most popular light beer in the US
  • Miller Lite ranks third in light beer sales in the US
  • Michelob Ultra is the fastest-growing light beer brand in the US
  • Light beer accounts for approximately 42% of all beer sold in the US
  • Bud Light's market share decreased by 0.5% in 2020
  • Coors Light's market share remained stable in 2020
  • Miller Lite's market share increased by 0.1% in 2020
  • Michelob Ultra's market share grew by 0.8% in 2020
  • Corona Light's market share decreased by 0.2% in 2020

Interpretation

In a frothy sea of beer choices, Bud Light continues to reign supreme as the titan of light beers in the US, proudly hoisting its 13.2% market share like a foam-capped scepter. Yet, as the battle for bubbly supremacy rages on, challengers like Coors Light and Miller Lite stand shoulder-to-shoulder, ready to dethrone the reigning champ. Meanwhile, the sleek and sprightly Michelob Ultra sprints ahead as the golden child of growth, leaving a trail of fizz in its wake. As the fizz settles in the tumultuous arena of beer sales, one thing remains clear—light beers shine brightly, illuminating a frothy path for the quench-thirsty masses in the land of the red, white, and brew.

Marketing and Advertising

  • Bud Light spent $252 million on advertising in 2020
  • Coors Light's advertising expenditure was $146 million in 2020
  • Miller Lite spent $119 million on advertising in 2020
  • Michelob Ultra's advertising budget was $100 million in 2020
  • Corona Light's advertising expenditure was $62 million in 2020

Interpretation

In the fiercely competitive world of light beers, it seems the battle for supremacy is not just fought on the tastebuds, but also on the airwaves and billboards. With Bud Light leading the charge at a whopping $252 million on advertising in 2020, one can't help but wonder if their marketing team prefers hops over sleep. Coors Light trails behind at $146 million, perhaps saving a few bucks for those iconic Rocky Mountain vistas. Miller Lite, Michelob Ultra, and Corona Light follow suit, proving that in this fizzy war of the brands, the only thing lighter than the beer is the size of their advertising budgets. Cheers to the thirst-quenching power of a well-placed ad campaign!

Nutritional Information

  • Bud Light has 110 calories per 12 fl oz serving
  • Coors Light contains 102 calories per 12 fl oz serving
  • Miller Lite has 96 calories per 12 fl oz serving
  • Michelob Ultra contains 95 calories per 12 fl oz serving
  • Corona Light has 99 calories per 12 fl oz serving
  • Bud Light has 6.6 grams of carbs per 12 fl oz serving
  • Coors Light contains 5 grams of carbs per 12 fl oz serving
  • Miller Lite has 3.2 grams of carbs per 12 fl oz serving
  • Michelob Ultra contains 2.6 grams of carbs per 12 fl oz serving
  • Corona Light has 5 grams of carbs per 12 fl oz serving

Interpretation

In the competitive world of light beers, the battle of the bulge is not just about waistlines but also about calorie counts and carb constraints. Bud Light may pack more punch in the calorie department, but Miller Lite emerges as the lean, mean, carb-cutting machine of the bunch. Coors Light falls somewhere in between, while Michelob Ultra proudly flaunts its low-carb status. Corona Light tries to keep up with the pack, but when it comes to the ultimate showdown of lightness and brightness, it seems Miller Lite is the undisputed champion in the ring of light beer stats. So, choose your weapon wisely, because when it's calories versus carbs, every sip counts in the battle of the brews.

Product Innovation

  • Bud Light Seltzer was launched in 2020 to compete in the hard seltzer market
  • Coors Light introduced color-changing cans in 2007
  • Miller Lite reintroduced its original white can design in 2014
  • Michelob Ultra launched organic seltzer in 2021
  • Corona Light introduced a new slim can design in 2019

Interpretation

The battle for dominance in the world of light beer is anything but dull, as each major player continually ups the ante with innovative marketing strategies and product launches. From color-changing cans to organic seltzer offerings, it's clear that these breweries are not content to rest on their laurels. In a market where every calorie and every marketing gimmick counts, these companies are pulling out all the stops to capture the attention (and thirst) of consumers. So, raise a can, and cheers to the ever-evolving landscape of the light beer industry - it's a seltzer-fueled race to the top!

Sales Volume

  • Bud Light sold 27.2 million barrels in 2020
  • Coors Light sold 14.6 million barrels in 2020
  • Miller Lite sold 12.4 million barrels in 2020
  • Michelob Ultra sold 10.9 million barrels in 2020
  • Corona Light sold 3.2 million barrels in 2020

Interpretation

In the battle for light beer supremacy, it seems that Bud Light continues to reign as the undisputed king of kegs, with a staggering 27.2 million barrels flooding fridges across the nation in 2020. Coors Light and Miller Lite put up a decent fight, but fell short of dethroning the beer behemoth. Michelob Ultra and Corona Light held their own in the ring, showcasing that even in the realm of low-calorie libations, there's room for variety. So, whether you prefer a lime garnish or a silver bullet, one thing's for certain—when it comes to light beer, there's a brew for every palate and a statistic for every sip. Cheers to the frothy figures of 2020!

Sustainability

  • Bud Light's packaging is made from 99% recycled aluminum
  • Coors Light aims to make packaging 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025
  • Miller Lite reduced water usage by 17% between 2015 and 2020
  • Michelob Ultra's parent company pledged to brew beer using 100% renewable electricity by 2025
  • Corona Light's parent company aims to achieve net-zero emissions across the value chain by 2040

Interpretation

As the battle of the brews heats up, it seems that light beer brands are not just vying for your taste buds, but also for the title of the most environmentally-conscious libation. From Bud Light's commitment to recycled aluminum to Coors Light's ambitious goal for fully sustainable packaging, the beer industry is tapping into the growing demand for eco-friendly options. With Miller Lite saving water, Michelob Ultra going renewable, and Corona Light aiming for net-zero emissions, it's clear that these brands are pouring their efforts into a greener future. Cheers to sustainability – may these trends keep flowing as smoothly as a cold pint on a hot summer day.

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