Beer drinkers offer choose a light version of their favorite beer because they like the taste. Others choose light beer because it is less filling and contains less calories or carbohydrates than their full flavored counterparts. The truth is that while many of the beers that bear the “light” distinction are less caloric and contain fewer carbohydrates, not all light beers are the same. A look into the ingredients and nutritional data for the leading light beers shows that some of the light beers on the market are lighter than the rest.

There is also a burgeoning category of beer that targets those who are seeking an even lighter alternative. They bear the brand marks of “Select” or “Ultra” and are sold as even lower calorie choices for those who are watching their weight and fitness. Of these super light choices are few beers that contain fewer than 100 calories per bottle. The lowest of the low is Budweiser Select 55. As the name suggests, Budweiser Select 55 has just 55 calories 1.9 grams of carbohydrates. While light on calories and carbs, Budweiser Select 55 is also light on alcohol, having just 2.4% alcohol by volume.

On the other end of the ultra-light spectrum is Budweiser Select. It has 99 calories and 3.1 grams of carbohydrates. Select also has nearly double the alcohol at 4.3% by volume.

Each of the light beers from the major brewers sold in America have far fewer calories than the brands from which they are derived. For example: Coors Light has 45 fewer calories than Coors Golden and fewer than half of the carbs.

Many of the light beers sacrifice alcohol content in order to provide fewer calories and carbs. The leading light beers are also characterized by a milder flavor that is preferable to many who drink them. Compared to other drinks that claim to be low-calorie options, light beer is still far more caloric than soft drinks. Since soft drinks are commonly high in calories because of the amount of sugar they contain, switching to a sugar alternative or substitute is the key to taking regular Coke from 145 calories for a 12-ounce can to 0 calories for a can of Diet Coke. Light beers don’t have the option of replacing key ingredients that makes beer, beer. What you are left with is a lighter version but still a beverage that would represent a full supply of calories by any other standard for drinks.