Michelob Ultra is not trying to wow you, and that is the whole point. It is the low-calorie, low-carb light lager built for people who want a cold beer after the gym, on the golf course or at a summer cookout without the weight of a heavier brew. Judge it as a session light lager rather than a craft beer and it does exactly what it sets out to do.
Michelob Ultra at a glance
| Style | American light lager |
| ABV | 4.2% |
| Calories | 95 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | 2.6g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis, USA |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, rice, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | About $10.99 for a 6-pack, roughly $1.83 per 12oz |
How it tastes, by the numbers
There is not a lot to score here, and that is deliberate. Michelob Ultra is all crispness with almost nothing else turned up.
The full review
Pour it and you get pale straw with a quick, fizzy head that does not hang around. The aroma is faint: a little grain, a touch of corn-like sweetness, and that is about it. If you go looking for hops or malt depth you will be disappointed, because they were never invited.
On the palate it is light and clean to the point of being watery, in the way that is actually a feature for this style. A whisper of grain sweetness up front, next to no bitterness, and a dry, quick finish that leaves your mouth ready for the next sip. Ice cold it is genuinely refreshing. Let it warm up and there is not enough there to carry it, so keep it cold.
The appeal is the math as much as the beer: 95 calories and 2.6g of carbs means you can have a couple without feeling like you have undone your workout. For flavor per sip it is well behind something like Modelo or Stella, but that is not the job it was hired for. If low-cal is your priority, see our roundup of the best low-carb beers.
It is not a beer you think about, it is a beer you reach for.
- Very low in calories and carbs for a full-strength lager
- Crisp, clean and genuinely refreshing ice cold
- Easy to drink all afternoon without filling you up
- Widely available and reliably consistent
- Very little flavor or aroma to speak of
- Falls flat quickly as it warms
- Not one for anyone chasing malt or hop character
Who it is for
Anyone counting calories or carbs who still wants a real beer, plus gym-goers, golfers and long summer sessions. If you want something with more to say for itself, reach for a Modelo or a Stella Artois instead.
Michelob Ultra FAQs
What does Michelob Ultra taste like?
Very light and crisp, with a faint grain sweetness and almost no bitterness or hop character. It finishes dry and clean, which is exactly what a light lager is meant to do.
How many calories and carbs are in Michelob Ultra?
About 95 calories and 2.6g of carbs per 12 fl oz, which is why it is one of the go-to beers for anyone watching their intake. Our low-carb beer guide has more options in the same bracket.
Is Michelob Ultra gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten and is not suitable for anyone who needs to avoid it.
What is the alcohol content of Michelob Ultra?
4.2% ABV, the same ballpark as most standard light lagers. You can check the strength of any beer with our ABV calculator.
Is Michelob Ultra vegan?
Yes, Michelob Ultra contains no animal products and is listed as vegan-friendly.
Is Michelob Ultra actually healthy?
It is lower in calories and carbs than most beers, but it is still beer, with alcohol and calories. It fits an active lifestyle better than heavier options, but it is not a health drink.
What kind of beer is Michelob Ultra?
An American light lager, brewed to be low in calories and carbs while staying crisp and easy to drink.
Where is Michelob Ultra made?
It is brewed by Anheuser-Busch in the United States, part of the same family as Budweiser.
Where can I buy Michelob Ultra?
Almost anywhere beer is sold: supermarkets, liquor stores and online alcohol delivery services where available.
What are the best Michelob Ultra alternatives?
For other low-cal light lagers try Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Lite or Corona Premier. If you want a bit more flavor for a few more calories, a Corona Extra or Modelo Especial is a step up.
Where to buy Michelob Ultra
You can pick up Michelob Ultra at pretty much any supermarket or liquor store, or have it delivered. Use the button above to check the latest price and buy.
The verdict
A light lager that knows exactly what it is. Low-cal, crisp and refreshing when it is cold, with the flavor dialed right down as the trade-off. If calories are your main concern it earns its place in the fridge. For more options, browse our other beer reviews and guides.
For the full ranked lineup, head to our best lager beer to buy guide.
For more like this, see our guide to the best light beers.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Michelob Ultra?
Michelob Ultra is an American light lager, at 4.2% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Michelob Ultra?
Michelob Ultra has an ABV of 4.2%.
How many calories are in Michelob Ultra?
Michelob Ultra has 95 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Michelob Ultra gluten free?
Michelob Ultra: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Michelob Ultra have carbs?
Yes, Michelob Ultra has 2.6g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Michelob Ultra taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
What is a good alternative to Michelob Ultra?
If you can’t find Michelob Ultra, Bud Light is a close alternative in the same American light lager category.
How much does Michelob Ultra cost?
Michelob Ultra typically runs About $10.99 for a 6-pack, roughly $1.83 per 12oz. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Michelob Ultra without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Michelob Ultra?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for an American light lager like Michelob Ultra. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
