Natural Light, or Natty Light as almost everyone calls it, is one of the cheapest beers in America and a fixture of college fridges and backyard coolers everywhere. It is a light lager built to a price: low calories, low ABV, and very low on flavor. Nobody buys Natty Light for the taste, they buy it because it is cold and it costs almost nothing. Here is an honest look at what you get.
Natural Light at a glance
| Style | American light lager |
| ABV | 4.2% |
| Calories | 95 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | 3.2g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis, USA |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, cereal grains, yeast, hops |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | Around $6 to $9 for a 6-pack in the US, less by the case. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Natural Light is engineered to be as light and cheap as possible, so nearly every flavor dial sits near the bottom.
The full review
It pours very pale and extremely fizzy, with a white head that disappears almost instantly. The aroma is faint to the point of nearly absent: a little grain, a touch of sweet corn, and not much else.
The taste is thin and watery with a mild grainy sweetness and almost no bitterness. It is clean in the sense that there is not much there to get in the way, and the finish is quick and dry. This is about as light as a beer gets before it stops being a beer.
There is no pretending it has flavor or body, because it does not. But ice cold, from a can, over a long afternoon, that extreme lightness is the entire point. It is refreshing, it is easy, and at 95 calories you can drink several without much thought.
Value is the whole pitch, and on that measure it delivers. Natty Light is one of the cheapest ways to keep a cooler full, and for a lot of people that is exactly what they want it to be.
Nobody drinks it for the flavor, and it never pretended otherwise.
- Extremely cheap, especially by the case
- Very light and low in calories
- Clean and refreshing ice cold
- Everywhere and consistent
- Very little flavor, body or aroma
- Nothing to reward attention
- Warms into blandness fast
Who it is for
Drinkers who want the cheapest cold, light beer they can find for a big group or a long session. If you want a bit more character for similar calories, a Miller Lite or a Coors Light are worth the small step up.
Natural Light FAQs
What does Natural Light taste like?
Very light and watery with a faint grainy sweetness, almost no bitterness and a quick, dry finish. It is mild and refreshing rather than flavorful.
How many calories are in Natural Light?
About 95 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 3.2g of carbs.
How strong is Natural Light?
It is 4.2% ABV, standard for an American light lager.
Why is Natural Light so cheap?
It is a value brand built to a low price point, using cost-efficient ingredients and huge production scale to stay one of the cheapest beers on the shelf.
Is Natural Light vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, cereal grains, yeast and hops with no animal products.
Is Natural Light gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten.
Is Natural Light a lager or an ale?
It is a lager, specifically an American light lager.
What is the difference between Natural Light and Bud Light?
Both are Anheuser-Busch light lagers at 4.2%, but Natural Light is the cheaper value brand and is even lighter on flavor and calories than Bud Light.
Where to buy Natural Light
Natural Light is one of the easiest and cheapest beers to find in the US, and you can get it delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Natural Light is exactly what it sets out to be: the cheapest, lightest cold beer you can reasonably buy. It has almost no flavor and it will never win anyone over on taste, but for keeping a cooler full at the lowest possible price it does the job. Judged on what it is for, a fair two point seven out of five. See how it stacks up in our beer reviews and guides.
See where Natural Light lands against the field in our top lager beers guide.
See where Natural Light lands against its rivals in our light beer guide guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Natural Light?
Natural Light is an American light lager, at 4.2% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Natural Light?
Natural Light has an ABV of 4.2%.
How many calories are in Natural Light?
Natural Light has 95 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Natural Light gluten free?
Natural Light: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Natural Light have carbs?
Yes, Natural Light has 3.2g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Natural Light 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 Natural Light?
If you can’t find Natural Light, Michelob Ultra is a close alternative in the same American light lager category.
How much does Natural Light cost?
Natural Light typically runs Around $6 to $9 for a 6-pack in the US, less by the case. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Natural Light 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 Natural Light?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for an American light lager like Natural Light. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
