Stella Artois markets itself as a premium lager, and while the branding is doing some heavy lifting, there is a real beer underneath. It is a Belgian pilsner with more backbone, bitterness and dryness than most mainstream lagers, which makes it one of the better everyday options if you like a crisper, more assertive pour.
Stella Artois at a glance
| Style | Belgian pilsner (euro pale lager) |
| ABV | 5.0% |
| Calories | 154 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | About 12g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | AB InBev, Leuven, Belgium |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, maize, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | About $13.49 for a 6-pack, roughly $2.25 per 12oz |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Stella scores as a proper pilsner should: crisp and dry, with real bitterness and a firm malt base rather than the soft, sweet profile of the American macros.
The full review
It pours bright gold with lively carbonation and a fluffy white head. The aroma is crisp grain with a floral, herbal hop note that most mainstream lagers just do not have. It reads as a pilsner from the first sniff.
On the palate it is clean and crisp over a firm malt base, with a bitterness that is noticeable but never harsh, finishing dry with a faint classic pilsner tang. It leans drier and a shade more bitter than Heineken, which gives it more of an edge and makes it a better match for food.
The old jokes about Stella aside, served cold and fresh it is a genuinely good lager. It holds up next to mussels, steak frites or a roast chicken far better than a sweeter macro would. For more in this style, see our best lagers roundup.
A pilsner with an actual backbone, which is more than most of the shelf can say.
- Crisp, dry and properly bitter, like a pilsner should be
- Firm malt base gives it real structure
- Pairs very well with food
- Widely available and consistent
- At 5% and 154 calories it is not a light option
- The bitterness will not suit fans of soft, sweet lagers
- Quality drops off if it is not fresh and cold
Who it is for
Drinkers who find mainstream lagers too soft and sweet and want something crisper and drier, especially with dinner. If you prefer an easy, sweeter pour, Budweiser or Corona will suit you more.
Stella Artois FAQs
What does Stella Artois taste like?
Crisp and dry with a firm malt base, a floral hop aroma and a noticeable but balanced bitterness. It is drier and a touch more bitter than most mainstream lagers.
Is Stella Artois a strong beer?
At 5.0% ABV it is slightly stronger than the average light lager, but still standard strength for a full lager.
How many calories are in Stella Artois?
About 154 calories per 12 fl oz, on the higher side for a lager thanks to its 5% strength and fuller body.
Is Stella Artois gluten free?
No, it is brewed from barley and contains gluten.
What is the alcohol content of Stella Artois?
5.0% ABV. You can check the strength of any beer with our ABV calculator.
Is Stella Artois vegan?
Yes, Stella Artois is listed as vegan-friendly.
What kind of beer is Stella Artois?
A Belgian pilsner: a crisp, dry, golden lager style with a firm hop bitterness.
Where is Stella Artois made?
Originally from Leuven in Belgium, where it is still brewed, though it is also produced under license in other markets by AB InBev.
Why is Stella served in a chalice glass?
The branded chalice is part of the ritual, meant to show off the color and head. It does not change the beer, but a clean glass and a proper pour always help.
What are the best Stella Artois alternatives?
For other crisp euro lagers and pilsners try Pilsner Urquell, Peroni, Heineken or Beck’s.
Where to buy Stella Artois
Stella Artois is easy to find in supermarkets and liquor stores, and available through delivery services too. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
A better lager than its reputation suggests. Crisp, dry and food-friendly, with a real pilsner bitterness that sets it apart from the sweeter macros. A strong four out of five if you like your lager with some bite. More in our beer reviews and guides.
Stella Artois is one of many we ranked. Browse the full list in our best pale lager guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Stella Artois?
Stella Artois is a Belgian pilsner (euro pale lager), at 5.0% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Stella Artois?
Stella Artois has an ABV of 5.0%.
How many calories are in Stella Artois?
Stella Artois has 154 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Stella Artois gluten free?
Stella Artois: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Stella Artois have carbs?
Yes, Stella Artois has About 12g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Stella Artois 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.
How much does Stella Artois cost?
Stella Artois typically runs About $13.49 for a 6-pack, roughly $2.25 per 12oz. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Stella Artois 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 Stella Artois?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Belgian pilsner (euro pale lager) like Stella Artois. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
