When it comes to alcohol, few beer brands are more famous than Budweiser, a staple on American liquor store shelves. Its light, malty taste is a favorite choice for fuelling backyard BBQs and game-day parties. Alongside Budweiser, you’ll find Bud Light: an alternative with a lower alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage and fewer calories.

The question of which one is better depends on personal preference. But knowing the facts about each beer may steer your opinion one way or the other. Here’s everything you need to know about Budweiser vs. Bud Light.

The history of Budweiser beer

Budweiser first appeared on the domestic beer market when German immigrant Adolphus Busch moved to the United States and launched his earliest iteration of this light beer in 1876.

The popular beer had a good run before being banned during the prohibition era from 1920 to 1933. During World War II, the market shrunk again when the Budweiser beer company channeled production into national war efforts.

After World War II, Budweiser skyrocketed in popularity again but started to slump in the 1990s. In 2008, the Belgium beer manufacturer InBev acquired Budweiser’s parent company, Anheuser-Busch. With  InBev’s savvy marketing tactics, Budweisers’ fortunes turned around, resulting in a steady rise in sales.

What are the calorie count and alcohol content of Budweiser?

Budweiser has a delicate, crisp flavor with malty notes. Its iconic golden hue fills glasses all over the United States, and its recognizable cans fly off the shelves.

Interestingly, Budweiser’s ingredients list includes rice along with malted barley, yeast, hops, and water. This recipe results in 145 calories per can. Budweiser has a slightly higher alcohol percentage than its competitors, sitting at 5.0%.

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The lowdown on Bud Light 

So let’s talk about Bud Light’s history. This domestic beer was created much later than the original Budweiser. Bud Light hit the market in the 1980s when Budweiser’s parent company experienced a financial boom.

Like its predecessor, Bud Light is made from water, malted barley, rice, yeast, and hops, but the ratio of ingredients is slightly different, lending to a lighter version of Budweiser. People may wonder whether Bud Light is Budweiser, and the answer is technically yes — it’s just a lighter version made by the same company.

What are the calorie count and alcohol content of Bud Light?

How much alcohol is the beer, then? Bud Light only has an ABV of 4.2% and contains 110 calories per can. Because of its lower ABV and fewer calories, it has been marketed as a healthier option. Still, Bud Light’s ABV ranks on par with other mild beers like Coors Light, Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, Busch Light, and Corona.

To keep sales high and customers engaged, Anheuser-Busch InBev created a Bud Light Platinum. It contains most of the same ingredients but includes artificial sweeteners to alter the beer’s taste. 

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Budweiser and Bud Light: America’s favorite lager

Both of these options are best-selling beers, and both are considered to be lagers. But what does lager mean, anyway? 

All beer is made from a variation of the following ingredients: hops, malted barley, yeast, and water. Brewers use different fermentation processes to produce various styles of beer. The fermentation process used dictates whether the beer is a lager or an ale, the two main types of beer.

For lagers like Budweiser and Bud Light, brewers use a bottom fermentation process, in which the yeast sinks in the brewing vat instead of rising to the top. The difference is often in the type of yeast used to brew the beer, too. Some are more likely to sink — especially when you keep the fermentation process at the right temperature. This process originated in Germany during the 15th century when brewing happened during the winter to take advantage of natural refrigeration. Thanks to modern refrigeration, lagers can be made year-round. Beer must be stored at a cooler temperature to stop it from spoiling.

Common traits you’ll see in lagers:

• A warm hue ranging from amber to golden brown

• A crisp, delicate taste

• An ABV ranging from 2% to 12%

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What is the difference between Budweiser and Bud Light?

So what makes these two beers unique, and what’s more popular, Budweiser or Bud Light?

We’ve broken down the basics into a handy comparison chart to help you decide.

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When you compare the two beers side-by-side, you’ll see their stats are not that different. As to which one is better or more popular? You might not want to hear this, but we think it depends on your personal preference. 

Other beer options

Anheuser-Busch InBev created a few other options for casual drinkers who want to expand their tastes. Budweiser Nitro Gold Lager is an upgrade on the classic lager, with a toasted caramel malt taste. Its ABV sits at 5.0%, with 167 calories per can. On a hot summer’s day, Bud Light Lime can quench your thirst easily.

And for designated drivers, sober folks, or those who want fewer calories or carbohydrates, Budweiser Zero is a sugar-free option with 50 calories and 0% ABV. 

If you’re hosting a BBQ, you may want to dabble in some seasonal flavors that pair well with sweet treats or surprise your friends with some fun liquor shots to amp up the evening. 

Get your beer delivered

If the idea of a friendly backyard BBQ appeals to you, or you’re curious to decide if you prefer regular Budweiser or Bud Light, check out Gopuff’s alcohol selection. You can stock up your cart online and have your drinks delivered right to your door.