Michelob Ultra 18Pk Cans

Michelob Ultra 18Pk Cans is an 18-pack of 12 oz cans of Anheuser-Busch's flagship low-carb light lager, brewed to 4.2% ABV. With only 95 calories and 2.6 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it has become one of the best-selling light beers in the United States, carving out a distinct position among calorie-conscious drinkers.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.2%  |  Origin: United States  |  Style: Light Lager  |  Brewery: Anheuser-Busch  |  Calories: 95 per 12 oz  |  Carbs: 2.6g per 12 oz

Production & Heritage

Michelob Ultra is brewed by Anheuser-Busch, the storied American brewing company founded in 1852 in St. Louis, Missouri, now part of the global AB InBev group. The beer is produced across multiple U.S. facilities including breweries in Los Angeles, Jacksonville, Baldwinsville (New York), and Houston. The grain bill relies on barley malt and rice, hopped with Herkules hops and fermented with a pure-cultured yeast strain. An extended mashing process is key to the production — this technique, combined with the specific grain selection, breaks down more of the fermentable sugars and produces a beer with significantly fewer residual carbohydrates than standard lagers.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose is restrained and subtle, with faint hints of light grain and a whisper of green apple. There is very little hop presence on the aroma, keeping things clean and neutral.

Taste: On the palate, Ultra is thin-bodied and highly carbonated, with a light doughy malt character and a subtle sweetness that becomes slightly more apparent as the beer warms. Hop bitterness is minimal, registering as a faint, slightly citrusy note in the background. The overall impression is closer to sparkling water with a light malt underpinning than a full-flavored beer.

Finish: The finish is dry, crisp, and brief, with brisk carbonation carrying away what little residual flavor remains. There is a mildly bitter, clean close that encourages the next sip rather than lingering on the palate.

How to Drink Michelob Ultra

Serve ice-cold, straight from the can or poured into a chilled pilsner glass. Ultra is designed as a straightforward, refreshing drink that works best at its coldest. For a simple beer cocktail, try a Michelada — the lime, hot sauce, and Worcestershire add body and spice that complement the beer's neutral base. A Shandy made with fresh lemonade pairs well with the light grain character on warm days. A Chelada-style serve with tomato juice and a salted rim also works, as the beer's clean profile lets the mix-ins take center stage.

Best For

• Post-workout or post-activity refreshment when you want a beer with minimal caloric impact
• Stocking the cooler for backyard cookouts, tailgates, or pool days
• Offering a low-carb beer option at gatherings with health-conscious guests
• Everyday casual drinking when a full-bodied craft beer feels too heavy

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Michelob Ultra taste like? Michelob Ultra is a very light, clean beer with subtle grain sweetness, minimal hop bitterness, and a dry, highly carbonated finish. The mouthfeel is thin and crisp, making it one of the lightest-tasting mainstream lagers available.

How does Michelob Ultra compare to Bud Light? Both Michelob Ultra and Bud Light share a 4.2% ABV, but Ultra is noticeably leaner with 95 calories and 2.6g of carbs versus Bud Light's 110 calories and 6.6g of carbs per 12 oz serving. Bud Light carries slightly more malt body and flavor, while Ultra prioritizes an extremely clean, near-neutral taste profile.

Is Michelob Ultra good for calorie-conscious drinkers? At 95 calories and only 2.6 grams of carbohydrates per 12 oz can, Michelob Ultra is one of the lowest-calorie mainstream beers on the market. It is specifically engineered for drinkers who want to enjoy a beer without a significant caloric load.

Where is Michelob Ultra made? Michelob Ultra is brewed by Anheuser-Busch across several large-scale U.S. breweries, including facilities in Los Angeles, Jacksonville, Baldwinsville (New York), and Houston. The brand is part of the AB InBev portfolio, the world's largest brewing company.

What foods pair well with Michelob Ultra? Grilled chicken or fish tacos benefit from the beer's crisp carbonation cutting through char and spice. Light salads with citrus vinaigrette complement its neutral grain character. Shrimp ceviche works well, as the beer's dry finish mirrors the dish's acidity. Mild white cheeses like fresh mozzarella pair without overwhelming the beer's delicate profile. Sushi and sashimi are also a natural match given the beer's rice-based lightness.

What sizes does Michelob Ultra come in? Michelob Ultra is widely available in a range of formats including individual 12 oz and 16 oz cans, 6-packs, 12-packs, 18-packs, 24-packs, and 25 oz single cans, as well as bottles in various pack sizes.

Is Michelob Ultra worth the price? Michelob Ultra positions as a mainstream premium light beer, typically priced slightly above standard domestic lagers. Its value proposition centers on the low calorie and carb count rather than flavor complexity — for drinkers prioritizing a lighter nutritional profile, it delivers exactly what it promises.

Why Michelob Ultra?

Michelob Ultra's defining achievement is stripping a beer down to 95 calories and 2.6 grams of carbs without becoming undrinkable. The extended mashing process and rice-forward grain bill produce a remarkably clean, dry lager that has resonated with millions of drinkers who want beer without the caloric baggage. It is not a beer designed for flavor exploration — it is a beer designed for easy, guilt-reduced drinking, and within that narrow lane, it has become the category benchmark. The 18-pack format represents solid value for regular drinkers who reach for Ultra as their go-to daily option.