Natural Ice 40OZ

Natural Ice 40OZ is a 5.9% ABV ice-brewed American lager from Anheuser-Busch, sold in a 40oz bottle. Its ice-brewing process and higher-than-standard alcohol content have made it one of the most recognizable value lagers in the United States.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.9%  |  Origin: St. Louis, Missouri, USA  |  Style: Ice-Brewed Lager  |  Brewery: Anheuser-Busch InBev

Production & Heritage

Natural Ice — commonly called "Natty Ice" — is produced by Anheuser-Busch InBev, the global brewing conglomerate headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. The beer uses a blend of premium American-grown and imported hops combined with a grain bill of malt and corn. What distinguishes it from standard lagers is Anheuser-Busch's ice-brewing method: during production, the beer is chilled to temperatures below freezing, causing ice crystals to form. These crystals are then removed, concentrating the remaining liquid and contributing to the beer's slightly elevated alcohol content and smoother mouthfeel compared to conventionally brewed lagers in the same price tier.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet corn dominates the nose, followed by faint honeyed bread and a light cereal grain quality. When served very cold, the aromatics mute somewhat, allowing a subtle honey sweetness to come through.

Taste: The palate opens with a corn-forward sweetness that defines the entire drinking experience. Mid-palate, the beer is notably light-bodied and watery, with a faint tingle across the tongue. A mild metallic note emerges toward the finish, along with a raw-dough character that some drinkers may detect.

Finish: Short and clean, with a slightly astringent edge. Any lingering sweetness fades quickly, leaving a dry, somewhat grainy impression.

How to Drink Natural Ice

Natural Ice is best served ice-cold, straight from the bottle or poured into a chilled pint glass. The cold temperature tames the corn sweetness and emphasizes the beer's clean, smooth qualities. As a standalone sipper, it suits casual, warm-weather drinking. Some use it as a base for a Michelada, where the lime, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce mask the corn-forward profile and add complexity. It also works in a Beer-a-Rita — blended with frozen limeade concentrate for a simple frozen beer cocktail. For a Shandy, mixing Natural Ice with lemonade softens the astringent edge and adds citrus brightness.

Best For

• Tailgating, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings where volume matters
• Budget-conscious beer drinkers seeking a higher-ABV lager
• Casual drinking sessions during game day or summer cookouts
• Mixing into beer-based cocktails like Micheladas or Shandies

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Natural Ice taste like? Natural Ice is a corn-forward, lightly sweet lager with a watery body and a clean, slightly astringent finish. It is mild in overall flavor intensity, designed for easy, high-volume consumption.

How does Natural Ice compare to Bud Ice? Both are ice-brewed lagers from Anheuser-Busch with similar ABVs, but many drinkers find Natural Ice to be smoother and more neutral in flavor, while Bud Ice carries a slightly more distinctive off-taste that divides opinion.

Is Natural Ice good for casual drinking? Natural Ice is specifically positioned as an affordable, easy-drinking lager meant for relaxed social settings; it is not intended as a craft or sipping beer.

Where is Natural Ice made? Natural Ice is brewed by Anheuser-Busch InBev, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, and produced at various Anheuser-Busch brewing facilities across the United States.

What foods pair well with Natural Ice? Hot dogs and bratwurst work well because the beer's light body cleanses the palate between bites. Spicy buffalo wings benefit from the cold, neutral wash of the lager. Salted pretzels and chips complement the corn sweetness. Barbecue ribs pair reasonably, as the beer cuts through smoky-sweet sauces. Nachos with jalapeños also match, with the beer cooling the heat.

What sizes does Natural Ice come in? Natural Ice is widely available in 40oz bottles, as well as 12oz cans and bottles sold in 6-pack, 12-pack, 18-pack, 24-pack, and 30-pack configurations, plus 24oz and 25oz single cans.

Is Natural Ice worth the price? Natural Ice positions squarely in the economy tier of American lagers, and within that category it delivers a higher ABV than most standard domestic beers, making it one of the more efficient options for budget-minded drinkers.

Why Natural Ice?

Natural Ice occupies a specific and durable niche in the American beer landscape: it is one of the highest-ABV mass-market lagers at 5.9%, delivered through a genuine ice-brewing process rather than simple alcohol addition. The 40oz format has become iconic in its own right, synonymous with casual, no-frills drinking. While it does not compete with craft lagers on complexity or depth, it consistently delivers what its audience expects — a cold, smooth, affordable beer with more kick than a standard domestic. Among economy ice lagers, it remains one of the top sellers in the country for a reason.