Natural Light

Natural Light is part of the Anheuser-Busch family. Anheuser-Busch created Natural Light beer in 1977 to compete with other increasingly popular light beers that were hitting the market at that time (most specifically, Miller Lite). In fact, Anheuser-Busch introduced Natural Light beer two years before they created Bud Light, which is now the best-selling beer in the U.S. Interestingly, the Anheuser-Busch folks initially avoided naming a lighter beer under the Budweiser name, feeling it would compromise the perceived quality of Budweiser original beer, hence — Natural Light was born.

A 12-ounce can of Natural Light beer contains 4.2% alcohol content and just 95 calories. A can of Natural Light has the same amount of calories as a Michelob Ultra and just one fewer calorie than a can of Miller Lite. Because of its low calories and relatively low ABV, Natural Light is often described as refreshing and super easy to drink — early marketing campaigns actually leaned on the beer’s lighter qualities, suggesting you could drink Natural Light throughout the day since it doesn’t slow you down at all. Maybe they weren’t wrong, you can happily enjoy an ice cold Natural Lights after working outside on a hot day.

Anheuser-Busch is no dummy when it comes to brewing beer, and Natural Light is crafted in much the same way as the company’s other successful light beer options — with a classic recipe of water, barley malt, corn syrup, yeast, and hops (Bud Light notably does not include corn syrup, a fact emphasized heavily in a controversial Super Bowl commercial). Because Natural Light is categorized as a light lager, the brewing process uses lager yeasts, which require a longer fermentation process. This extended lagering and the simple ingredient list lend to the beer’s characteristic lightness and refreshing, mild flavor.

Natural Light’s affordability and party-ready case size are what make it a good gift. It is a great choice because it’s refreshing, simple, and undeniably nostalgic — you can confidently bring a case of Natty Light to a barbecue or tailgate with your old college buddies. Since you’re saving big on the price tag, you might try some of Natural Light’s other products as well, like the fruity Naturdays or the brand’s take on hard seltzer.