Not Bud Light or Modelo, this is the No.1 selling American beer in 2025

Back in the late 1980s, a quarter of American beer drinkers favored Budweiser - one in every four beers sold in the US in 1988 was a Bud, the King of Beers.

But the brewing industry is notoriously volatile, brands come and go, popular beers go out of fashion and tastes change. Sales of Budweiser have steadily declined since the brand’s 80s heyday and by the turn of the millennium, health-conscious drinkers were looking for low calorie alternatives. Bud Light, with 110 calories per 12 US fl oz, nudged its big brother (which has 145 calories) off top spot.

Bud Light loses its crown

Bud Light held the top position for over 20 years - until relatively recently. Beer sales were 1.2 percent down overall last year while craft beer sales tumbled 3.9 percent - another indication that consumers are looking for lighter, low calorie, low carb beverages - as well as imported beers, with sales up 3.9 percent in 2024.

Which is where Michelob Ultra steps in. Launched in 2002, Michelob Ultra contains 2.6 grams of carbohydrates per 12-ounce serving and just 95 calories.

Michelob Ultra became the best-selling beer by volume, in the United States, overtaking Bud Light in September 2025, while for the third year running, Mexican beer Modelo Especial is the top seller in terms of dollar sales.

Modelo Especial, the Hispanic community’s favorite

What does that mean? Basically, Michelob is the beer that everyone is drinking but Modelo Especial, which is more expensive, tops the revenue list. According to Beer Marketer’s Insights data, sales of Michelob Ultra grew by 4.4%. Total beer volume market share now belongs 8.5% to Michelob Ultra against Bud Light’s 8.46%.

So Michelob Ultra is officially the best-selling beer in America, which is win-win for Anheuser-Busch, the company which also owns the Bud Light and Budweiser brands.

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