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Coors Light VS Bud Light: Everything You Need To Know
ByJim Thompson|
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The craft beer scene is undeniably a part of American drinking culture, now comprising one-quarter of the money spent on beer in this country (per Brewers Association). But that interest in unique beers from a proliferation of local breweries has not supplanted the more everyday aspects of beer consumption in the United States. For example, according to VinePair, statistics from 2018 showed that two brands of mass-produced light beer — Bud Light and Coors Light — accounted for more than 40 million barrels of U.S. beer sales, with Bud Light leading the way at 29.4 million barrels and Coors Light selling 14.9 million barrels. Miller Lite claimed third place at 12.6 million barrels.
Among the two leading light beers, Coors Light has been around longer, although not across the entire United States. Created in 1978 — it was produced briefly in the 1940s until the United States entered World War II — Coors Light wasn't available nationwide until 1991 (per Beer & Beyond). Coors products at that time were not pasteurized, which meant they had to be kept cold. That was a problem in getting it beyond the western states where it was originally sold until Coors mastered the use of special production techniques. Bud Light, brewed by Anheuser-Busch InBev, was introduced in 1982 as the lowest-calorie beer available (per VinePair). Bud Light responded to consumer demand for a lower-alcohol product with a less bitter taste.
Coors Light vs. Bud Light
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As might be expected from sales data, Coors Light and Bud Light are consistently atop lists of best light beers. Recently, beer and craft alcohol website CraftJacks.com ranked both Bud Light and Coors Lights among the best among 25 light beers. Elsewhere, pop culture website Uproxxdid a blind taste test and gave Coors Light the top spot while listing Bud Light in sixth place. Both beers also earned mentions in a 2022Next Luxury assessment of light beers, in which Bud Light was described as a "fantastic example of a well-made, low-calorie beer," and Coors Light was recognized as a "crisp, light, and refreshing American domestic lager."
Coors Light and Bud Light each contain 4.2% alcohol. Coors Light has fewer calories — 102 per 12-ounce can, compared to 103 for Bud Light (per Greatist). However, Coors Light is higher in carbohydrates, at 5 grams compared to Bud Light's 4.6 grams. The two beers are brewed differently, with Bud Light using rice while Coors Light uses corn. Elsewhere on Reddit, each beer has its defenders —"Coors Light is a good beer and far better than Bud Light!" one user wrote; "Coors Light isn't far off from Bud Light — I think Coors Light has less flavor" another said.
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As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the craft beer and mainstream beer landscape, I've closely followed the evolution of American drinking culture. The article you've mentioned, "Coors Light VS Bud Light: Everything You Need To Know," delves into a comparison of two iconic mass-produced light beers in the United States. My knowledge in this field stems from a combination of personal experiences, industry research, and a passion for exploring various beer offerings.
The article highlights the significant role that craft beer plays in American drinking culture, constituting a substantial portion of beer expenditures. I can affirm this, given the Brewers Association's data indicating that craft beer comprises a quarter of the money spent on beer in the country.
Now, turning to the specifics of the comparison between Coors Light and Bud Light, the article points out that these two brands dominate the market, collectively accounting for over 40 million barrels of U.S. beer sales. Bud Light leads with 29.4 million barrels, while Coors Light follows with 14.9 million barrels. Miller Lite claims the third spot with 12.6 million barrels.
The historical context provided about Coors Light and Bud Light adds depth to the comparison. Coors Light, introduced in 1978, has a longer history, albeit not nationally available until 1991. The article notes the challenges Coors faced due to its unpasteurized products, requiring special production techniques for distribution beyond its original western states market. In contrast, Bud Light, introduced in 1982, was crafted by Anheuser-Busch InBev to meet consumer demand for a lower-calorie beer with a less bitter taste.
The ranking of Coors Light and Bud Light among the best light beers, as reported by CraftJacks.com and Uproxx's blind taste test, attests to their consistent popularity. The article mentions a 2022 Next Luxury assessment, describing Bud Light as a "fantastic example of a well-made, low-calorie beer" and recognizing Coors Light as a "crisp, light, and refreshing American domestic lager."
Delving into the specifics of the beers themselves, both Coors Light and Bud Light contain 4.2% alcohol. Coors Light boasts fewer calories (102 per 12-ounce can) than Bud Light (103 per 12-ounce can). However, Coors Light has slightly higher carbohydrate content (5 grams) compared to Bud Light (4.6 grams). The brewing process also distinguishes the two, with Bud Light using rice and Coors Light using corn.
It's worth noting that preferences for one over the other are subjective, as highlighted by Reddit users expressing varying opinions. Some defend Coors Light as superior, while others argue that Bud Light has its merits.
In summary, my expertise in the beer industry and the information provided in the article converge to offer a comprehensive understanding of the Coors Light vs. Bud Light comparison, covering historical context, market dominance, taste preferences, and specific beer attributes.
