Skip to main content

This is the drink that replaced Bud Light as the most popular beer in the U.S.

Bud Light and America have long been close. But there's a new most popular beer in the states.

Negra Modelo
Modelo

For the first time in about a generation, the most popular beer in the states is not American. That’s right, Bud Light has lost its place on the throne, replaced by the likes of Modelo Especial of Mexico. What can we deduce from this change in popular beers?

The margins are thin, and Budweiser may still win out in terms of total year sales, but this is still a significant storyline. A few things are unfolding here, which speak to larger themes that exist within the beverage industry and at large.

South of the border trends and diversity

blue agave
Adobe Stock

Part of Modelo’s success is owed to the ongoing popularity of Mexican exports, from agave spirits like tequila and mezcal to up-and-coming players like the Baja wine scene. Generally, there’s more interest in Mexican drinks culture than ever. Couple that with an increasingly diverse America made up of close to 20% Hispanics, and it’s easy to see why a big south-of-the-border player like Modelo would be doing so well. This does not appear to be a moment but, instead, more of a larger trend that will only increase.

With summer setting in, the two beer brands will no doubt continue to do well. They each specialize in light, refreshing beers built for being buried in ice in the cooler. As craft beer continues to evolve, with new styles and ingredient combinations, it’ll be interesting to see how big beer—if at all—evolves as well.

Bigger brands struggle with politics

budweiser beer can bar
Budweiser

If you’ve even just skimmed the news, you’ve likely heard about the blowback Bud Light endured recently. The brand, somewhat valiantly, at least in theory, teamed up with a transgender influenced for a recent ad campaign. Like so many brands, it took advantage of the money that could be made by using important and symbolic imagery like the rainbow, especially with Pride month looming. Apparently, that was too much for the brand and a good chunk of America to handle, as top executives have been placed on leave and sales have slumped some since. That’s the risk that biggest brands have to deal with—a huge audience surely made up of at least a sizable portion that likely disagrees with your stance or suggestion, should you make one.

The economy is not really to blame

beer aisle store
Good Life Studio/Getty Images

The placement and price of the two brands is pretty comparable, making the economics of it a mostly non-issue. The beers cost about the same by volume, with Modelo often a bit more expensive via major retailers and online outlets like Drizly. Both companies are dealing with the same supply chain shortages and customers being more frugal at the grocery store.

Some have attributed Modelo’s ascension to its relatively new low-carb offering. Drinkers are still pursuing the style, looking for healthier options and even non-alcoholic ones. Whatever the combination of the above factors, there’s a new most popular beer in America in town.

All in all, it’s not terrible news as Bud Light has always lacked flavor and character, and Modelo, while a far cry from a great pilsner beer, does taste a bit better. It’s not going to make any best beer lists anytime soon, but it’s a little refreshing to see a new wearer of the crown (though we do wish this change only had to do with the taste of the beer).

Editors' Recommendations

Mark Stock
Mark Stock is a writer from Portland, Oregon. He fell into wine during the Recession and has been fixated on the stuff since…
The most bizarre venues for a bar on the planet
We've all been to strange bars. But these establishments are far and away the most unique around.
Cave Bar More in Croatia.

Many of us have experienced a novel bar before, one set in a strange location or treated to an odd theme. But there are some bars that are truly and fully out there -- watering holes in places you would never imagine (even after a few drinks).

So while we appreciate bars modeled after famous shows like Twin Peaks and ones with actual sand on the floor so as to convey a beach, there are much nuttier ones out there. We're talking about bars on aircraft carriers and their own private islands. There are the best bars in America; and then there are the most unique bars on the planet.

Read more
Bud Light, White Claw, and Dunkin’ Donuts are about to go to war in the spiked drinks category (seriously)
Dunkin' Spiked brings coffee, tea to the spiked market
Dunkin' Spiked Iced Coffee

Joining in on a trend that just doesn't appear to be going anywhere, Dunkin' Donuts is the newest competitor to throw its hat into the boozy beverages ring. Jumping on the increasingly crowded bandwagon, Dunkin' will be riding alongside Bud Light, White Claw, and Twisted Tea in its endeavor to give the people what they want — an easily drinkable, tasty beverage with a boozy adult upgrade.

Brian Gilbert, Vice President of Retail Business Development at Dunkin’ said in a recent press release, “We knew we had the opportunity to create something special when we saw the positive response to our previous seasonal collaborations for Dunkin’-inspired beers. The growing appetite for adult beverages inspired us to put a twist on our customers’ favorite Dunkin’ Iced Coffee, Iced Tea, and Refresher flavors. Dunkin’ Spiked is perfect for day or night enjoyment and comes in eight distinct flavors, available in grocery and package stores later this month. This new line of ready-to-drink adult beverages elevates Dunkin’s offerings, and we know our 21+ fans will love every sip.”
All about Dunkin' Donuts' spiked beverages
The new iced coffee flavors will include Spiked Original, Spiked Caramel, Spiked Mocha, and Spiked Vanilla. And if you're more of a tea drinker, there are some refreshing options for you, too. Spiked Slightly Sweet Iced Tea, Spiked Half & Half Iced Tea, Dunkin' Spiked Strawberry Dragonfruit Iced Tea Refresher, and Dunkin' Spiked Mango Pineapple Iced Tea Refresher are also hitting the shelves soon.

Read more
Here are 7 stellar ingredients worth considering when mixing with beer
Thinking about mixing with beer? Here's where and how to start
Beer margaritas

Mixology is all about being adventurous. It's what birthed amazing drinks like the Corpse Reviver cocktail and why we run into unexpected refreshers like cocktails made from Marsala. Simply put, trial and error can get you to some really tasty new frontiers.

For most, a good beer is considered something you enjoy on its own, preferably in a proper pint glass. Well, there's some truth to that, but it sounds a little stuck in tradition to us. After all, there are so many beers out there, from light and refreshing lagers to winter-ready stouts (shoot, there are even smoothie sour beers). Beer can be enjoyed neat but it can also be mixed into some delicious, suds-based concoctions.

Read more