St. Louis, MO – September 22, 2025 – In 2002, Michelob ULTRA entered the market and redefined the light beer category to become a superior light beer known for championing an active and social lifestyle. Today, Michelob ULTRA has reached a new pinnacle, becoming America’s #1-selling beer.1 This milestone – 22 years in the making – reflects decades of disciplined, consistent investment in the brand around America’s most popular sporting and active-lifestyle moments and as a pioneer in tapping into consumer preferences for balanced choices.
Kyle Norrington, Chief Commercial Officer, Anheuser-Busch said: “For more than twenty years, Michelob ULTRA has connected with its fans during the occasions they love. The brand’s playbook has been simple and relentless: invest, learn, and execute as the Official Beer Sponsor of America’s most prominent sports and active-lifestyle moments from Team USA to the NBA to the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™ and LA 2028 games to a 30+ year partnership with the PGA Tour. This approach has turned Michelob ULTRA into an absolute rocket ship, and we’ve got tremendous opportunity ahead of us. This is a proud moment for our teams and partners and speaks to the resilience of the American beer category.”
Circana, the leader in providing data to consumer-packaged goods companies, highlighted in its latest read that Michelob ULTRA has claimed #1 for the latest 52 weeks in retail channels, and Nielsen confirms the brand’s leadership in bars and restaurants across the latest 52 weeks as well.
Scott Scanlon, Executive Vice President of Category Insights at Circana said: “Consumers are buying more Michelob ULTRA than any other beer in America. The brand stands out as the growth leader in the industry, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.”
Leaning into its proven strategy, Michelob ULTRA has major investments on the horizon — including the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup™ — giving a special focus to soccer during a golden age for the sport in the U.S. Combined with supporting Team USA as the exclusive beer sponsor for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Milan Cortina 2026, Los Angeles 2028, and as the Official Beer Sponsor of the LA28 Games, Michelob ULTRA will continue to connect with fans through impactful creative with precision execution at scale, converting awareness into repeat purchase to keep the momentum going.
By The Numbers
- Since 2020, Michelob ULTRA has grown 15%2, gaining over 2% of the market3 in the last five years.
- Momentum for Michelob ULTRA is also visible in its innovations, with Michelob ULTRA Zero quickly becoming one of the top-selling non-alcohol beers in the US4 in its first nine months on shelves.
Data sources & definitions: 1 Circana MULC+ US L52W Volume w.e 9/14/25; Nielsen IQ On Premise Total US volume w.e 7/12/25 | 2 Circana TUS MULC+ L52W w.e. 9/14/25 | 3 Circana TUS MULC+ YTD w.e. 9/14/25 | 4 Circana Total US MULC w.e 9/14/25
ABOUT MICHELOB ULTRA
Introduced in 2002, Michelob ULTRA is the No. 1 selling beer in the industry*. With just 95 calories, 2.6 carbs and no artificial flavors or colors, it is a superior light beer that celebrates the active, balanced lifestyle of its drinkers that includes both fitness and fun. Michelob ULTRA's choice of grains and extended mashing process leads to its refreshing taste and fewer carbohydrates. It is brewed with the finest barley malt, rice, hops, and a pure-cultured yeast strain, all of which reflect Anheuser-Busch's commitment to brewing quality. Michelob ULTRA reminds you to always drink, and sweat, responsibly. For more information, visit MichelobULTRA.com or follow @MichelobULTRA on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. (*Circana MULC+ US L52W Volume w.e 9/14/25)
ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH
At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years, we have delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. As a leading American manufacturer, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities.
We are home to the nation’s most iconic beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, and Cutwater, as well as industry-leading regional craft brands. From our longstanding efforts to support American farmers, military, veterans, and first responders, to emergency drinking water donations and responsible drinking programs, we are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our beer to life. That’s who we are. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.