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Last Updated:
December 18, 2023

Top Selling Beer Bottles of 2022 based on sales data

Dive into the booming beer industry, light beer's rise in popularity, top-selling brands, and how consumer preferences shape sales and trends in the market.
Top Selling Beer Bottles of 2022 based on sales data
By
Bogdan Patynski
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Table of Contents

Top Selling Beer Bottles of 2022 based on sales data

In America, beer is big business. And while the preferences of beer drinkers may change over time, some best-selling beers always remain popular.


This blog post will provide you with the top-selling beers for 2022 based on sales data so that you can see which ones may be worth stocking at your venue.

Top Selling Beer Bottles of 2022


How this our research works:


To make our research accurate as possible for the entire American market we used a sample size that would give us a maximum margin of error of 5% in our data.


As of our latest research, there are 155,448 restaurants and +71,634 bars and nightclubs in the US.


That's a total maximum of 227,082 venues that sell alcohol.


Our goal is to collect data from a wide range of venues so that we can more accurately predict sales across the US.


Just to give you some background information, I specialized in econometrics while earning my undergraduate degree in economics.


Our goal is to decrease the chances that our data does not reflect the market as a whole.


For typical statistical analyses, we allow for a 5% margin of error and a 95% chance that our research accurately mirrors the entire market.


What that means for you: Our research has a 95% chance of being 5% off from the real answer.


At WISK, we not only wanted to give you an accurate answer but one that had a 99% chance of falling within 5% of the actual market response.


To do this, our sample size needed to include 664 venues. I'll include a link here to how we did it. (I warned you.)


That being said: we went over 664 US venues in our database.


With a 99% confidence level, our research accurately represents the entire American market for restaurants + bars, and nightclubs.


Finally, I'm not going to give away any actual sales numbers.


However, to give you a general idea of the volume being sold, I'll compare the ratios of sales.


For example: on average, for every Michelob Ultra beer sold in the US, 1.3 Bud Lights were also sold. I'll give information about the percentages of the total sales.


Example #2: 14.97% of all beer bottle sales on-premises at a restaurant are Bud Light bottles.


If you want to get more information on the best-selling beer bottles in the US, download our research paper on this page.


Lastly, an interesting fact: according to multiple sources including Statista: ABinBev has 31% of the global beverage market share which is reflected in our data!

Top 10 best-selling beer bottles in the US:


Bud Light

Bud Light beer is considered one of the most popular light beers in America and continues to dominate sales.


As mentioned previously: 14.97% of all beer bottle sales on-premises at a restaurant are Bud Light bottles. This is impressive.


Another interesting fact for restaurant owners about Bud Light: For every Blue Moon sold, you will sell on average roughly 25 Bud Lights according to our sales volume data.


Michelob Ultra

Michelob Ultra is a light beer that is brewed by Anheuser-Busch InBev. Michelob Ultra was introduced in 2002 and became one of the fastest-growing light beers in the United States.


Michelob is accounting for about 13.43% of total sales volume. Our data led us to believe that for every 1.25 Michelob Ultras sold, an average of 1 Corona Beer Bottle was also sold.

Corona Extra

If you're looking for a refreshing, smooth beer to enjoy on a hot day, Corona Extra is a perfect choice.


This Mexican-style lager is brewed with natural ingredients and has a slightly sweet taste that makes it perfect for any occasion.


As if needing any more evidence, the total sales numbers show that Corona sold 12.42% (even with all of the world events going on).


Last but certainly not least, we have this fun fact: For every Corona sold, .785 Miller Lites were also sold.


Or, to put it another way--for every Miller Lite sold, 1.24 Corona Extra Bottles were consumed.

Miller Lite


Miller Lite is a light beer that is brewed by Miller Brewing Company. It was introduced in 1975 as the first successful low-calorie beer in the United States.


Miller Lite is known for its "Lite" branding, which emphasizes that it has fewer calories than other beers.


Miller Lite has 99 calories per 12-ounce serving, compared to Bud Light's 110 calories per Beer Bottle.


Molson Coors has now incorporated Miller into their brand lineup as of 2016.


Despite its low-calorie count, Miller Lite is still a full-flavored beer and has been praised by critics for its taste.


It was named the "best American light lager" by The New York Times in 2009.


Yet, you're not here to discover that information, are you?


You came here to find out that Miller Lite's sales made up 10.33% of all on-premise sales.


To compare to their sister brand: for every Coors Light sold in a restaurant or bar, 1.27 Miller Lites were consumed.

Coors Light

Coors light is a popular American beer that is known for its smooth, refreshing taste.


It is the 5th most sold beer brand and is brewed by Molson Coors. Coors Light has a 4.2% alcohol content and comes in both bottles and cans.


The total sales volume for Coors Light shows that it's still one of the most popular beers in America, with 9.04%% of all on-premise sales at restaurants and bars being for Coors Light Beer Bottles.

Heineken

Heineken is a Dutch brewery company that was founded in 1864 by Gerard Adriaan Heineken.


The company produces a variety of alcoholic drinks, including beer and cider.


Heineken is the world's second-largest brewer with a market share of 12.4% and has a portfolio of more than 170 international brands.


Some of these brands include Heineken, Amstel, Fosters, Newcastle Brown Ale, and Strongbow cider.


Heineken is known for its green bottle and red star logo. The company has a global presence and operates in over 70 countries. It had a revenue of €21.9 billion in 2018.


Of all beer bottles sold at on-site locations in the US, 7.61% were Heineken brand.


Budweiser

An insider stated that Budweiser has slimmer profit margins in comparison to other ABinBev beers due to the longer amount of time required for fermentation.


Did you know that they sold 6.67% of all beer bottles sold on-premises? Well, now you do!


Budweiser beer bottles also sold 8.59988% more than the next beer on our list!

Dos Equis Lager


Dos Equis Lager is a Mexican beer that was first brewed in 1897. It is made with malted barley, maize, and hops and has an alcohol content of 4.5%. Dos Equis Lager is a light, refreshing beer with a slightly sweet taste.


Coming in at second place for Mexico's most popular beer, it is also exported to over 80 countries.


In the US, 6.38% of all on-premises beer bottles sold are Dos Equis Lagers. For every 1.14 Dos Equis sold, there was 1 Stella Artois bottle sold.

Stella Artois

Stella Artois is a Belgian beer that was first brewed in 1366. It is made with water, barley, hops, and yeast.


Stella Artois has an alcohol content of 5% and is available in both bottles and cans. The beer has a crisp, clean taste and is perfect for any occasion.


One of those occasions is drinking beer on-premise, and it accounted for 6.07% of all beer bottle sales. It also sold 38.23% more than the next beer on our list.

Modelo Especial

If you're looking for a smooth, refreshing Mexican beer, Modelo Especial is a perfect choice.


This light lager is made with malted barley, maize, and hops and has an alcohol content of 4.5%. It is a popular choice among beer drinkers and accounts for 4.67% of all on-premise beer bottle sales in the US.


And also sold 14.1862% more than the next beer on our report!

Now the next top 10 beers:

Busch Light

Accounting for 4.29% of total sales, Busch Light is a popular choice for those looking for an affordable and refreshing beer.

Busch Light


Compared to Modelo Especial, it has a 1.08199912 times higher sales volume.

Sol Cerveza

With 4.15% of total sales, Sol Cerveza is a light and refreshing Mexican beer that pairs well with various dishes. It has a 1.025234603 times higher sales volume than Busch Light.

Sol Cerveza

Molson Canadian

This Canadian beer captures 4.22% of the total beer bottle sales in the US. With a 1.213817876 times higher sales volume than Sol Cerveza, it's a popular choice among beer enthusiasts.

Heineken

This smaller serving of Heineken accounts for 3.63% of total sales. It has a 1.1659454 times higher sales volume compared to Molson Canadian, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a smaller portion.

Heineken

Corona Light

With a 3.23% share of total sales, Corona Light is a popular alternative to the full-bodied Corona Extra. It has a 1.632417101 times higher sales volume than the 12 fl. oz Heineken.

Corona Light

Red Stripe

This Jamaican beer accounts for 2.04% of total sales, with a 1.003698969 times higher sales volume compared to Corona Light. Red Stripe is known for its distinct bottle shape and refreshing flavor.

Pabst Blue Ribbon

Representing 2.08% of total sales, Pabst Blue Ribbon is a classic American beer with a loyal fan base. It has a slightly higher sales volume than Red Stripe, with a 1.010716142 times higher sales ratio.

Yuengling Traditional Lager

As America's oldest brewery, Yuengling has a rich history and accounts for 2.10% of total beer bottle sales. With a 1.000702039 times higher sales volume compared to Pabst Blue Ribbon, it maintains a steady presence in the market.

Blue Moon

This Belgian-style wheat ale accounts for 2.14% of total sales. With a 1.053194398 times higher sales volume compared to Yuengling Traditional Lager, it's a popular choice for those who prefer a more unique beer flavor.


As the weather warms up, there's nothing better than cracking open a cold beer. Beer bottles line the shelves at grocery stores, featuring the top-selling beers and a myriad of options for every taste preference. In recent years, light beer has grown in popularity, offering a refreshing flavor and fewer calories for those looking for a healthier alternative. Brands like Bud Light, Coors Light, and Miller Lite have become the go-to for many consumers.


With the beer industry experiencing constant growth, it's no surprise that beer cans are being consumed at an increasing rate. Selling beers like Busch Light, brewed by Anheuser Busch, and other beers such as Natural Light, have gained popularity for their natural light taste and low-calorie count.


Beer brands like Coors Brewing Company, Michelob Ultra, and Anheuser Busch InBev have led the charge in beer sales, offering great craft beer options alongside their light lagers.


Miller Brewing Company has also contributed to the rise of top-selling brews with their popular beer, Miller High Life.


The refreshing taste of light beers, such as those produced by the Pabst Brewing Company and the Mexican lager styles, have made them a popular choice for hot summer days.

Refreshing beers in the hot summer day


Many beer drinkers appreciate the subtle sweetness provided by the corn syrup and sweet malts used in the brewing process, as well as the smooth taste and easy drinking experience.


With a focus on fewer calories and fewer carbs, many light beers have found success in off-premise consumption, catering to those looking to enjoy a cold brew with a lower alcohol content.


Bar owners have also noticed the trend, often stocking draft kegs of popular beers like Pabst Blue Ribbon, Stella Artois, and other lighter versions of popular brews.


As a result, alcohol sales have seen a significant increase in recent years, particularly in the light beer category.


College students and other demographics have gravitated towards these beers for their well-balanced, refreshing flavor and lower calorie counts.


With the option for a lighter, more refreshing beverage on hot days or during sporting events, it's no wonder that light beer has become a staple for many consumers.


With top-selling beer brands like Anheuser Busch, Miller Brewing Company, and Molson Coors leading the charge, light beer continues to dominate the market, appealing to a wide variety of tastes and preferences.


As long as a demand for a lighter, more refreshing option remains, light lager is sure to maintain its status as one of the most popular beers on the market.


As we wrap up this exploration into the beer industry, it's essential to note the key elements that contribute to the overall experience of enjoying a cold brew.


The official beer of many events plays a significant role in shaping consumer preferences, while bitter hops can bring a unique depth of flavor to certain beer styles.


Iconic beer brands such as Boston Lager and Mexican Lager have become fan favorites, while the Pabst Brewing Company continues to innovate and expand its offerings.


A beer's taste buds-pleasing profile is crucial, whether it's an expensive beer savored on special occasions or a great beer enjoyed after a long day.


Good beer is often what brings bar owners and college students together in appreciation of the craft.


Lighter versions of popular beers, like Bud Light, cater to those who may be trying their first beer or seeking a low-calorie option.


Available in grocery stores and bars alike, these beers have become a staple in various settings, from volume sales at large events to more intimate gatherings.


Medium-bodied brews provide a delightful balance for those who enjoy a flavorful yet easy-to-drink beer on a hot day or during a sporting event.


The amber color of certain beers can be a visual cue for the richness and depth of flavor that awaits the drinker.


As the parent company of many top-selling beer brands, Anheuser Busch and other industry giants have a significant influence on the market, driving trends and meeting consumer demands.


Unit sales remain a key metric in gauging the success of a beer, while well-balanced offerings cater to diverse tastes and preferences.


As the industry continues to evolve, the constant pursuit of refreshing, satisfying brews for various occasions ensures that beer will remain a beloved beverage for years to come.


By analyzing sales data and trends, we can gain valuable insights into the future of the US beverage industry and make informed decisions for stocking venues or personal preferences.


By putting together market data from each of these categories, we will be able to create a sample size that is sufficient and accurate to represent the total US market.


We can then use this data to analyze trends and make predictions of the US beverage industry and see your ROI skyrocket as you welcome the top-selling beer bottle that not only pleases your customers' taste buds but also bolsters your financial success. Thanks for reading!

Try our latest Top-Selling Gin for 2022 list for you bar's reference!

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