Natural Light
A value-priced light lager popular among college students.
Natural Light, originally called Anheuser-Busch Natural Light and often shortened to "Natty," is a reduced-calorie light lager made by Anheuser-Busch. Its recipe includes water, barley malt, cereal grains, yeast, and hops. A 12-ounce serving has 95 calories, 3.2 grams of carbs, 0.7 grams of protein, and 4.2% alcohol by volume.
The beer hit shelves on July 31, 1977, with an initial 97-calorie formulation aimed at competing with Miller Lite’s 96 calories. It was Anheuser-Busch’s first light beer to get wide distribution, arriving before Michelob Light (1978) and Bud Light (1981). Originally priced like Budweiser—a premium-tier beer—it later dropped to value pricing, especially after Bud Light came out. The name was shortened from "Anheuser-Busch Natural Light" to just "Natural Light," and the recipe was tweaked to keep a similar taste while cutting a few calories.
TV ads for the brand featured comedian Norm Crosby, who often poked fun at the long name by telling people to "Just say Natural." Another comedian, Bill Saluga, appeared in some spots as his bossy character Raymond J. Johnson Jr., whose catchphrase was essentially, "Ya doesn't have to call me Johnson," followed by a list of other acceptable names.
Over time, the beer became a cheap staple, especially among college students, who also call it "Natty Light." Its low price makes it a common choice for drinking games, often sold in 30-packs. In 2018, Natural Light released a special 77-pack in College Park, Maryland. In 2023, Anheuser-Busch updated the packaging to bring back the logo and can design from the late 1970s, hoping to reach beyond the college crowd.
Consumer Reports ranked Natural Light the number two light beer in a 2001 review and called it a "best buy." It won a bronze medal at the 2008 World Beer Cup in the American Style Light-Lager category. The Wall Street Journal lists it as the fifth best-selling beer in the U.S. However, on BeerAdvocate.com, it scores 45 out of 100 (awful), and RateBeer.com calls it the worst beer in the world.
Quick Facts
- Abv
- 4.2%
- Manufacturer
- Anheuser-Busch
- Origin
- United States
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Natural Light was introduced on July 31, 1977, with a formulation of 97 kcal to compete with Miller Lite's 96 kcal. It was originally called Anheuser-Busch Natural Light and priced at Budweiser levels, which was considered part of the premium-priced segment. The name was later shortened to Natural Light, and the beer was re-formulated to have similar taste but slightly fewer calories. Some television commercials featured comedian Norm Crosby, who mocked the brand's unwieldy name by urging people to 'Just say Natural.' Another comedian, Bill Saluga, appeared in some commercials as his officious character Raymond J. Johnson Jr., whose tagline was essentially, 'Ya doesn't have to call me Johnson.' Over the years, the brand was re-priced downward, especially after Bud Light was introduced in 1981, eventually ending up at its current value pricing. It is commonly consumed by college students because of its low price and is a common beer chosen for drinking games due to the inexpensive price of 30-pack cases. In 2018, Natural Light began selling special release 77-pack containers in College Park, Maryland. In 2023, Anheuser-Busch overhauled Natural Light's packaging, returning to the logo and can design used in the late 1970s.
Reader's Guide
Natural Light holds a notable place in the American beer market as Anheuser-Busch's first widely distributed light beer, preceding Michelob Light and Bud Light. Its introduction in 1977 directly challenged Miller Lite, and its original premium pricing reflected its positioning. Over time, the brand shifted to value pricing, particularly after Bud Light's launch, making it a staple among budget-conscious consumers, especially college students. The beer's reception has been mixed: Consumer Reports in 2001 ranked it the number two light beer and characterized it as one of the 'best buys,' and in 2008 it received a bronze medal in the World Beer Cup in the American Style Light-Lager category. The Wall Street Journal lists it as the fifth largest selling beer in the U.S. However, on beer rating sites, it has received low scores—a combined aggregate score of 45 out of 100 on BeerAdvocate.com and being listed as the worst beer in the world by RateBeer.com. Its cultural footprint includes the nickname 'Natty Light,' use in drinking games, and a 2018 special release 77-pack in College Park, Maryland. The 2023 packaging overhaul, reverting to a late-1970s design, represents an attempt to broaden the brand beyond its college-age demographic.
Did You Know?
- Natural Light was originally called Anheuser-Busch Natural Light and had 97 calories when introduced.
- Comedian Norm Crosby urged people to 'Just say Natural' in television commercials for the brand.
- In 2018, Natural Light sold special release 77-pack containers in College Park, Maryland.
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