Skip to content

The Worst New Beers on Grocery Store Shelves

Because making healthier choices includes what you drink, too.
FACT CHECKED BY Jennifer Maldonado

A nice tall glass of frothy beer has become an integral part of everyday living for many. From enjoying a cold one with a friend after work, to cracking open a bottle during summer barbecues with neighbors, it seems that there is the perfect brew for every occasion. However, it is important to know that not all beers are created equal.

While lighter beers and hard seltzers (which can both be lower in calories and carbs) have begun to appear in the market more, heavier beers still remain popular. These heavy beers don't lack in taste, or calories and carbs either, unfortunately. And this can be a problem for people who may be trying to stay on course with any healthy eating or weight-loss goals.

We put together a list of the new beers you may want to leave out of your regular rotation. From brews that are high in calories to others that are filled with sugar, these are the beers to skip if you are trying to watch what you drink. And be sure to avoid adding any of the most popular sodas we ranked by how toxic they are while you're at it.

Natural Light Natty Daddy Watermelon Lemonade

natural light watermelon lemonade

Per 1 can: 295 calories, 34.9 g carbs, 8% ABV

Natural Light's Natty Daddy Watermelon Lemonade may sound like a refreshing summer drink. It may be best, though, to enjoy some watermelon and lemonade somewhere else—especially if you are trying to watch your diet. Packed with 34.9 grams of carbs and almost 300 calories, this malt beverage may not be the best choice for those trying to cut back a bit on carbs.

Genesee Specialty Lemon Strawberry Cream Ale

lemon strawberry cream ale

Per 1 can: 162 calories, 14 g carbs, 5.1% ABV

Genesee Specialty's Lemon Strawberry Cream Ale does sound smooth and refreshing. If you are looking for a beer that is low in calories and carbs, though, this isn't necessarily the one. Luckily, you don't have to look that far. Genesee also offers a light beer option that has just 100 calories and 4 grams of carbs per serving, which is only a fraction of the cream ales.

Looking for more helpful tips? Sign up for our newsletter to get daily recipes and food news in your inbox!

New Holland Brewing Co. Dragon's Milk Reserve, Stroopwafel 2021

dragons milk reserve

Per 1 bottle: 250-330 calories depending on flavor, 11% ABV

New Holland Brewing Co.'s Dragon Milk Reserve is packed with flavors that dreams are made of—creamy caramel, sweet vanilla, cinnamon, and coffee. As you can imagine, that also means the drink is rather high in calories. If you are looking for a low-cal option, opt for one of the Dragon's Share bourbon barrel seltzers. The cherry flavor is gluten-free, has just 90 calories, and contains zero sugar.

Samuel Adams Wicked Hazy New England IPA

samuel adams wicked hazy

Per 1 can: 210 calories, 18 g carbs, 6.8% ABV

We will say this—the packaging of Samuel Adams' Wicked Hazy New England IPA is rather eye-catching. But don't let that fool you. One can is packing more than 200 calories, making it a beer you may only want to enjoy every once in a while if you are counting calories. The brand's Wicked Easy drink may be a better bet if you are looking for a lighter beer. It has just 126 calories and is also lower in carbs.

Harpoon Brewery Big League IPA

harpoon brewery big league
Courtesy of Harpoon Brewery Big League
Per 1 can: 203 calories, 7.2% ABV

Harpoon Brewery's Big League IPA is teeming with flavor, as it contains chia and buckwheat kasha. It also happens to be packed with calories. If you are someone who prefers a lighter beer, you may want to instead try the Rec. League option instead. And for more better-for-you drinks, check out The Best New Beers on Grocery Store Shelves.

Brittany Natale
Brittany Natale is a food and lifestyle writer. Read more about Brittany
Filed Under