Michelob Ultra Overtakes Bud Light as Top Draft Beer in U.S.

Bud Light's decades-long reign ends as Michelob Ultra capitalizes on shifting consumer preferences and targeted marketing strategies.

Bud Light has lost its position as the most popular draft beer in U.S. bars, with Michelob Ultra taking the top spot in November 2024, according to Draftline Technologies.
The shift follows a prolonged decline in Bud Light's sales, which were hit hard by a 2023 boycott after a marketing partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney sparked backlash.
Michelob Ultra's rise has been attributed to its appeal to health-conscious consumers and its marketing focus on sports sponsorships, including partnerships with the Olympics and Major League Soccer.
Bud Light has also fallen to third place in grocery store sales, behind Modelo Especial and Michelob Ultra, reflecting broader challenges for the brand in both packaged and draft beer markets.
Draft beer sales are a significant revenue source for the beer industry, accounting for $21.8 billion annually, with Michelob Ultra's growth signaling a shift in consumer tastes and brand loyalty.