Top 5 Best-Selling Beers (2024)
| Rank | Brand | Market Share | YoY Growth | Why Consumers Love It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bud Light (Light Lager) | 25.3% | -4.1% | America’s top choice for light lager lovers; perfect for sports events and casual gatherings |
| 2 | Modelo Especial (Premium Import) | 12.7% | +15.2% | Favorite among Hispanic communities; refreshing taste loved at parties and convenience stores |
| 3 | Coors Light (Light Lager) | 9.8% | -1.9% | Crisp Western US classic; now declining as drinkers seek premium options |
| 4 | Michelob Ultra (Light Beer) | 8.5% | +6.3% | 42% choose for low calories; popular with active millennials seeking refreshment |
| 5 | Corona Extra (Premium Import) | 7.9% | +3.2% | Beach lifestyle favorite; smooth taste makes it worth the extra $0.75 per six-pack |
Modelo Especial is gaining ground fast, with its growth driven by strong community connections and easy availability. Craft beer collectively holds 13.1% market share, led by regional brands like New Belgium’s Fat Tire3.
Why These Beers Are Popular
Consumer preferences are shifting toward taste and convenience. Here’s what the data shows:
- Taste & Community: Modelo Especial’s 67% Hispanic consumer base creates strong cultural connections, making it a top choice for celebrations and family gatherings.
- Premium Value: Consumers willingly pay more for better taste. Modelo commands a $0.75 premium over Bud Light because of its smooth, refreshing profile.
- Easy Access: Modelo’s 43% sales from gas stations and convenience stores make it the perfect grab-and-go option for quick refreshment.
U.S. beer market value trends (2019-2026) showing stability despite volume declines. Source: Statista1, Beverage Marketing2
Gas stations and convenience stores are driving growth, with beer sales up 14.3% annually in these channels. This makes Modelo Especial’s distribution strategy key to its success.
What to Expect in 2026
Based on current trends, here’s what beer drinkers can look forward to:
- Cultural Connections: More brands will target Hispanic communities with authentic marketing. Modelo’s World Cup sponsorship delivered 3.8x ROI in this demographic4.
- Value Options: Affordable six-packs under $6.50 will grow 2.7% as consumers seek quality without premium prices2.
- Convenience Focus: Gas stations will remain the fastest-growing sales channel, with 14.3% annual growth5.
Retail channel sales growth (2020-2024): Gas stations lead with 14.3% annual growth. Source: Statista5
Brands with strong gas station presence grew revenue 9.2% despite overall market contraction, confirming convenience as critical for success.
Top Beer Questions Answered
- What is the #1 selling beer in America for 2024?
- Bud Light remains the top-selling beer by volume in 2024. It’s the go-to choice for casual gatherings, sports events, and everyday refreshment.
- Why is Modelo Especial growing so fast?
- Modelo Especial’s 15.2% growth comes from its smooth taste, strong Hispanic community connections (67% of drinkers), and easy availability at gas stations where 43% of sales happen.
- Is Bud Light still America’s most popular beer?
- Yes, Bud Light is still the #1 beer by sales volume (25.3% market share). But Modelo Especial is catching up quickly and has become a favorite for many drinkers seeking premium taste.
- How is beer market share measured?
- Market share is calculated by barrels sold. In 2024, the U.S. consumed 205.3 million barrels of beer, with Bud Light selling approximately 51.9 million barrels1.
- What are the top craft beers by sales?
- Craft beer collectively holds 13.1% market share. New Belgium’s Fat Tire leads regional craft sales with 5.9% grocery growth, while national craft brands declined 2.3% in bars3.
