Corona Light and Corona Extra are two popular Mexican beers brewed by Cervecería Modelo in Mexico. While they share the same Corona name and branding, there are some key differences between the two beers that consumers should understand before choosing between them.
Alcohol Content
The most noticeable difference between Corona Light and Corona Extra is their alcohol content. Corona Light contains 4.1% alcohol by volume (ABV), while Corona Extra contains 4.6% ABV. This makes Corona Light the lower alcohol option of the two.
For comparison, regular American lagers like Budweiser typically contain around 5% ABV. So while Corona Extra has slightly higher alcohol content than Corona Light, it still contains less alcohol than most other beers. Corona Light has even less alcohol, making it one of the lightest beers available.
Calories
Unsurprisingly, the lower alcohol content in Corona Light also means it is lower in calories than Corona Extra. Corona Light contains only 99 calories per 12 oz serving. Corona Extra contains 148 calories per 12 oz serving.
So opting for Corona Light over Corona Extra can save you nearly 50 calories per bottle. For health-conscious consumers watching their calorie and carb intake, Corona Light is the better option between the two.
Carbohydrates
In addition to calories, Corona Light is also lower in carbohydrates than Corona Extra. Corona Light contains 5 grams of carbohydrates per 12 oz serving, while Corona Extra contains 14 grams of carbs.
Again, Corona Light’s lower carb count makes it the better choice for consumers like diabetics who want to limit their carb intake. The difference in carbs between the two beers also contributes to the difference in calories.
Taste
When it comes to taste, some beer drinkers may prefer the bolder flavor of Corona Extra compared to Corona Light. With 50% less calories and carbohydrates, Corona Light has a thinner body and lighter taste than its Extra counterpart.
Corona Extra has a more robust malt flavor and slightly sweeter taste due to its higher alcohol and carb content. It delivers what most consumers expect from a classic Mexican lager. Corona Light still delivers that crisp, refreshing Mexican lager taste, but in a lighter package.
When to Choose Corona Light
Here are some of the key factors that may lead consumers to select Corona Light over Corona Extra:
- Calorie counting – With nearly 50 less calories per bottle, Corona Light is the clear choice for calorie-conscious drinkers.
- Carb/sugar restrictions – For people with diabetes or other health conditions requiring carb limitation, Corona Light contains significantly less carbohydrates.
- Weight loss goals – The lighter body and lower calorie content also make Corona Light a good choice for dieters.
- Lower alcohol content needed – Drivers, equipment operators, or others wanting to limit alcohol intake should choose Corona Light.
- Light beer preference – Some beer drinkers simply prefer a lighter-tasting brew, making Corona Light the better option for them.
When to Choose Corona Extra
Here are some of the key factors that may lead consumers to select Corona Extra over Corona Light:
- Bolder flavor – With higher alcohol and carb content, Corona Extra has a fuller-bodied, sweeter malt taste that some prefer.
- Higher alcohol desired – Consumers wanting a higher alcohol content can get nearly half a percent more alcohol with Corona Extra.
- No calorie/carb limits – For drinkers not worried about calories or carbs, Corona Extra provides more robust flavor.
- Familiar Mexican lager taste – Corona Extra closely aligns with the classic Cerveza-style flavor profile.
- Wider availability – Corona Extra is even more widely available at bars/restaurants than Corona Light.
Nutrition Facts Comparison
Here is a side-by-side nutritional facts comparison of Corona Light versus Corona Extra:
| Nutrition Facts | Corona Light (12oz) | Corona Extra (12oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 99 | 148 |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g | 14 g |
| Protein | 1.7 g | 1.5 g |
| Fat | 0 g | 0 g |
| Alcohol Content | 4.1% ABV | 4.6% ABV |
Price Comparison
When it comes to price, Corona Light generally costs the same or slightly less than Corona Extra. Based on average retail prices compiled from Total Wine and BevMo:
- Corona Light six-pack bottles or cans: $9.99
- Corona Extra six-pack bottles or cans: $10.49
So opting for Corona Light will save you about $0.50 per six-pack. Cases of 24 or 30 packs are priced proportionally the same.
Bars and restaurants usually charge the same price for Corona Light and Corona Extra drafts or bottles. Typical retail pricing is $4-7 per draft and $3.50-5 per bottle at most establishments.
Availability
While both beers have widespread availability, Corona Extra may be easier to find than Corona Light at some bars, restaurants, or retailers. As the flagship brand, Corona Extra is available just about anywhere that sells Mexican beer.
Corona Light may not be on tap or in stock at every location. Check ahead at your local bar or retailer if you specifically want Corona Light. Any major liquor store chain like BevMo or Total Wine will carry it though.
Conclusion
In summary, Corona Light and Corona Extra share the same classic Mexican lager taste and branding, but have some key differences:
- Corona Light is the low-calorie, low-carb option with 4.1% alcohol.
- Corona Extra has more robust flavor with 4.6% alcohol.
- Corona Light costs the same or slightly less than Corona Extra.
- Corona Extra may have wider availability at some locations.
Ultimately, it comes down to individual preference and drinking objectives. Corona Light is the way to go for drinkers watching their calories, carbs, or alcohol intake. Corona Extra offers more flavor and slightly higher alcohol. But both provide that light, crisp taste of an authentic Mexican lager.
