When Did Natural Light Come Out And Why? (Explained)

This article will take a close look at why Light Natural became a staple in American life, and why it became popular and brewed first. There is plenty more to consider, but in this article, we will briefly answer why Light Natural came out.

The early ad campaigns emphasized how well beer paired with easy work and athletic activity. Instead of focusing on the natural production methods and drinkability of the beer, Light’s Natural branding aggressively targeted female drinkers by emphasizing its low-calorie count of only 97 calories per can. Unlike other light beers, it did not compete with MillerCoors’ “Lite” or “Champagne of Beers” affectionately nicknamed “Natty Light.”

“Will not satisfy your hunger, therefore it will not impede your progress” was another catchphrase. Actor Peter Graves, known for his role in Airplane!, In a commercial from 1977, advises the viewers that “when you crave a couple of beers, but your task is not yet complete, that is the moment to pause naturally.”

Anheuser-Busch decided to name their latest beer “Natural Light,” which was described as a refreshing and smooth beverage crafted using water, barley malt, cereal grains, yeast, and hops, while maintaining a subtle flavor profile. However, the company was determined to preserve the exceptional reputation of their popular beer, Budweiser, and thus chose not to introduce a light variation of their bestselling product. Initially introduced as a competitor to Miller Lite, Natural Light gained traction.

The Rise of Light Beer in America

It became easier and lighter to drink on a warm summer day, specifically for younger beer enthusiasts, as reflected in the drinking tendencies across the United States. As the baby boomer generation reached the drinking age, the number of young drinkers skyrocketed, making it the highest in American history. American drinkers quickly embraced light lagers, which are ideal for health-conscious and active young individuals, due to their low alcohol and calorie content.

Today, Light Natural has become a staple for college parties and remains one of the lowest-priced beers in many parts of the country. Anheuser-Busch, in response to the increasing demand for light lagers, released variations of their major beers including Light Busch and Light Bud. This change in Anheuser-Busch’s tactics brought competition with Miller Lite, initially competing with Light Natural.

Modifying Personal Choices

Anheuser-Busch initially launched Light Natural in response to the market demand for easy-drinking light lagers. However, in recent years, the brand has seen a shift among American drinkers towards other light alcoholic drinks such as hard seltzers, lemonade, and even hard ice pops. This has led Anheuser-Busch to expand the Light Natural brand into those markets, specifically targeting the 21-30 age group of drinkers who prefer brand alcohol, not just beer. Despite the booming craft beer industry, Anheuser-Busch has refused to cater solely to the milk stouts and has kept the Light Natural brand untarnished.

Who Consumes Natural Light?

Light Natural was rated as the worst beer in the world. Despite being trendy and cool among beer enthusiasts in recent years, Light Natural is still one of the top ten bestselling beers in the United States, occupying a steadfast spot every year. It even picked up a bronze medal in the American-Style Lager Light category at the 2008 Beer World Cup. However, when IPAs heavily hopped became all the rage among beer enthusiasts, Light Natural, with its deliberately low flavor profile, fell out of favor among serious craft beer drinkers amidst the boom of American craft beer.

In 1977, the beer was launched to commemorate the year and is now sold in a package of 77 massive beers. Perhaps this is the reason why Light Natural is popular among college students, who often play drinking games such as beer pong. It is perfect for those who don’t want to get tipsy quickly, as it has a low alcohol content and is affordable in large quantities. Light Natural has managed to stay at the forefront of American beer-drinking culture, thanks to its combination of easy-drinking lagers and nostalgic appeal. Many Americans have fond memories of drinking Light Natural during beach holidays or in their youth. The success of this beer is owed to its drinkability, affordability, and popularity among young and inexperienced drinkers. When it comes to Light Natural, opinions are clearly divided.

What was the Original Location of Natural Light Brewing?

In 1977, Anheuser-Busch was already a dominant force in the brewing industry, with ownership and operation of numerous breweries throughout the United States.

  • St. Louis, Missouri (established in 1852).
  • Newark, New Jersey (established in 1951).
  • Los Angeles, California (established in 1954).
  • Tampa, Florida (established in 1959, currently not operational).
  • Houston, Texas (established in 1966).
  • Columbus, Ohio (established in 1968).
  • Jacksonville, Florida (established in 1969).
  • Merrimack, New Hampshire (established in 1970).
  • Williamsburg, Virginia (established in 1972).
  • Fairfield, California (established in 1976).
  • Additionally, Light Natural has been brewed at these locations in Georgia and Colorado, as well as in New York. Anheuser-Busch further expanded its brewing operations by opening these breweries at the time of its launch.

    The Initial Brew in Outer Space

    In outer space, Natural Light emerged as the inaugural beer when one monumental stride for humanity transformed into one minor advancement for mankind. Another remarkable achievement it proudly presents is that Natural Light was the pioneering low-calorie beer to carry the Anheuser-Busch label.