Anheuser-Busch leads the advertising charge at the 2026 Super Bowl, dedicating 2.5 minutes to three brands, including light beers Michelob Ultra and Bud Light. Light beer's rise is tied to America's health trends, as many view its lower calorie and carb counts as a healthier choice. The concept dates back to 1967 with Gablinger's, a diet beer developed by biochemist Joseph Owades. Despite its innovative formula, Gablinger's flopped, largely due to inadequate marketing. The light beer category was revived by Meister Brau, which launched Meister Brau Lite. Despite the lower calorie counts, consumers largely ignored it until Miller Brewing Company acquired Meister Brau in 1972. In 1975, Miller Lite was introduced with a strong marketing campaign from McCann Erickson. Their Super Bowl ad featuring retired NFL quarterbacks effectively promoted the beer’s taste and lower calorie count, helping it to resonate with drinkers. By 1979, Miller Lite became a significant player in the beer market, paving the way for competitors like Coors Light and Bud Light. Bud Light quickly became America's best-selling beer by volume in 2001, a title it held until 2023. As of September 2025, Michelob Ultra reclaimed that status. Despite a shift in drinking preferences among younger generations toward hard seltzers and abstinence, light beer remains a staple in Super Bowl advertising. Notable ads from Bud Light and Michelob Ultra continue to capture attention, though consumers today are more cautious about labeling light beer as healthy, with phrases like "less unhealthy" gaining traction.