Bud Light Mangorita has been a popular flavored malt beverage option for over a decade. With its sweet mango taste combined with Bud Light’s easy drinkability, it appeals to a wide range of consumers looking for a refreshing adult beverage. But what exactly is in this tropical cocktail-inspired drink? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and nutritional information to find out.
The History of Bud Light Mangorita
Bud Light Mangorita was first introduced by Anheuser-Busch in the summer of 2012. It joined other flavored malt beverages marketed under the Bud Light brand at the time, including Bud Light Lime and Bud Light Platinum. The product was designed to capitalize on the growing popularity of margaritas and appeal to consumers seeking drinks with bolder, fruit-forward flavors.
The mango aroma and flavoring used in Bud Light Mangorita was specifically chosen to evoke a tropical, vacation-like feeling. Mangos have consistently ranked as one of the most popular fruit flavors for U.S. consumers, making it an obvious choice for Anheuser-Busch. Combining real mango flavor with a tequila-inspired margarita profile gave the beverage an authentic tropical cocktail taste.
Since its launch, Bud Light Mangorita has seen strong sales and become a seasonal summer staple product for Anheuser-Busch. Over the years, the company has experimented with different packaging and sizes, including 8 oz cans and variety packs. More recently in 2022, Bud Light Mangorita was made available in 16 oz cans for the first time. The product continues to be a popular flavored malt beverage option that delivers a sweet mango margarita taste consumers crave.
Ingredients in Bud Light Mangorita
So what exactly is found inside a can or bottle of this fruity margarita-style beer? Here is a breakdown of the main ingredients:
Water
Like all beers, the main liquid component of Bud Light Mangorita is water. Water comprises over 90% of the total content by volume. The source and quality of the water used plays an important role in the final taste and drinkability of the beverage.
Malted Barley
Malted barley provides the fermentable sugars needed to produce alcohol during the brewing process. Barley is first malted, meaning it is allowed to germinate to activate enzymes that convert starches into fermentable sugars. Bud Light and Bud Light Mangorita use a blend of different malted barleys.
Hops
While not the main hop-forward flavor like in some beers, hops are still used in the brewing of Bud Light Mangorita. Hops contribute bitter flavors and aromas that balance out the sweetness of the malted barley. They also act as a natural preservative.
Yeast
Yeast is the microorganism responsible for fermenting the sugars from grains like malted barley into alcohol and CO2 gas. Bud Light uses imported European lager yeast that works at colder fermentation temperatures. This helps create Bud Light’s crisp, clean taste.
Natural Flavors
This broad ingredient is used to provide the signature mango flavor and margarita-like taste. Natural flavors can be derived from fruits, spices, herbs, roots, and other plant materials. While the exact components are proprietary, real mango is likely used as the primary flavoring.
Citric Acid
A small amount of citric acid is added to enhance the fruity flavors and provide some tartness, similar to lime juice in a margarita. Citric acid occurs naturally in citrus fruits.
Sodium Citrate
Sodium citrate helps regulate acidity levels in the beverage. It allows the citric acid and natural flavors to blend in harmony.
Potassium Sorbate and Sodium Benzoate
These ingredients are preservatives that prevent spoilage from yeast, mold, and bacteria growth. Potassium sorbate occurs naturally in some berries. Sodium benzoate has been extracted from benzoic acid found in plants.
Sucralose
Sucralose is a non-nutritive sweetener that provides sweetness without adding calories or affecting blood sugar. It is about 600 times sweeter than regular sugar. A small amount enhances the sweet mango and margarita flavors.
Red 40 and Blue 1
These synthetic food dyes provide the bright reddish-orange color that makes it reminiscent of a margarita. The dyes must be specifically listed when used.
Nutrition Facts for Bud Light Mangorita
Now let’s take a look at the key nutrition facts and stats for Bud Light Mangorita:
| Nutrition Facts | Per 12 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Calories | 228 |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Protein | 1.3 g |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sugars | 29 g |
Some other key stats for a 12 oz serving of Bud Light Mangorita include:
- Alcohol content: 4.2% ABV
- Calories from alcohol: 96
- Sodium content: 25 mg
- Carbs from sugar: 29 g
- No fat, fiber, cholesterol or protein
The main nutrients provided by Bud Light Mangorita are carbohydrates and alcohol. There is a relatively high amount of sugar per serving coming from the mango flavors and added sucralose. Each 12 oz serving contains 1.3 grams of alcohol.
Bud Light Mangorita Ingredients vs Original Bud Light
Bud Light Mangorita has several ingredient differences compared to traditional Bud Light beer:
- Natural fruit flavors – Bud Light has no flavors added
- Sucralose – Bud Light does not contain any artificial sweeteners
- Food dyes Red 40 and Blue 1 – Regular Bud Light does not contain food coloring
- Higher alcohol content – Original Bud Light is 4.2% ABV versus 5% ABV for Mangorita
- More calories and carbohydrates
Both beverages share the same main ingredients of water, malted barley, hops, and yeast. Bud Light Mangorita builds upon the classic Bud Light recipe with the additions of mango flavoring, sweeteners, and colors to create a tropical, margarita-inspired taste and appearance.
Packaging and Sizes for Bud Light Mangorita
Bud Light Mangorita is sold in both bottles and cans. It is available in the following packages and sizes:
- 12 ounce slim cans (sold individually or in 6 packs)
- 16 ounce cans (sold individually or in 12 packs)
- 25 ounce cans (sold individually)
- 12 ounce glass bottles (sold individually or in 6 packs)
Special variety packs with Bud Light Mangorita are also sold, such as 18 packs that include 6 bottles of Mangorita along with Bud Light Lime and Orange. A sampler 12 pack with 3 Mangorita cans, 3 Bud Light Lime cans, and 6 Bud Light Orange cans is another option.
The 12 and 16 ounce cans and bottles are the most common packaging. The single 25 ounce can provides the equivalent of two 12 ounce servings for larger sharing occasions. Plastic bottle and aluminum can packages keep the beer fresh and block light to prevent skunking.
Where to Buy Bud Light Mangorita
Since it is an Anheuser-Busch product, the best places to find Bud Light Mangorita include major grocery chains, warehouse clubs, convenience stores, liquor stores, gas stations, and beer distributors. It is sold nationally across the United States wherever Bud Light is available. Here are some of the major retailers that carry Bud Light Mangorita:
- Walmart
- Target
- Costco
- Kroger
- Publix
- 7-Eleven
- Sheetz
- Wawa
- Total Wine
- BevMo
Bud Light Mangorita is primarily sold at room temperature in the beer/alcohol section rather than refrigerated. Some stores may chill the product depending on inventory needs. It is available year-round, but supply and promotions increase during key summer selling seasons.
Bud Light Mangorita vs Other Flavored Malt Beverages
How does Bud Light Mangorita compare to other flavored malt beverage options on the market? Here is an overview of how it stacks up against some major competitors:
Mike’s Hard Lemonade
- Mike’s Hard Lemonade has a cleaner, crisper lemon flavor compared to the tropical mango taste of Mangorita.
- Mangorita has a slightly higher ABV (alcohol by volume) at 5% vs 4.5% for Mike’s.
- Both contain natural flavors, sugars, citric acid and preservatives.
- Mike’s Hard Lemonade tends to be priced lower than Mangorita.
Smirnoff Ice
- Smirnoff Ice is available in more flavor varieties beyond mango, including strawberry, peach, and pineapple.
- Smirnoff Ice has a slightly higher calorie and carbohydrate content.
- Mangorita contains sucralose whereas Smirnoff Ice does not use an artificial sweetener.
- Smirnoff Ice has a lower 4.5% ABV compared to Mangorita.
Truly Punch
- Truly Punch comes in a variety of fruit flavors like mango, blood orange, and black cherry.
- Both Truly Punch and Mangorita are 5% alcohol.
- Truly has more carbonation for a bolder flavor experience.
- Mangorita contains malt and hops where Truly Punch does not.
- Truly Punch is generally priced a little higher than Mangorita.
While Bud Light Mangorita has distinct similarities and differences compared to other flavored malt beverages on the market, it stands out through the popularity of the Bud Light brand and its ability to deliver a real mango margarita flavor.
Reasons for Bud Light Mangorita’s Popularity
Why has Bud Light Mangorita become such a popular product with consumers? There are several key reasons:
- Brand recognition – Consumers trust the Bud Light name.
- Refreshing and sweet mango flavor – Mango has wide appeal as a tropical, summery taste.
- Reminiscent of a margarita cocktail – Evokes fun, vacation vibes.
- Lower calorie than traditional margaritas made with spirits, sugar and sour mix.
- Easy to drink and very smooth – Masks the alcohol flavor.
- Bright, attractive margarita-like color.
- Affordable compared to other flavored malt beverages.
- Heavy marketing and advertising by Anheuser-Busch, especially in the summer months.
- Sold everywhere regular Bud Light is available.
With all of these positives going for it, it’s no surprise Bud Light Mangorita has earned its place as a top-selling flavored malt beverage option for over a decade and counting.
Tips for Enjoying Bud Light Mangorita
Here are some helpful tips to get the most enjoyment out of drinking Bud Light Mangorita:
- Serve ice cold – For the most refreshing taste, chill Mangorita to around 35-40°F before drinking.
- Pair with citrus flavors – Try adding a lime wedge or orange slice to complement the margarita flavors.
- Drink from a frosted glass – For that true margarita look, salt or sugar the rim of a chilled glass before pouring.
- Slow down – With its sweet taste, Mangorita goes down smooth and fast. Pace yourself.
- Add ice – Top off a glass with ice cubes to dilute and extend the mango margarita flavors.
- Use in cocktails – Blend with ice and frozen mango chunks for a flavored mangorita daiquiri.
- Enjoy with Mexican food – Margaritas classically complement tacos, fajitas, quesadillas and more.
Sipping a chilled Bud Light Mangorita can instantly put you in vacation mode and make any occasion feel more festive. Follow these serving tips to enhance your enjoyment of this popular tropical malt beverage.
Conclusion
With its appealing mango margarita taste, Bud Light Mangorita has earned a steady following among flavored malt beverage drinkers. Real mango flavors combined with a clean, easy drinking beer make it a go-to summer drink. While not exactly a fresh blended margarita, it offers a convenient, mass-produced way to enjoy those tropical cocktail flavors anywhere. So next time you see those signature sun-drenched cans and bottles, you’ll know exactly what’s in a Bud Light Mangorita.