The Evolution of U.S. Beer Logos

The Evolution of U.S. Beer Logos

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Despite selling a popular product, beer companies have to be creative to stand out in a competitive market.

In this graphic, we analyze the evolution of some U.S. beer logos based on various sources. We chose brands based on a mixture of criteria, including popularity (based on YouGov surveys), availability of logo assets, and those with interesting developments.

Bud Light Back to the ’80s

Despite recent backlash and calls for a boycott after sending a commemorative can to transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, Bud Light remains one of America’s best-selling beers.

The brand of light beer, owned by the Anheuser-Busch company, has switched from its more circular logo with italic letters adopted in the 1990s back to the Bud Light badge of the 1980s. It is composed of heavy uppercase lettering, written in two levels in a shade of blue with the inscription placed on a solid white background and enclosed in a thin rectangular frame.

Miller Lite Goes Old School

After following a similar approach to Bud Light’s branding throughout the 2000s, Miller Lite decided to undergo a major rebranding in 2014.

The company returned to its 1970s roots, once again combining a white can with its original blue, gold, and red logo. The redesign was largely considered a success, given that Miller Lite sales immediately increased following the change.

A Symbol of American Brewing

The oldest brand on our U.S. beer list, the Budweiser logo, has undergone more than 15 changes over the years.

The design of two connected triangles represents a red bow tie, as a symbol of American brewing.

The colors of the Budweiser logo include a vibrant red, which helps the logo stand out and be easily recognizable from a distance. Studies also suggest that the color red stimulates appetite. Meanwhile, the white inscription symbolizes purity and cleanliness.

Curious to learn more about the beer market? Check out this graphic about global beer consumption.