Bottled Beer vs Canned Beer: The Ultimate Showdown for Taste, Convenience, and Sustainability

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, from which I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Ale Affair.

There’s one debate that’s been bubbling away for decades: can or bottle? Whether you’re the type who loves the feel of a glass bottle in hand or someone who cracks open a can with that satisfying “pssst,” the question remains—which is better? With canned beer now holding around 55% of the market and bottles still capturing about 30%, there’s more to this rivalry than meets the eye​.

History of Bottled and Canned Beer

Before we test which is truly superior in the classic bottled beer vs. canned beer debate, let’s take a moment to appreciate the history behind both contenders.

The tradition of bottling beer goes back to the 16th century. However, it wasn’t until the late 1800s that bottled beer became widely accessible. Before that, beer was best enjoyed straight from barrels in local pubs or breweries—basically, BYOT (bring your own tankard).

Glass bottles were a game-changer, preserving beer for longer and allowing it to be transported further, making it possible for beer lovers to enjoy their favourite brews from the comfort of their own homes. Bottled beer was the fancy option for decades, thanks to industrialisation and technological advancements that polished its premium reputation.

Canned beer, however, made its debut in 1935 in the United States, courtesy of the Gottfried Krueger Brewing Company. Cans quickly gained traction due to their lighter weight and resistance to shattering—a quality most appreciated after one too many beers.

WWII further catapulted canned beer’s popularity, with soldiers discovering that cans were the trusty companions to survive both the battlefield and the beer field.

As technology marched on, the metallic taste that once plagued canned beer was banished by modern linings. Now both bottled and canned beer are widely available, each commanding its own legion of die-hard fans. 

Test 1: Taste and Preservation

When it comes to taste, the great debate of bottled vs. canned beer is almost as old as beer itself. For years, bottled beer was considered the flavour champion, thanks to glass’s magical properties, which does nothing to affect the beer’s taste. It just sits there, being perfectly neutral.

However, bottles, particularly the clear or green variety, have a kryptonite: UV light. When sunlight hits the beer, it can lead to “skunking,” which isn’t nearly as charming as it sounds. It’s what happens when the hops and UV rays clash, leaving you with a beer that tastes like it lost a bar fight. Brown bottles do a better job blocking light, but they aren’t entirely foolproof.

Canned beer, meanwhile, has had its own battles, namely the long-standing association with that metallic taste. Fortunately, modern technology has come to the rescue, and cans are now lined with polymers that prevent your beer from tasting like it was siphoned through a tin roof.

Today, aluminium cans are like the Fort Knox of beer containers, keeping out light and oxygen, both of which can sabotage your brew. Plus, they chill faster—an unsung perk for those moments when you just can’t wait for that first sip.

Bottled Beer

• Pros: Does not affect the flavour due to the neutral properties of glass. Traditionally associated with premium taste.
• Cons: Clear and green bottles allow UV light exposure, which can lead to “skunking.” Even brown bottles provide limited UV protection.

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Canned Beer

• Pros: Modern canning technology eliminates metallic taste issues. Provides an airtight seal and protects beer from both light and oxygen, reducing flavour deterioration. Cans also chill faster.
• Cons: Historically, there was a perception of metallic taste (no longer an issue today).

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Cans have a slight advantage due to better protection from light and air, giving them the edge in preserving beer freshness.

Test 2: Environmental Impact

When it comes to environmental impact, the great debate between bottles and cans gets more complex than simply “glass is classier.” Both materials are recyclable, but their eco-footprints differ like day and night.

Glass bottles, while perfectly recyclable, are the heavyweight champions of beer packaging, literally. Their heft adds significant carbon emissions during transport, as more fuel is needed to haul them around. Producing new glass bottles also requires high energy, and although recycling glass helps, the process remains fairly energy-intensive. To top it off, not all glass bottles make it into recycling bins, and in some regions, a chunk of them ends up in landfills, where they sit like immortal artefacts from a boozy past.

Aluminium cans, meanwhile, are like the lightweight contenders of the beer world. They’re much more efficient to transport, with a smaller carbon footprint. Plus, they have a higher recycling rate, and recycling aluminium is surprisingly energy-efficient—requiring just about 5% of the energy needed to produce new aluminium​. So, in the eco-friendly showdown, cans are often hailed as the better option.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing for cans, either. The mining process for aluminium has its own environmental toll, and while cans are easier to recycle, some new metal is always needed to keep the production cycle going.

Bottled Beer

• Pros: Recyclable, provides a traditional packaging option for those who prefer glass.
• Cons: Heavier to transport, leading to higher carbon emissions. Glass production is energy-intensive, and not all glass bottles are recycled. In many cases, bottles end up in landfills, contributing to environmental waste.

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Canned Beer

• Pros: Aluminium cans are lighter and, therefore, more efficient to transport, reducing their carbon footprint. Cans are also recycled at a higher rate, and aluminium recycling uses far less energy than glass.
• Cons: The process of mining and producing aluminium is harmful to the environment, though recycling mitigates some of the damage.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

While aluminium cans do have an environmental impact through mining, their overall eco-friendliness, recyclability, and lower carbon footprint make them the more sustainable choice compared to glass bottles.

Test 3: Portability and Convenience

When it comes to portability, the choice between bottles and cans isn’t just a matter of tradition versus practicality. It’s a full-blown battle between elegance and ease.

Bottled beer, with its classic glass packaging, often feels like the “fancy” option. There’s something about the solid weight of a glass bottle that makes the drinking ritual feel a bit more refined. It’s perfect for formal dinners, backyard barbecues, or when you just want to look like you’re starring in your own beer commercial.

But while bottles add a touch of sophistication, glass is heavier, more fragile, and prone to catastrophic shattering at the slightest bump. So, unless you fancy carrying a broom to your picnic, bottles aren’t the most practical option for outdoor adventures. Plus, some locations like beaches and parks ban glass containers altogether, which is a big thumbs down for your bottle of lager.

Canned beer, on the other hand, is the rugged, outdoorsy type. Light, stackable, and practically indestructible, cans are the go-to option for festivals, camping trips, hikes, and basically anywhere you want to crack open a cold one without worrying about a “fragile” sticker. Cans take up less room in your cooler, chill faster, and can be taken pretty much anywhere without the fear of breakage. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as the crack of a can when you’re out in the wild.

Bottled Beer

• Pros: Glass bottles provide a premium feel, making them more suitable for formal settings or home use. They contribute to a more traditional drinking experience.
• Cons: Heavier and more fragile, bottles are prone to breaking and less practical for outdoor or active settings. Restrictions on glass in certain public areas also limit their usability.

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Canned Beer

• Pros: Cans are lightweight, unbreakable, and easy to carry in bulk. They’re ideal for outdoor events, festivals, and activities like camping or hiking. Cans also stack efficiently and chill faster than bottles. Additionally, they are allowed in more places where glass is banned due to safety concerns.
• Cons: Lacks the premium, traditional feel that bottles offer in certain settings.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Cans clearly have the edge in terms of portability and convenience, as they are easier to transport and handle, especially for outdoor activities.

Test 4: Cost Considerations

Cost is another battlefield in the great bottles vs. cans debate. Generally speaking, bottled beer tends to be more expensive, and it’s not just because the glass looks fancier.

As mentioned throughout, glass bottles are heavier, bulkier, and more expensive to produce and transport. Every time your beer goes from the brewery to the shop, those bottles rack up extra costs thanks to their weight and the energy needed to ship them. This is why bottles are often reserved for premium or limited-edition beers—after all, nothing says “premium” quite like a price tag that stings a bit more.

Canned beer, on the other hand, is the budget-friendly contender. The production process for aluminium cans is more efficient, and since they’re lighter, shipping them costs less, too. These savings are often passed on to us, the thirsty public, which is why canned beer is typically the go-to option for bulk buying or your everyday fridge filler.

However, the craft beer revolution has shaken things up a bit. As more independent breweries switch to cans for their benefits in preservation and eco-friendliness, even some high-end beers are popping up in aluminium.

Bottled Beer

• Pros: Associated with premium and limited-edition beers, giving them an air of exclusivity. Often seen as higher quality, which can justify the price for some consumers.
• Cons: Bottles are more expensive due to higher production and transportation costs, as glass is heavier and bulkier. Not the most budget-friendly option, especially for everyday drinking.

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Canned Beer

• Pros: Typically more affordable due to more efficient production and lower transportation costs. Lighter to ship, which helps keep prices down for both producers and consumers. Ideal for bulk purchases and everyday consumption.
• Cons: The rise in premium craft beers being sold in cans has started to narrow the price gap, particularly in niche markets, but cans are still usually the more economical option.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

While the craft beer movement has slightly shifted the dynamics, canned beer generally remains the more cost-effective choice for most consumers, especially for regular purchases.

Overall Ratings: Bottled Beer vs Canned Beer

Now that we’ve evaluated bottled and canned beer across multiple categories, here’s a summary of the ratings and a final verdict based on all the tests.

Taste and Preservation:

• Bottles: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
• Cans: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

While both options can preserve taste well if stored properly, cans have a slight edge due to their superior protection from light and oxygen.

Environmental Impact:

• Bottles: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
• Cans: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Cans are lighter, easier to transport, and more widely recycled, making them a more eco-friendly option compared to bottles, which are energy-intensive to produce and transport.

Portability and Convenience:

• Bottles: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
• Cans: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Cans are the clear winner here, offering better portability, durability, and convenience for outdoor and active lifestyles. Bottles, being heavier and prone to breakage, are less practical for most occasions outside of formal settings.

Cost Considerations:

• Bottles: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
• Cans: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Cans remain the more budget-friendly option for most consumers, thanks to lower production and transport costs. While the price gap has narrowed in the craft beer market, cans are still more cost-effective overall.

Canned beer has emerged victorious with a total score of 17/20, leaving bottled beer trailing behind with 9/20. Cans shine in key areas like portability, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness, all while holding their own in taste preservation. Sure, bottles still have that old-school charm—perfect for when you want to feel like you’re sipping something truly premium.

But when it comes to being an all-rounder, cans are like the Swiss Army knife of beer packaging. Whether you’re hiking, saving the planet one recyclable at a time, or just trying to stretch your beer budget, cans tick all the boxes.

Summary

Canned beer takes the crown leaving bottled beer sipping in its wake. Cans shine in all the practical areas: they’re lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly, making them perfect for any adventure where breaking glass isn’t part of the plan. Sure, bottles bring that classy, premium vibe, ideal for when you’re trying to impress at a dinner party. But cans are the all-rounders. With their cost-effectiveness, portability, and sustainability, cans deliver convenience without compromising on taste or your wallet. Bottom line? Cans just can.

FAQs