Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits of Corona Non-Alcoholic Beer

A Close Look at the Nutrition Facts for Corona Non-Alcoholic Beer

Non-alcoholic beer has exploded in popularity as more people aim to cut back on alcohol while still being able to enjoy the familiar taste of beer. Major beer brands like Corona have responded by coming out with alcohol-free versions of their classic beers. But are non-alcoholic beers like Corona Cero truly better for you nutritionally? Let's analyze the nutrition facts and ingredients behind these 0.0% ABV beers.

Calories and Carbs

A 12 ounce bottle of Corona Cero contains 99 calories and 5 grams of carbohydrates. This is significantly less than a standard Corona Extra which has 148 calories and 14 grams of carbs per bottle. Removing the alcohol calories gives non-alcoholic Corona 85% less calories than its alcoholic counterpart. It also has over 3 times less carbs. For health and weight loss goals, this calorie and carb reduction is a benefit of non-alcoholic beer.

Sugar Content

Corona Cero has less than 1 gram of sugar, while regular Corona Extra contains 5 grams of sugar per bottle. The sugar in alcoholic beer comes from residual sugars that remain after the fermentation process. Taking out the alcohol also removes most of this naturally occurring sugar. People looking to lower daily sugar intake get this added perk with non-alcoholic beer.

Protein and Amino Acids

Like regular beer, Corona Cero contains small amounts of protein and amino acids left over from the brewing ingredients. A 12 ounce serving provides 0.7 grams of protein. Branched chain amino acids like leucine, isoleucine and valine are present from barley and wheat proteins used to make beer. However, beer is not a significant source of protein or BCAAs compared to foods like meat, eggs or supplements.

Vitamins and Minerals

Non-alcoholic beer provides traces of several B vitamins including riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid and pyridoxine. Exact amounts can vary by brand. Corona Cero also contains 2% of the Daily Value for magnesium, 4% DV for phosphorus and 6% DV for potassium. Levels of vitamins and minerals are low compared to the substantial amounts in fruits, vegetables and enriched foods.

Preservatives and Artificial Ingredients

To maintain taste and prevent spoilage, non-alcoholic beers like Corona Cero contain some preservatives and artificial ingredients. Corona Cero contains citric acid for tartness and acacia gum for thickness and foam stability. It is sweetened with stevia leaf extract and contains natural flavors. While not 100% natural, these aids help mimic the taste and texture of alcoholic beer.

How Non-Alcoholic Beer is Made

Understanding the production process behind non-alcoholic beers sheds light on their potential nutritional advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional alcoholic beer.

Brewing Process

Non-alcoholic beer starts out brewed the same as regular beer, combining barley malt, hops, yeast and water. It goes through the normal stages of the brewing process including mashing, boiling, fermenting, and aging. This gives non-alcoholic beer the standard beer appearance, flavors and aromas.

Alcohol Removal

After initial brewing, one of two methods is used to remove the alcohol generated during fermentation. The most common approach is reverse osmosis, forcing the beer through a filter that traps alcohol molecules. The other method exposes the beer to low temperatures, allowing alcohol to be evaporated off.

Adjustments and Additions

After alcohol removal, the beer often lacks the expected flavor profile. Brewers enhance the taste by adding back various flavorings, sugars, and carbonation. Yeast may be reintroduced to provide carbon dioxide bubbles. Additional finishing and stabilization ensures the final non-alcoholic beer mimics traditional beers look and mouthfeel.

Quality Control

Rigorous testing is done throughout the brewing process and on the finished product to guarantee an alcohol by volume level of 0.5% ABV or less. This allows the beer to be legally considered non-alcoholic. Additional quality control verifies the stability, taste, aroma and appearance match the original alcoholic version.

Packaging

After the non-alcoholic brewing process is complete, the beer is packaged into bottles, cans, kegs or other containers ready for distribution. Packaging helps maintain quality and taste while preventing oxidation or contamination prior to consumption.

Nutritional Pros of Non-Alcoholic Beer

Here are some of the key nutritional advantages associated with non-alcoholic beer compared to its alcoholic counterparts:

Fewer Calories

With the calories from alcohol removed, non-alcoholic beer is significantly lower in calories than alcoholic beer. Corona Cero has 85% fewer calories than regular Corona Extra. This can aid weight management and fat loss goals.

Less Carbohydrates

In addition to having no alcohol, non-alcoholic beer goes through an extra filtration process to further reduce residual carbohydrates. Less carbs benefits people monitoring their carb intake.

No Sugar

The alcohol removal and filtration process also eliminates almost all of the sugar content of non-alcoholic beer. This appeals to people aiming to reduce daily sugar consumption.

More Hydrating

With no alcohol and lower carb content, non-alcoholic beer provides hydration similar to water or sports drinks. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing fluid loss, while non-alcoholic beer avoids dehydration.

Nutrient Profile Maintained

While not high in nutrients, non-alcoholic beer retains a similar vitamin and mineral profile as traditional beer from the brewing ingredients.

Potential Nutritional Cons of Non-Alcoholic Beer

There are also some potential nutritional downsides to keep in mind with non-alcoholic beer:

Preservatives and Additives

To compensate for no alcohol and enhance flavor, non-alcoholic beers contain preservatives, natural and artificial additives not found in the same amounts in regular beer.

Lower Antioxidant Levels

Some research indicates the alcohol removal processes may lower the levels of antioxidants like polyphenols found in ingredients like malt and hops.

Less Filling

Without alcohol calories, some people may find non-alcoholic beer less satiating than alcoholic versions. This could lead to taking in more calories from other sources.

Health Halo Effect

The "health halo" of non-alcoholic beer being perceived as better for you could result in overconsumption or splurging on food while still avoiding alcohol.

Health Benefits of Non-Alcoholic Beer

Several studies have examined potential health benefits associated with regularly drinking non-alcoholic beer:

Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Compounds in beer such as polyphenols and soluble fiber may improve cholesterol levels and lower inflammation and heart disease risk. Non-alcoholic beer provides these without alcohol's blood thinning effects.

Reduce Blood Pressure

Hops in beer contain compounds linked to slightly lower blood pressure. Non-alcoholic beer delivers these benefits without alcohol's blood pressure raising effects.

Aid Blood Sugar Control

Research indicates light beer consumption is associated with improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control. Non-alcoholic beer provides this benefit for diabetics avoiding alcohol.

Promote Hydration

With no diuretic effect from alcohol, the mix of water and nutrients may make non-alcoholic beer an optimal rehydration beverage after exercise.

Support Healthy Gut Bacteria

Compounds like polyphenols support gut microbial populations. Non-alcoholic beer provides prebiotics without disrupting gut health like alcohol.

Neuroprotective Effects

Hops contain xanthohumol, which has neuroprotective properties and may support brain health. Non-alcoholic beer provides this without alcohol's brain shrinkage.

Comparing Nutrition Facts of Most Popular Non-Alcoholic Beers

Looking at the nutrition facts labels of the most popular non-alcoholic beer brands reveals some similarities as well as key differences:

Calories

Calories range from 70 calories per 12 oz bottle for Budweiser Zero to 146 calories for Brooklyn Special Effects. Heineken 0.0, Corona Cero, Clausthaler, and Athletic Run Wild IPA fall in the mid-100 calories range.

Carbohydrates

Carbs can vary significantly, from 2.6g in Budweiser Zero up to 17g in Brooklyn Special Effects. Some beers also contain a few grams of fiber and/or sugar alcohols that impact net carbs.

Protein

Protein is low across the board, but Athletic Run Wild IPA has slightly more at 2.3g protein per bottle vs. 0.7-1g for other major brands.

Vitamins and Minerals

Levels of B vitamins, potassium, magnesium and calcium remain fairly consistent. Brooklyn Special Effects stands out with 45% DV niacin per bottle.

Ingredients

Malt, water, hops and yeast make up the base along with alcohol removal methods. Other additions like stevia, monk fruit or sodium benzoate preservative vary.

Tips for Drinking Non-Alcoholic Beer

Here are some tips to help you get the most enjoyment and nutrition from non-alcoholic beer:

Try Different Brands and Styles

Sample an assortment of lagers, IPAs, stouts and more to find your favorites. Each brand has unique flavors and nutrition profiles.

Pour into a Glass

Allow non-alcoholic beer to settle in a glass to release aromas, flavors and carbonation for better taste.

Pair with Food

Enjoy non-alcoholic beers alongside flavorful meals and snacks to enhance tastes and sensations.

Substitute for Alcoholic Drinks

Use non-alcoholic beer as a replacement for regular beer and mixed drinks at social gatherings.

Limit Intake

While lower in calories/carbs than alcoholic beer, keep non-alcoholic beer intake moderate as part of a healthy diet.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water in addition to non-alcoholic beer to maintain proper hydration.

Avoid Impaired Driving

Do not drink non-alcoholic beer if you plan to drive soon after, as you may falsely test over alcohol limits.

The Bottom Line

Non-alcoholic beer like Corona Cero provides several nutritional advantages over its alcoholic counterpart, including fewer calories, less carbs/sugar, and more hydration benefits. However, the addition of preservatives and lack of antioxidants are downsides to consider. Moderately incorporating non-alcoholic beer into an overall healthy diet and lifestyle can provide nutritional perks without the drawbacks of alcohol.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.