Guide to the Best Non Alcoholic Beer Brands and Options in 2023

A Guide to the Top Non Alcoholic Beer Brands

Non alcoholic beer has seen immense growth recently as more people look to cut back on alcohol while still enjoying the taste of beer. Although alcohol-free, non alcoholic beers replicate the flavors and experience of regular beer through clever brewing techniques.

Keep reading to learn all about non alcoholic beer and discover some of the most popular brands making great-tasting NA beers.

What is Non Alcoholic Beer?

Non alcoholic (NA) beer is beer that contains very little to no alcohol, ranging from 0.0% to around 0.5% ABV. This allows enjoyment of beer without intoxicating effects.

NA beer is brewed like regular beer, then the alcohol is removed using advanced methods:

• Reverse osmosis - Pushes beer through a filter to extract alcohol molecules.
• Vacuum distillation - Heats beer in a low-pressure environment to evaporate alcohol.
• Restricted fermentation - Limits yeast during brewing to prevent alcohol production.

These processes remove alcohol while preserving the beer's flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel as much as possible. Additional steps help restore texture and carbonation lost.

Benefits of Non Alcoholic Beer

Drinking non alcoholic beer offers several benefits:

• No intoxication - Drive, operate machinery, take medications safely.
• Avoid hangovers - No headaches, nausea, dehydration.
• Lower calories - Roughly 50% less calories than full strength beer.
• Healthier liver - Reduce fatty liver disease risk.
• Stay hydrated - Electrolytes like sodium and potassium.
• Social inclusion - For those who don't or can't drink alcohol.

NA beer lets you enjoy positive aspects of beer without drawbacks of alcohol.

Nutritional Profile of Non Alcoholic Beer

While lower in calories than regular beer, NA beer does contain some calories, carbs, and nutrients:

• Around 50 calories per 12oz serving
• 10-15g carbs
• Small amounts of potassium, sodium
• B vitamins including riboflavin, niacin, B12
• Antioxidants like polyphenols

However, NA beer is not an essential source of nutrients. Water, fruits, vegetables, whole grains provide far more beneficial nutrition.

Health Effects of Non Alcoholic Beer

Research on potential health benefits of NA beer is limited. But some studies suggest:

• Hydration - May hydrates as well as non-alcoholic beverages.
• Heart health - Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure in those at risk for cardiovascular disease.
• Blood sugar - Helps increase insulin sensitivity and lowers blood glucose responses.
• Kidney health - Linked to improved kidney function in diabetics and chronic kidney disease.
• Liver health - Reduces fat accumulation in the liver.
• Gut health - Promotes healthy gut bacteria.

Much more research is still needed to make definitive conclusions. Talk to your doctor about whether NA beer may offer health advantages for you.

Downsides of Non Alcoholic Beer

Potential cons to keep in mind with NA beer:

• Fewer nutrients than juice, milk, or water
• Can be highly processed
• Often contains added sugars or sweeteners
• May trigger cravings for alcohol
• Risk of relapse in people with alcoholism
• Trace amounts of alcohol may remain

While considered safe for most, check with your doctor before drinking NA beer if you have liver disease, alcoholism, or are pregnant/nursing.

Most Popular Non Alcoholic Beer Brands

Many breweries now create quality non alcoholic beers that rival the taste of alcoholic versions. Here are some top brands producing a range of excellent NA beer styles:

Heineken 0.0

Heineken 0.0 is one of the most widely available and best tasting NA beers. The Dutch brewery uses vacuum distillation to remove alcohol while preserving the famous Heineken taste.

With just 69 calories and zero sugar, Heineken 0.0 allows you to enjoy this popular lager without the alcohol. It offers crisp, balanced flavor with fruity, malty notes.

Athletic Brewing Run Wild

Founded by craft beer fans Bill Shufelt and John Walker, Athletic Brewing Company specializes in NA brews. Their offerings include the hop-forward Run Wild IPA.

Run Wild IPA uses classic West Coast hops for piney, citrusy flavor reminiscent of an alcoholic IPA. It's bold yet refreshing at just 50 calories per can.

Brooklyn Special Effects

Brooklyn Brewery's Special Effects took home the gold in the 2018 World Beer Cup for nonalcoholic beer. This sessions lager has an approachable, balanced profile.

Malted wheat and Galaxy hops impart subtle citrus aromas, while the alcohol is removed through reverse osmosis. It's a crisp, highly drinkable alcohol-free lager.

Surreal Brewing Natural Bridges

Founded by beer lovers Tammer Zein-El-Abedein and Donna Hockey, Surreal Brewing aims to mimic flavors of alcoholic beer through innovative brewing techniques.

Natural Bridges Kolsch has mild fruitiness with a dry, crisp finish. Made using Bavarian heirloom lager yeast, it offers notes of honey and biscuit.

WellBeing Victory

WellBeing Brewing from St. Louis focuses on producing full-flavored NA beer through patented brewing methods.

Their popular Victory Wheat is an unfiltered Bavarian-style hefeweizen. It features fruity esters with clove and banana notes and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.

Clausthaler Dry Hopped

One of the oldest German breweries, Clausthaler has brewed NA beer since 1979 using a specialized fermentation process.

Clausthaler Dry Hopped boasts aromatic Cascade hops and just 53 calories per bottle. It balances mild hoppiness with crisp, lagered malt character.

Partake Blonde

Founded by cancer survivor Ted Fleming, Partake Brewing crafts NA beer for health-conscious consumers. Their Blonde Ale delivers crisp, carbonated flavor.

With only 10 calories, Blonde Ale uses citrusy Hallertau Mittelfrh hops for subtle bitterness. It offers an easy-drinking experience similar to a light lager.

How to Shop for Non Alcoholic Beer

Use these tips when shopping for NA beer:

• Check the label - Ensure it says contains no alcohol, 0.0% ABV.
• Read the ingredients - Avoid brands with artificial flavors or sweeteners.
• Seek variety - Try different styles like IPA, stout, wheat, lager.
• Consider calories/carbs - Choose lower calorie, carb options if that's important to you.
• Buy singles first - Get just one can/bottle of a new brand to test it out.
• Check freshness dates - Pick the freshest products.

Shop at well-stocked beer and grocery stores for the best NA beer selection. Many peple find they prefer certain brands over others.

Pairing Non Alcoholic Beer with Food

NA beer can complement a variety of foods. Consider these pairings:

• Crisp lagers - Salads, seafood, grilled chicken, roasted veggies
• Fruity hefeweizens - Spicy dishes, tacos, curry, ceviche
• Citrus IPAs - Burritos, chili, bbq, cured meats
• Roasted stouts - Burgers, steak, lamb, eggplant
• Juicy wheat ales - Mac and cheese, pizza, brats, nachos

The flavor profiles of NA beer can enhance the taste of food like regular beer. Experiment with different food and beer combinations.

Storing and Serving Non Alcoholic Beer

To enjoy the best flavor, handle NA beer like regular beer:

• Store cold - ideally 38-45F
• Serve chilled - pour into chilled glass before drinking
• Check freshness dates - consume within 3-6 months of bottling
• Provide a glass - don't drink straight from the can/bottle
• Pour carefully - to avoid losing carbonation

While NA beer won't spoil or skunk as quickly as alcoholic beer, colder temperatures help preserve optimal taste and carbonation.

Non Alcoholic Beer for Social Occasions

Enjoying NA beer allows you to take part in social situations where alcohol is flowing while avoiding intoxication. It helps prevent feeling left out.

Sipping an NA beer at events like parties, sporting events, concerts, or business functions enables you to blend in seamlessly within the crowd.

Just be prepared that some people may question or pressure you to drink "real" beer. Politely standing your ground can help.

Driving Safety with Non Alcoholic Beer

One major benefit of NA beer is the ability to drive safely after drinking it. Since these products contain little to no alcohol, it is legal to drive after consuming them.

However, be aware that some NA beers may contain trace amounts of alcohol around 0.5% ABV. Consuming large quantities may have minor effects.

Moderation is still wise, but you generally don't have to worry about drinking NA beer within reason and driving.

Non Alcoholic Beer During Pregnancy

The consensus among doctors is to avoid NA beer during pregnancy as a precaution. Since small amounts of alcohol may remain, there is still potential risk.

Pregnant women are advised to err on the side of caution and refrain from NA beer until after giving birth. Focus on staying well hydrated with water, juice, milk and caffeine-free drinks instead.

Giving Up Alcohol for Non Alcoholic Beer

For those giving up regular beer and alcoholic drinks, NA beer can help ease the transition by providing the familiar flavors and drinking experience minus the alcohol content.

However, some individuals recovering from alcohol addiction may be triggered by NA beer to relapse. It's best to consult your counselor or doctor to assess if NA beer is advisable.

Moderation is key for anyone choosing to drink non alcoholic beer. Prioritize nutrition, hydration, and overall health.

The Pros and Cons of Non Alcoholic Beer

In summary, some key pros of NA beer include:

• No intoxication or hangovers
• Lower in calories and carbs
• May offer some health benefits
• Lets you drive safely afterwards
• Provides social inclusion

Some potential cons to consider are:

• Minimal nutritional value
• Can trigger alcohol cravings or relapse
• Contains trace alcohol in some cases
• Limited research on health effects

Talk to your doctor to decide if including non alcoholic beer in your diet may be right for you.

The Bottom Line on Non Alcoholic Beers

When crafted carefully, non alcoholic beer offers the aromatic, crisp, refreshing taste of regular beer while eliminating the alcohol content. An ever-growing variety of flavorful NA beers provides more options than ever for those looking to cut back on alcohol.

While research is still limited, NA beer may offer some benefits related to hydration, gut health, and cardiovascular markers when consumed in moderation. However, water, juice and other non-alcoholic drinks make up the healthiest choices for general consumption.

If you love the taste of beer but want to avoid alcohol, give some of the top non alcoholic beer brands a try. Just be mindful of any potential triggers if in recovery. Otherwise, NA beer can be an enjoyable low-calorie, alcohol-free alternative.

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.