Is Non-Alcoholic Beer Better For You?

You’ve probably noticed six-packs labeled “non-alcoholic” at stores for the past few decades. But these watered-down versions of traditional beer were usually tasteless and were mainly marketed toward people focused on sobriety. Now the non-alcoholic beer movement has picked up.
As the taste has drastically improved, one question remains – is non-alcoholic beer healthier and better for you?
We explain.
Does non-alcoholic beer have alcohol?
In short, it depends. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration allows non-alcoholic beer to legally contain up to 0.5% alcohol. By comparison, a typical light beer contains 3.2% alcohol.
Non-alcoholic beer isn’t necessarily good for you because it still has calories and carbohydrates – but it is fewer than regular beer.
Alcohol is a toxin, so any way to limit the amount of alcohol in your body is a healthier choice. Many people have turned to non-alcoholic beer to cut back on their alcohol intake for dietary reasons or to better their mental health.
Also– making the switch from beer to non-alcoholic beer may help improve any alcohol-related sleep issues and drinking non-alcoholic beer may indirectly have some ties to improvements in your diet.
For expecting moms, you should refrain from drinking non-alcoholic beer while you’re pregnant. That goes for any quantity of alcohol, as even small amounts can lead to pregnancy complications and other developmental issues.
But you can drink mocktails or alcohol-free beer that has 0.0 percent alcohol clearly labeled on the packaging.

[JamesThomas-pven]

Yeh I had a a Bud zero which is 0.0 alcohol and peroni zero as I gave up drinking nearly 5 years ago and I can tell you that both of these taste identical to normal beer I used to drink. It’s great now I can have a few zero beers when out socialising and be healthy, stay in shape and best of all no hangovers 😏

[ndumisodee]

I drink non alchohlic beer..im used to the taste now and i dont have to be embarrased in clubs coz no1 have a clue its non alvhohloic😊

[ianhobbs]

I drink alcohol free 0.0 drinks. I’ve never had or been told that I have an addiction or problem with alcohol. So good reasons for drinking 0.0 drinks. Your fitness and sports will be better. Alcohol dehydrates. You can still enjoy a beer or two and driver your car. You will not get a hangover. These drinks still have carbohydrates and calories. But less than alcohol drinks. All in all switching to 0.0 drinks is a good thing.

[wesleyhanson]

Current medical research (go Google it) shows that there is no "healthy" amount of alcohol, as in less is always better, none is best...so NA beer (even .5%) is a far better and healthier choice. Less poison is better! Thanks for sharing.

[onioncontrol]

As someone who totally stopped using alcohol I really like bringing na beer to like gatherings where other adults will be drinking so I can join in the fun with another "grown up" drink without becoming intoxicated.

[donsaxon]

I drank a few last night and feel groggy and even hungover...this has happened every time I have just 2 or 3..over the counter sleep aids also make me feel this way...probably not for me so a sparkling water will go with my dinner tonight

[JimmyJaxJellyStax]

massive growth of NA beer these days. Remember a 6 pack of 0.5% NA beer is still essentially 1 light beer

[jameslast]

Well that was a bit rubbish. How easy would it have been to give a few figures on how many less calories in AF beer?

[Astral_Dusk]

Technically, but it's still ultra-processed and high risk for wanting real alcohol for an alcoholic.

[petercdowney]

The main advantage is being able to drive afterwards.

I'm certainly not going to drink and drive after watching Saw III!

[WhoTFisICEMAN]

Corona NA tastes just like the real thing.

[razvanon]

1:01 is that spit spraying tongue thing really necessary in order to say "health" ?

[guardiapheiz]

Sorry but I once, drank non alcholic heinken, budweiser and cider, back in february, they are no healthier, why I think this, my stomach got bloated, never did with normal alcohols, so there is a lie in the ingredients, something is not mentioned from the manufacturers. I am staying away from non alcoholic drinks.

[mattslivar]

it can still contain 0.4 0.5% alcohol so its not really alcohol free its not possible to make it 0.0

[johnnyzsalt]

There is just no reason to drink non alcoholic beer. Sure it is beer, but there is obviously something missing to complete the flavor. You would be better off choosing a beverage that is actually going to satisfy you instead of one that makes you want something more. Iced tea, lemonade, something that has a payoff with taste at least. Even these low carb beers are a waste. When Michelob Ultra came out years ago I decided to see if I could catch even the slightest buzz off of a 12 pack. Nothing at all. Absolutely nothing. It was as if I drank a 12 pack of NA beer. Coors Light on the other hand? I can feel something after enough of them. And no, I am not out to get completely wasted every time I drink. With beer I expect to get a comfortable buzz that I can maintain indefinitely while still being able to speak clearly. If I intend to get there quick, I prime the gut with a couple IPAs and then maintain with domestics. Booze is tough because you have to go long periods of time between servings or it will be an early night.