Hey everyone! If you're like me and you want to enjoy a refreshing beer without the alcohol, then you're going to LOVE this post.
Not drinking alcohol is a newish thing for me. As I started to explore the sober-curious life, I began to dig into what alcohol-free beverages were out there for me to enjoy.
Enter alcohol-free beer.
For a long time, most alcohol-free beers tasted pretty rough. They had weak flavor and just didn't quite satisfy like a regular beer. But the good news is that the alcohol-free beer market has exploded in recent years with tons of new brands coming out that are seriously game-changing.
Brands like Athletic Brewing Company and Partake have proven that you can have a full-bodied, complexly-flavored beer without any booze. Plus, so many of the more established brands like Guinness and Heineken have even come out with really solid alcohol-free beer options.
It's quite impressive, actually.
I was blown away by some of the options that I tasted. In this post, I'm going to tell you about 11 of my favorite alcohol-free beer brands of 2024 that I think will surprise even the biggest craft beer snob.
Get ready to find your new go-to beverage. The game has definitely changed for sober-curious folks like us who still want a great-tasting beer.
This post is all about "Alcohol-Free Beer".
Key Takeaways
- Alcohol-free beers were originally created during the Prohibition and are made with traditional beer ingredients but include an extra step to remove the alcohol.
- The best alcohol-free beers of 2024 come in a variety of styles, including lagers, stouts, IPAs, and pilsners, with standout brands like Penn’s Best NA Lager, Heineken 0.0, and Guinness 0.0 offering lighter calorie options and familiar flavors without the buzz.
- Non-alcoholic beers offer significant health benefits such as fewer calories, better hydration, improved sleep quality, and the elimination of hangover symptoms, making them a favorable choice for the health-conscious and those who want to enjoy beer without the effects of alcohol.
What is Alcohol-Free Beer?
The origins of non-alcoholic beer trace back to the Prohibition era in the United States. During this time, the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were prohibited, paving the way for alcohol-free alternatives.
The first non-alcoholic beers were born during this time, a testament to the enduring spirit of beer lovers.
Despite the absence of alcohol, many nonalcoholic beers are brewed in a manner similar to regular beer. The same ingredients (i.e.-water, hops, yeast, and malt) are used, giving these beers a similar taste to their alcoholic counterparts.
However, an additional step is taken to remove the alcohol, resulting in a beer that retains a subtle hoppy bitterness without the buzz.
With a projected global market size of around 6.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2028, it’s no wonder why alcohol-free beer is gaining traction.
Top 11 Picks: Best Alcohol-Free Beers of 2024
Looking for a drink that hits the spot without the buzz? Look no further than the top 11 picks for the best alcohol-free beers of 2024! These brews pack a flavorful punch without any of the negative effects of alcohol.
Whether you're trying to cut back on your drinking or simply prefer the taste of beer without the boozy aftertaste, there's an alcohol-free beer out there for you.
From light and refreshing pilsners to dark and malty stouts, the options are endless.
So why not give it a try and see for yourself why alcohol-free beer is taking the world by storm? You might just find your new favorite drink.
1. Best Commercial Lager: Heineken 0.0
For those who prefer familiar commercial beers, Heineken Non-Alcoholic Beer is our top pick.
If you love Heineken beer, then you will LOVE this Heineken 0.0. It's quite remarkable at how similar this tastes to its alcoholic counterpart. If you are not a Heineken fan, then you should probably try another option.
This brew offers the familiar lager taste without the alcohol, allowing you to enjoy the experience without the after-effects. With only 69 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free choice for those who are mindful of their calorie intake.
Heineken’s non-alcoholic beer owes its uniqueness to a special brewing process where two separate brews are produced and then naturally blended to remove the alcohol.
Priced affordably, Heineken Non-Alcoholic Beer is a wallet-friendly option for beer lovers.
2. Best Traditional Lager: Penn's Best
The crown for the best non-alcoholic lager goes to Penn’s Best.
This American-style lager is light-bodied and crisp, embodying the qualities beer lovers admire in a good lager. There is a little bit of hoppy flavor in this beer and a good all-around taste.
Brewed with all-natural ingredients including water, malt, yeast, and a special blend of premium hops, Penn’s Best NA Lager is a testament to artisanal craft and dedication.
3. Best Stout: Guinness 0.0
If you’re a fan of stouts, look no further than Guinness 0.0.
Similar to Heineken, the non-alcohol version of this Guinness is SO incredibly close to the regular Guinness flavor, that even my alcohol-drinking husband (who LOVES his Guinness) was blown away.
This non-alcoholic stout offers:
- The smooth, perfectly balanced flavor and dark color of its alcoholic counterpart
- A rich and creamy stout experience
- A taste owed to a cold filtration process that removes the alcohol while preserving the beer’s character
Guinness 0.0 has only 17 calories and 3.8g of carbs in a 100ml serving!!
That is INSANE!
It's a lower-calorie option is for sure one that doesn’t compromise on taste.
4. Best Pilsner: Brooklyn Brewery
Personally, I LOVE a good Pilsner. Which is why I was very excited to try Brooklyn Brewery's Non-Alcoholic Special Effects Pilsner.
And good news! Pilsner lovers, rejoice!
Brooklyn Brewery Pilsner Non-Alcoholic Beer is a standout choice in the world of alcohol-free pilsners. Its taste profile boasts that good and bitter "kick" that I fully expect to get from a good Pilsner.
Its rich flavor is achieved through a special fermentation method that retains the taste while eliminating the alcohol content.
While the reviews for Brooklyn Brewery Pilsner Non-Alcoholic Beer have been mixed, its unique flavor profile and brewing process make it worth a try for any beer enthusiast.
5. Best Blonde: Partake Blonde
If blonde beers are your go-to, Partake Blonde Non-Alcoholic Beer is a must-try. It is for SURE one of my favorites.
Especially if you are enjoying this on a warm, sunny day (i.e.-Hello beach days), there will be nothing better than sipping this delicious Partake Blonde beverage.
It's tastes JUST like a blonde beer, and is both delicious and refreshing! It's for sure an all-natural brew that doesn’t compromise on taste.
And at only 15 calories (what?!?), it puts this beer at one of the lowest caloric brews around.
Nice job Partake Brewing!
6. Best Pale Ale: Freedom Cali Pale Ale
For the pale ale enthusiasts, Freedom Cali Pale is the top pick in the alcohol-free category.
This alcohol-free beer is touted to taste so good that you might even forget it’s non-alcoholic. It pairs well with strong and spicy foods, enhancing the bold flavors for a delightful dining experience.
And get this, it's Gluten-Free!
Made to taste like a classic West Coast Pale Ale but without any gluten, Freedom Cali Pale sets itself apart from other alcohol-free beers. This alcohol-free beer retains the hoppy and citrusy traits of a regular Pale Ale, providing a tasty and refreshing non-alcoholic beer option.
The taste has been widely praised as flavorful and refreshing, making it a popular choice among beer enthusiasts.
Brewed by Go Brewing, this beer offers a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other non-alcoholic beers.
7. Best Hazy IPA: Untitled Art Juicy IPA
On the hunt for the best alcohol-free hazy IPA? Look no further than Untitled Art Juicy IPA.
This is HANDS DOWN one of the best Hazy IPAs that we have tried!
Now, I'll be honest. While I do love a traditional good, full-bodied IPA, the high alcohol content of IPAs generally made me avoid having too many of them.
This is why this ZERO-ALCOHOL Untitled Art Juicy IPA blows us away! It's the perfect blend of it all.
Made with Citra & Mosaic hops, this brew offers a super juicy tropical citrus flavor with a hint of grass and stone fruits, providing a refreshing and satisfying non-alcoholic IPA experience.
And a VERY Well-balanced flavor. Plus, you still get that nice IPA "kick" without it being too in your face.
A top pick for hazy IPA lovers, Untitled Art Juicy IPA gives you that hazy IPA experience, but without any alcohol.
It's a MUST try!
8. Best General IPA: Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA
This has been my most recent sample and was gifted to me by my brother-in-law.
For a general IPA option, Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA has you covered. This brew features juicy grapefruit, zesty orange, and hints of tropical fruits, offering a well-balanced and flavorful non-alcoholic IPA.
It really is a good-tasting beer and had me doing several double-takes to make sure that I wasn't in fact, drinking alcohol. There is a very solid initial taste and an even-stronger (in a good way) after taste that will for sure have us coming back for more.
Even though this Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA has one of the higher calories counts at 65 calories strong, it still has a MUCH lower calorie count than traditional IPA beers (which have up to 300 calories in each serving).
Despite having lower calories than other alcohol-free beer brands, this IPA was still VERY filling. Because of this, I would only be able to have one (or POSSIBLY two) of the Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPAs per sitting.
9. Best Euro Pale Lager: Stella Artois Liberte 0.0
If you're on the hunt for a flavorful Euro Pale Lager, look no further than Stella Artois 0.0, the best Euro Pale Lager on the market.
Personally, I love the regular Stella beer as a light and tasty option, and do also love their non-alcoholic Stella 0.0.
With its crisp and refreshing taste, like many of the others, you won't be able to tell that this beverage is missing alcohol.
It has a nice citrus flavor and still has the hoppy bitterness that we love. It is slightly on the sweeter side, which might be off-putting to some, but it wasn't something that was too overwhelming.
I would not hesitate to try it again and recommend it to my friends!
With an increasing number of people choosing to live an alcohol-free lifestyle, having an array of options like Stella Artois 0.0 just makes sense.
10. Best Variety Pack: Athletic Brewing
If variety is what you crave, Athletic Brewing’s variety pack is your answer. It is the best non-alcholic variety pack that we've found.
This pack includes 24 beers in total, with options like:
- Run Wild IPA
- Upside Dawn Golden Ale
- Free Wave
- All Out Stout
Sampling a range of their alcohol-free offerings will help you discover your new favorite brew.
Personally, I really enjoy the Run Wild IPA and All Out Stout. But that is the beauty of this variety pack. You can try all of them and decide which exactly are the ones for you!
Available directly from the Athletic Brewing website, or even Amazon, this variety pack is your passport to the world of alcohol-free beers.
11. Best Ginger Beer: Bundaberg Ginger Beer
If you are a fan of ginger beer, Bundaberg Ginger Beer is our top pick.
Brewed with real ginger, this beer offers a spicy kick that’s sure to delight your taste buds. It has a solid ginger flavor with hints of cinnamon too.
As with most ginger beers, Bundaberg Ginger is on the sweeter side. In fact there are 40 grams of sugar in one of these bottles!
However, this ginger beer offers a special sweet flavor that sets it apart from other ginger beers. It is very reminiscent of a sweet soda with a natural ginger flavor and a hint of citrus.
Overall, it has a great balance.
So, if you are looking for something on the sweeter side, then we definitely think this ginger beer is worth trying!
Benefits of Drinking Alcohol-Free Beer
Having explored the top picks for alcohol-free beers in 2024, we now turn our attention to the benefits of consuming these brews.
Here are some of the perks of alcohol-free beer:
- Fewer calories
- Better hydration
- Improved sleep
- No hangovers
The benefits of alcohol-free beer are aplenty.
Here’s to raising our glasses to these healthful benefits!
Fewer Calories
A major advantage of alcohol-free beer is its significantly lower calorie content compared to regular beer.
Nonalcoholic beer typically has between 15 to 65 calories per 100ml, making it a lighter option for anyone watching their calories. This is because the main reason alcohol-free beer has fewer calories is its absence of alcohol.
Other than that, it contains pretty much the same stuff as regular beer: water, grain, yeast, and hops.
Keeps You Hydrated
In contrast to alcoholic beverages that can lead to dehydration, alcohol-free beer aids in maintaining hydration.
Alcohol-free beer, like regular beer, contains a large amount of water. This helps to replenish fluids in your body, thus aiding in hydration.
It also has a good balance of sodium and potassium, which is great for maintaining hydration. In fact, alcohol-free beer can hydrate you just as well as water. Moreover, it helps to keep your electrolytes balanced, making it a better choice for rehydration than sports drinks and regular beer.
Not only does non-alcoholic beer keep you hydrated, but it also does so without the diuretic effect of alcohol, allowing you to maintain your fluid balance. This makes alcohol-free beer a great choice for hydrating before a workout, as it can prevent dehydration effectively.
Better Sleep
Improved sleep is another potential benefit offered by alcohol-free beer. Certain compounds in hops have sedative effects and can improve sleep patterns by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), helping to promote better sleep.
On the contrary, alcohol can disrupt your sleep cycle. Although it may help you fall asleep faster, it reduces the total time you sleep and decreases the quality of sleep, particularly affecting your REM sleep. The sleep problems alcohol can cause include:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Reduced total sleep time
- Worse sleep quality
- Disrupted REM sleep
No Hangover
Arguably, one of the most enticing benefits of alcohol-free beer is the lack of hangovers. Alcohol-free beer, with less than 0.5% ABV, does not cause hangover symptoms that regular beers do. Alcohol dehydrates you and produces a toxic byproduct called acetaldehyde during metabolism, leading to hangover symptoms like headache, nausea, and fatigue.
Additionally, hangovers can affect your ability to focus and complete tasks efficiently. They can cause a lack of coordination, slower thinking, and trouble concentrating, leading to more mistakes. By choosing alcohol-free beer, you can enjoy the rich flavors of beer without the dreaded hangover symptoms the next day.
Summary
We’ve journeyed through the world of alcohol-free beer, exploring the top picks of 2024, and uncovering the many benefits of choosing these brews over their alcoholic counterparts.
From the crisp lager of Penn’s Best to the familiar taste of Heineken 0.0, the richness of Guinness 0.0 stout to the refreshing citrus flavors of Brooklyn Brewery Pilsner Non-Alcoholic Beer, there’s an alcohol-free beer to satisfy every palate.
But the benefits of alcohol-free beer extend beyond their varied and delightful tastes. They offer a healthier alternative with fewer calories, help keep you hydrated, potentially improve sleep, and best of all, they leave you hangover-free.
So, the next time you raise a toast, why not make it alcohol-free? Here’s to enjoying the rich flavors of beer with none of the side effects!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are alcohol-free beers healthy?
Non-alcoholic beer can be a healthier choice compared to regular beer because it has fewer calories and carbohydrates, making it a better option if you're looking to cut back on alcohol.
How does alcohol-free beer compare to regular beer in terms of taste?
Alcohol-free beer retains a similar taste to regular beer, including a subtle hoppy bitterness. So, if you're looking for a non-alcoholic alternative with a similar flavor, it's a good option.
What are some popular alcohol-free beers in 2024?
In 2024, some popular alcohol-free beers are Penn's Best NA Lager, Heineken Non-Alcoholic Beer, Guinness 0.0 stout, Brooklyn Brewery Pilsner Non-Alcoholic Beer, and Partake Blonde Non-Alcoholic Beer.
