Is Non-Alcoholic Beer Safe For Kids To Drink?

Actress Kristen Bell recently revealed that her 8- and 9-year-old daughters enjoy non-alcoholic beer, sparking a debate about whether it is appropriate for minors to consume such beverages. While some people criticise the decision, citing potential health and psychological risks, others argue that it is a personal family choice. Legally, the situation is complex, with federal regulations allowing minors to consume non-alcoholic drinks, while certain states have their own restrictions. This article explores the perspectives of parents, medical professionals, and legal authorities on the topic of children drinking non-alcoholic beer.

Non-alcoholic beer can increase the risk of addiction in children

Non-alcoholic beer is often presented as a safe alternative to regular beer, but it is important to be aware of the risks before allowing children to consume it. While non-alcoholic beer will not cause immediate harm to children, there is evidence that it can increase their risk of addiction in the long term.

Normalising Alcohol Consumption

Non-alcoholic beer can normalise drinking for children, making them more likely to try alcoholic beverages. Research shows that teens who have consumed non-alcoholic beer are more interested in consuming alcoholic drinks. By drinking non-alcoholic beer, children may develop a positive association with the taste and ritual of drinking beer, increasing their risk of alcohol use disorder in the future.

Dr Chloe Campbell, a paediatrician at Salem Hospital in Salem, Massachusetts, warns that normalising beer drinking may lead to children trying alcoholic beverages at a young age. She also highlights the confusion that can arise for kids who may not understand the difference between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Genetic and Environmental Factors

Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of substance use disorders. If there is a family history of addiction, introducing children to the ritual of drinking beer, even if it is non-alcoholic, can be risky. In these cases, normalising alcohol use may increase the risk of addiction, in addition to any genetic predispositions.

Similar to Candy Cigarettes

Allowing children to drink non-alcoholic beer is similar to letting them take a puff on candy cigarettes. While non-alcoholic beer is unlikely to cause immediate harm, there could be long-term consequences. The consumption of these beverages may lead to the anticipation of alcohol, increasing the risk of addiction.

Alternative Options

Instead of non-alcoholic beer, children can opt for healthier alternatives such as soda with fresh lime juice or fresh fruit. Making lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and finding ways to deal with triggers, can also help support sobriety and long-term recovery.

It can normalise drinking and increase interest in alcoholic beverages

While non-alcoholic beer may not have any immediate health impact on children, there are concerns that it can normalise drinking and increase interest in alcoholic beverages.

Dr Chloe Campbell, a paediatrician at Salem Hospital in Salem, Massachusetts, says that research shows that teens who have consumed non-alcoholic beer have more interest in consuming alcoholic beverages. "We plant the seed in young minds that beer drinking is OK," she says, "it may lead to beer drinking at a young age. Maybe a kid will say, 'let me try Mommy's beer when parents are out of sight.'"

Non-alcoholic beer can also be confusing for children, who may not understand the difference between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Dr Campbell warns that "a child mistaking alcoholic beer for one they thought was zero alcohol can lead to dangerous consequences".

In addition, the ritual of drinking beer, even if non-alcoholic, could lead to the normalisation of alcohol use, increasing the risk of developing a substance use disorder, especially if there is a genetic predisposition.

While the law may allow minors to consume non-alcoholic beer, it is up to parents and guardians to decide whether to allow their children to drink it and to consider the potential long-term effects.

Non-alcoholic beer is not nutritious and contains high calories and carbohydrates

Non-alcoholic beer is not a nutritious drink for children. While it is often marketed as a healthier alternative to regular beer, it contains high levels of calories and carbohydrates, which can be detrimental to physical health.

Non-alcoholic beer is not a nutritious drink option, especially for children. While it may seem like a healthier choice compared to regular beer, it is important to understand that it is not a nutritious beverage. One of the main concerns is the high calorie content in non-alcoholic beer. A cup of standard malt non-alcoholic beer contains 99 calories, which is comparable to the calorie count in light beer. While some newer brands have introduced non-alcoholic beers with lower calorie counts, ranging from as few as 17 calories to around 60-90 calories, it is still a significant amount, especially if multiple drinks are consumed. These empty calories can add up quickly, contributing to excess energy intake.

In addition to the high calorie content, non-alcoholic beer also contains a substantial amount of carbohydrates. For example, Coors Non-Alcoholic has 58 calories and 12.2 grams of carbohydrates, while Heineken 0.0 contains 69 calories and 16 grams of carbs. This high carbohydrate content is often due to the added sugar in non-alcoholic beers, which is used to improve the taste after the alcohol has been removed. As a result, non-alcoholic beers tend to have more than twice the amount of carbohydrates as regular beers.

The combination of high calories and carbohydrates in non-alcoholic beer can be particularly concerning for children. Pediatrician Dr. Bruce Tasios cautions against giving non-alcoholic beer to children, stating that it is "on par with sodas and other unhealthy drinks." These drinks are not the best choices for children in terms of physical health and nutrition. While non-alcoholic beer may be a suitable option for adults looking to reduce their alcohol intake, it is not a nutritious beverage for children and can contribute to excess calorie and carbohydrate consumption.

It is worth noting that non-alcoholic beer may also contain small amounts of alcohol, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allows non-alcoholic beer to contain up to 0.5% alcohol by volume. This can be especially harmful to children, as even small amounts of alcohol can have negative effects on their developing brains and bodies. Therefore, it is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the potential risks and make informed decisions regarding their children's consumption of non-alcoholic beer.

It may not be the best option for people in recovery from alcohol addiction

In the United States, minors under the age of 21 can consume non-alcoholic beverages (beers with less than 0.5% ABV). However, the laws surrounding the purchase of non-alcoholic beer by minors vary from state to state. While some states allow minors to purchase non-alcoholic beer, others do not.

Non-alcoholic beer is often presented as a safe alternative to alcoholic beverages. However, it may not be the best option for people in recovery from alcohol addiction. While non-alcoholic beer might not get you drunk, it still contains alcohol. Research suggests that many non-alcoholic beers contain more alcohol than their labels indicate. According to a 2010 study, 29% of the beverages tested had higher alcohol levels than stated on their labels, and six beverages claiming to be alcohol-free were found to contain more than 1% alcohol.

The smell and taste of non-alcoholic beer may be enough to trigger a relapse in some individuals. The ritual around drinking can be almost as addictive as the drinking itself for some people in recovery. Tasting beer can trigger euphoric recall, which is the memory of the good times associated with drinking. This can lead to cravings and a subsequent relapse.

Additionally, the addictive potential of non-alcoholic beer lies in the psychological aspects, such as the routine, taste, or context associated with drinking, rather than the alcohol itself. For those with a history of alcohol addiction, drinking non-alcoholic beer might trigger cravings or lead to a relapse if it reactivates old behavioural patterns.

Therefore, it is essential for individuals in recovery from alcohol addiction to be cautious and consult with their healthcare provider or addiction specialist before consuming non-alcoholic beer. While some people in recovery may be able to consume non-alcoholic beer without issues, for others, it may pose a risk of relapse. It is crucial to know your triggers and make informed decisions that support your sobriety and long-term recovery.

There are differing state-by-state rules about the sale and service of non-alcoholic beer to a minor

The laws surrounding the purchase and consumption of non-alcoholic beverages for minors vary across the United States. While the federal government permits minors to consume non-alcoholic beverages, each state has its own regulations surrounding the sale and service of these drinks to minors.

In some states, such as Mississippi, North Dakota, and Ohio, only those aged 18 and above are allowed to drink non-alcoholic beer. In other states, such as Oregon, West Virginia, and Wyoming, minors are prohibited from purchasing non-alcoholic beer but may be able to consume it under certain conditions, such as with parental permission or in the presence of a parent or guardian.

The laws in other states, such as Alabama, are less clear. In "wet" counties, the sale of non-alcoholic beer to minors may not be regulated, while in "dry" counties, the sale is prohibited. Additionally, some states, like Kansas, have laws that prohibit the consumption of any "cereal malt beverage," which could be interpreted to include non-alcoholic beer.

Retail stores and online retailers often require customers to be at least 21 years old to purchase non-alcoholic beer to avoid legal complications and potential penalties for selling to underage persons. Ultimately, the regulations surrounding the sale and service of non-alcoholic beer to minors differ from state to state, and even within counties and cities within a state.

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