Non-alcoholic beer has become an increasingly popular alternative to alcoholic beer in recent years, with sales rising 39% in 2019 and 38% in 2020. But how does it compare to its alcoholic counterpart in terms of calorie content?

Well, it's complicated. Non-alcoholic beers can have just as many, if not more, calories than regular beers. This is because they often contain added sugar to improve the taste, which results in a higher calorie count. However, newer brands of non-alcoholic beers are bucking this trend and contain fewer calories and carbs than standard alcoholic beers.

So, if you're looking to cut down on calories, be sure to read the nutrition label before cracking open a bottle or can of non-alcoholic beer.

Characteristics and Values of Non-Alcoholic Beer

Non-alcoholic beer has a similar calorie count to light beer

Non-alcoholic beer typically has a calorie count ranging from 60 to 120 calories. In comparison, light beers tend to contain 95 to 120 calories. The calorie count of non-alcoholic beer can vary depending on the brand and the brewing process. For example, a 330ml bottle of Carlsberg "0.0" has 73 calories, while a 330ml bottle of Peroni Libera Alcohol Free has around 10 grams of sugar, which exceeds the recommended daily sugar intake of 30 grams.

The calorie content of non-alcoholic beer is influenced by the addition of sugar, which is necessary to improve the taste after the removal of alcohol. As a result, non-alcoholic beers often contain more than twice as many carbohydrates as alcoholic beers. Therefore, while non-alcoholic beer may have a similar calorie count to light beer, it is important to note that it tends to have a higher carbohydrate content.

When considering the health benefits of non-alcoholic beer, it is important to remember that it still contains calories and carbohydrates, albeit fewer than regular beer. Additionally, non-alcoholic beer can help reduce alcohol consumption and improve sleep quality. However, it is not a good option for those looking to reduce their calorie intake, as the added sugar contributes to the calorie count.

In conclusion, non-alcoholic beer has a similar calorie count to light beer, but it is important to consider the higher carbohydrate content and the presence of added sugar. While it can be a healthier alternative to regular beer, it is not a health drink and should be consumed in moderation.

Non-alcoholic beer is not a health drink

Non-alcoholic beer is made by removing the alcohol from regular beer, which can be done through heating the beer or using a filtration system. This process can significantly alter the flavour, so sugar is often added to improve the taste. As a result, non-alcoholic beers tend to have more than twice the amount of carbohydrates as regular beer, usually in the form of added sugar. This means that non-alcoholic beer is not a good option for people looking to reduce their calorie intake.

Additionally, non-alcoholic beer often contains more alcohol than its label claims. A study of 45 beverages claiming to contain no or low alcohol content found that nearly 30% of them had more alcohol than stated, with some beverages labelled as 0.0% ABV containing up to 1.8% ABV. This is particularly important for pregnant women, as drinking alcohol while pregnant is a leading cause of birth defects. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends zero alcohol intake during pregnancy to eliminate the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

While non-alcoholic beer may be a good option for people looking to reduce their alcohol intake, it is not a health drink and should not be considered a healthy choice.

Calories in Non-Alcoholic Beer

Non-alcoholic beer has a similar calorie count to light beer, ranging from as few as 17 calories to 80 or 90 calories. By comparison, commercial beers typically fall in the 140 to 170-calorie range, with light beers hovering around 100 calories. However, higher ABV beers, such as IPAs and stouts, can pack as many as 300 calories in a pint.

• Athletic Free Wave Hazy IPA: 70 calories
• Bush NA: 60 calories
• Coors Non-Alcoholic: 58 calories
• Heineken 0.0: 69 calories
• Miller Sharp’s: 58 calories

Non-alcoholic beer is not always 0.0% ABV

Non-alcoholic beer is often thought to be completely free of alcohol, but this is not always the case. In the United States, beverages containing less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) are legally considered non-alcoholic. This means that non-alcoholic beers can contain up to 0.5% ABV and still be sold as non-alcoholic.

While most non-alcoholic beers are advertised as having 0.0% ABV, a study of 45 beverages claiming to contain no or low alcohol content revealed that nearly 30% of them contained more alcohol than stated. Six beverages labelled as 0.0% ABV were found to contain alcohol, with levels up to 1.8% ABV. This is particularly concerning for pregnant women, as even small amounts of alcohol can lead to pregnancy complications and developmental issues.

The reason non-alcoholic beers sometimes contain alcohol is due to the production process. Most non-alcoholic beers are made by removing the alcohol from regular beer, which can be done through heating or filtration methods. However, it can be difficult to remove all traces of alcohol, and some alcohol may remain in the final product.

Additionally, non-alcoholic beers may not be a good option for people looking to reduce their calorie intake. They often contain similar amounts of calories as regular beer due to the added sugar used to improve the taste.

So, while non-alcoholic beers are a great option for people looking to reduce their alcohol intake, it's important to be aware that they may still contain small amounts of alcohol and are not always completely alcohol-free.

Non-alcoholic beer may be healthier than alcoholic beer

Non-alcoholic beer is a healthier alternative to alcoholic beer for several reasons. Firstly, it contains fewer calories. While a pint of beer typically contains around 200 calories, non-alcoholic beers can range from as few as 17 to 80 or 90 calories. This is because most of the calories in beer come from alcohol, so removing it significantly reduces the calorie count.

Secondly, non-alcoholic beer can improve your health in several ways. It hydrates instead of dehydrates, as it doesn't have the diuretic effect of alcoholic drinks. It also contains electrolytes, which can aid in post-workout recovery by reducing inflammation and strengthening the immune system. Additionally, it can promote better sleep and reduce anxiety thanks to the hops it contains, which have a sedative effect.

Thirdly, non-alcoholic beer can help you cut down on your drinking. It provides the same sensory cues as full-strength beer, leading your body to produce dopamine, but without the negative consequences of alcohol. This makes it a good option for those looking to reduce their alcohol intake or maintain sobriety.

Finally, non-alcoholic beer is safer for certain populations. It is generally considered safe for pregnant women to drink, as it typically contains very low or no alcohol. It is also a better option for those who are driving, as it won't impair your ability to drive home.

However, it's important to note that non-alcoholic beer is not always a healthier choice. Some non-alcoholic beers are higher in calories, and they often contain more carbohydrates and sugar than regular beer. Additionally, they may not be suitable for those recovering from alcoholism, as they can still contain small amounts of alcohol.

Non-alcoholic beer is not a good option for reducing calorie intake

Non-alcoholic beer is often marketed as a healthier alternative to alcoholic beer, but is it really a good option for reducing calorie intake? The short answer is no. While non-alcoholic beers may contain slightly fewer calories than their alcoholic counterparts, they are not a significant source of nutrition and may even contain more carbohydrates and sugar.

Firstly, it is important to understand that non-alcoholic beers are not completely calorie-free. The calorie content of non-alcoholic beers can range from as few as 17 calories to around 100 calories per serving. In comparison, regular beers typically contain anywhere from 145 to 175 calories, with some craft brews topping 200 calories. So, while non-alcoholic beers may have slightly fewer calories, the difference is not substantial enough to make a significant impact on calorie reduction.

Additionally, many non-alcoholic beers contain added sugar to improve their flavour, resulting in higher carbohydrate content. In fact, non-alcoholic beers can contain more than twice as many carbohydrates as alcoholic beers. For example, a 330ml bottle of Carlsberg "0.0" has 73 calories, but it also has 12.2 grams of carbohydrates, which is more than twice the amount found in a regular Carlsberg beer. This added sugar can quickly exceed the recommended daily intake of sugar, as set by organisations like the NHS, which recommend no more than 30g of sugar per day.

It is also worth noting that the health benefits of non-alcoholic beers may be overstated. While they can help reduce alcohol consumption, they do not provide significant nutritional value and are not a good source of polyphenols, as claimed by some. Polyphenols are plant compounds believed to improve digestion and protect against certain diseases, but the amount transferred from the hops and grain to the liquid is unclear. Furthermore, there are much better sources of polyphenols in the diet, such as fruits, vegetables, spices, tea, and dark chocolate.

Finally, while non-alcoholic beers may be a good alternative for those looking to reduce their alcohol intake, they are not a suitable replacement for those trying to cut back on calories. As previously mentioned, non-alcoholic beers contain empty calories and can add up if consumed in large quantities. Additionally, the presence of carbohydrates and sugar in these beverages can impact blood sugar levels and may not be suitable for those following a low-carb or low-sugar diet.

In conclusion, while non-alcoholic beer may have slightly fewer calories than alcoholic beer, it is not a good option for reducing calorie intake due to its high carbohydrate and sugar content. These beverages can still impact blood sugar levels and are not a significant source of nutrition. Therefore, if calorie reduction is the goal, there are much better alternatives to choose from.

Frequently asked questions