Sometimes, all you want is to sit back and crack open an ice cold beer. The problem is, you may not want to feel inebriated or to risk a compromised athletic performance. Or, you may simply dislike the taste of alcohol. Not to worry: There are a number of non-alcoholic beers on the market, including brews to satisfy even the most particular of palettes.
We sampled some of the top contenders and developed a list of our favorites. Here are the 10 best non-alcoholic beer products available today.
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The Best Non-Alcoholic Beer - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Non-Alcoholic Beer: Athletic Brewing Upside Dawn Golden
- Best Non-Alcoholic IPA: Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects IPA
- Best Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer: Partake Brewing Blonde Ale
- Best Non-Alcoholic Wheat Beer: Wellbeing Brewing Heavenly Body Golden Wheat
- Best Non-Alcoholic Stout: Bravus Oatmeal Stout
- Best Gluten-Free Non-Alcoholic Beer: Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher
- Best Sour Non-Alcoholic Beer: Bravus Raspberry Gose
- Best Non-Alcoholic Lager: Heiniken 0.0
- Best Low-Calorie Non-Alcoholic Beer: Suntory All-Free
- Best Non-Alcoholic Hazy IPA: Sam Adams Just the Haze
Best Overall Non-Alcoholic Beer - Athletic Brewing Upside Dawn Golden
SPECS
- Calories: N/A
- Volume: 12 oz.
For crisp flavor and light-bodied drinkability, grab a can or two of the incredible Athletic Brewing Upside Dawn Golden. (There are several excellent flavors available in this line, but the citrusy Upside Dawn is our favorite.) Gluten-free, low in calories, and incredibly smooth in its finish, this is just what you want from a non-alcoholic beer.
What We Like
- Fat-free and low-calorie
- Gluten-free
- Crisp, citrusy flavor and smooth, light-bodied texture
- Made with organic malts
- Vegan
What We Don’t Like
- Higher price point
- Not recommended if you prefer darker beers
BUY: Athletic Brewing Upside Dawn Golden
Best Non-Alcoholic IPA - Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects IPA
SPECS
- Calories: N/A
- Volume: 12 oz.
Looking for a killer IPA without the intoxicating effects (or high calorie count) that come with alcohol? Try the Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects IPA, one of the most popular non-alcoholic brews on the market. A great pick for anyone who wants craft flavor with near-zero ABV.
What We Like
- Great, hoppy IPA flavor
- Modest price point
- Psychedelic packaging
What We Don’t Like
- No 12 packs available
- May be too hoppy for some
BUY: Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects IPA
Best Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer - Partake Brewing Blonde Ale
SPECS
- Calories: 15
- Volume: 12 oz.
For that premium craft beer flavor and less than 0.5 percent ABV, grab a pack of the Partake Brewing Blonde Ale. Not only does it boast excellent flavor, but at 15 calories per can, it’s an incredibly diet-conscious option. And, with such a light and smooth finish, this is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.
What We Like
- Light, smooth finish
- Very low calorie count
- Premium craft beer flavor and quality
What We Don’t Like
- Higher price point
- So full-bodied that you may be full after just one can
BUY: Partake Brewing Blonde Ale
Best Non-Alcoholic Wheat Beer - Wellbeing Brewing Heavenly Body Golden Wheat
SPECS
- Calories: 68
- Volume: 12 oz.
The Wellbeing Brewing Heavenly Body Golden Wheat is our top pick for wheat-based, alcohol-free beer. Sugar-free, vegan, and non-GMO, this beer is one you can enjoy without a lot of guilt. And we love the full-bodied flavor.
What We Like
- No sugar
- Vegan
- Low calorie count
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients
What We Don’t Like
- Higher price point
- Golden wheat flavor can be an acquired taste
BUY: Wellbeing Brewing Heavenly Body Golden Wheat
Best Non-Alcoholic Stout - Bravus Oatmeal Stout
SPECS
- Calories: 99
- Volume: 12 oz.
The Bravus Oatmeal Stout is just the thing for when you want a hearty, filling brew. It drinks like a meal, despite having basically no alcohol, fewer than 100 calories per can, and no gluten. There are several flavors to choose from, but this basic oatmeal stout is the one we prefer.
What We Like
- Low calorie count
- Gluten-free
- Hearty and robust
- Decent price point
What We Don’t Like
- Though it has fewer calories than alcoholic beers, it has more calories than other non-alcoholic competitors
- Boring packaging
Best Gluten-Free Non-Alcoholic Beer - Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher
SPECS
- Calories: 0
- Volume: 12 oz.
One of the great things about non-alcoholic beers is that many of them accommodate a gluten-free diet. Not only is the Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher free of gluten, but it’s also free of calories and sugars. It’s just the thing for when you want a quick spritz of something light and refreshing without having to worry about it contributing to a beer gut.
What We Like
- Zero calories
- Gluten-free
- No sugar
- Refreshing, hoppy flavor
What We Don’t Like
- Only comes in four-packs
- No cans available
- May be too light for some
BUY: Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher
Best Sour Non-Alcoholic Beer - Bravus Raspberry Gose
SPECS
- Calories: 80
- Volume: 12 oz.
For fans of sour beers, the Bravus Raspberry Gose is a tantalizing, tart, alcohol-free alternative. This vegan brew is low in calories and has a nice, bright finish. It’s an easy drinker that goes well with almost any meal.
What We Like
- Vegan
- Low in calories
- Bright, tart, slightly dry finish
What We Don’t Like
- Only comes in 6-packs
- May be too tart for some
Best Non-Alcoholic Lager - Heineken 0.0
SPECS
- Calories: N/A
- Volume: 11.2 oz.
Not only is the Heineken 0.0 an excellent lager, but it also has zero percent alcohol content—a rarity even among non-alcoholic beers. The fruity, soft-malt flavor is the real reason to try it, though. It’s incredibly easy to drink, without any risk of intoxication.
What We Like
- Zero ABV
- Refreshing, fruity flavor
- Pairs well with any meal
What We Don’t Like
- High price point
- Only available in 6-packs
Best Low-Calorie Non-Alcoholic Beer - Suntory All-Free
SPECS
- Calories: 0
- Volume: 11.8 oz.
Looking for a beer that’s not just free of alcohol but also free of calories? Check out Suntory All-Free, a Japanese import that boasts an incredibly light, crisp, refreshing, and guilt-free flavor. It’s an extremely tasty beverage, especially when you consider that it’s got a 0.0 percent AVC and no added sugars or sweeteners.
What We Like
- No alcohol, calories, or sugars
- Ultra-light, ultra-crisp finish
- Excellent choice for a really hot day
What We Don’t Like
- May be too light for some
- Only available in 6-packs
Best Non-Alcoholic Hazy IPA - Sam Adams Just the Haze
SPECS
- Calories: N/A
- Volume: 12 oz.
Hankering for something hazy? The Sam Adams Just the Haze maxes out on flavor, without the need for alcohol or tons of added sweeteners. The malty, juicy flavor is just right, making this an ideal non-alcoholic option for almost any occasion.
What We Like
- Great, malty flavor
- Refreshing finish
- Excellent pick for IPA fans
What We Don’t Like
- May be too hoppy for some
- Only available in 6-packs
The Benefits of Non-Alcoholic Beer
There are a number of potential benefits to drinking non-alcoholic beer, including the following:
- Today’s non-alcoholic beers are leaps and bounds better than previous generations, providing awesome taste and a range of flavor options.
- As you look for opportunities to cut back on calories or alcohol consumption, switching to non-alcoholic beers can be a great option.
- Alcoholic beers contain fewer calories than regular beers, even light beers, which means they can be a good pick if you’re looking to lose weight or reduce belly flab.
- Though there are trace amounts of alcohol found in most non-alcoholic beers, it won’t be enough to get you intoxicated.
FAQs About Non-Alcoholic Beer
Does non-alcoholic beer have trace amounts of alcohol?
A majority of non-alcoholic beers do contain trace amounts of alcohol. In fact, while many non-alcoholic beer manufacturers advertise their products with zero percent alcohol, the reality is that it’s usually closer to 0.5 percent. By contrast, the typical alcoholic beer has an alcohol content of around 5 percent or more.
Does non-alcoholic beer have fewer calories?
While calorie content can vary depending on the specific ingredient list, most non-alcoholic beers do have fewer calories than the average beer, even the average light beer.
What should I look for in non-alcoholic beer?
Choosing the best non-alcoholic beer is largely a matter of personal preference: What type of beer do you prefer? What calorie count do you want? What flavor profile is most pleasing to your taste buds?
Is it OK to drink non-alcoholic beer every day?
As with anything, moderation is key. Even the trace amounts of alcohol found in non-alcoholic beers can potentially have an adverse effect on the liver, assuming you drink too heavily. Additionally, non-alcoholic beers do have calories to worry about.