Your Guide to the Growing Buzz of the Non-Alcoholic Beer Industry

Ale. Brew. Cold one. No matter what you call it, beer is a refreshing drink for quenching your thirst or socializing with friends. Still keep in mind that consuming too much alcohol can negatively impact your health, mood, and actions. That’s why if you're a beer drinker, you should welcome non-alcoholic beer to your beverage rotation.

Years ago, the phrase “non-alcoholic beer” conjured up visions of limited flavors and selections. Nowadays, though, more craft breweries and mainstream beer manufacturers are introducing new zero-proof beverages alongside their typical alcohol. Plus, a growing number of non-alcoholic businesses have introduced their drinks to the market.

In fact, the non-alcoholic beer market is expected to grow from $3.8 billion in 2016 to $4.7 billion by 2027 – that’s 22% in growth!

Earlier this month, beverage corporation Keurig Dr Pepper announced their $50 million investment in renowned non-alcoholic craft beer maker Athletic Brewing Company. That's a major step forward in the zero-proof beverage space for the giant that owns well-known brands such as Canada Dry, Green Mountain Coffee, and Snapple.

Whether you're sober or sober curious, learn more about non-alcoholic beer and why it can be a great addition to your own mindful bar.

What's behind the growth of non-alcoholic beer?

Non-alcoholic beverages have existed for years, especially catering toward customers who are living a sober lifestyle, avoiding alcohol for religious reasons, or being a responsible designated driver. One big reason for the more recent growth in non-alcoholic drinks is that people are becoming more health-conscious. They're looking for alternatives to alcohol, and they're finding that non-alcoholic beer is a great option.

What’s in a non-alcoholic beer?

Most non-alcoholic beers are made with malt and hops, just like typical beer, but they have little to no alcohol. That means they're safer to drink by people who are limiting their alcohol intake or avoiding it altogether.

How much alcohol is in non-alcoholic beer?

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration set the standard alcohol by volume (ABV) for non-alcoholic beers at 0.5%. For comparison, alcoholic beers contain around 5% ABV on average. You can also find some varieties of non-alcoholic beer claiming to contain 0% alcohol.

How is non-alcoholic beer made?

The process for making non-alcoholic beer is similar to making alcoholic beer. After steeping malt and hops in boiling hot water and fermenting the cooled-down brew, the concoction gets heated again to evaporate the alcohol. After chilling the liquid, the liquid becomes carbonated to make it more effervescent. Ta-da — then, you’ll have a non-alcoholic beer!

What are the benefits of drinking non-alcoholic beer?

Non-alcoholic beer is a thirst-quenching drink on your own or in social settings. Enjoy the taste of malt and hops without the buzz and negative effects of alcohol.

Can you drink non-alcoholic beer while pregnant?

Non-alcoholic beer may contain trace amounts of alcohol, so speak with your healthcare provider to see if drinking non-alcoholic beverages is safe for your pregnancy. There are other refreshing drinks out there that are guaranteed to be zero proof, such as low-sugar fruit juices.

Are there many types of non-alcoholic beer?

Just like there is a variety of alcoholic beers, the alcohol-free version also comes in a wide range from hoppy IPAs and crisp golden ales to toasty amber ales and rich stouts.

Where can you buy non-alcoholic beer?

Nowadays, you can find a wider variety of non-alcoholic beers at your local supermarket, beverage store, and even a growing number of bars. Plus, you can purchase these beverages online from non-alcoholic beverage websites or directly from the brewer's ecommerce store.

As you can see, now is an exciting time to experience non-alcoholic beer and have a taste of what the non-alcoholic beverage industry has to offer!

What are some of your favorite non-alcoholic beers? Let us know your recommendations in the comments below!