Is Non Alcoholic Beer Bad For You? A Closer Look

What Is Alcohol-Free Beer?

Alcohol-free beer is becoming increasingly popular, with almost one in three people drinking it semi-regularly, but is AF alcohol-free beer good or bad for you? The hope is that low or non-alcohol versions of our favourite beers will reduce alcohol problems, including drunk driving, and improve people’s general health. 

It’s interesting to consider the difference between a regular pint of beer and an alcohol-free alternative beyond the apparent absence of alcohol.

One of the primary differences between the two is the alcohol content. Beer’s alcohol content is a percentage of the whole drink or Alcohol by Volume (ABV). 

Regular beer typically contains anywhere between 4-6% ABV, while low-alcohol or alcohol-free beer usually has less than 0.5% ABV; this is an essential difference, as the alcohol content of beer can affect its taste, texture, and overall drinking experience.

Low-alcohol or alcohol-free beer is often lighter in flavour and texture than regular beer, with a crisper and refreshing taste. 

Additionally, low-alcohol or alcohol-free beer is often seen as a healthier alternative for those who don’t want to consume alcohol. However, it’s important to note that alcohol-free beer still contains some residual alcohol, albeit in small amounts.

How Is Alcohol-Free Beer Made?

There are several ways to make alcohol-free beer, including de-alcoholisation, fermentation-free brewing, dilution, and limited fermentation. Regardless of the method, alcohol-free beer always starts with mashing malted barley with hot water to extract the sugars and create a wort. 

The wort is then boiled with hops and undergoes fermentation, during which yeast converts the sugars into alcohol, carbon dioxide, and flavour compounds. 

Once fermentation is complete, the alcohol is removed using one of the above methods. 

It’s important to note that each method can impact the taste and texture of the final product. With the rising demand for alcohol-free beer, breweries are continually experimenting with new processes to create a high-quality product that meets the needs and preferences of their customers.

Do Alcoholic Beers And Non-Alcoholic Beers Taste The Same?

The realm of non-alcoholic beer is still a relatively young one. So, it is unsurprising to hear avid non-alcoholic beer drinkers talking about the recent strides made in making it tastier than ever. 

The truth is that non-alcoholic beer has gotten a bad rap for not having an enjoyable taste. Still, recently, due to more refined processing techniques, non-alcoholic brewers are getting closer and closer to the flavour of our favourite beers. 

Taste testers have claimed non-alcoholic beers to have a more substantial malt taste than their counterparts, known to have a fruitier palette. 

So, nowadays, no alcohol doesn’t mean no taste. 

Is Alcohol-Free Beer Alcohol-Free?

In recent years, the progress made in brewing techniques for alcohol-free beer has advanced quickly due to the ever-increasing demand for non-alcoholic beer. 

These advancements have opened new doors to producing genuinely alcohol-free beers with 0% alcohol content while enhancing the taste and quality of these beverages. 

The remarkable similarity in taste between alcohol-free beer and traditional beer is a testament to the industry’s hard work and dedication. 

This remarkable progress is a positive development for those who wish to enjoy beer’s rich taste without the harmful effects of alcohol.

Is Non-Alcoholic Beer Good For You?

It’s important to know that low-alcohol or alcohol-free beer has similar protein, carbohydrate, and sugar content to regular beer despite being alcohol-free. However, opting for low-alcohol beer can help you consume fewer calories as it has a lower alcohol content.

Beer is a source of naturally occurring plant compounds called polyphenols; the majority (about 70-80%) derive from malt. These polyphenols have numerous health benefits, such as supporting circulation, reducing blood pressure, and lowering inflammation. Thus, low-alcohol or alcohol-free beer can still provide some of these health benefits, even without the presence of alcohol.

Why Choose Non-Alcoholic Beer?

Alcohol consumption, even in moderate amounts, can pose a health risk and contribute to various health problems, including atrial fibrillation (AF). As such, many of us are now seeking out healthier alternatives to regular beer, such as low-alcohol or alcohol-free beer. 

The trend of consuming alcohol-free beer has been on the rise, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people have altered their drinking habits. 

Opting for low-alcohol or alcohol-free beer can be a prudent choice for those who wish to enjoy the taste of beer while reducing their alcohol intake.

How is Alcohol-Free Beer Bad For You?

Most of us may draw benefits from consuming less alcohol, but there are those of us who could find drawbacks when faced with a non-alcoholic beer, such as:

Triggers and Temptations

It’s worth noting that while low-alcohol or alcohol-free beer can be a healthier alternative for those who don’t want to consume alcohol, for some individuals, the taste of non-alcoholic beer can trigger cravings for its alcoholic counterpart, which can be a challenge for those trying to abstain from alcohol altogether.

Alcohol-Free Doesn’t Quite Mean Alcohol-Free

While non-alcoholic beer contains minimal alcohol, it’s important to note that it’s not entirely alcohol-free. It’s always essential to check the label and consult with a healthcare professional before consuming any alcoholic or non-alcoholic.

Alcohol-Free Isn’t Sugar-Free

When it comes to non-alcoholic beer, it’s essential to be mindful of some potential drawbacks. For instance, while it can be a healthy alternative for those looking to reduce their alcohol intake, some non-alcoholic beers may contain added sugars, which can contribute to an increase in calorie intake and may not be ideal for those watching their sugar levels. 

Low-Alcohol Doesn’t Mean High Consumption

While low-alcohol and alcohol-free beers can provide a healthier alternative to regular beer, it’s important to remember that moderation is still vital. Consuming them can lead to weight gain and other health-related issues. 

Instead of relying solely on beer to increase your polyphenol intake, consider incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices into your diet to achieve a more well-rounded and nutritious approach. By doing so, you can reap the health benefits of polyphenols while maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Alcohol-Free Beer Isn’t Safe For Everyone

Low-alcohol and alcohol-free beer have become popular alternatives for those looking to reduce their alcohol consumption while still enjoying the taste of beer. However, it’s essential to understand that some may have better choices.

Pregnant women must avoid all forms of alcohol, including alcohol-free beer, as there is still uncertainty about what level of alcohol intake is safe during pregnancy. Even though the alcohol content in alcohol-free beer is low, it’s still present and could potentially harm the developing fetus.

As mentioned in the triggers and temptations section, those who are alcohol-dependent or in recovery from alcoholism may want to avoid low-alcohol or alcohol-free beer as well. The small amount of alcohol present in these beverages may trigger cravings and increase the risk of a relapse, which could be detrimental to their recovery process.

It’s always essential to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, mainly if you fall into any of these categories, as they can help you make informed choices and provide personalised recommendations that consider your circumstances and health status.

I Am Struggling With My Alcohol Intake – Should I Consider Non-Alcoholic Beer?

If you are struggling with alcoholism or are in recovery, then non-alcoholic beer is not recommended, as non-alcoholic beer still contains alcohol.

What Other Options Are There for Reducing or Curbing Alcohol?

It’s important to acknowledge that reducing alcohol intake can be challenging for those who have developed a physical dependence. In such cases, seeking additional support may be necessary. 

Supplements can be a helpful aid in reducing alcohol cravings. Desistal, for example, offers a pill supplement that can assist in cutting down or quitting alcohol consumption altogether. It’s worth considering as part of a comprehensive strategy to overcome alcohol dependence.

What Is Desistal?

Desistal is a supplement pill that contains natural ingredients to help curb alcohol cravings. 

With Desistal, you can take a positive step towards a more productive and healthy lifestyle by making it easier to reduce drinking.

How Does Desistal Work?

Desistal is a supplement that can help reduce withdrawal symptoms. It works by providing your brain with a substance called acetate, which it needs to function correctly, and can help counteract the adverse effects of withdrawal and restore balance to your mind and body. 

Bacopa Monnieri has strains that can help with sleep, memory issues and brain fog.

Desistal can be a helpful tool for those trying to overcome addiction. 

How Do I Get Desistal Supplement?

We would love to assist you with inquiries about Desistal or other alcohol treatments. 

Our team of experienced staff is available to answer your questions and provide you with information about possible options in your local area. 

If you want our supplement, we can provide you with the necessary details to place an order on our website. 

We are committed to ensuring you receive the support and guidance you need to achieve your goals. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any concerns or questions.

Sources:

Everything You Need to Know About Nonalcoholic Beer – By Joy Manning