The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer

As you probably know, the number of breweries around the US is rapidly growing.  But what you probably don’t know is that the same can be said for non-alcoholic craft breweries.  People in the US are starting to open up to the idea of drinking non-alcoholic beers. 

Why are consumers changing their habits?

Ruby Warrington’s book, “Sober Curious” talks about all the health benefits of consuming less alcohol.  Many millennials are taking this to heart.  More people are becoming conscious of their physical and mental health and cutting alcohol can have great effects on both.  The choice to cut alcohol can be hard for some.  A lot of social situations are centered around drinking.  Whether it’s meeting friends or co-workers out for a drink.  We feel a lot of pressure to drink on a daily basis.  Non-alcoholic beer provides a great solution for those who want to remain social and healthy.  For a while, drinking non-alcoholic beer was something embarrassing. You would often get snide questions from others or receive the occasional jab in the ribs for ordering one. But as people weigh the benefits of non-alcoholic beer to the consequences of being the butt of a joke, they’re finding that it really doesn’t matter. In the end who cares what others think? 

Craft breweries are taking note and opening up all over the US with some focusing solely on non-alcoholic beer.  Brewing companies like Athletic, Bravus, and Wellbeing are filling a gap in the market for delicious non-alcoholic beer.  Other breweries are adding 1 or 2 non- alcoholic beers to their line up.

What is the difference between alcohol free beer and non-alcoholic beer?

Alcohol Free (AF) must be verified that there is no detectable amount of alcohol, so less than .05%.  This is perfect for those who do not want to consume any alcohol.  Non-alcohol (NA) or some refer to near beer.  This must have less than .5% alcohol. It is essentially impossible for non-alcoholic beer to make you intoxicated, this is because of how small the ABV percentage is versus how quickly the body can process the alcohol.  Your body processes it almost as quickly as you drink it so your blood alcohol level cannot build up to a point where you feel drunk. However, it is important to remember that, even though non-alcoholic beer cannot strictly speaking get you drunk, your liver still has to process the alcohol that these drinks contain.  It is important to note that in the US ‘alcohol-free’ means anything under .5%, so if you are concerned about alcohol amounts, it is always important to check the labels.

Non-alcoholic beer gives people the freedom to socialize and remain healthy while enjoying the great taste of a bottle of suds.  So if you are wondering what non-alcoholic beer has to offer, go ahead and order one. You’re an adult and no one should control your actions. Be curious. Be responsible. But most importantly, be free to do whatever you want!

Sources:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiwcoI0ZIn4