Can 0% Beer Get You Drunk? Unpacking the Truth Behind Non-Alcoholic Drinks

December 16, 2025 •

4 min read

Global sales of non-alcoholic beer were valued at around $18 billion in 2020 and are projected to rise significantly, yet many still wonder: can 0% beer get you drunk? The simple answer is no, because the human body efficiently processes the minute alcohol traces much faster than they can accumulate to intoxicating levels.

Quick Summary

Zero-alcohol and non-alcoholic beers contain too little alcohol to cause intoxication. The body's rapid metabolism prevents a significant blood alcohol concentration, making getting drunk impossible.

Key Points

Virtually Impossible to Get Drunk: The trace amounts of alcohol in non-alcoholic beer are processed by your body too quickly to cause intoxication.
Not Always Truly 0.0%: "Non-alcoholic" often means less than 0.5% ABV, while "alcohol-free" signifies 0.0% ABV, though even that can have near-zero traces.
Production Matters: Methods like dealcoholization or limited fermentation are used to create non-alcoholic beer, with some affecting the final sugar content.
Benefits with Caveats: NA beer can be hydrating and lower in calories than regular beer, but some versions may be high in sugar.
Caution for Certain Groups: Those in recovery or pregnant women should exercise caution, as trace alcohol and the taste/ritual can be problematic.
Negligible Breathalyzer Impact: It's highly unlikely that consuming non-alcoholic beer will cause you to fail a breathalyzer test for driving, though trace amounts might register.
Healthier Alternative: Swapping regular beer for its non-alcoholic counterpart reduces the health risks associated with alcohol consumption.

Demystifying the "0%" Label

When you see a beer labeled "0%" or "non-alcoholic," it's essential to understand what that actually means. In many regions, a beverage can be labeled non-alcoholic if it contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). While this is a trace amount, it's not zero. For context, many common foods, such as ripe fruit and bread, also contain naturally occurring, trace amounts of alcohol. A true "alcohol-free" beverage is a 0.0% ABV product, but achieving a scientifically absolute zero is difficult and often unnecessary for practical purposes.

The key distinction is that the body's natural metabolic processes, specifically in the liver, are incredibly efficient at breaking down this minimal amount of alcohol. Long before enough non-alcoholic beer could be consumed to raise blood alcohol levels to a noticeable degree, your body would have already processed the alcohol content. One study showed participants drinking 1.5 litres of 0.4% ABV beer over an hour had blood traces 100 times lower than the legal driving limit.

How Non-Alcoholic Beer Is Made

Brewers use several methods to create non-alcoholic beer, which explains the subtle differences in flavor and the potential for trace alcohol. These techniques ensure the desired beer taste is retained while mitigating or removing the alcohol content.

Common Production Methods

Dealcoholization: This involves brewing a full-strength beer and then removing the alcohol. Methods include vacuum distillation, which evaporates the alcohol at low temperatures to preserve flavor, and reverse osmosis, which uses a membrane to filter out the alcohol.
Limited Fermentation: Brewers use special yeast strains or control the fermentation temperature to produce a very small amount of alcohol. In arrested fermentation, the process is stopped before the yeast can create significant alcohol levels.
No Fermentation: Some methods bypass fermentation entirely, blending beer-like flavors from malt and hops without introducing yeast. This guarantees a true 0.0% product but can result in a sweeter, less complex flavor profile.

Potential Health Benefits and Considerations

Choosing non-alcoholic beer can offer several health advantages over its boozy counterpart. However, it is not without its own set of considerations.

Benefits

Lower Calorie Count: With alcohol removed, non-alcoholic beers generally have fewer calories, making them a suitable option for weight management.
Hydration: Unlike regular beer, non-alcoholic varieties are hydrating and can help replenish fluids, which is why some athletes even drink them after exercise.
Rich in Nutrients: Many non-alcoholic beers contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the brewing process, contributing to overall health.

Considerations

Added Sugar: Some brewers add sugar to compensate for lost flavor during the dealcoholization process, which can increase the calorie and sugar content significantly.
Blood Sugar Impact: Studies suggest that the sugar content in some non-alcoholic beers, particularly certain wheat beers or fruit blends, can spike blood sugar and insulin levels.
Recovery Trigger: For individuals with alcohol use disorder, the taste and ritual of drinking non-alcoholic beer can sometimes trigger cravings and complicate sobriety efforts.

The Verdict: Can Non-Alcoholic Beer Get You Drunk?

Ultimately, consuming non-alcoholic beer will not get you drunk. The science is clear: your body's metabolism is too fast and the alcohol content is too low for a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to build up to intoxicating levels. Even drinking an unrealistic number of non-alcoholic beers in a short period would not achieve the effect of a single standard alcoholic beer. For the vast majority of consumers, non-alcoholic beer is a safe and enjoyable alternative that offers the flavor and experience of beer without the risks associated with alcohol intoxication.

It is always wise to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially for pregnant individuals or those with specific health conditions. More information on safe alcohol consumption limits can be found at resources such as Drinkaware.

Comparison: Non-Alcoholic vs. Regular Beer


Feature	Non-Alcoholic Beer (<0.5% ABV)	Regular Beer (~5% ABV)
Intoxication Risk	Virtually zero. Metabolism outpaces intake.	High, depending on consumption.
Calories	Often lower, but varies by product due to added sugar.	Typically higher, primarily from alcohol.
Sugar Content	Can be higher due to added sugars for flavor.	Generally lower unless a specialty brew.
Hydration	Net hydrating effect.	Dehydrating due to diuretic effect of alcohol.
Social Inclusion	Allows participation in drinking rituals without impairment.	Can lead to social pressure and potential overconsumption.
Legality	Generally legal to consume while driving. Trace amounts may show on breathalyzer.	Impairs driving and carries significant legal risks.
Health Impact	Benefits include vitamins and antioxidants; risks from excess sugar.	Significant health risks associated with excessive alcohol intake.

Conclusion

In summary, the notion that you can get drunk on 0% beer is a myth. The minimal trace of alcohol, often less than what is found in everyday fermented products, is metabolized by your body almost immediately. While it's crucial to be aware of the potential for higher sugar content in some varieties, non-alcoholic beer provides a safe, flavor-rich alternative for enjoying the ritual of having a beer without the risk of intoxication. Whether for health reasons, sobriety, or simply as a choice for designated driving, non-alcoholic options have firmly established their place in the beverage market as a guilt-free indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is extremely unlikely that you will fail a breathalyzer test after drinking non-alcoholic beer. The trace amounts of alcohol are metabolized almost immediately. However, some sensitive devices might register a minute amount, so always be mindful of local laws regarding any alcohol consumption while driving.

Not always. Most non-alcoholic beer is labeled as having less than 0.5% ABV, meaning it contains a trace amount of alcohol. Products labeled "alcohol-free" are closer to 0.0% ABV, but due to brewing processes, a technically absolute zero is almost impossible.

It is nearly impossible. Your body metabolizes the alcohol in non-alcoholic beer so rapidly that a significant blood alcohol level cannot accumulate. You would need to drink an impractical amount—such as 20 or more in a short period—to reach the alcohol equivalent of a single regular beer.

Non-alcoholic beer is generally a healthier choice as it lacks the negative effects of high alcohol consumption. However, some can be high in sugar and calories, so it is important to check the nutritional label, especially for individuals with metabolic conditions.

Many health organizations recommend complete abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy due to potential risks, even with trace amounts. While some argue the amount is negligible, it is best to consult a doctor and opt for beverages labeled 0.0% ABV if you choose to consume them.

Yes, for some individuals in recovery, the taste, smell, and ritual of drinking a beer-like beverage can trigger cravings. This is a personal matter, and those in recovery should decide based on their own comfort and sobriety journey.

Some brewers add sugar to enhance the flavor of non-alcoholic beer, which can be affected during the dealcoholization process. This can result in a higher sugar and calorie count than regular beer.