Can you get a buzz from athletic beer?

Most non-alcoholic beers, including those from brands like Athletic Brewing, contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), an amount so minimal it's comparable to naturally occurring alcohol in foods like ripe bananas. This trace level is legally permitted for beverages labeled as 'non-alcoholic' in the U.S. and other regions.

Quick Summary

An analysis of the alcohol content in non-alcoholic beer and its physiological effects. This includes a review of regulations, brewing methods, and potential impacts on the body. It also compares near beer to regular beer, outlines key health benefits, and dispels myths surrounding intoxication from these beverages.

Key Points

• No Intoxication: It is not possible to get a buzz or become intoxicated from Athletic beer or other beverages with less than 0.5% ABV.

• Trace Alcohol Content: Non-alcoholic beers contain a negligible amount of alcohol, comparable to the levels found in ripe fruits like bananas.

• Advanced Brewing Methods: Modern NA beers use proprietary brewing techniques to ensure a low ABV while preserving the full beer flavor.

• Numerous Health Benefits: NA beers offer health advantages like lower calories, post-workout recovery support, and antioxidant properties.

• Caution for Specific Groups: Individuals in recovery from alcoholism, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions should consult a doctor before consumption.

• Growing Mindful Drinking Trend: The rise of NA beer is fueled by a growing consumer demand for healthier, non-impairing lifestyle alternatives.

Understanding the 'Non-Alcoholic' Label

Many people are surprised to learn that 'non-alcoholic' beer is not entirely devoid of alcohol. The term refers to beverages with an alcohol content typically capped at 0.5% ABV. This regulatory threshold exists because achieving a true 0.0% ABV is often difficult using traditional brewing processes. The very small amount of alcohol present is processed by the body so quickly that it's nearly impossible to experience any intoxicating effect, or 'buzz,' from it.

The brewing methods for non-alcoholic (NA) beer are designed to control or remove alcohol content. Some brewers use specialized yeasts that cease fermentation at a low ABV. Other methods involve removing alcohol from a fully fermented beer through processes like vacuum distillation or reverse osmosis. Athletic Brewing, for example, utilizes a proprietary method that allows for full fermentation but keeps the ABV below the 0.5% threshold. These techniques are crucial for retaining the flavor and aroma of traditional beer, which is a major reason for the popularity of modern NA craft beers.

The Science Behind a 'Buzz'

A 'buzz' is caused by ethanol entering the bloodstream and affecting the central nervous system. To achieve this, a person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) must reach a certain level. For non-alcoholic beer, the rate at which the body metabolizes this trace amount of alcohol far outpaces the rate of ingestion, making a buzz unattainable. A study referenced by the BBC, involving participants drinking 1.5 liters of 0.4% ABV beer, found blood alcohol traces were 100 times lower than the legal driving limit. You would be at a greater risk of water intoxication from overconsumption than from the alcohol content itself. This physiological reality is why NA beer is a popular choice for designated drivers or those aiming to reduce their alcohol intake without missing out on the social aspect of drinking beer.

Health Benefits of Non-Alcoholic Beer

Beyond avoiding a buzz, switching to NA beer offers several health advantages, making it an attractive option for the health-conscious consumer or 'sober curious' individual.

• Lower Calorie Count: Non-alcoholic beers generally contain significantly fewer calories and carbohydrates than their alcoholic counterparts. Athletic Lite, for instance, has only 25 calories per can. This makes it a great choice for weight management.
• Workout Recovery: Certain NA beers contain carbohydrates and electrolytes, making them a functional recovery beverage post-exercise. Studies have shown they can help reduce inflammation and boost immune function in athletes. Some non-alcoholic beers are even isotonic, meaning they replace lost fluids more efficiently than water.
• Antioxidant Properties: The brewing process retains many of the beneficial compounds found in hops and malt, such as polyphenols. These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and can contribute to improved cardiovascular and gut health.
• Hydration: As NA beer is primarily water-based, it can contribute positively to overall hydration. The trace amounts of electrolytes further assist in maintaining fluid balance.

Comparison: Non-Alcoholic vs. Regular Beer

Feature	Non-Alcoholic Beer (<0.5% ABV)	Regular Beer (~5% ABV)
Intoxication Risk	Effectively zero; no buzz achievable.	High, depending on quantity consumed.
Calorie Count	Significantly lower, often 25-70 calories per can.	Much higher, typically 150+ calories per can.
Health Benefits	Often contains antioxidants, aids hydration, and promotes gut health.	Alcohol consumption has negative health impacts, though some beer ingredients can offer benefits.
Workout Recovery	Can act as an isotonic recovery drink due to electrolytes and carbs.	Hinders recovery and dehydrates the body.
Mental & Physical Impairment	None, safe for driving and operating machinery.	Impairs judgment, coordination, and poses risks for activities like driving.
Trigger for Addiction	Potential trigger for recovering alcoholics due to taste and smell.	Primary cause of alcohol-related health issues and addiction.
Social Inclusion	Allows participation in social settings without alcohol.	Standard for many social drinking events.

Cautions and Considerations

While NA beer is safe for most people, certain individuals should exercise caution. For those in recovery from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), the taste, smell, and ritual of drinking NA beer could serve as a trigger for relapse. This is a psychological factor that should not be underestimated. Additionally, some brands, especially those not committed to a true 0.0% ABV, may not be suitable for those with pre-existing liver conditions or for pregnant women, despite the minimal alcohol content.

It is always prudent for individuals with specific health concerns to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating NA beer into their routine. This is particularly true for those on medication, as even trace amounts of alcohol can interact with certain drugs.

The Rise of the Mindful Drinker

The burgeoning market for NA beers, spearheaded by brands like Athletic Brewing, reflects a broader cultural shift towards more mindful drinking. Consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives that align with a healthier lifestyle, whether it's for weight management, athletic performance, or simply reducing their overall alcohol intake. The quality and variety of NA beers have improved dramatically, moving beyond the traditional stigma associated with 'near beer'. This allows individuals to enjoy the sensory experience of a craft brew without compromising their health goals.

Conclusion

In short, you cannot get a buzz from athletic beer. The negligible alcohol content of less than 0.5% ABV is metabolized far too quickly by the body to produce any intoxicating effect. This makes NA beers a genuinely viable, safe, and even beneficial alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages for the majority of the population. They provide a flavorful and socially inclusive option for those seeking a healthier lifestyle, supporting fitness and well-being without the risks associated with alcohol consumption. The modern NA beer market caters to this demand with high-quality, award-winning products that deliver on taste and experience, minus the buzz.

Optional Outbound Link

For more detailed information on the health benefits of NA beer for athletes, explore research published on trusted scientific resources like the National Institutes of Health: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7772724/

Frequently Asked Questions

How much alcohol is in Athletic Brewing beer?

Athletic Brewing beer contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), which is the standard legal limit for non-alcoholic beverages in the United States.

Can drinking non-alcoholic beer show up on a breathalyzer?

While it's technically possible for a breathalyzer to detect trace amounts of alcohol after consuming a large volume of NA beer, the level would be far below any legal limit and would not indicate impairment.

Is non-alcoholic beer completely alcohol-free?

No, most non-alcoholic beers are not 0.0% alcohol-free but contain a trace amount, typically less than 0.5% ABV. Products labeled specifically as 'alcohol-free' or '0.0%' may contain no detectable alcohol.

Is non-alcoholic beer safe for pregnant women?

The CDC recommends no amount of alcohol is known to be safe during pregnancy. While the risk from NA beer is extremely low, medical advice is to avoid it entirely to be cautious.

Why is non-alcoholic beer often expensive?

Producing non-alcoholic beer can be more complex and time-intensive than brewing regular beer, often requiring specialized equipment and extra processing steps to remove the alcohol while retaining flavor.

Can a recovering alcoholic drink non-alcoholic beer?

It is generally advised that recovering alcoholics do not drink non-alcoholic beer, as the taste and aroma can trigger cravings and potentially lead to a relapse.

Does drinking NA beer make you tired?

Some research suggests that compounds in hops, like xanthohumol, may have relaxing and sedative effects that promote sleep, without being intoxicating.