Does Guinness 0 have any alcohol at all?

December 9, 2025 •

2 min read

In the UK, alcohol-free drinks may contain up to 0.05% ABV, a regulation that sparks questions about its complete lack of alcohol. When it comes to the famous stout, many ask: does Guinness 0 have any alcohol at all?

Quick Summary

This article explores the actual alcohol content of Guinness 0, its production process using cold filtration, and the legal definitions of 'non-alcoholic' across different regions. It compares its nutritional profile to standard Guinness and addresses common concerns about trace amounts.

Key Points

Trace Alcohol Exists: Guinness 0 contains trace amounts of alcohol, typically less than 0.5% ABV in the US and below 0.05% ABV in the UK, but not enough to cause intoxication.
Advanced Cold Filtration: Alcohol is removed from the fully brewed beer using a cold filtration process that preserves the beer's authentic flavor and character.
Significant Calorie Reduction: Guinness 0 offers a substantial calorie saving compared to the regular stout, making it a healthier choice for those moderating intake.
Higher Sugar Content: To compensate for the body lost by removing alcohol, Guinness 0 has slightly more sugar and carbohydrates than the original, though the overall calorie count remains low.
Vegan-Friendly: The product is brewed without isinglass, making it a suitable choice for vegans.
Authentic Experience: Praised for its taste and creamy mouthfeel, Guinness 0 provides a surprisingly authentic experience for a non-alcoholic stout.
Inclusive Option: It caters to the growing market of 'sober curious' consumers and those looking for more inclusive beverage choices in social settings.

Deciphering the Alcohol Content of Guinness 0.0

While labeled as 0.0%, the actual alcohol by volume (ABV) of Guinness 0 can vary slightly depending on regional regulations. In the United States, beverages with less than 0.5% ABV are considered 'non-alcoholic', a category that includes Guinness 0. Some European countries have stricter 'alcohol-free' labeling requirements, often limiting ABV to 0.05%. These trace amounts are minimal and similar to those found in everyday foods like ripe bananas, posing no risk of intoxication for the vast majority of consumers.

The Brewing Process: A Cold, Careful Approach

Guinness developed a specific cold filtration process to remove alcohol while preserving the signature taste of their stout, a method that took years to perfect. Unlike methods that use heat, cold filtration avoids altering the beer's flavor profile.

The Steps to a 0.0% Stout

Standard Brewing: The process begins with the same natural ingredients as traditional Guinness.
Cold Filtration: Alcohol is gently filtered out after brewing.
Flavor Balancing: Brewers carefully adjust the flavors to maintain the distinctive Guinness taste.
Quality Control: Enhanced checks ensure product stability.

This process results in a non-alcoholic stout that closely resembles the original in taste and texture, enhanced by features like the 'smoothifier' widget in cans.

Guinness 0.0 vs. Standard Guinness: The Facts

Here's a comparison of key nutritional aspects:


Feature	Guinness 0.0	Guinness Draught
Alcohol by Volume (ABV)	Typically <0.05% ABV (UK) or <0.5% ABV (US)	4.1% ABV
Calories (per 100ml)	~16 kcal	~35 kcal
Carbohydrates (per 100ml)	~3.8 g	~2.7 g
Sugar (per 100ml)	~0.7 g	~0.2 g
Vegan	Yes	Yes

Guinness 0.0 contains slightly more sugar and carbohydrates to maintain body and flavor after alcohol removal, but offers significantly fewer calories.

Who is Guinness 0.0 for?

Guinness 0.0 appeals to a range of consumers, including those in the 'sober curious' movement, individuals moderating their alcohol intake, and health-conscious drinkers. Its authentic taste and texture also make it a popular choice for social occasions, providing an inclusive option. However, those with specific health conditions or in recovery should consult a doctor due to the potential for trace alcohol.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Number

While technical definitions acknowledge trace amounts of alcohol, for practical purposes, Guinness 0 delivers an alcohol-free stout experience. The innovative cold filtration process ensures the iconic taste is preserved, making it a high-quality alternative for those seeking a stout without the alcohol.

Guinness 0.0 Official Product Page

Frequently Asked Questions

Guinness 0 contains a very small, trace amount of alcohol that is legally compliant with 'non-alcoholic' or 'alcohol-free' labeling standards, depending on the country. It is not 100% devoid of alcohol.

No, the ABV is so low that it is virtually impossible to become intoxicated. You would have to consume an exceptionally large amount in a very short period for there to be any effect, which would be highly impractical.

The flavor is preserved by brewing the beer normally first and then using a delicate cold filtration process to remove the alcohol. The brewers then re-balance the flavors to ensure it matches the taste profile of the original stout.

Guinness 0 has significantly fewer calories than standard Guinness. It contains only about 16 calories per 100ml, compared to about 35 calories per 100ml in the original.

Yes, Guinness 0.0 is confirmed to be vegan-friendly. It is brewed without the use of isinglass, which is derived from fish.

Due to the presence of trace amounts of alcohol, Guinness 0 is not recommended for individuals with a history of alcohol dependency, as it could potentially trigger a relapse. Always consult a doctor for advice.

Yes, the cold filtration process is more complex, time-consuming, and resource-intensive than standard brewing. This is partly why non-alcoholic beer can sometimes be priced similarly to or higher than alcoholic versions.