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How much sugar is in Guinness alcohol free?

4 min read

Guinness 0.0, the non-alcoholic stout, contains approximately 0.7 grams of sugar per 100ml, which is only a small amount more than the sugar found in the traditional version. This provides a low-sugar alternative for those who want to enjoy the flavor of a classic stout without the alcohol content.

Quick Summary

Guinness alcohol free (Guinness 0.0) has a low sugar content of about 0.7g per 100ml, slightly more than the regular stout. Its nutritional profile, including calories and carbs, offers a lighter option than traditional beer, and it remains a relatively low-sugar choice compared to many other non-alcoholic beverages. The brewing process uses cold filtration to maintain flavor, while added fructose helps preserve the iconic mouthfeel. This makes it an appealing choice for those moderating their intake.

Key Points

  • Low Sugar Content: Guinness alcohol free (Guinness 0.0) contains approximately 0.7 grams of sugar per 100ml.

  • Slightly More Than Original: The alcohol-free version has slightly more sugar than Guinness Draught, primarily due to added fructose to enhance flavor and mouthfeel.

  • Significantly Fewer Calories: Despite the slight increase in sugar, Guinness 0.0 has far fewer calories than its alcoholic counterpart, making it a lighter option.

  • Fructose is Added: Brewers add fructose to the alcohol-free stout to replicate the full-bodied taste and texture of the original after the alcohol is removed.

  • Low on the NA Scale: Compared to many other non-alcoholic beers, Guinness 0.0 has a very low sugar content.

  • Vegan-Friendly: Guinness 0.0 is suitable for vegans, as no animal products are used in its brewing.

  • Preserved Taste Profile: The cold filtration method used to remove alcohol ensures that the classic roasted barley and malt flavors are retained.

In This Article

What is the exact sugar content of Guinness 0.0?

For those monitoring their sugar intake, understanding the precise nutritional information for Guinness 0.0 is crucial. The non-alcoholic stout contains a relatively low amount of sugar, especially when compared to other soft drinks or some alcoholic beverages. According to official nutritional information, Guinness 0.0 contains approximately 0.7 grams of sugar per 100ml. For a standard 440ml can, this works out to about 3.1 grams of sugar in total. The addition of fructose during the brewing process helps to compensate for the loss of alcohol's body and mouthfeel, which is why it has slightly more sugar than its full-strength counterpart.

Brewing process and sugar retention

To create Guinness 0.0, the traditional Guinness brewing process is followed initially, using the same natural ingredients: water, barley, hops, and yeast. After the beer is brewed, the alcohol is gently removed through a cold filtration method. This cold filtration process is specifically designed to protect the integrity of the beer's flavor and character, preventing the thermal stress that can occur with other alcohol removal techniques. However, this process can affect the final sweetness and body of the stout. To replicate the iconic creamy mouthfeel and balance the flavor profile, fructose is added back in. This is why the alcohol-free version contains a slightly higher sugar content than the original Guinness Draught.

Guinness 0.0 vs. Guinness Draught: A nutritional comparison

When evaluating the nutritional profile of Guinness 0.0, it's helpful to compare it directly with the classic Guinness Draught. While the alcohol-free version has a little more sugar per 100ml, it offers a significant reduction in calories. A standard 12-ounce serving of Guinness 0.0 contains only 57 calories, less than half of the 125 calories found in a 15-ounce serving of traditional Guinness Draught.

Nutritional Value Guinness 0.0 (per 100ml) Guinness Draught (per 100ml)
Calories 17 kcal ~35 kcal (based on 125 kcal per 15oz)
Carbohydrates 3.8 g ~2.7 g
Sugar 0.7 g ~0.2 g
Protein 0.3 g Not specified in search results
Fat 0 g Not specified in search results

This comparison highlights that for those seeking to reduce their calorie and alcohol intake, Guinness 0.0 is a compelling alternative. While the sugar content is technically higher per 100ml, the overall caloric reduction is substantial, making it a healthier choice for moderation.

How Guinness 0.0 compares to other non-alcoholic beers

While Guinness 0.0 has a higher sugar count than its alcoholic counterpart, it is actually on the lower end of the sugar spectrum compared to many other non-alcoholic beers on the market. The sugar content in non-alcoholic beers can vary significantly, often due to the brewing and alcohol removal methods used. For example, some brands like Peroni 0.0 and Heineken 0.0 have sugar contents of 3g and 1.3g per 100ml respectively, which are higher than Guinness 0.0's 0.7g. This places Guinness 0.0 among the lower-sugar options in the non-alcoholic stout category.

The appeal of low-sugar, alcohol-free beverages

The rise in popularity of non-alcoholic options is driven by consumers who are increasingly focused on health and wellness. Opting for low-sugar, alcohol-free drinks like Guinness 0.0 offers several potential benefits:

  • Reduced calorie intake: Swapping a full-strength beer for Guinness 0.0 can significantly lower your overall calorie consumption.
  • No hangover: Choosing a non-alcoholic option allows you to enjoy the flavor of beer without the morning-after effects of alcohol.
  • Better sleep quality: Alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns, and avoiding it can lead to more restful nights.
  • Improved mental clarity: Without the effects of alcohol, you can maintain better focus and mental sharpness.
  • Healthier lifestyle: Overall, reducing alcohol and excess sugar intake contributes to a healthier diet and lifestyle.

Ingredients in Guinness 0.0

The ingredients list for Guinness 0.0 is straightforward and includes natural components, along with added fructose to maintain the flavor and body profile.

Ingredients List:

  • Water
  • Malted barley
  • Barley
  • Roasted barley
  • Fructose
  • Natural flavourings
  • Hops
  • Yeast

This composition ensures that Guinness 0.0 remains vegan-friendly, as no animal products are used in the brewing process.

Conclusion

In summary, Guinness alcohol free (Guinness 0.0) contains a minimal amount of sugar, at roughly 0.7 grams per 100ml, primarily from added fructose. While this is slightly more than the classic Guinness Draught, the alcohol-free version boasts a significantly lower calorie count. When compared to the broader non-alcoholic beer market, Guinness 0.0 remains a very low-sugar option. Its brewing process uses cold filtration to preserve flavor, resulting in a product that closely mimics the taste and appearance of its alcoholic counterpart. For those seeking a healthier alternative without compromising on the iconic taste of a stout, Guinness 0.0 is an excellent choice for moderation and wellness.

Sources

  • Guinness 0.0 Official Website
  • Honest Guinness Zero Review
  • Steady Drinker - Guinness "0.0" Review
  • The Times - The hidden health risk of alcohol-free beer
  • Craftzero - Guinness vs. Guinness 0.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Guinness 0.0 is brewed to taste remarkably similar to the original, with the same iconic dark color, creamy head, and roasted barley notes. While some connoisseurs may notice a slight difference in body and flavor depth, most consumers find the taste to be a very close match.

Brewers add fructose during the production of Guinness 0.0 to help replicate the mouthfeel and body that would normally be provided by the alcohol. This helps the non-alcoholic version maintain a taste and texture similar to the original stout.

Yes, Guinness 0.0 is significantly lower in calories than traditional Guinness. A 12-ounce can contains only 57 calories, less than half the amount in a standard serving of regular Guinness Draught.

Yes, Guinness 0.0 is a vegan-friendly product. The brewing process uses no animal products, distinguishing it from traditional versions that once used isinglass during filtration.

Guinness 0.0 is relatively low in sugar compared to many other non-alcoholic beers. While the average NA beer can have up to 1.7g of sugar per 100ml, Guinness 0.0 typically contains around 0.7g per 100ml.

Since Guinness 0.0 is low in both calories and sugar compared to regular beer, it is a healthier option for those concerned about weight gain. However, like any beverage, moderation is key to a balanced diet.

The key is the cold filtration method used to gently remove the alcohol. Unlike processes that involve heat, this technique protects the beer's natural flavor compounds, ensuring the final product maintains the distinctive taste of Guinness.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.