Is Guinness 0.0 Safe? An In-Depth Look at the Non-Alcoholic Stout

December 7, 2025 •

2 min read

Following a product recall in 2020 due to potential microbiological contamination, many have wondered: is Guinness 0.0 safe to drink today? The non-alcoholic stout was relaunched after safety improvements, reassuring consumers that the current product is safe for general consumption.

Quick Summary

Guinness 0.0 was recalled in 2020 due to mould contamination but was subsequently relaunched after safety improvements. The current product, though generally safe for most, requires caution for specific groups like pregnant women due to trace alcohol possibilities.

Key Points

Current Safety: The current version of Guinness 0.0, relaunched post-2020, is considered safe for general consumption, having resolved the manufacturing issues that caused the initial recall.
2020 Recall: Guinness 0.0 was recalled in November 2020 due to potential microbiological contamination (mould), which prompted improved safety measures.
Production Method: Unlike some NA beers, Guinness 0.0 is brewed fully and then has its alcohol removed via a cold filtration process, preserving its signature flavor.
Pregnancy Caution: Experts recommend complete abstinence from NA beer during pregnancy, as some products may contain trace alcohol higher than labeled.
Driving and Breathalyzers: Driving after consuming Guinness 0.0 is legal and safe in most jurisdictions, and a normal amount will not cause impairment or register on a breathalyzer.
Health Benefits: The NA stout offers a low-calorie option (70-75 kcal vs. ~154 kcal for regular Guinness) and contains polyphenols, contributing to its health profile compared to the alcoholic version.
Safety Measures: The non-alcoholic brewing process relies on thorough pasteurization to prevent microbial spoilage, a risk higher in NA beers due to the absence of alcohol.

The 2020 Recall and What it Means for Today's Consumers

In November 2020, Guinness recalled its new 0.0% stout in the UK due to microbiological contamination, specifically mould. This led to a temporary halt in sales and prompted the company to implement improved safety measures. The product currently available is a relaunched version with enhanced quality controls, addressing the issues of the initial 2020 release.

How Guinness 0.0 is Made and Kept Safe

Guinness 0.0 is brewed like traditional Guinness using water, barley, hops, and yeast. The alcohol is then removed using a cold filtration method to preserve the flavor profile. Pasteurization is a crucial safety step, heating the packaged product to eliminate microbial risks that are higher in non-alcoholic beverages due to the lack of alcohol's preservative effect. After filtration and pasteurization, the flavors are balanced to meet quality standards.

Comparing Guinness 0.0 to Regular Guinness

Here's a comparison between Guinness 0.0 and its alcoholic counterpart:


Feature	Guinness 0.0	Regular Guinness Draught
Alcohol by Volume (ABV)	0.0% (as labeled)	4.1% - 4.2%
Calories (per 440ml can)	70-75 calories	~154 calories
Carbohydrates (per 440ml can)	~17g	~13g
Sugar (per 440ml can)	~3g	~1g
Manufacturing Safety	Requires careful pasteurization due to lack of alcohol	Alcohol content acts as a natural antimicrobial
Consumption During Pregnancy	Not recommended due to potential labeling inaccuracies	Not safe to consume
Driving Safety	Generally safe and legal, but subject to local laws	Prohibited while driving

Special Considerations for Specific Groups

While safe for the general population, some groups should exercise caution.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Medical professionals advise against consuming non-alcoholic beverages during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some products labeled as alcohol-free may contain trace amounts of ethanol, and no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy has been established. Traces of alcohol can also pass into breast milk.

Liver Conditions

Individuals with liver conditions, such as NAFLD, should be mindful of the calorie and sugar content in non-alcoholic beers. High sugar intake can contribute to liver fat accumulation. Consulting a doctor is recommended before adding new beverages to the diet.

Driving

In most places, drinking Guinness 0.0 and driving is safe and legal. The minimal ABV (less than 0.5%) is unlikely to cause impairment or affect a breathalyzer under normal circumstances. However, be aware of local regulations and open container laws.

The Safety Verdict on Guinness 0.0

The current Guinness 0.0 is considered safe for general consumption, having addressed the issues from the 2020 recall through enhanced safety measures like pasteurization. While a good alcohol-free option for most, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it due to the potential for trace alcohol and labeling inconsistencies.

For more information on the original recall, you can consult the official alert from the Food Standards Agency (FSA): Food Alert - FSA-PRIN-55-2020.

Conclusion

The relaunched Guinness 0.0 is a safe and enjoyable low-calorie, hydrating alternative for most consumers. The initial recall prompted improved safety protocols, demonstrating the company's commitment to product integrity. While the minimal alcohol content is generally negligible, individuals with specific health concerns, particularly pregnant women, should always seek professional medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is not recommended for pregnant women to consume Guinness 0.0. Health experts advise complete abstinence from alcohol, and non-alcoholic beverages can sometimes contain trace amounts of alcohol or have inconsistent labeling, posing a risk.

Yes, Guinness 0.0 was recalled in November 2020 shortly after its initial launch due to the potential presence of mould. The company subsequently relaunched the product with enhanced safety and quality controls.

Yes, consuming Guinness 0.0 and driving is generally safe and legal. The alcohol content is less than 0.5% ABV and is not enough to cause impairment or affect a breathalyzer test under normal circumstances.

Guinness 0.0 is labeled as 0.0% ABV, but beverages labeled 'non-alcoholic' can legally contain up to 0.5% ABV in some regions. While the actual amount is typically negligible, especially in products specifically labeled 0.0%, it's important for sensitive individuals to be aware.

Guinness 0.0 is different primarily in its lack of alcohol, lower calorie count (70-75 calories per can vs. ~154), and its manufacturing process, which includes cold filtration to remove alcohol.

For healthy individuals, non-alcoholic beer is not considered harmful to the liver. However, individuals with existing liver conditions, particularly NAFLD, should monitor their intake due to the potential for higher sugar and calorie content in some NA beers.

After the initial recall, Guinness implemented stricter safety measures, including a reliable pasteurization process to eliminate the risk of microbial contamination. This ensures the product is microbially safe and shelf-stable, compensating for the lack of alcohol's preservative effect.