Is Guinness 0.0 Truly Alcohol Free?

December 18, 2025 •

2 min read

In Europe, products labeled 'alcohol-free' can still contain up to 0.5% ABV, a regulation that often surprises consumers. This regulatory loophole is key to understanding the question, 'Is Guinness 0.0 truly alcohol free?'.

Quick Summary

An exploration into the brewing process and regulatory standards that define Guinness 0.0's alcohol content reveals trace amounts of alcohol. It satisfies 'non-alcoholic' labels but is not completely 0.0% by volume.

Key Points

Trace Alcohol: Despite the '0.0' label, Guinness 0.0 contains trace amounts of alcohol, falling under the 'less than 0.5% ABV' legal limit for 'non-alcoholic' drinks.
Cold Filtration Process: The beer is first brewed like regular Guinness and then has its alcohol gently removed using a cold filtration method to preserve the signature flavor.
Same Signature Taste: The brewing process and meticulous blending ensure that Guinness 0.0 maintains the classic, smooth taste with hints of coffee and chocolate.
Iconic Widget Included: Guinness 0.0 cans feature the same nitrogen widget as the regular stout, providing the authentic cascading effect and creamy head.
Not for Strict Abstinence: Individuals who must avoid all traces of alcohol for personal, medical, or religious reasons should be aware of the minuscule residual ABV.
Low Calorie Alternative: With significantly fewer calories than a traditional stout, Guinness 0.0 offers a satisfying, low-calorie alternative for moderate drinkers.

Decoding the 'Alcohol-Free' Label

The term 'alcohol-free' is often interpreted literally, but the reality is more nuanced, especially in the beverage industry. Various countries and regions have different legal definitions that determine how beverages can be labeled. In the United States, for instance, a product can be called 'non-alcoholic' as long as it contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). European regulations also allow for a similar threshold. This critical distinction means that 'alcohol-free' is often a misnomer for 'less than 0.5% ABV,' a fact that many consumers are unaware of.

The Guinness Brewing Method

Guinness 0.0 uses the same natural ingredients as regular Guinness. After brewing, alcohol is removed using a 'cold filtration' process to preserve flavor. This method avoids heat damage, resulting in a liquid with trace alcohol that maintains the familiar Guinness taste.

What Is the Real ABV of Guinness 0.0?

Guinness 0.0 contains less than 0.5% ABV, with some estimates around 0.05%. This qualifies it as 'non-alcoholic'. Trace alcohol levels are comparable to those found in some foods like ripe bananas.

Does Guinness 0.0 Use a Widget?

Yes, Guinness 0.0 includes a nitrogen widget to create the signature cascading pour and creamy head.

A Comparative Look at Non-Alcoholic Stouts

Guinness 0.0's alcohol content is typical for non-alcoholic stouts. Here's how it compares to others:


Feature	Guinness 0.0	Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild IPA	BrewDog Nanny State
Style	Stout	IPA	Hoppy Ale
ABV	< 0.5%	< 0.5%	< 0.5%
Calories (approx)	71 per 14.9oz can	65 per 12oz can	26.4 per 330ml can
Nitrogen Widget	Yes	No	No
Brewing Method	De-alcoholized	Low-fermentation	De-alcoholized
Flavor Profile	Smooth, coffee, chocolate notes	Citrusy, piney	Malty, hoppy

Benefits and Considerations

Guinness 0.0 offers the flavor of a stout with fewer calories and no intoxicating effects. It contains trace alcohol, which is a consideration for those requiring complete abstinence. It may also offer benefits like B vitamins and antioxidants.

The Final Sip: Is Guinness 0.0 Truly Alcohol Free?

Guinness 0.0 is not absolutely 0.0% alcohol but contains less than 0.5% ABV, making it 'non-alcoholic' by most regulations. The trace alcohol from dealcoholization is not intoxicating for most. It provides a flavorful, non-alcoholic option. For more on NA brewing, see the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. blog on NA beer.

Conclusion: Understanding the Nuances of 'Alcohol-Free'

Whether Guinness 0.0 is truly alcohol free depends on your definition. It contains trace alcohol below legal thresholds, so it's not absolutely 0.0%. However, it is non-intoxicating and a safe alternative for many. Its popularity reflects the demand for quality non-alcoholic drinks. Cold filtration helps maintain a taste similar to the original, with the signature head. This makes Guinness 0.0 a prominent choice in the non-alcoholic market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Guinness 0.0 has an ABV of less than 0.5%, with some reports citing it at approximately 0.05%. This is considered 'non-alcoholic' under regulations in the US and Europe.

Guinness 0.0 is brewed similarly to regular Guinness but undergoes an additional cold filtration step to remove the alcohol, resulting in a non-intoxicating beverage with the same taste profile.

No, the amount of alcohol in Guinness 0.0 is so minimal that it will not cause intoxication. You would need to consume an extremely large amount very quickly to feel any effect.

While it is remarkably close, some connoisseurs may notice a slight difference in body or complexity. However, for most drinkers, the flavor profile is almost identical, complete with the signature creamy head.

Individuals who must completely abstain from alcohol, including pregnant women, those in recovery, or those with religious dietary laws, should consult a doctor due to the presence of trace alcohol amounts.

The '0.0' label is primarily for marketing, indicating its status as a non-intoxicating alternative. It is a brand name and is not a legal guarantee of absolute zero alcohol.

Yes, Guinness 0.0 is vegan-friendly. Unlike some older brewing methods, it is produced without using isinglass during the filtration process.