Is Stella alcohol-free any good? An Honest Review of Stella Artois 0.0

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

The non-alcoholic beer market has seen tremendous growth, with many big brands joining the race. But when it comes to a classic like Stella, the question on many lips is: is Stella alcohol-free any good? This review provides an in-depth look at its taste, production, and how it stacks up against alternatives.

Quick Summary

This in-depth review of Stella Artois 0.0 covers its taste profile, brewing process, nutritional facts, and comparison to the traditional lager. It examines whether the flavor lives up to the original and assesses its overall quality as an alcohol-free option for beer lovers.

Key Points

Taste: Stella Artois 0.0 offers a crisp, hoppy, and slightly malty flavor that many find closely resembles the original alcoholic lager.
Brewing Process: It is brewed as a full-strength beer first, with the alcohol removed afterwards to better preserve the authentic flavor profile.
Nutrition: A 330ml bottle contains approximately 60 calories, offering a lighter option for health-conscious consumers compared to regular beer.
Health Benefits: Opting for Stella 0.0 can be a healthier choice than its alcoholic counterpart, potentially aiding in better sleep and hydration.
Comparison: Stella 0.0 is often rated highly among NA lagers, standing out for its genuine beer-like taste, though some prefer alternatives like Athletic Lite for lower calories.
Value: While it offers great taste and availability, some drinkers feel the price can be a drawback compared to alcoholic beer.

A Deep Dive into the Stella Artois 0.0 Taste

For fans of the original Stella Artois, the biggest question is whether the 0.0 version can live up to the distinct, crisp taste. The consensus from many drinkers and critics is that Stella 0.0 is one of the more successful attempts at replicating a full-strength lager. It pours with a clear, golden hue and a good head retention, making it visually identical to its alcoholic sibling.

Taste and Aroma Profile

Reviewers describe the taste as very close to the original, with a pronounced hoppy bitterness and a clean, dry, and refreshing finish. The flavor profile is characterized by a floral aroma from the signature Saaz hops, balanced with a subtle malt sweetness. Some tasters on Reddit have even noted a slight 'skunkiness' that is reminiscent of the regular version, which they find convincing. However, a few reviewers have pointed out that canned versions sometimes have a slightly metallic or 'canned' taste compared to bottles. The mouthfeel is consistently described as light and crisp, making it an easy-drinking beverage suitable for any occasion.

How Stella Artois 0.0 is Brewed

Unlike some NA beers that use alternative brewing methods, Stella Artois 0.0 is brewed using a full-strength process first. The brand's brewmasters use the same quality, all-natural ingredients: water, malted barley, and Saaz hops. Once the beer has been brewed to its full flavor, the alcohol is gently removed before packaging. This post-brewing extraction method is key to preserving the aroma and flavor compounds that are often lost in other NA production techniques. The result is a richer, more authentic taste compared to older methods that could leave a 'cooked' flavor. The ingredients also include sugar and natural flavors to help build the body and complexity that alcohol would typically provide.

Nutritional Information and Health Considerations

Choosing an alcohol-free beer is often a healthier choice than a full-strength one. Stella Artois 0.0 is a good example, offering a low-calorie alternative.

A 330ml bottle contains around 60 calories, which is roughly half the calories of a regular Stella Artois.
The carbohydrate and sugar content is also relatively low for a non-alcoholic beer.
Without alcohol, it helps avoid dehydration. Some sources even suggest non-alcoholic beers can be hydrating and, in some cases, offer potential benefits like reduced blood pressure.
Switching to NA beer has been linked to improvements in sleep quality, especially for those who consume alcohol moderately.

Stella 0.0 vs. Other NA Lagers: A Comparison

To understand if Stella 0.0 is any good, it's helpful to compare it to other popular NA lagers on the market. Here is a brief comparison table:


Feature	Stella Artois 0.0	Heineken 0.0	Athletic Brewing Co. Lite
Taste Profile	Crisp, balanced malt sweetness, hoppy bitterness, and a dry finish.	Lighter-bodied with fruity notes from Heineken's A-Yeast.	Clean-drinking, crisp, and refreshing with slight lemon-lime notes.
ABV	0.0%	0.0%	<0.5% (Technically, non-alcoholic)
Calories (per 330ml)	~60 kcal	~69 kcal	~25 kcal
Availability	Widely available in supermarkets and online.	Extremely common and available in most places.	Found in specialty stores, online, and a growing number of grocers.
Noteworthy	Praised for its similarity to the original Stella.	Known for being a very safe, middle-of-the-road NA option.	Award-winning and very low calorie, appealing to health-conscious drinkers.

Is It Worth Buying? Pros and Cons

Pros

Authentic Taste: The brewing process results in a flavor that closely mimics the classic Stella Artois, making it a great replacement for those familiar with the original.
Crisp and Refreshing: The clean finish makes it highly drinkable and a good option for warm weather.
Visually Identical: It looks and feels just like the real thing, enhancing the drinking experience.
Low in Calories: At around 60 calories per bottle, it is a lighter option than many other drinks.

Cons

Not a Perfect Match: While close, it is not an exact replica of the alcoholic version, lacking the complex depth that alcohol provides.
Inconsistent Packaging: Some reviews suggest a different, less appealing taste from canned versions compared to bottles.
Price Point: Some customers feel the cost is too high for a non-alcoholic product, sometimes costing more than the alcoholic version.

Conclusion

So, is Stella alcohol-free any good? For drinkers who enjoy the specific profile of Stella Artois and are looking for a satisfying non-alcoholic alternative, the answer is a resounding yes. Its flavor is remarkably close to the original, offering the same crisp, bitter-hoppy finish that fans love. While it might not fool a connoisseur, it stands out as one of the best mass-market NA lagers available. The advanced dealcoholization process, which preserves the complex beer flavors, coupled with its widespread availability, makes Stella 0.0 an excellent choice for anyone cutting back on alcohol without giving up the classic lager experience. Just be mindful of whether you purchase a bottle or a can to ensure the best possible taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stella Artois 0.0 tastes very similar to the original lager, featuring a crisp, hoppy bitterness and a hint of malt sweetness, with a dry, refreshing finish.

The initial brewing process is the same as the regular version, using the same ingredients. The alcohol is then removed through a dealcoholization process, which helps retain the flavor.

A 330ml bottle of Stella Artois 0.0 contains approximately 60 calories, making it a lower-calorie option than regular beer.

Yes, as the beer has 0.0% alcohol by volume, it is fully fine for driving and consumption during pregnancy. However, it's always best to consult with a doctor for personal health advice.

While both are popular NA lagers, Stella 0.0 is often described as having a more authentic, bitter-hoppy taste, while Heineken 0.0 has a lighter, fruitier profile from its yeast.

Some reviewers have noted a slightly metallic or 'canned' taste in the aluminum cans compared to the bottled version. For the best experience, bottles may be preferred.

Because it contains no alcohol, which is a diuretic, it does not dehydrate the body. It contains some electrolytes but should not replace water for full rehydration.