Is zero alcohol beer full of sugar? The surprising truth about NA brews

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

While regular beer contains negligible amounts of sugar, with the sugars from fermentation converted to alcohol, many non-alcoholic versions actually contain more sugar and carbohydrates. This is because manufacturers often add sugar to compensate for the flavor lost during dealcoholization, leaving many to wonder, 'is zero alcohol beer full of sugar?'. The reality is nuanced, with significant variations between brands and brewing methods.

Quick Summary

Zero alcohol beer often has more sugar and carbohydrates than its alcoholic counterpart, as brewers add sugar for flavor. While generally lower in calories, the sugar content can vary significantly by brand. Consumers should read nutritional labels carefully, especially those monitoring sugar intake for weight management or health conditions like diabetes.

Key Points

Sugar is often added for flavor: The alcohol removal process can affect taste, so brewers frequently add sugar to compensate, unlike regular beer where fermentation removes most sugar.
Content varies widely by brand: The amount of sugar in zero-alcohol beer is not standardized. Brands like IMPOSSIBREW® offer low-sugar options, while others may contain significantly more.
Read the nutrition label: Since NA products are often required to list nutritional info, checking the label is the most reliable way to know the exact sugar content.
Often lower in calories than regular beer: Due to the absence of alcohol, which is calorie-dense, many NA beers have a lower calorie count.
Consideration for health conditions: Individuals with diabetes or other metabolic concerns should be particularly mindful of the sugar and carbohydrate content in NA beer.
Not always 100% alcohol-free: The term "non-alcoholic" can be misleading, as some products can contain up to 0.5% ABV, a factor to consider for specific health or lifestyle reasons.
Healthier than sugary soft drinks: Compared to beverages like cola or fruit juice, many NA beers contain less sugar and are often a healthier choice.
Part of a balanced diet: When consumed in moderation with awareness, NA beer can be a good tool for reducing alcohol intake, but it is not a 'health drink' and should be chosen mindfully.

The Brewing Process and Sugar Content

The fundamental difference in brewing methods is the primary reason for the variation in sugar content. Regular beer brewing involves yeast converting sugars from malted grain into alcohol. The fermentation process is intentionally interrupted or reversed to produce zero-alcohol or non-alcoholic (NA) beer, or specialized yeast that produces very little alcohol is used. When the alcohol is removed, some of the beer's characteristic flavor is lost. Brewers often add sugars, such as fructose or lactose, back into the beer to compensate and create a more palatable taste.

Alcohol Removal and Flavor Preservation

There are several techniques used to remove alcohol from beer. Two common methods are:

Vacuum Distillation: The beer is heated in a vacuum, which lowers the boiling point of the alcohol, causing it to evaporate at a lower temperature. This process helps preserve the flavors but can still strip some of the taste.
Reverse Osmosis: A filtration system uses a fine membrane to separate the alcohol and water from the beer's other components, such as hops and malt. The brewer then blends the remaining water and beer concentrate back together.

In both cases, flavor manipulation is often necessary to achieve a desirable final product, leading to the use of added sugars.

Zero Alcohol Beer Sugar Content Comparison

The sugar content in zero alcohol beer is not uniform and varies drastically between brands. As seen in the table below, some products contain very little sugar, while others have significantly more.


Brand	Style	Calories (per 100ml)	Sugar (g per 100ml)
IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager	Lager	17	0.7
BrewDog Punk AF	IPA	16	1.8
Birra Moretti Zero	Lager	20	1.2
Free Damm	Lager	20	1.7
Heineken 0.0	Lager	21	1.3
Peroni 0.0	Lager	22	3.0
Becks Blue	Lager	14	0.2

It is essential to read the nutritional information on the packaging to determine the precise sugar content. Some brands, like the IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager, market themselves as very low in sugar, while others contain more. A pint of a zero-alcohol beer with a moderate sugar content (e.g., 1.8g per 100ml) can still contain nearly 6 grams of sugar. This is particularly relevant for those with diabetes or watching their overall sugar consumption.

Is Zero Alcohol Beer Healthier?

Zero alcohol beer is often seen as a healthier alternative to regular beer, primarily because of the lack of alcohol and typically lower calorie count. A standard alcoholic beer contains approximately 150 calories per 340ml serving, whereas many zero-alcohol beers fall between 50 and 90 calories for the same amount. Since alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, removing it significantly reduces the overall calorie count.

Benefits of Choosing NA Beer

Lower Calorie Intake: For those watching their weight, swapping a regular beer for an NA option can save a significant number of calories.
Reduced Health Risks: The primary benefit is avoiding the negative health consequences associated with alcohol consumption, such as liver damage, certain cancers, and impaired cognitive function.
Better Hydration: Non-alcoholic beers are mostly water and can provide some hydration, unlike their alcoholic counterparts which have a diuretic effect.
Social Inclusion: NA beer offers a social beverage option for designated drivers, pregnant individuals, or those who simply choose not to drink, allowing them to participate in social settings without feeling excluded.

Drawbacks to Consider

Sugar and Carbohydrate Levels: As discussed, the sugar and carb content can be surprisingly high in some NA beers, impacting blood sugar levels and overall daily intake.
Taste and Triggers: The flavor profile can be a trigger for individuals in recovery from alcohol use disorder, despite the negligible alcohol content.
Residual Alcohol: NA beers are not always 100% alcohol-free. Some can contain up to 0.5% ABV, which is a concern for certain populations, including pregnant women or those with specific health conditions.

The Role of Zero Alcohol Beer in a Balanced Diet

Including zero alcohol beer in a balanced nutrition diet means being mindful of its sugar and calorie content. Compared to sugary sodas and fruit juices, many NA beers are still a better choice, but they should not be seen as a health drink in the same vein as water. For individuals with diabetes, it is particularly important to choose lower-sugar varieties and to consume them in moderation. Always check the nutrition label, especially as NA products are required to list nutritional information. Some newer functional NA beers even include ingredients like B vitamins, electrolytes, and nootropics, which can offer additional health benefits, but again, labels should be scrutinized for total sugar and carbohydrate load.

Ultimately, zero alcohol beer can be a useful tool for moderating alcohol intake, but it is not without its nutritional considerations. The wide variety of brands available means that consumers have choices, but it also necessitates careful label reading to ensure the product aligns with one's dietary goals. By approaching zero alcohol beer with the same awareness as any other food or drink, you can make informed decisions that support your overall health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the claim that zero alcohol beer is full of sugar is a significant oversimplification. While many varieties do contain more sugar and carbohydrates than their alcoholic counterparts to enhance flavor, the actual sugar content varies widely between brands. Choosing NA beer offers benefits such as lower calorie intake and a reduction in alcohol-related health risks, but consumers must remain mindful of the added sugar and residual alcohol content. For a balanced diet, NA beer can be a sensible, and often healthier, alternative to regular beer or sugary soft drinks, but moderation and label awareness are key.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, zero-alcohol beer is not completely sugar-free. During the brewing process, brewers often add sugars back into the beer to improve the flavor that is lost when the alcohol is removed. The amount of added sugar can vary widely depending on the brand and brewing method.

Often, yes. Regular beer has most of its sugars converted into alcohol during fermentation, resulting in a low-sugar product. In contrast, non-alcoholic beers often have added sugars to restore flavor after the alcohol is removed, leading to a higher sugar content than many standard beers.

Brewers add sugar to non-alcoholic beers to compensate for the loss of flavor that occurs when alcohol is removed. The dealcoholization process, such as vacuum distillation or reverse osmosis, can affect the taste, so sugar is used to improve the final product's palatability.

No, the sugar content varies significantly by brand. While some NA beers are quite high in sugar, others are specifically formulated to be low-sugar or even sugar-free. Checking the nutritional label is the best way to determine a specific product's sugar content.

People with diabetes can drink non-alcoholic beer in moderation, but they must be very mindful of the sugar and carbohydrate content. Some NA beers have a high glycemic index and can cause blood sugar spikes. Choosing low-sugar options and consuming them with food is recommended.

Yes, in many cases, non-alcoholic beer is a healthier choice than soft drinks like cola or fruit juice. Many NA beers contain significantly less sugar than these sugary beverages. However, some NA beers can still have a moderate sugar content, so it's always wise to check the label.

Generally, yes. Zero-alcohol beer typically has fewer calories than regular beer because alcohol is a major source of calories. Removing or limiting alcohol during brewing significantly reduces the overall calorie count of the beverage.