The Refreshing Benefits of Drinking Hop Water

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to recent market data, the popularity of hop water has surged by over 70% in recent years, making it a trendy wellness beverage. But beyond its newfound trendiness, what are the benefits of drinking hop water, and is it a truly healthy alternative to other fizzy drinks?

Quick Summary

This beverage offers a flavorful, zero-calorie, and zero-sugar option for mindful drinkers. Learn how this refreshing, hop-infused sparkling water supports relaxation, gut health, and better hydration without the effects of alcohol.

Key Points

Relaxation Effects: Hops contain compounds that interact with GABA receptors, potentially promoting feelings of calm and better sleep without the sedative effects of alcohol.
Rich in Antioxidants: Infused with beneficial polyphenols and xanthohumol from hops, this water helps fight oxidative stress in the body and may support cardiovascular health.
Digestive Aid: Traditionally used to support digestion, the compounds in hops can be soothing for the stomach, making it a gentler alternative to sugary or fermented drinks.
Low-Calorie Hydration: As a zero-calorie, zero-sugar alternative, hop water provides a flavorful way to stay hydrated and can be a healthier choice than soda or sugary cocktails.
Anti-inflammatory Compounds: Hops contain humulene and myrcene, which possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that contribute to overall wellness.
Mindful Alternative: It serves as a sophisticated, non-alcoholic option for those participating in sober-curious trends or simply seeking a flavorful, guilt-free beverage.

Hop water is a simple beverage made from carbonated water infused with hops, the flowers of the Humulus lupulus plant. Unlike beer, it contains no alcohol, sugar, or calories, offering a guilt-free way to enjoy the unique aroma and flavor of hops. Hops have a history in traditional herbal medicine, and modern research is exploring their therapeutic potential. Drinking hop water can provide these potential wellness benefits without the negative aspects of alcohol or added sugar.

Potential Health Benefits of Hops

Relaxation and Sleep Support

Hops have historically been used for relaxation. Compounds like myrcene in hops may interact with GABA receptors in the brain. Hop water can be an option for those seeking to relax without alcohol. A study in Hormones magazine on hop extract indicated improved self-reported depression, anxiety, and stress in young adults. Research on non-alcoholic beer with matured hop bitter acids also showed improved mood and sleep over three weeks. While specific research on hop water is limited, the presence of hop compounds supports its calming reputation.

Rich in Antioxidants

Hops are rich in plant compounds, including polyphenols and xanthohumol, known for strong antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress linked to aging and chronic diseases. The cardiovascular system may particularly benefit. Incorporating hop water can add these antioxidants to your diet.

Digestive Health

Hops have been used in traditional remedies for digestion. Compounds in hops may stimulate gastric juices and support gut health. Hop water, being non-fermented and sugar-free, can be a gentler option for sensitive stomachs compared to sugary or fermented drinks.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Essential oils in hops, such as humulene and myrcene, have shown antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. Consuming hop water can be a simple way to benefit from these compounds; for example, humulene is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and myrcene is both anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

Nutritional Advantages Over Other Beverages

Hop water offers benefits by what it lacks, making it a cleaner choice.

Zero Calories, Zero Sugar: It's an excellent option for weight or blood sugar management.
Zero Alcohol: It provides a craft brew experience without alcohol's effects.
Gluten-Free: It is naturally gluten-free as it's not brewed with grains.
Hydration: It's primarily water, offering hydration with more flavor.

Hop Water vs. Other Craft Drinks


Beverage	Calories	Sugar Content	Alcohol	Main Flavor Source	Typical Use
Hop Water	0	0g	No	Hops and botanicals	Non-alcoholic refreshment, mixer
Craft Beer	150–250	0–5g	Yes	Hops and malt	Social, alcoholic beverage
Sparkling Water	0	0g	No	Natural flavoring	Hydration, refreshment
Organic Craft Soda	100–160	20–35g	No	Fruits, spices, herbs	Treat, artisanal beverage

Conclusion

Hop water has become a popular and potentially beneficial beverage. The benefits of drinking hop water may include relaxation, improved digestion, and increased antioxidant intake. Its zero-calorie, zero-sugar, and alcohol-free nature makes it a healthy and flavorful alternative to other drinks. For those seeking a refreshing, complex, and functional beverage aligned with a health-conscious lifestyle, hop water is a great choice. To learn more about the science behind hop compounds, you can explore a study on matured hop bitter acids in non-alcoholic beer on the National Institutes of Health website: Effect of non-alcoholic beer containing matured hop bitter acids on mood states among healthy adults older than 20 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hop water is a non-alcoholic beverage made from carbonated water infused with hops, the cone-shaped flowers of the Humulus lupulus plant. It contains no alcohol, no calories, and no sugar.

No, hop water is not the same as non-alcoholic beer. Non-alcoholic beer goes through a fermentation process before the alcohol is removed, while hop water is simply an infusion of hops in water. As a result, hop water does not have the malted grain taste of beer.

Hops have long been recognized for their calming properties. Studies suggest that certain compounds in hops, like myrcene, can interact with GABA receptors in the brain to promote relaxation. Many people find hop water a great way to unwind.

Yes, hop water is naturally gluten-free. Since it is brewed with only hops and water, it does not contain the grains like barley that are the source of gluten in beer.

The flavour of hop water varies depending on the type of hops used, but it is generally described as crisp and refreshing. It often features notes like citrus, pine, or floral flavours with a mild, non-bitter hoppy finish.

For most people, drinking hop water is safe. However, due to its herbal nature, it may cause drowsiness in some individuals, particularly if consumed in large quantities. As with any herbal product, it is best to be mindful of your body's reaction.

Yes, hops are rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols and xanthohumol. These compounds help combat oxidative stress and may contribute to overall health benefits.

Yes, hops have been used traditionally as a digestive aid. The natural compounds may help stimulate digestion, and the clean, non-fermented nature of hop water can be gentler on the digestive system than sugary or fermented beverages.