What is the healthiest non-alcoholic beer? A guide to making better choices

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research published in Nutrients, non-alcoholic beer can serve as an effective post-exercise recovery drink due to its isotonic properties and hydrating effects. But with a growing market full of new options, what is the healthiest non-alcoholic beer for your specific health goals?

Quick Summary

This guide examines the nutritional factors that define the healthiest non-alcoholic brews, including low calories, minimal sugar, and beneficial compounds. It provides a brand comparison and essential tips to help consumers select the best option for their diet and lifestyle.

Key Points

Low Calorie is Key: The healthiest non-alcoholic beers contain significantly fewer calories than their alcoholic counterparts, with the lowest-calorie options containing as few as 0 to 20 calories per serving.
Check the Sugar Content: Many non-alcoholic beers, particularly those that remove alcohol after brewing, may have added sugars to restore flavor. Opt for brands with zero or very low sugar content for the healthiest choice.
Look for Beneficial Compounds: High-quality NA beers retain polyphenols from hops and barley, which offer antioxidant properties that support heart health and gut health.
Ingredient Transparency Matters: The healthiest options typically have a short, simple list of ingredients, avoiding artificial flavorings or excessive additives.
Consider Your Dietary Needs: Non-alcoholic beer can be suitable for specific diets. Always check labels for potential allergens or specific dietary requirements, like gluten-free options.
Hydration Over Taste?: If hydration is your primary goal, simple, low-sugar options are best. Some NA beers also have a favorable electrolyte balance for post-exercise recovery.

What Makes a Non-Alcoholic Beer Healthy?

Choosing the healthiest non-alcoholic (NA) beer goes beyond simply avoiding alcohol. While all NA options eliminate the negative health effects associated with ethanol, their nutritional profiles can vary significantly. The key to selecting a truly healthy option lies in scrutinizing the ingredients and nutritional information on the label. Brewers use different methods to achieve a low or zero alcohol by volume (ABV) content, which can affect the final product's calorie and sugar count.

Calories, Carbs, and Sugar

One of the most immediate health benefits of switching to NA beer is the reduction in calories. A standard alcoholic beer contains around 150 calories, while many NA versions hover between 50 and 90 calories per serving. This difference is largely due to the caloric density of alcohol itself. However, it is crucial to check the carbohydrate and sugar content. Some brewers add sugar to compensate for flavor lost during the dealcoholization process, which can increase both calories and sugar levels. Look for brands that prioritize a clean, simple ingredients list to minimize unwanted additives.

Beneficial Ingredients: Hops, Barley, and Yeast

High-quality non-alcoholic beers often retain many of the beneficial compounds found in their alcoholic counterparts. Key among these are polyphenols, which are plant-based antioxidants derived from hops and malted barley. These compounds have been linked to improved cardiovascular health, reduced inflammation, and better gut health by acting as prebiotics. Some NA beers also contain B vitamins, like folic acid, and minerals such as calcium and potassium from the brewing process. The presence of hops also offers a sedative effect that can aid in promoting better sleep.

Comparing Popular Non-Alcoholic Beers

When selecting a non-alcoholic beer, comparing brands based on key nutritional metrics like calories, carbs, and sugar is essential. Here is a comparison of some popular options, based on available data from brand websites and nutritional guides.


Brand	Style	Calories (per 12 oz)	Carbs (g)	Sugar (g)	Key Health Notes
Suntory ALL-FREE	Lager	0	1	0	Zero calories, zero sugar. Made from barley malt, hops, and water.
Guinness 0.0	Stout	34 (per 14.9 oz)	5.1	0.8	Low calorie and low sugar. Contains polyphenols for antioxidants and gut health.
Athletic Brewing Upside Dawn	Golden	50	10	0	Well-regarded for flavor, zero sugar, relatively low carbs for a craft option.
Lucky Saint	Unfiltered Lager	53 (per 11.2 oz)	N/A	0.3	Extremely low sugar. Simple ingredients list with added plant polyphenols.
Coors Edge	Lager	41	8	4	Low calorie but contains some sugar to consider.
BrewDog Hazy AF	Hazy IPA	20 (per 11.2 oz)	2.3	N/A	Very low calorie and carb count.
Bravus Oatmeal Dark	Stout	110	25	N/A	Higher calorie and carb count, typical of a darker stout style.

What to Look For: Beyond the Label

Making an informed decision about the healthiest NA beer involves more than just reading the nutrition facts. The overall brewing process, added ingredients, and specific health goals should all be taken into account.

Brewing Methods: Some brands, like Athletic Brewing, use specialized yeasts that produce less alcohol, while others use advanced methods like vacuum distillation or reverse osmosis to remove alcohol after fermentation. These different techniques can result in varying nutritional profiles and flavor retention. For example, vacuum distillation at low temperatures often preserves more flavor compounds.
Functional Ingredients: A new wave of NA beers is incorporating functional ingredients for added benefits. Brands like IMPOSSIBREW feature proprietary blends of botanicals and nootropics designed to enhance relaxation without alcohol. Always review these ingredients if you have specific health concerns or allergies.
Gluten-Free Options: For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, many NA brands offer certified gluten-free options. While most beers use barley, which contains gluten, alternatives brewed with grains like rice and sorghum or specially processed to remove gluten are available.
Hydration and Recovery: For athletes, NA beer's high water content and isotonic properties can aid in rehydration and recovery. Its potassium content can help maintain fluid balance, making it a good choice for moderate activity, though it shouldn't replace a dedicated sports drink for intense workouts.

The Healthiest Choices in Summary

Ultimately, the healthiest non-alcoholic beer for you depends on your priorities. If your main goal is weight management, opting for a brand with the fewest calories and lowest sugar is the clear winner, such as Suntory ALL-FREE or BrewDog Hazy AF. If you prioritize gut health and antioxidants, Guinness 0.0 offers a good balance of low sugar and beneficial polyphenols. For those who prefer the authentic craft beer experience with added benefits and minimal processing, brands like Athletic Brewing or Lucky Saint are excellent choices. The market for NA beer is dynamic, with new innovations and brands constantly emerging, offering more options for health-conscious consumers than ever before.

Outbound Link: Learn more about non-alcoholic beverages and their nutritional benefits at Dry Drinker's blog .

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many non-alcoholic beers contain sugar, which is sometimes added to enhance flavor after the alcohol has been removed. However, some brands offer low-sugar or zero-sugar options. Always check the nutritional label for the most accurate information.

Replacing regular alcoholic beer with a low-calorie non-alcoholic version can aid in weight loss by significantly reducing your overall calorie intake. However, NA beer should still be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Yes, non-alcoholic beer can aid in hydration after moderate exercise. Studies show it has an effective balance of electrolytes like sodium and potassium, though it may not be as effective as a dedicated sports drink for high-intensity, prolonged workouts.

No, many non-alcoholic beers are brewed with barley and contain gluten. However, there are brands that offer certified gluten-free NA options, often made with alternative grains or processed to remove gluten.

While most non-alcoholic beers contain only trace amounts of alcohol (less than 0.5% ABV), it is generally advised that pregnant women consult a healthcare professional and consider entirely alcohol-free (0.0%) options to avoid any potential risk.

Yes, non-alcoholic beers offer several health benefits, including lower calorie content, hydration, and the presence of antioxidants like polyphenols from hops and barley. Some studies also suggest benefits for sleep quality due to hop compounds.

According to nutritional data, Suntory ALL-FREE is one of the lowest-calorie options, containing 0 calories and 1 gram of carbs per serving. Other very low-calorie choices include BrewDog Hazy AF and Guinness 0.0.