Beer Galaxy
Non-Alcoholic Beers — The Guide to the Best 0.0% and Alcohol-Free
Long limited to bland products, non-alcoholic beer has undergone a revolution in recent years. Thanks to advances in dealcoholisation (cold filtration, arrested fermentation, special yeasts) and specialist breweries like Athletic Brewing, the segment now offers genuinely characterful beers across every style: lager, pils, IPA, stout, wheat beer. At 0.0% or 0.5% alcohol, they retain body, hops and aroma while fitting modern lifestyles — sport, driving, pregnancy, or simply moderation.
Style characteristics
| Abv | 0.0% – 0.5% (legal “alcohol-free” threshold in France: ≤ 1.2%) |
|---|---|
| Ibu | 10 – 45 (depending on the base style) |
| Ebc | 7 – 70 (pale blond to opaque black) |
| Appearance | Varies by style: from pale gold to opaque black |
| Fermentation | Arrested, cold-dealcoholised, or non-alcohol-producing yeasts |
| Serving_temperature | 4 – 8 °C |
| Glass | According to the base style (lager, weizen, pint…) |
| Aromas | Malt, hops, sometimes fruity or roasty depending on the style imitated |
Sub-styles
- Non-Alcoholic Lager / Pils The largest segment: refreshing and accessible. Reference: Heineken 0.0, Bitburger Drive, Clausthaler, Corona Cero.
- Non-Alcoholic Wheat / Weizen Very popular in Germany (“Alkoholfrei”), an excellent refreshing and isotonic alternative. Reference: Erdinger Alkoholfrei, Paulaner Weißbier 0.0.
- Non-Alcoholic IPA The fast-growing craft niche: hoppy and aromatic. Reference: Athletic Run Wild, BrewDog Nanny State.
- Non-Alcoholic Stout Rarer, with roasted coffee and chocolate notes. Reference: Guinness 0.0.
All Non-Alcoholics in our catalogue
9 beers in this family
Frequently Asked Questions
Does non-alcoholic beer really contain 0% alcohol?
Not always. In France, the “alcohol-free” label is legal up to 1.2% ABV. Many beers list 0.5% (arrested-fermentation process), while “0.0” versions genuinely target 0.0% through thorough dealcoholisation. The 0.0% versions are suitable for driving and pregnancy, unlike the 0.5% ones which contain a trace.
How is non-alcoholic beer made?
Three main methods: (1) arrested fermentation (stopping before yeast produces alcohol, often giving 0.5%), (2) dealcoholisation after brewing (vacuum evaporation or reverse osmosis, removing alcohol from a normal beer), and (3) the use of special yeasts that produce no alcohol. Each method influences the final taste.
Does non-alcoholic beer taste good?
Increasingly, yes. The first generations were bland, but modern techniques and specialist breweries (Athletic Brewing in the US, BrewDog) now produce non-alcoholic IPAs, lagers and stouts with rich aromatic profiles. Hops, malt and roast are preserved; what is mostly missing is the warmth and body that alcohol provides.
Is non-alcoholic beer good for you?
It is far lower in calories than regular beer and free of alcohol’s effects. Wheat versions (Erdinger Alkoholfrei) are even marketed as isotonic sports-recovery drinks, rich in B vitamins and electrolytes. Still, drink in moderation due to residual sugar.
Which non-alcoholic beers to try for beginners?
For an easy lager: Heineken 0.0 or Corona Cero. For hoppy character: Athletic Run Wild IPA or BrewDog Nanny State. For a refreshing wheat beer: Erdinger Alkoholfrei or Paulaner Weißbier 0.0. And for stout lovers: Guinness 0.0, surprisingly faithful to the original.