Non‑alcoholic beer has exploded over the last few years. Breweries large and small are making great‑tasting cans that look and feel like the real thing. For a lot of people, cracking a NA beer at a barbecue or watching the game can feel like a nice way to be part of the moment while maintaining sobriet.
Choosing Wisely: Is Non‑Alcoholic Beer Right for You?
It’s important to remember most of these brews still have a small amount of alcohol (up to 0.5 % ABV), and the familiar taste and ritual can sometimes stir up cravings.
If you’re working through your own recovery, check in with your sponsor or doctor before giving NA beer a try. There are plenty of other sober options like sparkling water, iced tea, mocktails that can let you join in without risking your progress.
If you’ve talked it over with your support team and feel comfortable trying an NA brew, there are some excellent options out there. Below are some of the top non‑alcoholic beers worth sampling. Each one has been chosen for its flavor, quality and approach to brewing without the buzz.
Summary of Recommended Beers
| Brand | Signature NA Beer (style) | ABV | Calories (per 12 oz) | Carbohydrates |
| Athletic Brewing Co. | Run Wild IPA (IPA) | < 0.5 % | 65 cal | 14 g carbs |
| Heineken | Heineken 0.0 (lager) | 0.03 % | 69 cal | 13.2 g carbs |
| Guinness | Guinness 0 (dry stout) | < 0.5 % | ≈71 cal per 414 ml can | 3.8 g carbs per 100 ml |
| Partake Brewing | Partake IPA (IPA) | < 0.5 % | 10 cal | 2 g carbs |
| BrewDog | Nanny State (pale ale) | < 0.5 % | 20 cal | 2.3 g carbs |
| Clausthaler | Classic (lager) clausthaler.de | < 0.5 % | ~100 cal (approx.) | ~21 g carbs (est.) |
| Sierra Nevada | Trail Pass IPA (IPA) | < 0.5 % | 95 cal | 20 g carbs |
| Big Drop Brewing | Pine Trail Pale Ale (pale ale) | < 0.5 % | 61 cal per 330 ml | 3.8 g carbs per 100 ml |
| Untitled Art | FLVR! NA Juicy IPA (IPA) | < 0.5 % | 55 cal | 12 g carbs |
| Ceria Brewing | Grainwave (Belgian‑style white) | 0.0 % | 77 cal | 15 g carbs |
| Lagunitas | IPNA (IPA) | 0.5 % | 80 cal | 18 g carbs |
| Dogfish Head | Lemon Quest (wheat) | < 0.5 % | 90 cal | ~20 g carbs (est.) |
| Erdinger | Erdinger Alkoholfrei (wheat) | 0.4 % | 125 cal per 500 ml | 25 g carbs |
| Surreal Brewing | Chandelier Red IPA (IPA) | 0.4 % | 33 cal | 5.6 g carbs |
| Sam Adams | Just the Haze (IPA) | < 0.5 % | 68 cal | 11 g carbs |
1. Athletic Brewing Co.
Why it’s on the list: Athletic Brewing almost single‑handedly popularised craft NA beer in the United States. Launched in 2017 by Bill Shufelt and brewer John Walker, the company set out to prove that high‑quality beer doesn’t require alcohol. Athletic focuses on small‑batch brewing with carefully selected malts and hops to deliver full flavours at under 0.5 % ABV. Their marketing emphasises active lifestyles and inclusivity; the brewery sponsors running and cycling events and invests in environmental programmes through its “Two for the Trails” initiative.
History & Mission: Shufelt turned to NA brewing when he left Wall Street and couldn’t find a beer that fit his athletic lifestyle. Athletic’s mission is to “craft a better beer for today and tomorrow” by offering well‑rounded flavour, low calories and zero hangover. The brand has grown rapidly with two breweries (Connecticut and California) and distribution across North America.
Recommended beer – Run Wild IPA: This flagship IPA uses five Northwestern hop varieties to provide citrus and pine notes. It delivers full bitterness with a sessionable body at < 0.5 % ABV, just 65 calories and 14 g of carbohydrates per 12 oz servingathleticbrewing.com. The beer’s low calories and authentic hop character make it a go‑to for craft‑beer lovers seeking a lighter alternative.
2. Heineken 0.0
Why it’s on the list: Heineken’s entry into the NA space in 2017 signalled that “big beer” takes non‑alcoholic brewing seriously. The Dutch brewer introduced Heineken 0.0, brewed from scratch rather than with dealcoholised lager, to capture the brand’s signature taste.
History & Mission: A May 2017 Heineken press release noted that the company spent years developing a recipe using only natural ingredients to ensure the familiar Heineken balance and crispness. The brand emphasises moderation and claims 0.0 offers a way to enjoy beer flavour at lunchtime or during sports without the effects of alcohol. Vacuum distillation removes alcohol to an ABV of around 0.03 %.
Recommended beer – Heineken 0.0: The classic green‑bottle lager tastes surprisingly close to the original. A 12‑oz bottle contains 69 calories, 13.2 g of carbs and 1.5 g of protein. The crisp malt sweetness and gentle bitterness make this a dependable choice for mainstream beer drinkers who want a familiar flavour.
3. Guinness 0
Why it’s on the list: Stout lovers were long deprived of a convincing NA option until Guinness unveiled its 0 version in 2020. The brewery’s 260‑year heritage and nitro‑widget technology deliver the creamy head and roasted flavour fans expect.
History & Mission: Guinness spent four years developing a cold‑filtration method to remove alcohol while preserving the roasted barley character. The resulting beer contains less than 0.5 % ABV and retains the ruby‑red colour and hints of coffee and chocolate. Guinness emphasises that the same four ingredients—water, barley, hops and yeast—are used for both versions.
Recommended beer – Guinness 0: Packaged in 440 ml cans with a nitrogen widget, Guinness 0 pours with a thick, cascading head. Each 100 ml provides 17 kcal and 3.8 g carbohydrates, translating to roughly 71 calories per can. The mouthfeel and roasted malt notes mirror classic Guinness, making this an outstanding NA stout.
4. Partake Brewing
Why it’s on the list: Partake pushes the boundaries of low‑calorie beer—its IPA contains only ten calories per can. Founder Ted Fleming launched the company after he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and couldn’t drink alcohol. He aimed to make beers that tasted great without compromising his health.
History & Mission: Based in Calgary, Canada, Partake is a certified B‑Corporation focused on sustainability and community. Fleming introduced the first 10‑calorie IPA in 2017 and set out to show that “alcohol doesn’t own good times.” The brewery advocates inclusive drinking; their beers are gluten‑reduced and vegan friendly.
Recommended beer – Partake IPA: This sessionable IPA packs citrus and resinous hop flavour at < 0.5 % ABV, with only 10 calories and 2 g of carbs. It’s perfect for fitness‑minded drinkers and proves that full hop aroma doesn’t require alcohol or calories.
5. BrewDog – Nanny State
Why it’s on the list: Scottish upstart BrewDog built its reputation on aggressive, hop‑forward ales, then shocked fans by releasing an NA beer in 2009. Nanny State remains one of the most flavourful low‑alcohol beers on the market.
History & Mission: BrewDog champions sustainability; a 2020 Forbes article reported the brewery became the first carbon‑negative beer business after buying land to plant one million trees and powering its bars with wind energy. Nanny State is brewed with a blend of specialty malts and an avalanche of hops to deliver bitterness and aroma at only 0.5 % ABV. BrewDog aims to prove that flavour does not have to be sacrificed when you remove alcohol.
Recommended beer – Nanny State: This pale ale offers resinous hops balanced by a malty backbone. It has < 0.5 % ABV, around 20 calories, and 2.3 g of carbohydrates per serving. Drinkers looking for an assertive yet light beer will appreciate its 50 IBU punch.
6. Clausthaler
Why it’s on the list: Clausthaler pioneered NA brewing in Germany. In the 1970s the brewery developed a “controlled fermentation” method that creates beer without producing significant alcohol. This innovation laid the groundwork for many modern NA beers.
History & Mission: The brand marketed its first NA brew as “Prinzenbier” in 1979 to overcome consumer skepticism. By the early 1980s Clausthaler held a 55 % share of the German NA market and exported globally. Today it offers several styles but remains committed to brewing beer that tastes like beer. Clausthaler’s mission focuses on quality and authenticity; the brewery emphasises that it never adds artificial flavourings or removes alcohol post‑fermentation.
Recommended beer – Clausthaler Classic: While exact nutrition varies by region, the classic lager typically contains around 100 calories and 20–21 g of carbohydrates per 12 oz, with an ABV below 0.5 %. Its malty sweetness and herbal hop aroma appeal to drinkers seeking a traditional lager experience.
7. Sierra Nevada – Trail Pass IPA
Why it’s on the list: Sierra Nevada is a pioneer of American craft beer, and its entry into the NA market shows respect for tradition. Trail Pass IPA is brewed like a full‑strength IPA, not by stripping alcohol after fermentation.
History & Mission: Ken Grossman founded Sierra Nevada in 1980, building a brewhouse from scrap dairy equipment and perfecting his Pale Ale with Cascade hops. The company remains family owned and is known for sustainability and quality. Trail Pass leverages decades of hop expertise; brewmaster James Conery says it tastes like a craft IPA because it is brewed as one.
Recommended beer – Trail Pass IPA: This beer offers West‑coast hop aroma with moderate bitterness. It measures < 0.5 % ABV, 95 calories and 20 g carbohydrates per 12 oz can. It’s an excellent choice for IPA fans wanting to maintain their training regimen.
8. Big Drop Brewing
Why it’s on the list: UK‑based Big Drop dedicates its entire business to NA beer. Co‑founder Rob Fink became a father in 2016 and saw a lack of quality options, so he and James Kindred launched Big Drop to focus exclusively on < 0.5 % ABV beers. They hired master brewer Johnny Clayton to experiment with specialty grains and yeast to create full‑bodied beers without boiling off alcohol.
History & Mission: Big Drop emphasises innovation; it uses over 20 specialty grains and unique fermentation techniques to avoid excessive residual sweetness in NA beer. The company has garnered numerous awards across Europe and North America.
Recommended beer – Pine Trail Pale Ale: This pale ale offers floral aromas and citrus notes. Each 330 ml bottle (about 11 oz) contains 61 calories, 17 kcal per 100 ml, and 3.8 g of carbohydrates per 100 ml. It’s also gluten free and pairs well with salads and fish.
9. Untitled Art
Why it’s on the list: Wisconsin’s Untitled Art is known for creative collaborations and flavour‑packed beers. During the pandemic the brewery saw an opportunity to produce balanced NA beers for health‑conscious consumers.
History & Mission: According to a Wisconsin Public Radio interview, brewers at Untitled Art decided to make NA beers when they noticed people drinking more during lockdown. They wanted to provide healthier beverages using reverse‑osmosis and arrested fermentation. The result is a line of juicy, hop‑heavy NA beers that don’t taste watered down.
Recommended beer – FLVR! NA Juicy IPA: This flagship NA beer bursts with Citra and Mosaic hop notes. It is < 0.5 % ABV, has 55 calories, 12 g of carbs, and 5 g of sugar. The balanced sweetness and tropical aroma make it an exciting entry in the NA IPA category.
10. Ceria Brewing Company
Why it’s on the list: Founded by Keith Villa, the creator of Blue Moon, Ceria brings decades of Belgian brewing expertise to NA beer. Villa set out to produce alcohol‑free craft beers that didn’t compromise flavour.
History & Mission: After studying brewing in Belgium and earning a PhD, Villa developed Blue Moon for Coors. He and his wife Jodi launched Ceria in 2017 to focus on 0.0 % ABV beers and cannabis‑infused beverages. An article from Colorado University notes that Ceria offers two flagship beers—Grainwave, a Belgian‑style white with orange peel and coriander, and Indiewave, a hop‑driven IPA—and emphasises the difference between alcohol‑free (0 % ABV) and non‑alcoholic (< 0.5 %) beers. Ceria aims to lead innovation in this space and educate consumers.
Recommended beer – Grainwave: This orange‑peel‑infused Belgian white ale contains 0 % ABV, 77 calories, 15 g carbohydrates and 1 g protein per 12 oz serving. It offers a citrusy aroma and soft wheat body reminiscent of classic witbier but without alcohol.
11. Lagunitas – IPNA
Why it’s on the list: Lagunitas is renowned for hop‑forward IPAs, and its IPNA proves that the brewery can translate that expertise into a non‑alcoholic version. The beer uses the same ingredients—malted barley, oats and hops—as its boozy siblings.
History & Mission: Lagunitas emphasises that IPNA is brewed to be less than 0.5 % ABV without sacrificing piney, dank hops and caramel malt notes. The brewery is known for rebellious marketing and emphasises that IPNA tastes like “all of the hops, none of the compromise.”
Recommended beer – IPNA: The NA IPA has 0.5 % ABV, 80 calories, 18 g carbohydrates, and 3 g sugar per 12 oz serving. It features pine resin and citrus aromas and finishes with a clean malt sweetness, making it a satisfying choice for hop lovers.
12. Dogfish Head – Lemon Quest
Why it’s on the list: Dogfish Head built its reputation on culinary ingredients and off‑centered ales. Lemon Quest extends that ethos into NA territory, combining fruits and sea salt for a refreshing wheat beer.
History & Mission: Dogfish Head introduced Lemon Quest in 2021 as part of its active‑lifestyle series. Town Square Delaware notes that the hazy wheat brew includes lemon purée, blueberry juice, acai berries, monk fruit and sea salt, delivering a tart, fruity flavour. The brewery markets it to outdoor enthusiasts and partnered with the Nature Conservancy, donating more than $50,000 to environmental causes.
Recommended beer – Lemon Quest: This NA wheat beer has < 0.5 % ABV and 90 calories per 12 oz. (Precise carb values are not publicly available but likely around 20 g.) The blend of fruit juices and salt makes it a refreshing post‑workout drink.
13. Erdinger – Alkoholfrei
Why it’s on the list: German brewer Erdinger rebranded its non‑alcoholic wheat beer in 2001 as an isotonic sports drink, positioning it as a healthy alternative for athletes. The strategy paid off; by 2006 it became the market leader in Germany.
History & Mission: Erdinger traces its roots to 1886 and is family owned. In the early 1970s the brewery expanded outside Bavaria and emphasised quality. Its non‑alcoholic beer contains vitamin B9 and B12, folic acid, polyphenols and electrolytes. Erdinger markets the beer as the ultimate sports‑recovery drink.
Recommended beer – Erdinger Alkoholfrei: This wheat beer has 0.4 % ABV, 125 calories and 25 g carbohydrates per 500 ml bottle. The isotonic properties and banana‑clove flavour typical of German hefeweizen make it a top choice for post‑exercise hydration.
14. Surreal Brewing Company
Why it’s on the list: Surreal is a small, family‑owned brewery that puts health and community first. Founders Tammer and Donna started the company after Donna’s breast cancer treatment left them searching for better NA beer options. Surreal emphasises bold flavours, ultra‑low calories and inclusive values.
History & Mission: Surreal launched in 2018 with the Chandelier Red IPA, winning awards soon after. The brewery uses a patent‑pending process instead of dealcoholisation machines and creates gluten‑reduced and sugar‑free beers. Surreal supports environmental causes, Black Lives Matter and ships free beer to active military personnel. Its mission is to offer complex beers that fit into a health‑forward lifestyle.
Recommended beer – Chandelier Red IPA: This ruby‑hued beer has 0.4 % ABV, only 33 calories and 5.6 g carbohydrates per 12 oz. It showcases toasted malt and citrus hops without residual sweetness, making it one of the lowest‑calorie NA beers on the market.
15. Samuel Adams – Just the Haze
Why it’s on the list: Boston Beer Company’s Samuel Adams brand is synonymous with craft beer in the U.S. Its NA hazy IPA demonstrates that a major craft brewer can produce a convincing 0.5 % beer without sacrificing aroma and mouthfeel.
History & Mission: Sam Adams brewed Just the Haze to replicate the juicy, hazy IPA style using nearly the same ingredients and dry‑hopping schedule as its regular IPAs. While its official page is heavily scripted, nutrition databases report that this beer contains 68 calories and 11 g carbohydrates per 12 oz can. The beer delivers citrus and stone‑fruit aromas with a soft, pillowy body.
Recommended beer – Just the Haze: This hazy IPA clocks in at < 0.5 % ABV and has 3 g of protein alongside its 68 calories. It offers a hoppy alternative for hazy‑IPA fans who want to abstain from alcohol.
Honorable Mention
- WellBeing Brewing is another NA pioneer with beers like Hellraiser Dark Amber (80 calories per 12 oz) and Heavenly Body Golden Wheat (68 calories). Founded in 2017, the brand emphasises mindful drinking and community events.
Finding Support Through Community
Best Non‑Alcoholic Beer
If you ever feel like you’re forcing yourself to drink NA beer just to fit in, or you’re unsure whether it’s right for your recovery, reach out. Loosid, the free sobriety app for community and tracking, was built on the belief that the opposite of addiction is connection. It lets you track sober milestones, get help when you’re struggling and connect with people who understand your journey. Talking with others who have walked the path can be a great way to decide whether NA beer fits into your sober lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
The explosion of non‑alcoholic beer innovation over the past decade means drinkers no longer have to choose between flavour and sobriety. Whether you’re cutting back on alcohol, training for a marathon or simply curious, these 15 brands represent the best of what the NA beer world has to offer. Each brewery brings a unique history and mission to the table, and the recommended beers showcase styles ranging from IPAs and stouts to wheat ales and Belgian whites. Always read labels for nutrition information and consult your physician if you have health concerns, but don’t be afraid to explore. There has never been a better time to enjoy a well‑crafted beer without the alcohol.
