Alcohol-free beers are a great choice if you're cutting calories. Removing alcohol reduces calorie content significantly compared to regular beers, which can range from 150–200 calories per 330ml bottle. Modern alcohol-free options like IMPOSSIBREW® take it a step further by offering low-calorie drinks with added functional ingredients.
Key Points:
- IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager: 17 calories per 100ml (75 calories per 440ml can). Certified gluten-free.
- IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Hazy Pale: 16 calories per 100ml (70 calories per 440ml can). Contains gluten but has slightly fewer calories and carbs.
Both beers include a unique blend of nootropics like L-Theanine and adaptogens like Ashwagandha, designed to mimic the relaxing effects of alcohol. While the Enhanced Lager is gluten-free, the Hazy Pale is slightly lighter in calories. Prices start at £2.55 per can on subscription.
1. IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager
Calorie Content
When it comes to calorie count, IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager stands out as a lighter choice. It contains just 17 calories per 100ml [3][2], meaning a 440ml can totals approximately 75 calories [5]. For comparison, most non-alcoholic malt beverages average around 131.6 calories per 12 oz [4]. This makes IMPOSSIBREW® a great option for those looking to manage their calorie intake and achieve fitness goals without sacrificing flavour or functionality.
Nutritional Benefits
What sets this lager apart is its Social Blend™ technology, a unique combination of nootropics and adaptogens like L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, and Vitamin B1 [3][2]. Each 100ml contains 375mg of this blend, with a minimum of 150mg of L-Theanine per serving [6]. On top of that, it’s gluten-free (certified under 10ppm) [2], 100% vegan [2], and contains just 0.2–0.7g of sugar and 3.4g of carbohydrates per 100ml [7][2]. These features make it not just a drink, but one with added health benefits, justifying its premium positioning. For those new to the range, the Welcome Bundle offers a way to try both the lager and pale ale varieties.
Price per Serving
The pricing reflects the product's quality and unique ingredients. A 440ml can costs around £3.00 when purchased in a 10-pack for £29.99, or £4.30 when bought individually [2][8]. This higher price point is largely due to the inclusion of active nootropics, which cost more than double the current UK alcohol duty for a 5% ABV beer [2]. Despite the cost, the lager boasts a 4.7/5 star rating from 1,224 reviews [2] and was crowned "UK's Best Tasting Alcohol-Free Lager" at the World Beer Awards 2023 [2].
"It's not cheap, certainly, but it's great value and is a good example of just how good NA beers can be when brewers really work at it." – Paul Woolgar, Verified Customer [2]
sbb-itb-a752bf8
2. IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Hazy Pale
Calorie Content
If you're watching your calorie intake, the Enhanced Hazy Pale is a standout choice in the alcohol-free beer category. It contains just 16 calories per 100ml, which means a 440ml can has roughly 70 calories. That’s significantly lighter than traditional craft beers, which typically pack around 42 calories per 100ml.
This ultra-light calorie count comes alongside a thoughtfully crafted nutritional profile.
Nutritional Benefits
Like the Enhanced Lager, the Hazy Pale incorporates IMPOSSIBREW®’s innovative Social Blend™ technology. This blend is fortified with nootropics and adaptogens - including L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, and Vitamin B1. It’s also low in sugar, with just 0.6g of sugar (see how much sugar alcohol-free beer has on average) and 3.0g of carbohydrates per 100ml. Additionally, it’s 100% vegan, though it does contain gluten from ingredients like barley, wheat, oats, and rye.
Interestingly, over 70% of 1,000+ participants reported feeling more relaxed after drinking it, and 88% noted a reduction in their overall alcohol consumption [1].
Price per Serving
The pricing for the Hazy Pale is in line with the Enhanced Lager, offering great value for its quality. A 440ml can costs about £2.55 when purchased as part of a subscription box of 10 for £25.49, with the price dropping to £2.09 per can when buying 4 boxes [9]. For individual cans, prices at third-party retailers range between £2.89 and £4.30 [8] [11] [12].
This beer has earned high praise, with a 4.7/5 star rating from 1,366 reviews, and it even won a Gold Medal at the London Beer Competition [9]. Alcohol Change UK gave it a solid 4/5, commending its "good body" and "thicker, more enjoyable mouthfeel than most alcohol-free beers" [10].
Is Non-Alcoholic Beer Healthy? (Full Calorie Breakdown)
When considering the nutritional profile, many wonder if non-alcoholic beer has fewer calories than alcohol compared to standard strength options.
Pros and Cons
IMPOSSIBREW Enhanced Lager vs Hazy Pale Nutritional Comparison
Here's a quick look at the strengths and limitations of each option, based on the detailed breakdowns above.
IMPOSSIBREW® beers stand out for their low calorie content and functional perks, catering to distinct preferences.
The Enhanced Lager is certified gluten-free (less than 20 ppm) and has just 17 kcal per 100 ml - around 60% fewer calories than typical lagers. However, it does have slightly more carbohydrates (3.4 g) and sugars (0.7 g) compared to the Enhanced Hazy Pale. This makes it the ideal pick for anyone with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance [2].
On the other hand, the Enhanced Hazy Pale edges out slightly in calorie count at 16 kcal per 100 ml, which translates to about 4.4 fewer calories per 440 ml can. It also has marginally lower carbohydrate (3.0 g per 100 ml) and sugar (0.6 g per 100 ml) levels, which might appeal to those watching their weight. However, it contains gluten from barley, wheat, oats, and rye, making it unsuitable for gluten-sensitive individuals [2].
| Feature | Enhanced Lager | Enhanced Hazy Pale |
|---|---|---|
| Calories (per 100 ml) | 17 kcal | 16 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 3.4 g | 3.0 g |
| Sugars | 0.7 g | 0.6 g |
| Gluten-Free | Yes (<20 ppm) | No |
| Price (Subscription) | £2.55 per can | £2.55 per can |
| Rating | 4.7/5 stars | 4.7/5 stars |
Both beers are priced the same when purchased through a subscription, making cost a non-factor in your decision. If your priority is cutting back on calories, the Enhanced Hazy Pale takes the lead. But if gluten-free assurance is what you need, the Enhanced Lager is the obvious choice.
These comparisons provide a clear roadmap for selecting the option that best suits your needs, paving the way for the final takeaways.
Conclusion
When deciding on the right IMPOSSIBREW® alcohol-free beer for you, consider what matters most. The Enhanced Hazy Pale comes in at 16 kcal per 100ml, while the Enhanced Lager offers a gluten-free option with just 17 kcal per 100ml.
For those wondering if alcohol-free beer causes weight gain, the Enhanced Hazy Pale is a solid pick. A 440ml can contains 4.4 fewer calories than its Lager counterpart - a small difference, but one that can add up over time. On the other hand, if gluten sensitivity or coeliac disease is a concern, the Enhanced Lager is the standout. It’s the only beer in the core range certified gluten-free (containing less than 20 ppm), making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions [3].
Both beers are lighter on calories compared to traditional lagers and include the proprietary Social Blend™, designed to create a relaxing effect without the need for alcohol. Impressively, over 70% of participants reported feeling relaxed after enjoying these beverages [3].
Whether you’re looking for fewer calories with the Hazy Pale or a gluten-free choice with the Lager, IMPOSSIBREW® offers a way to savour great flavour while staying in line with your health priorities.
FAQs
Does alcohol-free beer help with weight loss?
Alcohol-free beer can be a helpful choice for weight management since it usually contains fewer calories compared to regular beer. Some varieties have as little as 25 calories per 330ml. Plus, they often have lower levels of residual sugars and no alcohol, which further trims down the calorie count. That said, they aren’t entirely calorie-free and may still include carbs and sugars. To make them work for your weight goals, enjoy them as part of a balanced diet.
How do I choose between gluten-free and lower-calorie options?
Choosing between gluten-free and lower-calorie beer comes down to your personal health priorities. If you have gluten sensitivities or coeliac disease, gluten-free beers are the way to go. However, keep in mind that their calorie content is often comparable to regular beers. On the other hand, low-calorie beers, including some non-alcoholic options, are crafted to cut down on alcohol and sugar, making them a better choice for managing your calorie intake. Your decision should depend on whether avoiding gluten or cutting calories aligns more closely with your dietary goals.
Do the added nootropics affect driving or sleep?
The inclusion of nootropics could assist in reducing fatigue and boosting alertness, much like caffeine. However, they don't increase intelligence. Their temporary effects might influence activities such as driving or sleep, depending on a person's tolerance and sensitivity levels.
