Non-alcoholic beer is often perceived as a healthier alternative to regular beer due to its significantly lower alcohol content, but its calorie count can be surprisingly similar. While non-alcoholic beers generally contain fewer calories than their alcoholic counterparts, the presence of added sugars and carbohydrates to enhance flavour can sometimes offset this benefit, making the calorie difference less pronounced.
The Role of Sugar in Non-Alcoholic Beers
Non-alcoholic beers often contain added sugars to improve taste after the alcohol is removed, resulting in higher carbohydrate content compared to regular beers. The added sugars contribute to the overall calorie content, making non-alcoholic beers not entirely free from the caloric impact of sugars
Production Methods and Their Impact on Calories
The production methods of non-alcoholic beer significantly influence its calorie content. Traditional methods like boiling the finished product to evaporate alcohol or using filtration systems often result in a loss of flavour, leading brewers to add sugars to enhance taste, which increases calorie content. Modern techniques, such as fermentation prevention and limited fermentation, allow for better control over sugar levels and, consequently, calories. For example, using modified yeasts or reducing fermentable sugars in the wort can produce non-alcoholic beers with fewer calories. Thus, the choice of production technique plays a crucial role in determining the final calorie count of non-alcoholic beers.
Natural vs. Added Sugars
In non-alcoholic beers, sugars can be both naturally occurring and added during production. Natural sugars come from the grains used in brewing, such as barley, which are partially converted by yeast during fermentation. However, since non-alcoholic beers undergo limited fermentation, more residual sugars remain compared to regular beers. Additionally, brewers often add sugars like lactose and fructose to enhance flavour and mimic the taste profile of alcoholic beers. This combination of natural and added sugars contributes to the overall carbohydrate content, making non-alcoholic beers higher in sugar than their alcoholic counterparts. For instance, Erdinger Non-Alcoholic Weiss contains 3.6g of sugar per 100ml.
Best Overall Low-Sugar Non-Alcoholic Beer Option
IMPOSSIBREW stands out as the best overall option for those looking to reduce their alcohol intake due to several key factors. Its unique Social Blend™ aids relaxation, providing a satisfying experience without the need for alcohol. With only 27 calories per 440ml can, equivalent to 6 calories per 100ml, it is one of the lowest-calorie alcohol-free beers available. Additionally, it contains <0.1g sugar per 100ml, is 100% vegan, and has been awarded the UK's best-tasting alcohol-free beer by the World Beer Awards. IMPOSSIBREW also has a minimal alcohol content of 0.5% ABV, which is less than that found in a ripe banana or orange juice, making it a safe choice for those avoiding alcohol. Furthermore, they offer a gluten-free option with their lager, catering to a wider range of dietary needs.
