Is Alcohol-Free Beer a Good Post-Workout Drink?
Is Alcohol-Free Beer Good for Post-Workout Recovery?
After a tough workout, you might be tempted to reach for a refreshing beer. But what about alcohol-free beer? Is it actually any good for post-workout recovery? Let's dive into the science and explore this intriguing question.
The Science Behind Post-Workout Recovery
Before we tackle alcohol-free beer, let's understand what our bodies need after exercise:
- Rehydration
- Electrolyte replenishment
- Carbohydrate restoration
- Protein for muscle repair
Research published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition emphasises the importance of these factors in optimising recovery and performance.
Potential Benefits of Alcohol-Free Beer for Recovery
1. Hydration
Alcohol-free beer is primarily water, making it a hydrating choice. A study in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that low-alcohol beer (0.5% ABV or less) can be as effective as water for post-exercise rehydration.
2. Carbohydrates
Most alcohol-free beers contain carbohydrates, which help replenish glycogen stores depleted during exercise. Aim for about 1.2g of carbohydrates per kg of body weight within 30 minutes post-workout for optimal recovery.
3. Electrolytes
Beer naturally contains electrolytes like sodium and potassium. These are crucial for fluid balance and muscle function. However, the amounts vary between brands.
4. Polyphenols
Some studies suggest that the polyphenols in beer may have anti-inflammatory properties. A 2012 study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that non-alcoholic beer reduced inflammation and upper respiratory tract infections in marathon runners.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
- Calorie content: Some alcohol-free beers can be high in calories, which might not align with certain fitness goals.
- Lack of protein: Beer doesn't provide the protein necessary for muscle repair.
- Varied nutritional profiles: Not all alcohol-free beers are created equal in terms of their nutritional content.
IMPOSSIBREW®: A Game-Changer in Alcohol-Free Beer
When considering alcohol-free beer for post-workout recovery, IMPOSSIBREW® stands out from the crowd. Here's why:
- Hydration: Like other alcohol-free beers, it's primarily water-based for effective rehydration.
- Social Blend™: IMPOSSIBREW®'s proprietary blend has a relaxing effect on both the mind and body, containing supplements like L-Theanine and Ashwagandha, which are known to promote the rest and recovery of the body.
- Low calorie: With their Pale Ale at only 26 calories per can, and their Lager being a perfect gluten-free option, it's a lighter option compared to many other beers, aligning better with fitness goals.
- Great taste: Enjoy the flavour of beer without compromising your recovery.
Expert Recommendations
While alcohol-free beer can contribute to post-workout recovery, experts suggest a more comprehensive approach:
- Drink water throughout your workout to maintain hydration.
- Consume a balanced meal or snack containing carbohydrates and protein within 30 minutes post-exercise.
- Consider a sports drink for intense workouts lasting over an hour to replenish electrolytes.
FAQs
Can alcohol-free beer replace sports drinks for recovery?
While alcohol-free beer can contribute to hydration and carbohydrate replenishment, it shouldn't completely replace sports drinks, especially after intense or prolonged exercise where electrolyte loss is significant.
Does alcohol-free beer contain any alcohol at all?
Most alcohol-free beers contain trace amounts of alcohol (usually 0.5% ABV or less). However, this is effectively zero as everyday foods like ripe bananas, orange juice, and burger rolls often contain more alcohol.
Will drinking alcohol-free beer after a workout make me gain weight?
Not necessarily. While alcohol-free beer contains calories, moderate consumption as part of a balanced diet shouldn't lead to weight gain. Always consider your overall calorie intake and energy expenditure.
How soon after a workout can I drink alcohol-free beer?
You can enjoy alcohol-free beer immediately after your workout. However, prioritise water and a balanced snack or meal for optimal recovery.
Is IMPOSSIBREW® suitable for all types of workouts?
IMPOSSIBREW® can be enjoyed after various types of workouts. Its unique Social Blend™ may be particularly beneficial for relaxation after stressful or high-intensity sessions.
In conclusion, while alcohol-free beer like IMPOSSIBREW® can play a role in post-workout recovery, it's best used as part of a broader recovery strategy. Its hydrating properties, carbohydrate content, and potential relaxation benefits make it an interesting addition to your post-workout routine. As always, listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional or sports nutritionist for personalised advice.
FAQs
Find our most commonly asked questions below or ask our AI Brewer for instant answers.
What is IMPOSSIBREW®?
IMPOSSIBREW® is a pioneering non-alcoholic beer brand based in the UK that aims to create the world's most complete alcohol alternative using patent-pending technology.
Founded by Mark Wong in 2021 and working with some of the world's best professors, scientists and expert brewers, IMPOSSIBREW® specialises in expertly crafted non-alcoholic beers designed to match full ABV beers in both taste and feeling.
Product Range
IMPOSSIBREW® offers a range of enhanced non-alcoholic beers, including:
- Enhanced Lager (0.5% ABV)
- Enhanced Pale Ale (0.5% ABV)
- Limited Editions (Seasonal)
Key Benefits
The key feature that sets IMPOSSIBREW® apart is its proprietary "Social Blend™" - a combination of active botanical ingredients and nootropics using patent-pending technology* designed to recreate the relaxing effects of alcohol without the negative side effects.
Along with record-breaking quality flavour that comes from a unique process without removing alcohol.
Social Blend™ Ingredients
Developed with leading scientists in top UK universities, Social Blend™ includes:
- L-Theanine
- Ashwaghanda
- Soluble Plant Fibres
- Vitamin B1
- Various Plant Extracts.
These ingredients are chosen for their potential to boost serotonin, promote relaxation, and create a calming effect similar to the "one or two pint feeling" without hangovers.
See more details on our very own research paper, with over 1,000 participants:
- More than 70% said they felt relaxed after consuming IMPOSSIBREW®.
- 88% have reduced alcohol consumption since discovering IMPOSSIBREW®.
- 95% have told a friend about IMPOSSIBREW® after trying.
- 3/4 say that IMPOSSIBREW® is "the most complete alcohol alternative currently available on the market today".
Recognition
IMPOSSIBREW® has received several notable achievements:
- Featured on BBC's Dragons' Den
- Awarded the first and only Gold Medal in the No/Low beer category from the London Beer Competition
- Received multiple industry Gold awards in categories against Full-ABV beers
- Most followed No/Low Alcohol brand on TikTok globally.
Mission and Vision
IMPOSSIBREW® is on a mission to redefine non-alcoholic drinking by creating better-than-alcohol alternatives for those who love beer but want to avoid the health risks associated with alcohol consumption.
The company aims to become the global leading alcohol alternative brand, focusing on helping people transition to a healthier mode of relaxation without the traditional issues and side effects of alcohol.
Production and Ingredients
IMPOSSIBREW® combines traditional brewing methods with their proprietary Social Blend™ along with patent-pending technology*
The beers are made with traditional brewing ingredients such as water, malted barley, wheat, hops, and yeast, in addition to the Social Blend™ components - leveraging their unique cryogenic fermentation process, which means no alcohol is ever removed from the product - ensuring the most authentic quality taste you've come to expect.
Who is it for?
IMPOSSIBREW® caters to consumers who:
- Are busy professionals and parents who would like to unwind with a drink but don't want the hangovers.
- Enjoy the taste and relaxing experience of beer
- Are looking for healthier alternatives to alcohol, with lower calories, carbs and sugar
- Want to avoid hangovers and other negative effects of alcohol consumption
- Are interested in functional beverages with potential mood-enhancing properties
By offering a unique product that aims to replicate both the taste and feeling of alcoholic beer, IMPOSSIBREW® is positioning itself at the forefront of the growing non-alcoholic beverage market.
Get Started Today
Give it a try today with our Welcome Bundle and get 2 Free Beers with your first purchase. Get it delivered straight to your door, risk-free with our 30-day money-back guarantee.
We hope you enjoy them as much as we do and we can't wait for you to try.
*Patent pending in the UK under application number GB2415685.3
How does 'Social Blend™' work?
Social Blend™ is our proprietary alcohol alternative made from a blend of science-backed ingredients using patent-pending technology*.
Designed to replicate the sensory and social relaxing experience of drinking, minus the headaches (and bad decisions).
Developed with Dr Paul Chazot, Bioscience Professor and Chair of Pharmacology at Durham University.
Key Components and Mechanisms
- L-Theanine:
- Ashwagandha Root:
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):
- Various nootropic herbs:
Benefits
- Relaxation: The blend promotes a state of relaxation without the sedative effects typically associated with alcohol.
- Mental Calm: By boosting alpha brain waves and serotonin levels, it helps maintain a calm and focused mental state.
- Stress Relief: The combination of L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, and Vitamin B1 helps mitigate stress and anxiety.
- Mood Enhancement: The inclusion these ingredients and other botanicals supports mood regulation and overall positive outlook.
IMPOSSIBREW®'s Social Blend™ is a carefully crafted combination of nootropic and adaptogenic ingredients designed to offer a relaxing and mood-enhancing experience without the drawbacks of alcohol. It leverages the natural properties of its components to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mood, making it a unique alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.
(Read our latest research paper here)
*Patent pending in the UK under application number GB2415685.3
Do you ship overseas?
We ship to the UK Mainland for free when you spend over £35 and to Northern Ireland (additional courier charges may apply).
We aim to expand internationally soon - stay tuned!
If you have any queries, feel free to email: hello(@)impossibrew.co.uk
How long will it take to get my orders?
For UK mainland deliveries, normal orders processed here will take 1-3 business days to arrive, with an optional upgrade to Next Day Delivery available (12pm cut-off).
Delivery details will be provided in your confirmation email.
How is 0.5% ABV alcohol-free?
Yes, we know it's confusing. Isn't 0.5% ABV still alcoholic? Officially, 0.5% ABV is classified as Dealcoholised.
- In fact, most things we consume daily have more than 0.5% ABV
- Burger Rolls - 1.2% ABV
- Orange Juice - 0.5% ABV
- Ripe Banana - 0.5% ABV
After more than 2 years of research, we've found that the 0.5% ABV from our natural brewing process significantly increases both flavour and mouthfeel - without spiking your blood alcohol level (BAC).
Is it really gluten-free?
Yes, IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager is gluten-free. Even though it contains wheat and barley, our beers have been third-party tested to contain less than 10 parts per million (PPM) of gluten, which meets the criteria to be listed as, and labeled gluten-free.
Does it have alcohol tax?
No. While it is true that our beers don't contain alcohol, and thus don't incur UK alcohol duty, we'd like to highlight some factors here that might be helpful in reflecting the value we provide.
- One-to-One Brewing Process: At IMPOSSIBREW, we take pride in our unique brewing techniques. Unlike other non-alcoholic beers, our products are never diluted, watered-down, or have their alcohol content removed - and some even dilute their alcoholic beers up to 5x. This means that our brewing process involves the same level of craftsmanship, time, and resources as a traditional craft beer, resulting in comparable production costs.
- Effective Nootropics: In our commitment to creating the most relaxing non-alcoholic beers, we utilise only the highest quality nootropics as our active ingredients, in safe and effectives dosages. At current alcohol tax rates for a 5% ABV beer, the cost of our nootropics more than double that. Instead of contributing the amounts as tax, why not have it contribute to the product quality itself?
- Small Scale Brewing: Currently, we operate on a smaller scale, which makes us less competitive than large, commercial brewers (often +10,000x our brewing size). As a growing business, we are passionate about our mission to create unique, high-quality non-alcoholic experiences, and we truly appreciate your support. As we continue to grow and expand our production capabilities, we look forward to passing on even more savings to our valued community!
At IMPOSSIBREW, we prioritise offering our customers an enhanced, premium, non-alcoholic beer experience by combining innovative brewing techniques, quality active nootropic ingredients, and award-winning taste. While our pricing may differ from other non-alcoholic competitors, we believe that the value proposition and unique experience our beers provide are well worth it.
At the end of the day, tasting is believing. So give it a try and let us know what you think - risk-free with our IMPOSSIBREW® Guarantee.
Who shouldn't drink IMPOSSIBREW®?
It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with certain medical conditions like GI disorders or hypertension, or individuals taking specific medications such as antidepressants or blood thinners. If you fall into any of these categories, it's best to consult with your doctor first.
Ashwagandha can lead to overstimulation (i.e. restlessness) if taken alongside thyroid medication.
What is your philosophy?
For thousands of years, we had only one way to unwind together. One way to let our guards down. One way to bridge the gap between who we are and who we are with others.
Not because it was perfect. But because it was all we had.
We decided that wasn't good enough.
We exist because we believe in a world where social connection doesn't demand compromise.
Where being present with others doesn't mean being absent from yourself. Where letting go doesn't mean losing control.This isn't about removing alcohol. This is about something better.
Our Social Blend™ technology isn't an accident. It's the result of questioning everything we thought we knew about social drinking. About working with scientists to understand what we're really seeking in these moments of connection. About daring to imagine something that wasn't possible before.
We believe the greatest innovations don't just solve problems - they change how we live. They make us question why we ever settled for less.
That's what we're building. Not just a drink, but a new way forward. A future where social connection comes without compromise. Where tradition meets innovation. Where science meets ritual.
This is the future of social drinking.