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How Non-Alcoholic Beer Is Made: Science & Brewing
Introduction
The growing popularity of non-alcoholic beer is more than just a trend - it’s an evolution in both lifestyle and brewing science. For health-conscious adults in the UK who enjoy social drinking but wish to minimise alcohol consumption, non-alcoholic beer offers a compelling alternative. But how do you create a beverage so synonymous with fermentation and alcohol, without the alcohol? This article delves into the intricate science behind non-alcoholic beer production, the challenges faced by brewers, and why this industry is thriving. By the end, you’ll gain an appreciation for the innovation and expertise redefining the craft of brewing.
The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Cultural Shift
In recent years, the demand for non-alcoholic beer has skyrocketed, reflecting a broader societal shift towards healthier choices. The World Health Organization’s 2023 statement that no level of alcohol consumption is safe highlighted the long-term risks of even moderate drinking, including links to seven types of cancer. Younger generations seem particularly attuned to these concerns, with studies showing a notable decline in alcohol consumption among teenagers.
These trends are not confined to younger demographics. Many older adults are also re-evaluating their drinking habits, driven by health optimisation, lifestyle balance, and the desire for high-quality alternatives. This aligns perfectly with the rise of functional beverages, including non-alcoholic beers, as brewers innovate to meet the needs of a changing market. The Brewers Guild of New Zealand, for instance, reported a 750% increase in the production of low and no-alcohol beer since 2019. The UK market mirrors this surge, with pubs, supermarkets, and craft brewers increasingly offering sophisticated alcohol-free options that go far beyond the bland offerings of the past.
The Science of Brewing Non-Alcoholic Beer
The Basics of Beer Brewing
To understand non-alcoholic beer, it’s essential to start with traditional beer brewing. Beer requires just four core ingredients: malted grains (such as barley, wheat, or rye), hops, yeast, and water. Brewing involves several key steps:
- Malting and Mashing: Grains are soaked to encourage germination (malting), then heated to break down starches into fermentable sugars during the mashing process.
- Boiling and Hopping: The liquid extract, known as wort, is boiled. Hops are added to provide bitterness, aroma, and flavour.
- Fermentation: Yeast converts sugars in the wort into ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide, producing the distinct flavours of beer.
- Finishing: After fermentation, the beer is filtered, carbonated, and packaged for consumption.
The trick for non-alcoholic beer lies in altering this process to minimise or eliminate the alcohol while preserving the familiar taste and mouthfeel.
Brewing Without Alcohol: Two Methods
1. Removing Alcohol Post-Brewing
One method involves brewing beer as usual and then removing the alcohol using specialised equipment like vacuum distillation or reverse osmosis. However, this approach typically requires expensive machinery and often results in a less flavourful product, making it less viable for craft breweries.
2. Low-Alcohol Fermentation with Specialised Yeast
The more innovative method is to use yeast strains that naturally produce minimal alcohol. These yeast varieties ferment only simple sugars, leaving the more complex carbohydrates untouched. This approach not only reduces alcohol content to below 0.5% ABV (alcohol by volume) but also preserves the complexity of flavours that beer lovers expect.
The Role of Yeast: A Microbial Powerhouse
Yeast is the unsung hero of beer brewing, responsible not only for fermentation but also for shaping flavour profiles. Over centuries, brewers domesticated yeast strains to optimise alcohol production and flavour balance. However, creating non-alcoholic beer demands a different set of characteristics. Dr. Peter Burcham, a molecular biologist and head of research at Garage Project Brewery, explains how researchers are reimagining yeast strains for this new frontier.
Garage Project’s non-alcoholic beers rely on a specialised yeast strain developed by Dr. Burcham during his postdoctoral research in Belgium. This yeast ferments only the simplest sugars while leaving the majority of carbohydrates intact, resulting in a beer with full-bodied flavour but negligible alcohol. However, this process is not without challenges. Non-alcoholic yeast is delicate, expensive, and must be replaced with every brew to avoid contamination - a significant departure from traditional brewing practices.
Innovation Through Science: The Next Frontier
Garage Project and their academic collaborators, including researchers at Victoria University of Wellington, are working to develop entirely new yeast strains tailored to non-alcoholic brewing. There are two promising approaches:
- Reverse Domestication: By applying selective pressure to existing beer yeast, researchers aim to ‘undo’ centuries of domestication, forcing the yeast to evolve traits suited to non-alcoholic brewing.
- Wild Yeast Exploration: New Zealand’s unique biodiversity offers untapped potential. By isolating wild yeast from the environment, researchers hope to discover strains that naturally produce complex flavours without fermenting maltose (a key sugar in beer).
These efforts exemplify the intersection of tradition and innovation, as brewers leverage cutting-edge molecular biology to pioneer a new era of brewing.
Overcoming Challenges in Non-Alcoholic Brewing
Sweetness and Caloric Concerns
Non-alcoholic beers often contain higher levels of residual sugars, leading to a slightly sweeter taste and higher carbohydrate content. However, they remain lower in calories than alcoholic beers due to the absence of calorie-dense ethanol. Brewers continually experiment with mashing temperatures and malt composition to balance sweetness and mouthfeel.
Safety and Shelf Stability
Without alcohol’s natural preservative properties, non-alcoholic beers are more susceptible to bacterial contamination. This has prompted breweries to adopt rigorous pasteurisation and pH control protocols. Dr. Burcham advises consumers to inquire about their favourite brewery’s safety measures to ensure quality and health compliance.
Why Non-Alcoholic Beer Is Here to Stay
Non-alcoholic beer is not a fleeting trend but a reflection of deeper societal changes. Today’s consumers demand products that align with their health goals, sustainability values, and social habits. For many, non-alcoholic beer offers a way to enjoy the sensory experience of drinking without the health trade-offs of alcohol.
Moreover, the craft beer industry has embraced this challenge with enthusiasm. Breweries like Garage Project are proving that non-alcoholic options can be just as complex and enjoyable as their alcoholic counterparts, attracting a diverse range of drinkers from young professionals to health-conscious parents.
Key Takeaways
- Health Trends Drive Demand: Increasing awareness of alcohol’s health risks has led to a surge in non-alcoholic beer consumption, especially among younger generations and moderate drinkers.
- Innovative Brewing Techniques: Brewers are using specialised yeast strains and advanced fermentation techniques to produce flavourful non-alcoholic beers without compromising quality.
- Yeast as a Key Player: Research into yeast genetics and wild strains is opening exciting possibilities for new non-alcoholic beer varieties.
- Challenges Exist: Brewers face obstacles such as higher production costs, safety concerns, and sweetness management, but advancements in brewing science are addressing these issues.
- Cultural Shift Towards Moderation: Non-alcoholic beer reflects a broader move towards mindful drinking, appealing to those who value health optimisation and social connection.
Conclusion
Non-alcoholic beer is not merely a substitute for traditional beer - it’s a bold reimagining of what beer can be. Through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to quality, brewers are creating products that resonate with today’s health-conscious consumers. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or new to the world of brewing, there’s never been a better time to explore the exciting flavours and possibilities of non-alcoholic beer. Cheers to the future of brewing!
Source: "The science of non-alcoholic beer | Our Changing World | RNZ" - RNZ Podcasts, YouTube, Aug 11, 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4kOoUNZVA4
Use: Embedded for reference. Brief quotes used for commentary/review.
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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
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, immunosuppressants 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.
Got more questions?
Speak to our AI Brewer here for instant answers.
Or email us at hello@impossibrew.co.uk
Our customer support is available Monday to Friday: 9am - 5:30pm.