Why People Choose Functional Beers

Functional beers are non-alcoholic drinks that offer more than just taste - they help with relaxation and balance using natural ingredients like L-Theanine and Ashwagandha. Brands such as IMPOSSIBREW® use advanced brewing methods to create beers that mimic the social and sensory experience of traditional beer, without alcohol's downsides like hangovers or impaired clarity.
Key Benefits:
- Relaxation Without Alcohol: 71% of users feel more relaxed after drinking functional beers.
- Healthier Option: Low in calories (around 6 per 100ml) and no hangovers.
- Social Connection: 88% of people reduced their alcohol intake while still enjoying social occasions.
- Great Taste: Advanced brewing techniques retain the rich flavour of traditional beers.
Functional beers are reshaping how people drink by combining wellness with the familiar beer experience, making them a popular choice for mindful drinkers.
Is Non-Alcoholic Beer Better For You?
Market Growth in Functional Beer
The functional beer market has seen rapid expansion in recent years, fuelled by a growing interest in healthier lifestyle choices. This trend reflects a desire for drinks that support wellbeing while still allowing people to enjoy social occasions.
Health-Focused Consumer Preferences
As more people prioritise their health, the demand for beers with added benefits has grown. Brewers have responded by creating products that combine great taste with wellness-focused features. This shift has led to consistently positive feedback from customers and has been linked to improved wellness outcomes [1].
Advances in Brewing Techniques
Recent brewing advancements have made it possible to retain rich flavours while incorporating health-oriented benefits. A standout example is UK-based IMPOSSIBREW®, which uses a specialised cryogenic fermentation process. This method supports their patent-pending Social Blend™ technology, developed in partnership with Dr Paul Chazot, a Bioscience Professor and Chair of Pharmacology at Durham University [1].
The blend of health awareness and brewing innovation continues to push the functional beer market forward, paving the way for exciting developments in this evolving industry.
Social Benefits of Non-Alcoholic Options
With brewing techniques that preserve the taste of traditional beer, functional beers are reshaping social interactions. These drinks let people stay connected socially while making mindful choices, easing the pressure to drink in social settings.
Blending In Without the Booze
Feeling out of place when not drinking can be tough, but functional beers offer an easy way to stay part of the group. Research shows that 88% of people reduce their alcohol intake when they have options like IMPOSSIBREW® [1]. These beverages let you join in without drawing attention to the fact that you're not drinking.
In fact, 95% of consumers have shared positive experiences with friends when trying these alternatives [1]. This growing acceptance is creating a more welcoming space for those who choose not to drink alcohol.
The Familiar Beer Experience
Part of what makes these drinks so appealing is how closely they mimic the experience of drinking regular beer. From the way they look and pour to their mouthfeel, functional beers keep the familiar rituals intact.
IMPOSSIBREW®'s Social Blend™ technology is a great example of this:
"We tested one on a friend who didn't even realise it wasn't the real thing." - IMPOSSIBREW® [1]
Three out of four consumers now see these drinks as "the most complete alcohol alternative currently available on the market today" [1]. This shows how functional beers are successfully bridging the gap between traditional social drinking and modern wellness trends.
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Natural Relaxation Effects
Functional beers provide a way to relax naturally without the downsides of alcohol. These beverages are crafted to encourage relaxation while keeping your mind clear and supporting overall well-being, thanks to a blend of carefully selected, research-supported ingredients.
Stress-Relief Ingredients
Brands like IMPOSSIBREW® include natural compounds such as L-Theanine and Ashwagandha root in their formulas, featuring their proprietary Social Blend™. According to studies, 71% of users reported feeling more relaxed after drinking these beverages [1].
Functional vs. Traditional Beer Benefits
Here's how functional beers stack up against traditional alcoholic options:
Feature | Functional Beers | Traditional Alcoholic Beers |
---|---|---|
Relaxation Method | Uses natural compounds like adaptogens and nootropics | Relies on alcohol effects |
Morning After | No hangover | Potential headaches, dehydration |
Calorie Content | Around 6 calories per 100ml [1] | Typically much higher |
Mental Clarity | Stays intact | Often impaired |
Social Experience | Boosts social connection | Effects can vary |
Functional beers deliver a social and sensory experience without the negative aspects of alcohol. This is reflected in accolades like IMPOSSIBREW®'s Lager and Pale Ale winning at the 2023 World Beer Awards [1].
Better Taste and Options
Functional beers aren't just about health and social perks anymore - they've stepped up their game in flavour and variety, making the drinking experience more enjoyable.
Thanks to advanced brewing methods, modern functional beers now offer the rich, traditional taste profiles beer lovers expect. Instead of removing alcohol after brewing - a process that often affects flavour - IMPOSSIBREW® uses cryogenic fermentation to retain its authentic taste. This method relies on classic ingredients like malted barley, wheat, and hops to deliver the familiar beer characteristics enthusiasts crave.
The results speak for themselves: IMPOSSIBREW® boasts an impressive 4.8 out of 5 rating from over 1,000 customer reviews.
Beer Styles and Choices
The functional beer market has expanded to include a variety of styles to suit different preferences. For instance, IMPOSSIBREW® offers options such as:
Style Feature | Enhanced Lager | Enhanced Pale Ale | Seasonal Editions |
---|---|---|---|
Taste Profile | Crisp, dry with a citrus finish | Tropical, fruity notes | Varied by season |
Dietary Considerations | Gluten-free (<10 PPM) | Vegan-friendly | Limited editions |
Brewing Method | Cryogenic fermentation | Traditional with Social Blend™ | Speciality processes |
ABV Content | Less than 0.5% | Less than 0.5% | Less than 0.5% |
These beers combine great taste with wellness-focused benefits. Each style features IMPOSSIBREW®'s unique Social Blend™, and 88% of customers report drinking less alcohol after trying these alternatives [1].
Conclusion: The Future of Functional Beer
The functional beer market is growing rapidly, with over 1 million IMPOSSIBREW® beers sold - a clear sign of changing attitudes. Consumers are embracing these alternatives, which are reshaping drinking habits by offering options that support relaxation and social connection [1].
Brewing techniques continue to evolve, improving both flavour and functionality. A standout example is IMPOSSIBREW®'s Gold Medal win at the London Beer Competition, the only award given in the No/Low beer category [1]. Additionally, three-quarters of consumers now view it as the most well-rounded alcohol alternative available [1].
With these developments and growing recognition, functional beers are carving out a place in Britain's drinking culture. By balancing health-conscious choices with enjoyable flavours, they offer a practical way to stay socially connected without sacrificing well-being.
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Got Questions?
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
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.