Non-Alcoholic Beer: Is It Really a Healthy Choice?

Non-alcoholic beer increasingly popular due to health trend

The popularity of alcohol-free beer continues to rise. A growing range and improved taste play a major role in this, but increased health awareness is also an important factor. However, experts warn: “Healthier does not necessarily mean healthy.”

Is non-alcoholic beer good for your health?

According to professor Geert Dom of the University of Antwerp, alcohol-free beer is a better choice than beer with alcohol, but that does not mean it is immediately healthy. "It is less unhealthy because you avoid the harmful effects of alcohol," he says. This makes the rise of alcohol-free beers a positive development.

Non-alcoholic beers avoid the harmful effects of alcohol

Drinking alcohol has been proven to be harmful to health. Alcohol-free beers help reduce these disadvantages, such as the risk of addiction and alcohol-related diseases. However, you should be careful: in Belgium, a beer may be labeled as “alcohol-free” if it contains less than 0,5% alcohol. In the Netherlands, for example, this is 0,1%. The alternatives are labeled as “low-alcohol” beer.

Calories and sugar in non-alcoholic beer

Non-alcoholic beer contains fewer calories than alcoholic beer. A regular lager contains an average of 45 kcal per 100 ml, while a non-alcoholic lager contains 26 kcal. But beware, non-alcoholic beer often contains more sugar. This is due to the brewing process, in which the sugar in beer without alcohol is not fully converted.

Healthier than beer, but not without drawbacks

Although non-alcoholic beer is a healthier alternative to alcoholic beer and soft drinks, experts say it remains a treat that should be consumed in moderation. Nutritionist Rosa Luyten emphasizes that non-alcoholic beer falls outside the food pyramid and that water remains the healthiest choice.

Enjoy, but in moderation! 😉