According to LSA, a magazine dedicated to news and analysis of trade and consumer trends non-alcoholic beers will account for just 3.2% of the beer market in 2021.
However, they show the highest rate of growth, with an increase of 26.4%. Non-alcoholic beers are becoming increasingly popular, so here’s what you need to know about them.
Rarely 0% alcohol
In reality, alcohol-free beers often have very low alcohol content. Made by rapid fermentation, they often have an alcohol content of around 0.4°.
In France, the law allows drinks with an alcoholic strength of less than 1.2° to be called « alcohol-free ».
There are a number of techniques manufacturers can use to achieve 0% alcohol. In Spain and Japan, alcohol-free beers are more often at 0%. The number of beverages reaching this level is increasing.
They are lower in calories
Beer is a high-calorie beverage. The number of calories per 100 mL often varies between 40 and 50. In fact, beer is not recommended for dieters or for keeping a slim figure.
Alcohol-free beers have around 25 calories for the same quantity. It therefore reduces the calories ingested by more than 40%!
More like a soda than a beer
Although they have fewer calories, alcohol-free beers are nonetheless very sweet. They are sometimes sweeter than classic beers, which is why they are compared to sodas.
They provide the body with water, minerals and B vitamins. As with many foods, its benefits and drawbacks depend on the individual’s reason and ability to avoid piling up the glasses!
Don’t think you can give it to alcoholics
With very low or no alcohol content, alcohol-free beers are a good complement for people who like the taste of beer but can’t drink it:
- pregnant women,
- the « Sams », who have to take the wheel,
- people wishing to limit their alcohol consumption,
- diabetics…
However, it would be risky to assume that these drinks are an alternative for people addicted to alcohol, or who have recovered from an old addiction.
The presence of alcohol can awaken the brain’s alcohol-sensitive receptors, even at levels not normally sufficient to cause its effects to reach the body.
What’s more, the taste and smell, sometimes similar to alcoholic beverages, can also bring back cravings for classic beer.