Alcohol Free Beer: Why Non-Alcoholic Beer Is Booming in Australia

Why is non-alcoholic beer booming?

More Australians are cutting back on alcohol for health, fitness and lifestyle reasons, and non-alcoholic beer lets them keep the ritual of a cold beer without the effects. Big brewers have also invested heavily, which has improved quality and brought the category into pubs, bars and supermarkets.

It is also a sign of changing social habits. Having a non-alcoholic option at a barbecue, a work function or the football is normal, and it makes it easier to pace yourself or take the designated driver role.

How is non-alcoholic beer made?

There are two main methods. In the first, brewers make a normal beer and then remove the alcohol using vacuum distillation or membrane filtration. In the second, they restrict fermentation so little alcohol forms, using special yeasts or low-temperature mashing.

Dealcoholised beers tend to keep more flavour and body, while arrested-fermentation beers can taste sweeter and more worty. Modern brewers often combine methods and add hops to restore aroma.

What do the labels mean in Australia?

You will see “non-alcoholic”, “alcohol free”, “zero alcohol” and “0.0%”. In Australia, a beer labelled non-alcoholic cannot contain more than 0.5 per cent alcohol by volume, and some brands go lower and label 0.0%. A beer at 0.5 per cent has traces of alcohol, similar to ripe fruit or bread.

If you must avoid alcohol entirely, for example for health, religious or pregnancy reasons, look for 0.0% on the label or ask your doctor. Check the ABV rather than assuming.

What does non-alcoholic beer taste like?

The best are now close to regular lager: clean, lightly bitter and refreshing. The main differences are slightly less body and a touch of sweetness. Colder temperatures and a good glass improve the experience.

Try Heineken Zero for a crisp lager style or Clausthaler Original, a German brand that has specialised in alcohol-free beer for decades. See our non-alcoholic beer collection.

Explore: Shop non-alcoholic beer

Is non-alcoholic beer healthy?

It is lower in calories than most regular beers and has no meaningful alcohol, which helps if you are cutting back. Some brands are also low in carbohydrates. It is not a health food, though, so check labels for sugar and calories if those matter to you.

Non-alcoholic beer is not suitable for everyone, so if you have a medical reason to avoid alcohol or are pregnant, speak to your doctor first.

When is non-alcoholic beer the right choice?

It suits driving, training days, Dry July or Sober October, mid-week drinks and any occasion where you want a beer without the buzz. It also pairs with food in the same way as a regular lager.

Many people alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at a party, which keeps them hydrated and helps them track how much they have had. For comparison with regular beer, see our lager vs imported beer guide.

What should you look for when buying?

Check the production or best-before date, since freshness matters even more for low-alcohol beer. Choose a style you already like, such as lager, pale ale or wheat beer, and look at the ABV on the label.

Buyers of alcohol must be 18 or over, and non-alcoholic beer is often sold alongside regular beer. Browse the range and compare sizes and pack formats.

What other non-alcoholic drinks are growing?

Non-alcoholic wine, spirits and spritzes are growing quickly alongside beer. Alcohol-free gin, whisky and aperitif alternatives allow people to make mocktails and spritzes, and non-alcoholic sparkling wine offers a celebratory option.

Quality varies, so read reviews and try small sizes first. Many people keep a mix of regular and non-alcoholic drinks at home, so guests can choose.

How do Dry July and Sober October fit in?

Dry July, a fundraising campaign that began in Australia in 2008, and similar months such as Sober October encourage people to take a break from alcohol. Non-alcoholic beer is a popular way to keep the social side of drinking during these months.

If you are cutting down, tracking standard drinks and having alcohol-free days helps. If you are concerned about your drinking, speak to your GP or call a support service.

How do you pour and serve non-alcoholic beer?

Serve very cold, in a clean glass, and pour at an angle to build a head. Cold temperatures mask any sweetness and make the beer taste crisper. Dealcoholised beers can taste a little thin when warm.

Look at the ingredients and nutrition label if calories, carbohydrates or gluten matter to you. Brands differ widely. A squeeze of lime in a lager style or a slice of orange in a wheat beer can lift the flavour.

How do non-alcoholic styles differ?

Non-alcoholic lagers are the most common and the easiest to enjoy. Non-alcoholic wheat beers and pale ales have more flavour but are less widely available. Some brands also offer non-alcoholic stouts, and the choice grows every year.

Because the alcohol is removed or limited, body can be thinner, which brewers offset with extra malt, hops and carbonation. If one style does not suit you, try another, since each brewer’s approach is different.

How should you shop for non-alcoholic beer online?

Check the product name, the ABV on the label and the pack size. Beware of listings that mix up regular and alcohol-free versions of the same brand, because labels can look alike. If a product page does not clearly state the ABV, ask before buying.

Choose reputable retailers and confirm the best-before date. Cases of 24 are good value if you plan to drink it regularly, while single packs suit trials. Buyers of alcohol must be 18 or over, and ID may be checked on delivery.