The popularity of non- alcoholic beer has surged with the fantastic variety now on the market. Almost every major brewery makes one. Athletic Brewing offers a beer for every taste profile and more than a dozen flavors. Refreshing and delicious, these brews are perfect on game day, and as replenishing recovery fuel too.
Traditionally non-alcoholic beers have paled in flavor, compared to their alcoholic counterparts. Stripping the alcohol removes that beer flavor, and adding malt is what brings it back — along with all sorts of additional health benefits. Says Peeyush Maheshwari, PhD, the Founder and Principal of Food 4 Thought, “Minus the alcohol, beer is actually a nutritious beverage, and this is where malt extract makes its mark.”
The high antioxidant content in malt extract, in addition to the substantial amounts of polyphenols — plant compounds with anti-inflammatory properties — make non-alcoholic beer an ideal beverage for athletic recovery. Notably, it has become the beverage of choice for many Olympic athletes in Germany, after a 2012 study revealed that runners who drank non-alcoholic beer before and after the Munich Marathon reported less inflammation post-race than runners who drank a placebo.
Malt extract can also provide an energy boost. Malt contains Hordenine, a plant-based, naturally occurring nootropic compound that has been found in scientific studies to increase focus, energy, and motivation — but without the caffeine jitters. Hordenine is used in many dietary supplements for athletic performance and weight loss. Malt extract naturally contains this stimulant, but without added or artificial ingredients.
On additional health notes, malt promotes good digestive and gut health. A source of soluble fiber, malt helps improve digestion by facilitating the growth of probiotic cultures and supporting the good bacteria that line the gut. Malt can help promote essential nutrient absorption — preventing illness and enhancing overall health.
While non-alcoholic beer boasts all these health and performance benefits, and many are now being marketed as sports recovery drinks, not all rank equally in the taste department. From established European brands, to local craft breweries, here 10 popular favorites you fit and active beer connoisseurs will enjoy — particularly after crushing that workout:
KROMBACHER ALKOHOLFREI
German brewed Krombacher Alkoholfrei is a burnt gold pilsner that lies on the sweeter side, with aromas of light honey and hay. On the palette, herbal hops kick in and remain a subtle backing note from start to finish.
ATHLETIC BREWING CO.
Athletic Brewing Company has a major lineup of non-alcoholic brews that include IPAs, lagers, wheat, golden brews. Run Wild is their best selling flavor, the ultimate IPA for craft beer lovers and only 65 calories.
TSINGTAO 0.0%
Yellow straw color. Aromas of white corn and hints of herbs with a supple, bright, finely carbonated, dryish thin body and a seamless, brisk lemon-ginger tea and croissant finish. A rock-solid AF Beer that delivers the crisp clean flavor of your favorite everyday lager.
SAMUEL ADAMS JUST THE HAZE IPA
A pale malt blend of White Wheat and Golden Naked Oats, Just the Haze NA IPA has won awards internationally and happens to be this editor’s favorite non-alcoholic brew.
PERONI NASTRO AZZURRO 0.0%
If you love a Peroni, you’ll love their non-alcoholic beer, crafted with the same signature Italian ingredients, for the same uplifting Italian taste.
HEINEKEN 0.0
If you’re a Heineken lover, Heineken 0.0 is for you. Many say they can’t tell the difference between the non-alcoholic and regular Heineken.
SCHNEIDER WEISSE MEIN ALKOHOLFREI
Schneider Weisse Mein Alkoholfrei is the only hand-crafted wheat beer on the market. Its got a rich flavor, with a strong reddish color and fine white, long-lasting head.
SIERRA NEVADA TRAIL PASS GOLDEN
Sierra Nevada offers 6 non-alcoholic beers and hop waters. Trail Pass Golden landed on Food & Wine’s list of the 8 best non-alcoholic beers, and is a refreshing brew with bright floral and citrus notes.
CLAUSTHALER
Brewed in Germany, Clausthaler only makes non-alcoholic beer, and is consistently the most awarded. With a malty aroma of grains and barley, the taste is sweet and earthy with a hoppy finish. It’s available in refreshing flavors like Lemon, a richer dark Dry Hopped, and craft style favorite Unfiltered.
WEIHENSTEPHANER HEFEWEISSBIER ALKOHOLFREI
From the oldest brewery in the world — it dates back to 1040! — Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier Alkoholfrei tastes like a hefeweizen, with popular lemon and wheat flavors that are tangy, fresh, and full-bodied, along with hints of cloves and honey.
