Non-alcoholic beer used to be something that people looked down on, but now it’s fast becoming to go-to drink for many people.
And it’s not just the flavor of the month.
The sale of non-alcoholic beer has increased by 90% over the last ten years, and it’s expected that these beverages will only become more popular.
But why do people enjoy drinks that won’t get them buzzing?
Non-alcoholic Beer Tastes Great
Alcohol-free beer is more about the taste than it is about anything like getting drunk. Breweries have been working hard to improve the taste and, these days, alcohol-free beer can taste even better than the standard stuff.
Many craft beer breweries dedicate all their resources to making alcohol-free beer that tastes amazing. These non-alcoholic craft beers are part of the reason why many people can enjoy the taste of beer without the worry of alcohol.
Places like Germany have been on the alcohol-free beer wagon for a long time, with about 6% of their beer being alcohol-free. Fans of this kind of beer can choose from 400 different brands, which is truly impressive.
Other countries like Austria and Spain are also joining in on the alcohol-free fun, with Spain having 12% of its beer containing no alcohol, and Austria with 3% of its beer being alcohol-free.
The days when non-alcoholic beer tasted watery and gross are long gone, and even beer connoisseurs can consider enjoying an alcohol-free pint every now and then.
You Can Still Drink With Friends
Drunk driving is a big problem all over the world, and in the United States alone, 28 people die every day as a result of drinking and driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 10,000 people die every year as a result of drunk driving.
If you take the alcohol out of beer, all that’s left is the taste and the joy of hanging out with friends without the risk of dangerous behavior. People drink non alcoholic beers so they can have fun with their friends without getting into any trouble or causing problems for others.
You can still drink a quality beer without worrying that you’ll get drunk and have to drive home or find an alternative way back to your place.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about embarrassing yourself and living with shameful memories for the rest of your life (if you’re not lucky enough to forget it all).
Medical Conditions
There are many reasons to stop drinking alcohol, and medical conditions are the motivation for many people to quit drinking altogether.
Long-term drinking can lead to chronic health problems like liver disease, digestive problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes, and even cancer.
According to the World Health Organization, alcohol consumption is a causal factor in more than 200 diseases. As such, it’s understandable that people would prefer alcohol-free alternatives, so they don’t have to stop going out or be forced to start avoiding social gatherings.
Thanks to alcohol-free beer, people who enjoy the taste of beer but don’t want the health risks associated with alcohol can still indulge in a pint or two.
Also, taking medication and drinking alcohol is a big no-no with many bad reactions such as difficulty breathing, heart problems, and internal bleeding. Some medications may no longer work as intended when mixed with alcohol, so opting for a 0% beer is the better choice.
People In Recovery
Recovering from alcoholism is a difficult and long road, and temptations often derail many well-meaning people. The existence of non-alcoholic beer can help those who want to still hang out with friends and not feel like the odd one out.
With that said, people in recovery should still be very careful as it can be a slippery road and even just the trace amounts of alcohol in alcohol-free beer can cause problems. Your body may fall back into old habitual thoughts, so it’s best to be cautious when drinking alcohol-free beer.
If you’re still on the road to becoming sober, though, non-alcoholic beer can be quite useful and help you put distance between yourself and alcohol.
Drinking non-alcoholic beer instead of a normal one can be the first step to recovery, which is always the most important step.
It’s Fashionable
Although the main reason people enjoy alcohol-free beer is that it tastes good and offers little to no health risks, it’s also quite a fashionable thing to do.
Non-alcoholic beer is growing in popularity, and nowadays resembles the first embers of the craft beer scene. There was a time when there was a stigma that clung to alcohol-free beer, and it was considered decidedly uncool and weak.
Now, with so many brands dedicated to making delicious craft beer that contains no alcohol, it has become fashionable to be seen with one in your hand at parties.
Not only is alcohol-free beer going to leave you grateful the next morning (no hangover!), but it’s also becoming quite the beloved beverage for those who want to focus on wellness and healthy living.
With Gen Z being sober curious and focused on living better than their predecessors, non-alcoholic beer has actually become trendy!
Health Benefits of Non-alcoholic Beer
Unlike standard beer and other alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic beer actually has health benefits. Yup, drinking a few pints can be good for your body.
Here’s a quick look at some of the benefits of drinking non-alcoholic beer:
- Fewer calories (typically less than 80 calories per beer)
- Can promote sleep
- Contains vitamins and minerals
- Promotes post-exercise recovery
- Can aid bone growth
- Could reduce risk of colds
- Made from natural ingredients
- May improve cardiovascular health
- Promotes hydration
Of course, as is the case with everything in life, even with these benefits, you should always keep moderation in mind.
People Drink Non-alcoholic Beer Because They Enjoy It
Alcohol-free beer isn’t the watery and weak beverage it was years ago, it has evolved into something delicious and fashionable. With little to no health risks to worry about and by offering a safer way to socialize, alcohol-free beer is fast becoming the go-to for the younger generation.