Alcohol-free beer gets volumes of a bad rep. Even if the bland taste is the prime reason for the disdain, many may feel, non-alcoholic beer brands have tweaked recipes in recent years. So much so that we can now talk about the best non-alcoholic beer, and a variety of styles, tastes, and lasting impressions. Find out which are the best NA brews around, rated according to taste and alcohol by volume (ABV), and where to buy non-alcoholic beer.
We need to make one special mention. Some non-alcoholic beers do contain a bit of alcohol, even if it is less than one percent. If you wonder how much alcohol is in non-alcoholic beer, note that the maximum alcohol volume in an NA beer is set at around 0.5%. Nevertheless, if you want to make sure you are drinking a truly alcohol-free beer, check for the fine print on the label.
Contents
10. “Kralle Bräu Analcolica” Non-Alcoholic Malt Beer
- Brewery: Rakszawa, Poland,
- ABV: N/A
This Polish non-alcoholic malt beverage will surprise any beer lover with its crisp body. Although it is alcohol-free, Kralle Brau has light-grain notes and a pleasant taste. Its color is pale yellow, and the malts leave a delicate aftertaste. You can enjoy it at any party when you’re in the mood for something light and fresh. Order the product online.
9. “Zero” Non-Alcohol Malt Beer Taste Beverage
- Brewery: Birra Moretti, Italy.
This malt beer from Italy is light and tasteful, with a light-yellow color. The lager can be paired with pasta, soft cheeses dish or white meat for a delightful dinner. Birra Italiana is produced with Italian malt, and it will deliver a slightly bitter aftertaste that will please lovers of NA beer. You can order this malt beverage non-alcoholic beer online.
8. Paulaner Thomas Brau
- Brewery: Paulaner Brauerei München, Germany.
- ABV: 0.5%.
If you’re lucky enough to have found an import beer store filled with the best non-alcoholic beer in Europe, the U.S., and beyond, look for the German classic, Paulaner. The non-alcoholic Paulaner packs a delicious banana-clove body with a refreshing feeling. Nevertheless, this version doesn’t sell on the U.S. market. If you long for a sip of non-alcoholic Paulaner, look for Paulaner Thomas Brau. This is one of the tricky beers labeled NA. Nevertheless, the ABV is also 0.5%. It’s light, and crisp and resembles a refreshing pilsner.
7. Bitburger Drive
- Brewery: Bitburger Brewery Group, Germany.
- ABV: 0%.
Another German import NA, this zero alcohol beer packs delightful grassy flavors. If you’re one for a bitter non-alcoholic beer, this is one of the best. The bitterness is upfront, yet well balanced by the light feeling of the beer’s body. A classic, this could well qualify for the best non-alcoholic beer.
6. St. Pauli Non-Alcoholic
- Brewery: St. Pauli Brewery, Germany.
- ABV: 0 %.
St. Pauli NA is also a German import non-alcoholic brew. With cider notes and citrus overtones, St. Pauli has a light body that’s quite refreshing. Ladies seem to enjoy it more, albeit the easy-to-distinguish malty hops.
5. Beck’s Non-Alcoholic
- Brewery: Beck’s Brewery, Germany.
- ABV: < 0.5 %.
Beck’s is everyone’s familiar choice for an impromptu get-together or the quick supermarket buy. Nevertheless, we must give it to Beck’s: they managed to create a non-alcoholic brew with barley and sweet corn overtone. While you may overlook this choice, give it a try now and then. It’s a great alternative when in dire need of a quick fix for the designated driver.
4. Clausthaler
- Brewery: Clausthaler Brewery, Germany.
- ABV: 0.5%
A classic German lager with a refreshing flavor and hoppy notes specific to German lagers. It is a smooth, well-balanced brew with just a hint of alcohol. The barley sweetness may be too much for some, while others may like precisely this honey-like note. Please keep in mind that the sweetness is balanced by a mild bitter taste. You can order this non-alcoholic malt beverage online.
3. Stoli Ginger Beer Moscow Mule Non-alcoholic Beverage
- Brewery: Riga, Latvia
- ABV: N/A
Stoli’s Ginger Beer is ideal for a virgin Moscow Mule, but you can also enjoy it on its own, as it is full of flavor. This non-alcoholic beer is produced by the famous Stolichnaya company, a renowned vodka maker, and it delivers a memorable experience. It is also a healthy option, as it does not contain corn syrup (high in fructose), but only pure cane sugar.
2. Erdinger Weissbier Alkoholfrei
- Brewery: Erdinger Brewery, Germany.
- ABV: 0.50%.
Under the Erdinger beer brands, you’ll find plenty of famous brews with a discernible wheat taste. Nevertheless, the non-alcoholic beer produced under the Erdinger brand has a particularly sweet taste. Color-wise, you will enjoy the same blurry warm yellow that makes it irresistible for wheat beer enthusiasts. With a rich wheat-derived taste, Erdinger’s NA is a great choice for your best non-alcoholic beer brands list. The well-balanced body, rich flavor, and smooth mouthfeel recommend it as such.
1. Clausthaler Amber Dry Hopped Non-Alcoholic Beer
- Brewery: Clausthaler
This premium non-alcoholic beer is perfect for a refreshing drink during pregnancy, before a drive or simply for the taste. It is a well-balanced lager with floral citrus and dark barley malt flavors. A refreshing and enjoyable hop and a mildly sweet, earthy mouthfeel make it an ideal recommendation for the best non-alcoholic beer category.
What is the best tasting non-alcoholic beer?
The list above should give you an idea of which NA beer tastes relatively better than the rest. However, just for the sake of argument, other good choices are the Clausthaler Golden Amber and Coors Non-Alcoholic Beer.
The brewers from Big Drop Brewing, the only producer of craft beer with under 0.5% ABV, also make some delicious drinks that include Chocolate Milk Stout, Citrus Pale Ale, and Spiced Ale.
NA drinks may not give you that same kick as alcoholic beverages do, but they are potentially the next best thing. Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal taste and tolerance to the distinct taste of alcohol-free drinks.
Conclusion
While it is difficult to create a top of the best non-alcoholic beers, we hope we hit the spot with these 10 choices. Choosing the best non-alcoholic beer is largely a matter of taste. Whether you’re looking for a well-balanced rounded taste or a classic light lager, we’ve got it covered. Do you have other recommendations for the best beer without alcohol? Let us know in the comments!