Is Non-Alcoholic Beer Really Healthy?
A deep dive into calories, sugar, and groundbreaking 2025 research revealing surprising metabolic differences between NA beer styles.
Article Contents
Complete analysis of non-alcoholic beer's health impacts
The Metabolic Surprise: New Research on NA Beer and Blood Sugar
For years, the health conversation around NA beer focused primarily on calories. However, a pivotal study published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients (Kreimeyer et al., May 2025) has shifted the focus toward how these drinks actually affect our blood sugar and metabolism.
The randomized, investigator-blinded study tracked 44 healthy young men who consumed 660ml (about two cans) of different types of NA beer or water daily for four weeks.
The findings were unexpected.
Source: Nutrients, May 2025 • Kreimeyer et al.
The Study's Findings
The research revealed that certain styles of non-alcoholic beer can lead to unfavorable metabolic changes:
NA Wheat Beer:
Increased insulin and triglyceride levels.
NA Mixed Beer (e.g., beer mixed with soda or juice):
Increased fasting glucose (blood sugar) and triglyceride levels.
Fasting glucose and insulin levels are key indicators of how well your body manages blood sugar. Elevated levels over time can increase the risk of metabolic issues like insulin resistance.
Conversely, the study found that NA Pilsner-style beers showed a more favorable metabolic profile, similar to water. The Pilsner group did not significantly affect glucose metabolism and actually experienced a decrease in cholesterol and LDL ("bad" cholesterol) levels.
NA Pilsner:
Decreased cholesterol and LDL levels, no negative glucose impact.
What Does This Mean for You?
The researchers concluded that the unfavorable metabolic impacts of the wheat and mixed beers were likely due to their higher caloric and sugar content, rather than other compounds in the beer (like polyphenols).
The key takeaway: The style of non-alcoholic beer matters. If you are managing blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, or cholesterol, an NA Pilsner appears to be a metabolically safer choice than NA wheat beers or sweet, mixed NA beverages.
The Biggest Health Win: Removing the Alcohol
Before diving into the nutrition facts, it's crucial to acknowledge the most significant health benefit of NA beer: the absence of alcohol (ethanol).
The health risks associated with alcohol consumption are profound. Alcohol is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 1 carcinogen. This is the highest risk group, the same category as tobacco and asbestos.
Even moderate alcohol intake is linked to:
Cancer Risk
Increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colorectal cancer.
Liver Stress
Alcohol is a toxin that the liver must prioritize metabolizing, leading to inflammation and potential long-term damage.
Sleep Disruption
Alcohol severely disrupts REM sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue.
Cardiovascular Issues
Excessive drinking increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart failure.
By definition, non-alcoholic beer in the U.S. contains less than 0.5% Alcohol By Volume (ABV). Switching from regular beer to NA beer effectively eliminates all the primary health risks associated with ethanol consumption.
This alone makes NA beer unequivocally healthier than any alcoholic alternative.
The Nutritional Showdown: NA Beer vs. Regular Beer
While removing the alcohol is a major win, we still need to examine what remains: calories, carbohydrates, and sugar.
Comparing specific brands side-by-side—the NA version versus its alcoholic "twin"—offers the clearest picture of the trade-offs involved.
The Ultimate NA vs. Alcoholic Beer Nutritional Showdown (Per 12 oz Serving)
| Beer Name | Type | ABV (%) | Calories | Carbs (g) | Sugar (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heineken | Alcoholic Lager | 5.0% | 142 | 11g | 0g |
| Heineken 0.0 | Non-Alc Lager | <0.03% | 69 | 16g | 1.3g |
| Budweiser | Alcoholic Lager | 5.0% | 145 | 10.6g | 0g |
| Budweiser Zero | Non-Alc Lager | 0.0% | 50 | 11.5g | 0g |
| Guinness Draught | Alcoholic Stout | 4.2% | 125 | 9.8g | <1g |
| Guinness 0.0 | Non-Alc Stout | 0.0% | 60 | 14.4g | ~2.7g |
| Lagunitas IPA | Alcoholic IPA | 6.2% | 190 | 18g | 0g |
| Lagunitas IPNA | Non-Alc IPA | <0.5% | 80 | 18g | 3g |
| Sierra Nevada Pale Ale | Alcoholic Pale Ale | 5.6% | 175 | 16.9g | 0g |
| Athletic Run Wild | Non-Alc IPA | <0.5% | 65 | 14g | N/A |
The Calorie Conversation
As the data shows, non-alcoholic beer almost always wins the calorie battle when compared to its full-strength counterpart.
This is because alcohol itself is calorie-dense, containing 7 calories per gram (compared to 4 calories per gram for carbohydrates). By removing the alcohol, the calorie count drops substantially—often by 50% or more.
If you are switching from a full-strength IPA (around 190 calories) to an NA IPA (around 65-80 calories), the savings are substantial and can contribute significantly to weight management goals.
The Hidden Carb and Sugar Question
This is where NA beer requires a closer look at the label. You may notice that NA beers sometimes have more carbohydrates and sugar than their alcoholic versions (e.g., Heineken 0.0 has 16g of carbs vs. Heineken's 11g).
Why does this happen?
In regular beer brewing, yeast consumes the sugars from the grains and converts them into alcohol and CO2. Because this process is very efficient, regular beer often has very little residual sugar.
Non-alcoholic beer is different. There are two primary ways it's made:
1. Arrested Fermentation:
Stopping the fermentation process early before significant alcohol is produced. This method naturally leaves behind more residual sugars that the yeast didn't consume.
2. Dealcoholization:
Brewing a full-strength beer and then removing the alcohol. To compensate for the loss of body and flavor that alcohol provides, brewers sometimes leave more carbohydrates or add back small amounts of sugar.
This higher residual sugar content is likely the driver behind the metabolic findings in the 2025 Nutrients study.
The takeaway: If you are monitoring your carbohydrate or sugar intake closely (e.g., for a keto diet or diabetes management), NA beer is not a "free pass." Always check the nutrition label.
You reached for a non-alcoholic (NA) beer because it felt like the healthier choice. It stands to reason: removing the alcohol must make it better for you, right?
While the answer is largely yes, it's more nuanced than a simple swap. The booming popularity of NA beer has led to incredible variety, but it has also raised new questions about what exactly is left in the can when the alcohol is removed.
More importantly, groundbreaking research published in May 2025 has revealed a surprising truth: not all non-alcoholic beers have the same effect on your metabolism.
This guide provides a clear, data-driven comparison of NA beer versus its alcoholic counterparts, and unpacks the latest scientific findings to help you choose the healthiest options.
Other Potential Benefits of NA Beer
It's not all about avoiding negatives; NA beer also offers some unique health advantages.
Hydration and Recovery
Unlike alcoholic beer, which is a diuretic (meaning it dehydrates you), non-alcoholic beer can actually be hydrating.
This, combined with the presence of carbohydrates and electrolytes like potassium, has made NA beer a popular choice for post-workout recovery among athletes.
Vitamins and Polyphenols
Beer is made from hops, yeast, and grains, which means it naturally contains a variety of micronutrients. NA beers often retain B vitamins (like folic acid) and beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols (from hops and grains). Polyphenols have antioxidant properties that may help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health.
The Verdict: Is Non-Alcoholic Beer a Healthy Choice?
The answer depends entirely on what you are comparing it to.
Compared to Alcoholic Beer:
✅ YES, significantly healthier
The elimination of alcohol—a known toxin and carcinogen—outweighs the potential increase in sugar or carbohydrates.
Compared to Water or Seltzer:
⚠️ NO, not a "health drink"
It still contains calories, carbohydrates, and sugar. And as the latest research shows, certain styles may have unfavorable effects on blood sugar and insulin levels.
How to Choose the Healthiest NA Beer
Think of NA beer as a healthier alternative to regular beer, not as a health supplement. It is a fantastic tool for moderation and mindful drinking.
To make the healthiest choice in the NA aisle, follow these guidelines:
1. Consider the Style:
Based on the recent 2025 Nutrients study, if metabolic health and blood sugar management are your priorities, favoring NA Pilsners or Lagers over NA Wheat beers is beneficial.
2. Check the Label:
Look for options lower in calories (under 70), carbohydrates, and especially added sugar.
3. Focus on Ingredients:
Look for beers with simple ingredients: water, barley, hops, and yeast.
4. Seek 0.0% if Necessary:
If you require zero alcohol, ensure the label states 0.0% ABV.
Ready to Discover Your Perfect Non-Alcoholic Alternative?
Now that you understand the health implications of different NA beer styles, take the next step in your wellness journey.