What Is Non-Alcoholic Beer?
Non-alcoholic beer is a beer-style beverage made using traditional brewing ingredients but produced to contain little to no alcohol, typically up to 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). It is intended to deliver the flavour, aroma, and structure of beer without intoxicating effects.
In Canada, beverages containing 0.5% ABV or less are legally classified as non-alcoholic.
Definition Summary
- Alcohol content: 0.0%–0.5% ABV
- Legal classification in Canada: Non-alcoholic beverage (≤0.5% ABV)
- Ingredients: Water, malted grains, hops, yeast
- Purpose: Beer alternative without intoxication
How Non-Alcoholic Beer Is Made
Brewed Then Alcohol Is Removed
The beer is brewed using standard methods and alcohol is removed after fermentation through processes such as vacuum distillation or filtration.
Brewed to Remain Non-Alcoholic
The brewing process is adjusted to limit alcohol formation, often through controlled fermentation or specialized yeast.
What Non-Alcoholic Beer Is Not
- Not always completely alcohol-free unless labeled 0.0%
- Not diluted beer
- Not a health or medical product
- Not intended for hydration
Common Misunderstandings
- Non-alcoholic beer contains no alcohol
- Non-alcoholic beer is just watered-down beer
- Non-alcoholic beer is only for people who avoid alcohol entirely
When People Choose Non-Alcoholic Beer
- Work nights or early mornings
- Social situations where alcohol is not desired
- Training or active periods
- Hosting gatherings with mixed preferences