Non-alcoholic beer, also known as near beer, has become increasingly popular as more people opt for low-alcohol and no-alcohol drinks. But is non-alcoholic beer just as fattening as regular beer? Here we take a look at the calorie and carbohydrate content of non-alcoholic beers compared to their alcoholic counterparts.
Calorie content of non-alcoholic beer vs regular beer
When it comes to calories, non-alcoholic beers tend to be lower in calories than regular beers. Here’s a comparison of the calorie content per 12 oz serving of some popular non-alcoholic and regular beers:
| Beer | Calories (non-alcoholic) | Calories (regular) |
|---|---|---|
| Heineken | 99 | 142 |
| Coors | 102 | 148 |
| Budweiser | 110 | 145 |
As you can see, the non-alcoholic versions of these popular beers contain around 25-45 fewer calories per serving compared to their regular versions. This calorie difference is mainly due to the lack of alcohol in the non-alcoholic beers.
Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, which accounts for a significant portion of the calories in regular beer. Non-alcoholic beer contains little to no alcohol, so lacks those alcohol-derived calories.
Why non-alcoholic beer has fewer calories
Here are the main reasons why non-alcoholic beer tends to be lower in calories than regular beer:
- No alcohol calories: As mentioned above, alcohol contributes significant calories to regular beer.
- Lower carbohydrate content: Some of the carbohydrates used to make regular beer get converted to alcohol during fermentation. Non-alcoholic beer skips this fermentation step, so more carbs remain.
- Shorter brewing process: Regular beer goes through longer brewing and fermenting compared to non-alcoholic versions, allowing more complex sugars to get converted to alcohol and simple carbs.
Carbohydrate content
In addition to calories, carbohydrate content is another important factor when considering the potential fattening effects of beer.
Again, non-alcoholic beers tend to be lower in carbohydrates than their regular counterparts:
| Beer | Carbs (non-alcoholic) | Carbs (regular) |
|---|---|---|
| Heineken | 8.5g | 11g |
| Coors | 7g | 10g |
| Budweiser | 7.6g | 10.6g |
This carbohydrate difference is because regular beer goes through a more extensive fermentation process, which converts some carbohydrates into alcohol.
Carbohydrate types
Another consideration is the type of carbohydrates in beer. Beers get their carbohydrates from the grains used to make them, such as barley, wheat, rice and corn.
These grains contain different ratios of fiber, sugars and starches. Fiber and starches are complex carbs that are digested more slowly, while sugars are simple carbs that can spike blood sugar.
In general, non-alcoholic beer contains lower amounts of sugar than regular beer because the sugars get converted to alcohol during fermentation. So non-alcoholic beer may have a better carbohydrate profile.
Calories from protein
Beer contains small amounts of protein, ranging from 0.5-2 grams per 12oz serving. The protein accounts for a very small portion of beer’s calorie content.
There is little difference in the protein content of non-alcoholic beer compared to regular beer. So protein does not play a major role in the calorie difference between the two.
Other factors affecting beer’s fattening potential
When considering beer’s potential to contribute to weight gain, it’s important to look beyond just calories and macronutrients.
Here are some other factors that play a role:
- Volume: Drinking larger volumes of any beer can contribute extra calories beyond a single serving.
- Drinking habits: Frequent and excessive beer drinking can easily lead to weight gain over time, regardless of beer type.
- Exercise: The calories from beer can be counterbalanced by an active lifestyle. If the calories are not burned off, they are more likely to contribute to fat gain.
- Diet: Beer calories contribute to total daily calorie intake. A high-calorie diet makes it easier to gain weight than a low-calorie diet.
Difference in alcohol content
One of the main distinguishing factors between non-alcoholic and regular beer is the alcohol content:
- Non-alcoholic beer: Legally considered non-alcoholic if it contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). Typically contains 0.2-0.5% ABV.
- Regular beer: Usually 4-6% ABV, but can range from 2-12% depending on the style.
So regular beer can contain up to around 12 times more alcohol than a non-alcoholic version. This alcohol difference has implications for calorie content and potential intoxication.
Effects on calories and weight
The higher alcohol content provides regular beer with extra “empty” calories that non-alcoholic versions lack. Over-consumption of regular beer is more likely to contribute to weight gain than lower-alcohol beers.
However, moderate intake of non-alcoholic beer is still not a weight loss beverage. It should be balanced with healthy eating habits and activity levels.
Effects on intoxication
Another consideration is that non-alcoholic beer does not cause intoxication or impairment the way regular beer does.
While regular beer should be consumed sensibly, non-alcoholic beer provides an option for those looking to avoid alcohol’s effects entirely.
Factors that increase calorie content
While non-alcoholic beers are generally lower in calories than regular beers, there are some factors that can increase the calorie content:
- Higher strength: Some non-alcoholic beers contain up to 1% ABV, toward the upper end of the non-alcoholic spectrum. These beers tend to be higher in calories than the 0.2-0.5% ABV versions. Still less than regular beer however.
- More carbs: Some non-alcoholic beers have comparable carbs to regular beer. For example, Beck’s Non-Alcoholic has a similar carb content as regular Beck’s beer.
- Added sugars: Occasionally, sugars are added to improve the flavor profile. This slightly increases calorie content.
- Stout and wheat beers: These styles use ingredients like roasted barley and wheat that can provide more calories compared to lighter lagers.
So while non-alcoholic beer is mostly lower in calories, these factors can bring its calorie content closer to that of regular beer in some cases.
Nutritional value of non-alcoholic beer
Despite having lower calories and carbs than regular beer, non-alcoholic beer itself does not provide much in the way of nutritional value.
A 12oz serving may contain:
- 100-150 calories
- 5-10g carbs
- Small amounts of nutrients like potassium, magnesium and B vitamins
It does not provide much protein or fiber. There are trace amounts of other vitamins and minerals, but not enough to significantly contribute to nutritional needs.
Essentially, non-alcoholic beers are a source of empty calories and carbs rather than beneficial nutrients. They are considered more of a beverage than a food source. The grains, hops and yeast provide flavor rather than nutrition.
Vitamins and minerals
While beer contains traces of various vitamins and minerals, it is not considered a significant source for any particular nutrient.
In particular, non-alcoholic beer’s vitamin content is lower than regular beer’s content. Vitamins like folate, niacin, riboflavin and thiamine are reduced by the shorter fermentation process.
Potential health benefits
There has been some research showing potential health benefits associated with non-alcoholic beer consumption, including:
- Lower blood pressure due to antioxidant content
- Reduced cholesterol levels
- Decreased inflammation
- Improved gut health via probiotics
However, these benefits have not been conclusively proven and more research is needed. The evidence is currently limited to a few small studies.
Additionally, any potential benefits would need to be weighed against non-alcoholic beer’s calorie content if weight management is a priority.
Comparison to regular beer
Some research shows regular moderate beer consumption may provide benefits like improved cholesterol levels, lower risk of heart disease, and increased bone density.
However, regular beer contains alcohol, which can negatively impact health when consumed irresponsibly. Overall, non-alcoholic beer does not have proven health advantages over regular beer.
Non-alcoholic alternatives
If your priority is reducing calories, there are some alternatives to consider instead of non-alcoholic beer, including:
- Water: 0 calories
- Sparkling water: 0 calories
- Seltzer: 0-5 calories
- Light beer: 100 calories or less
- Wine spritzer: 150 calories or less
These provide the refreshment of a cool beverage without the extra calories of non-alcoholic beer. They can be consumed in greater amounts without worrying as much about weight gain.
Non-alcoholic beer vs. light beer
Between non-alcoholic beer and light beer, light beer tends to have fewer calories:
- Non-alcoholic beer: 100-150 calories per 12oz serving
- Light beer: 100 calories or less per 12oz serving
However, light beer still contains alcohol (around 2.5-4% ABV typically). Non-alcoholic beer is the better option if avoiding alcohol.
Can non-alcoholic beer cause weight gain?
Non-alcoholic beer is lower in calories and carbs than regular beer. But that does not make it a weight loss beverage.
Like any food or drink containing calories, non-alcoholic beer can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess. Drinking large amounts could easily swamp your calorie needs.
A few guidelines for drinking non-alcoholic beer without weight gain include:
- Practice portion control. Limit to 1-2 servings per day max.
- Balance calories with diet and exercise to manage your weight.
- Do not “drink back” the calories by consuming extra calories because you saved calories on NA beer.
- Pair with low-calorie mixers like diet soda or seltzer rather than fruit juice.
- Avoid drinking non-alcoholic beer mindlessly while snacking.
Lower risk than regular beer
Non-alcoholic beer has a lower association with weight gain than regular beer. Its lack of alcohol calories reduces the risk of fat accumulation from over-consumption.
But it can still contribute to weight gain if guzzled in excess without regard for calorie intake and exercise.
Tips for drinking non-alcoholic beer
Here are some tips for enjoying non-alcoholic beer as part of a healthy lifestyle:
- Treat it like a regular beer. Sip and savor it rather than chugging.
- Pour into a nice glass to enjoy the appearance and aroma.
- Alternate with water to stay hydrated.
- Avoid “drinking your calories.” Eat nourishing foods rather than filling up on beverages.
- Pair with healthy foods like fresh vegetables, nuts, seeds.
- Limit to 1-2 servings max per day.
- Be cautious mixing with sugary sodas, juices or syrups.
The bottom line
Non-alcoholic beer is lower in calories and carbs compared to regular beer. This is primarily due to its lack of alcohol calories.
However, non-alcoholic beer can still contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess without regard for your overall calorie intake and lifestyle.
While it has a few potential health benefits, non-alcoholic beer is considered an empty calorie beverage rather than a nutritious choice.
Non-alcoholic beer makes a nice treat in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet. Just be mindful of your portion sizes and balance with nutrition and activity for weight management.
