For many countries, including the US, the laws stipulate that beer producers can label their products as “non-alcoholic” or “alcohol-free” as long as they fall under the 0.5 percent alcohol threshold.
Most of the beers with these labels do have a minute serving of alcohol. Even if the label on a beer insinuates a 0 percent quantity of alcohol, there could be traces since removing it entirely is challenging. Thus, the law and producers prefer to have this designation on their products.
Allowing the beverage to be labeled as non-alcoholic when they do, in fact, contain alcohol is due to the fact that many of these alcohol-free beers consist of such a small amount it would not be possible for an individual to become intoxicated. The suggestion is that alcohol is comparable to what you naturally find in what you usually eat and drink, like bread and fruits.
While those with alcoholism are advised to avoid any amount of alcohol, particularly if they’re in recovery, these individuals are exposed to greater strengths when consuming orange juice or eating the bun on a take-out burger. Some fruits can contain as much as “35 percent alcohol by volume” if an individual is desperate to get a taste.
Should You Feel Guilty For Consuming Non-Alcoholic Beer?
Many people consume non-alcoholic beer because they enjoy the beverages, but these reduce their alcohol intake. However, less-informed individuals criticize the usage, but limiting these individuals’ choices negatively impacts their lifestyle when, in fact, they’re still receiving alcohol content in foods and drinks that others approve of.
Regardless of foods and drinks containing alcohol, people suffering from alcoholism should be encouraged to refrain from anything that reminds them of liquor. Consuming a non-alcoholic beer could quickly revert someone into bad habits. These products are not meant for those with alcohol use disorders. It’s for those who want to reduce their alcohol content.
Fortunately, more people are refraining from becoming drunk, choosing instead to enjoy top-quality beers with minute amounts of alcohol.
The popularity of non-alcohol beer is increasing steadily with many advantages, including possible health benefits for those already healthy, strong, and not nursing an alcohol dependence. Let’s look at some of the benefits people are enjoying.
The taste is phenomenal
In the distant past, few people enjoyed alcohol-free beer because the taste was poor. Producers today have developed recipes that rival the full potency counterparts, and most of the alcohol-free options are still on the market from yesteryear. The flavor and aroma entice the enthusiast and contribute to the experience.
While some people drink liquor like whiskey, scotch, and beer in a collector’s capacity, non-alcoholic beer can be enjoyed in that same capacity, but there’s no fear of becoming drunk while wallowing in the benefits of some that offer a chocolatey rich froth to fruity, thick ales. Some of the connoisseurs are not even average beer drinkers.
Allows you to cut down on alcohol usage
Some people recognize when they’re beginning to drink alcohol either a little too frequently or at a bit too much volume. When this happens, many will turn to non-alcoholic products like alcohol-free beers to take a break, consume a smaller percentage, or stop altogether. The product can be exceptionally beneficial in helping people cut their alcohol consumption.
It can be more challenging if you’re already addicted or a victim of alcoholism. That will require much treatment and recovery, and this sort of remedy will not be suitable.
For those who haven’t reached that point, non-alcoholic beers give you an option when going out with friends for the evening when you don’t want to drink alcohol but don’t want to have water or a soft drink. The flavor and aroma are reminiscent of a full-body product without the result. You will receive the dopamine effect, meaning you’ll have a good time but not get drunk.
This is a reason those already addicted to alcohol will do poorly when reducing to this product. The individual will be anticipating the high and won’t receive it. They will then return to the beverages that provide what they seek.
There are health benefits associated with alcohol-free beer
The indication is that non-alcoholic beer is among the healthiest drinks a bartender can serve up. The beverage can assist with restful slumber, decrease instances of heart disease, reduce common illnesses, including the cold, and aid in the growth of bone. The drink is loaded with minerals and vitamins like zinc, potassium, folic acid, and iron.
Full-strength beer has a greater number of calories than alcohol-free beer
Full-body beer consists of roughly 60 “empty” calories for each beverage offering no value nutritionally; If you switch to a non-alcoholic beer from a pint of the full-strength variety, the calories will be approximately 150 in difference, equivalent to what you would receive with about “six teaspoons of sugar.”
That will depend greatly on the ingredients in each product. Not all alcohol-free beers are low in calories. The brewing process and if there was a “lazy yeast” used in the production can increase the sugar and calorie count.
You won’t get drunk
While some non-alcoholic and alcohol-free beers consist of roughly 0.5 percent alcohol, this is not close to the amount necessary to get a person drunk. The indication is the body is capable of processing the “0.28 unit of alcohol in a pint of non-alcoholic beer in roughly 17 minutes.”
With a full-strength beer, the average individual can take as long as two hours to process two units of alcohol or “3.6 percent in a pint.”
With alcohol-free beer, there are no adverse reactions, no fear of becoming drunk or developing a hangover, nor will there be the risk of anxiety that comes with consuming the full-body beverage, the fatigue, and misbehavior, plus you can drive with no consequences.
Conclusion
Many alcohol-free or non-alcohol beers are natural, while alternatives contain artificial sweeteners, additives, and ingredients that tend not to be listed on the label. Usually, you can count on the same consistent ingredients across the board, including yeast, hops, water, and malt.
If you’re suffering from alcoholism or are addicted to the substance, non-alcoholic beer is not for you.
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
