If you were alive during the 90s and someone handed you an O’Doul’s, which was the first widely available non-alcoholic beer in the United States, you probably would have turned up your nose and declined. I mean, why would you want to drink a beer if you weren’t going to catch a buzz, am I right?
Over the years, there has been a noticeable change in people’s preferences when it comes to the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage globally. This drink, which currently ranks as the third most popular across the world, only after water and tea, has undergone a transformation to cater to the evolving tastes of consumers. As a result, breweries have eagerly embraced the challenge of producing beer that not only tastes great but also caters to the demand for healthier options and safer drinking experiences. This has led to a reevaluation of non-alcoholic beer, a concept that has gained significant traction in recent times. Craft brewers, in particular, have been quick to respond to this trend and have worked diligently to meet the expectations of their discerning clientele.
“Absolutely, we did!” exclaims John Walker, the brilliant mind behind Athletic Brewing Co., a remarkable craft brewery focused solely on non-alcoholic beverages. Alongside his partner, Bill Shufelt, they embarked on this venture in 2017 when the market for non-alcoholic beer merely accounted for a meager 0.03 percent of the overall beer industry. Astoundingly, their hard work and dedication have propelled their product to new heights, with grocery sales skyrocketing to an impressive 2 percent just last year.”
Did you know that the non-alcoholic (NA) beer market has been making some serious moolah? Reports from GMI Insights reveal that in 2022 alone, this booming market brought in a whopping $22 billion! And guess what? The excitement doesn’t stop there. Experts predict that by the time 2032 rolls around, the NA beer market will skyrocket to a staggering $40 billion! That’s some serious growth right there. It’s safe to say that the NA beer industry is on a roll, showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. So, it’s time to hop on the NA beer train and be a part of this lucrative trend!
These days, it’s become quite a challenge for the everyday beer lover to distinguish between a top-notch non-alcoholic beer and a traditional one. The reason behind this lies in the striking similarity between their ingredients and brewing techniques. The key disparity, however, lies in the meticulous steps undertaken by NA brewers to substantially diminish or entirely eliminate the alcohol content in the end product.
Well, when it comes to comparing NA beer and regular beer, the key distinction lies in their alcohol content. According to Walker, regular beer usually contains anywhere between 2 percent to 12 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). However, don’t be fooled into thinking that the NA beer you’re enjoying is completely devoid of alcohol. It still contains some alcohol, albeit in significantly lower amounts.
Did you know that there are some beers out there that claim to have absolutely no alcohol content? These are known as 0.0 percent ABV beers or alcohol-free beers, and one brand that offers such a product is Suntory ALL-FREE. However, in the United States, there are also beers that are labeled as “non-alcohol” even though they contain up to 0.5 percent ABV. These are commonly referred to as low-alcohol beers. The reason behind this can be attributed to the brewing methods used in creating non-alcoholic beer, which make it challenging to reach a true 0.0 percent ABV. To put it into perspective, the beers produced by Athletic Brewing Co. have an ABV that is less than 0.5 percent.
Did you know that drinking non-alcoholic beer with 0.5 percent ABV won’t exactly leave you feeling buzzed? The reason behind this lies in the fact that your body can process such a small amount of alcohol almost as quickly as you drink it. In fact, it will take approximately 17 minutes for your body to metabolize it. So, don’t expect to get that same buzz you might get from regular beer!
In contrast, it takes quite a while for our bodies to process a beer that has a 5.6 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). To be more precise, it takes over three hours. This means that you would need to consume approximately 10 non-alcoholic beers with only 0.5 percent ABV in a relatively short period of time to experience the same effects as you would from just a single beer with a 5 percent ABV. So, it’s clear that the impact of alcohol content varies significantly and should be considered when choosing and consuming beverages.
According to Walker, many individuals have an affinity for beer, but they may not necessarily desire the alcohol content that accompanies it. Non-alcoholic (NA) beer offers people the chance to relish a refreshing beverage at any given moment, be it during a lunch break or on a regular workday, without experiencing any impairment afterwards.
According to Walker, consumers have the incredible opportunity to indulge in this remarkable beverage every night without worrying about the aftermath. In other words, this beer is the perfect companion for any event or situation. Its versatility is unrivaled, allowing individuals to savor it on various occasions. Additionally, enjoying this beer promises a sense of satisfaction and well-being the following morning. Walker claims that it possesses the ability to elevate one’s experience, making it an ideal choice for beer enthusiasts.
When it comes to their composition and production, NA beer and regular beer actually share many similarities. Both types of beer are crafted using the same fundamental elements.
When it comes to making their products stand out, brewers often get creative by adding a dash of spices and other ingredients. These aromatic additions are like magic spells that elevate the flavor to a whole new level. Imagine savoring a beer that tickles your taste buds with a hint of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg, creating a symphony of flavors dancing on your tongue. The brewers’ secret weapon is the ability to transform ordinary beverages into extraordinary experiences, leaving you spellbound and craving for more. So next time you take a sip of your favorite brew, let your senses explore the tantalizing depths of flavors that have been carefully crafted by these master brewers.
The process of crafting both non-alcoholic (NA) beer and regular beer follows a similar path, encompassing malting, milling, brewing, fermenting, maturation, and packaging. However, NA beer production requires additional measures to eliminate or minimize the alcohol content, ensuring that it remains below 0.5 percent ABV. This ensures that the final product is refreshingly free of alcohol, making it suitable for those who prefer a non-alcoholic beverage option. It’s fascinating how both types of beer go through these steps, but NA brewers carefully tweak the process to achieve the desired result of a low alcohol content.
To accomplish this goal, non-alcoholic beers are typically crafted using one of four techniques:
The world of technology is constantly changing and evolving, and this is no exception for the brewing industry. As brewers strive to perfect their creations, both in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer, they are always on the lookout for new and innovative methods. This continuous journey of improvement ensures that every sip you take is a result of their dedication and skill. Just like the ever-changing advancements in technology, brewers are determined to push the boundaries and bring you the best brews possible. So, get ready to dive into a world of delicious concoctions where tradition meets innovation.
Let me spill the beans on Athletic Brewing Co.’s technique – it’s shrouded in mystery. According to Walker, they took the conventional way of brewing non-alcoholic beer and flipped it on its head. It’s like they threw caution to the wind and reinvented the whole darn process. Fancy, huh?
Did you know that it’s not just non-alcoholic beers that can have a tiny bit of alcohol? It might come as a surprise, but there are actually quite a few foods and drinks that can be found in our pantries that contain some traces of alcohol. Things like ripe bananas, bread, fruit juices, yogurt, and kefir can all have a small amount of alcohol in them. So, even if you’re not drinking a beer, you might still be consuming a bit of alcohol without even realizing it!