Can You Buy Non-Alcoholic Beer Under 21? The Definitive Guide

One of the most frequently asked questions and, in response, something that creates confusion—what is the legal drinking age for non-alcoholic beer?

Do you need to be 21 years of age to buy a non-alcoholic beer? This is a very common question, and there are legal boundaries!

Let us settle this once and for all. This guide will take you through the surprising truth about NA beer laws. To get started, here are a few important facts about non-alcoholic beer:

• Contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV).
• Not classified as an "alcoholic beverage" under US federal law.
• Brewed just like regular beer, to give you all the flavor.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything from the legal definition of NA beer to the state-by-state laws and the difference between buying and consuming it. And yes, we'll give you a quick cheat sheet for a few states, so you don't get caught off guard.

What is a "Non-Alcoholic" Beer? (And Why It Matters Legally)

Here is a brief overview of the definition of non-alcoholic beer and how that is significant in legal terms.

Most do not think of non-alcoholic beer as "alcohol-free." The federal definition in the United States for a beverage to be referred to as non-alcoholic is an alcoholic beverage with an ABV of 0.5% or less, which is very significant since it would not fall under the legal definition of an alcoholic beverage or subject to federal legalities based on alcoholic beverage content; nevertheless, the product is used as a substitute to an alcoholic beverage.

Non-alcoholic beer is brewed in most cases the same as regular beer. The only difference is they either stop the alcohol from forming or remove it after the fact. The result? You get all the flavor and experience of a cold one, but without the intoxicating effects.

The Legal Age to Buy NA Beer: It's Complicated

It simply depends on where you are.

So, how old one should be to buy non-alcoholic beer? The short answer is that federal law doesn't care. It's up to each state. And this is where it gets tricky. Some states treat non-alcoholic beer just like any other soda.
 
In those states, you could be 16 and buy a six-pack. In other states, they've passed laws that treat NA beer the exact same way as regular beer, which means you must be 21.

• States Where You Can Buy NA Beer Under 21: From what we've seen, states like Alaska, California, Illinois, and Texas are relaxed about it. You can walk in and buy it just like you would a Coke.
  
• States Where You Can't: In places like Florida and Kansas, you're out of luck. The law says you must be 21 to buy any kind of beer.
  
• The Store's Rule: This is important. Even in states where the law allows it, many grocery stores and retailers have their own policy to check everyone’s ID who looks under 21.

Can Minors Drink Non-Alcoholic Beer?

This is a completely different question from whether you can buy it.

So, can minors drink non-alcoholic beer? The law tends to differentiate considerably between purchasing and consuming. In many states, the answer is yes, if the beverage is under 0.5% ABV. The laws around consumption are often a lot more chill than the laws around buying.

In some states, minors can drink alcohol (of any ABV) with a parent or guardian's supervision. This is where it gets tricky. But for NA beer, which isn't legally alcohol in the first place, the consumption laws for minors are generally much more relaxed.

Social Perceptions & The "Gateway" Argument

There's a whole social debate happening around this.

A lot of parents and experts are concerned that allowing minors to buy non-alcoholic beer might be a "gateway" to regular drinking later. The argument is that it normalizes the behavior of drinking beer. This is part of the reason some states have stricter laws, and many retailers check ID.

But on the other side of the debate, a lot of folks, including us, see non-alcoholic drinks as a healthy, fun alternative. We think that teaching mindful drinking habits with these beverages is a great thing. It's a way to participate in the social ritual without any of the risks.

NA Beer Laws: A Quick Snapshot

State	Legal Age to Buy NA Beer (<0.5% ABV)	Legal Age to Drink NA Beer (<0.5% ABV)
Alaska	Any Age	Any Age
California	Any Age	Any Age
Florida	21+	21+
Texas	Any Age	Any Age
Kansas	21+	21+

Note: This is only a quick take! Always check your local law to be sure.

FAQs on Non-Alcoholic Beer

The Bottom Line

Although there isn't a simple answer of yes or no, determining what age you can buy non-alcoholic beer is a trickier question. The key thing to keep in mind is there are different laws everywhere, and often places of business will have store rules, prescription rules, or another circumstance complicating the interaction. So, it’s always best to educate yourself of the laws before you purchase non-alcoholic beer anywhere.

Regardless of what the legal age is, you can count on Better Rhodes to bring you some amazing products. We have an extensive selection of premium non-alcoholic beers that will provide you with a full-flavored experience with the buzz.

Ready to explore your options? Browse our carefully curated selection of non-alcoholic beers today!

Disclaimer: This blog post is only for informational purpose and is not intended as legal advice. Non-alcoholic beverage laws vary by state. Always check your local laws and retailer policies.