Can You Drink Non-Alcoholic Beer During Sober October?

Did you think of getting started with the Sober October challenge? Well, that's fantastic. But then comes the moment when you crave a cold beer after a tough day, or you get invited to a football party. A big question emerges: What about non-alcoholic beer? Is that considered cheating?

Many people think drinking non-alcoholic beer is a perfectly acceptable way to engage with the challenge of Sober October, without feeling like you're missing out.

And it's also a popular choice. The buoyancy of the non-alcohol category in the US is reflected in IWSR forecasts showing double-digit volume CAGRs covering the 2023-27 period for every sub-category. This indicates more people are seeking a fulfilling option, which is essential to a successful Sober October.

This blog will help you navigate the eye-opening truth, so you can comfortably say "yes" to a non-alcoholic beer when the moment arises.

TL: DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

• Sober October is about avoiding intoxication, not avoiding a beverage with a negligible amount of alcohol.
• Non-alcoholic (NA) beer is a great swap that helps you feel included in social settings and stick to the challenge.
• You can enjoy a variety of delicious NA beers, from IPAs to stouts, with no guilt.
• For most people, it's a great way to "recalibrate" and maintain a sense of normalcy.

Is Non-Alcoholic Beer Okay for Sober October?

For most people, the answer to the question is non-alcoholic beer okay for Sober October is a clear yes.

The whole point of Sober October is to avoid intoxication and the negative effects that come with it. Typical non-alcoholic beer has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of less than 0.5%, meaning it is such a tiny amount of potential alcohol you won't get buzzed. In fact, many regular foods and beverages contain similar trace amounts of alcohol; ripe bananas and fermented kombucha are examples.

The point is not so much to avoid every bit of alcohol, but rather to alter your behaviors by avoiding the alcoholic buzz.

Choosing a non-alcoholic beer isn’t cheating; it’s celebrating your commitment with a flavorful beverage that fits your goals.

Why NA Beer is the Perfect Sober October Swap

Non-alcoholic beer allows for the social practice to carry on without the tipsy feeling.

Taking a break from alcohol does not mean that you pause your social life altogether. Non-alcoholic beer is an effective way to feel included and keep things normal, especially in a social setting when everyone else is drinking.

This allows you to do a couple of things.

• Participate: You hold a glass like everyone else, and you can simply feel a part of the celebration.
  
• Maintain Your Practice: A beer after work or during the game is often a comforting habit for many people. An NA beer allows you to keep the practice while resetting your routine.
• Taste: The quality of NA beer has improved tremendously. There are now interesting options full of complex flavors that can satisfy your craving for a delicious beverage.

Best NA Beer for Sober October: Quick Glance

There are more NA beer options than ever and knowing a few key styles can help you find your perfect sip.

Beer Style	Vibe	Tasting Notes	Food Pairing
IPA	Bold & Adventurous	Citrus, pine, tropical fruit	Spicy Tacos, BBQ
Stout	Rich & Cozy	Coffee, chocolate, roasted malt	Grilled Meats, Desserts
Lager	Crisp & Classic	Light, clean, refreshing	Pizza, Salads
Wheat Beer	Fruity & Smooth	Banana, clove, vanilla	White Fish, Brunch

When is NA Beer Not the Right Choice?

For some folks, non-alcoholic beer may not be your beverage of choice for your sober month.

First, we need to acknowledge that for people in recovery, as well as people who are sensitive to triggers, non-alcoholic beer probably isn't going to meet your needs. For instance, the Bradford Health Services blog even mentions that non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails could sometimes trigger a relapse.

There is a whole universe of different delicious options (whether it is nonalcoholic drinks or regular drinks), but the top priority will always be your health.

Conclusion: Know Your "Why," Make Your Choice 

Is non-alcoholic beer permissible for Sober October? Absolutely. You aren’t cheating if you consume NA beer during Sober October! You can keep the ritual of your drinking experience and flavors you enjoy while maintaining your individual wellness goals.

That's exactly how we feel at Better Rhodes. We want to help you have your best Sober October ever, and we've put together a fantastic non-alcoholic beers offering all the flavor you love, but no buzz.

Ready to try some? Check out our collection of non-alcoholic beer today!