NA Beer vs. The Real Thing: How It's Made and Why It’s Different
One can’t lie about it that for a long time, “non-alcoholic beer” had a reputation problem. It was that sad, flat drink you ordered when you couldn’t have the real thing. Kind of like a promise that never delivered.
Today’s non-alcoholic beer is in a whole new league. It’s not a backup plan; it’s rather a choice people are proud of. The NA beer scene has exploded with creativity, better ingredients, and smarter brewing.
And it’s not just a passing trend. According to The Business Research Company, the global non-alcoholic beer market is expected to rise from $21.94 billion in 2024 to $23.84 billion in 2025. That’s proof that more people are swapping “just one more round” for something lighter, but just as satisfying.
At Better Rhodes, that’s what we celebrate - better choices that don’t feel like compromises.
TL;DR
- Non-alcoholic (NA) beer is not simply "beer with the alcohol removed." It’s craft, science, and creativity.
- Brewers use techniques like vacuum distillation and reverse osmosis to protect flavor.
- The result: real beer taste, just without the hangover.
- It’s part of a global wave toward mindful drinking.
The Non-Alcoholic Beer Brewing Showdown: Tradition Meets Innovation
The Classic Way
Every beer starts with the same foundation, including malt, hops, yeast, and water. Fermentation turns sugar into alcohol, and that’s where a beer gets its body, flavor, and warmth. Simple chemistry, perfected over centuries.
The Modern NA Way
Brewers today are doing something a bit wild: they keep all the flavor, but skip (or remove) the alcohol. That’s what separates the “good old beers” from the new wave of non-alcoholic masterpieces.
Limited Fermentation
This trick stops fermentation before much alcohol forms — often by cooling the brew early or using special yeast that behaves differently. Think of it as pressing pause before the yeast parties too hard. You get all the taste and texture, without the buzz.
Dealcoholization
Many brewers make a regular beer first, then carefully take the alcohol out. There are two main methods:
- Vacuum Distillation: The beer sits in a vacuum chamber, so the alcohol evaporates at a lower temp.
- Reverse Osmosis: The beer is filtered through a fine membrane that separates water and alcohol from flavor compounds.
Taste, Texture, and Why Non-Alcoholic Beer Matters
Remember when NA beer used to taste like flat bread water? Those days are long gone. Brewers have learned how to rebuild the flavor and “mouthfeel” that alcohol used to give. They play with malt profiles, hops, and carbonation levels to bring balance back.
Take Peroni Non-Alcoholic 0.0% Brew, for example. They use the same Italian maize (Nostrano dell’Isola) and traditional Peroni ingredients, then remove the alcohol gently after the flavor’s fully developed. The result is crisp, bright, and so close to the original you might have to check the label twice.
FAQs About Non-Alcoholic Beer
Does NA beer actually taste like real beer?
Honestly? The best ones do. Most modern NA beers taste just as rich and satisfying as their real counterparts.
Can you get drunk on non-alcoholic beer?
Nope. It’s technically not possible. Most NA beers have 0.5% ABV or less — about the same as a ripe banana or a slice of sourdough. Your body processes it faster than you can drink it, so you'd feel bloated long before you'd ever feel a buzz.
Is non-alcoholic beer actually healthier?
Usually, yes. It’s lower in calories and carbs, and without alcohol, your sleep, hydration, and recovery all get a boost.
Are there different kinds of NA beer, or is it all the same stuff?
There’s so much variety now! You’ll find everything from citrusy IPAs to dark, malty stouts and crisp lagers. Brewers have gotten bold with flavors — some even experiment with botanicals or adaptogens. If you haven’t explored the new wave yet, you’re missing out.
The Bottom Line: No Compromise, Just Choice
Non-alcoholic beer has gone from being the “designated driver’s drink” to a movement redefining what beer can be. It’s not about missing out. It’s about choosing better.
Today’s NA brewers have proven that you can have flavor, character, and craft without the alcohol. It’s beer for people who love beer, minus the next-day regret.
At Better Rhodes, we’ve hand-selected some of the best non-alcoholic beers from around the world. We truly believe great taste shouldn’t come with trade-offs. And with NA beer sales up more than 30% in 2024 (according to The Brewers Association), clearly, we’re not alone.
Ready to try something new?
Explore our non-alcoholic beer collection and find your perfect pour.