Whether you’re trying to cut down on empty carbs or you’re part of the growing trend in young Aussies looking to lower their alcohol consumption, you don’t need to stand around the BBQ or post-work drinks without a cold one in hand.
There’s a quickly growing market for non-alcoholic beverages and there are plenty of alcohol free beers to choose from these days.
“Youth drinking has been on the way down since the early 2000s and it’s really only in the last few years that non-alcoholic products are being introduced and marketed in Australia in any sort of large-scale way,” Dr Michael Livingston, Senior Research Fellow at La Trobe University’s Centre for Alcohol Policy Research told Men’s Health. “Non and light-drinking has been identified as a ‘trend’ for a while, and it’s clear that the alcohol industry is now trying to figure out how to capitalise on this trend.”
Ready to jump on the bandwagon? Here is our pick of the best non alcoholic beers in Australia.
1. Carlton Zero
Want a classic, full-flavoured brew sans alcohol? The Carlton Zero uses the same ingredients as Carlton Draught, so you know exactly what slightly hoppy and fruity aroma you’re in for.
Price: $10.99 per six pack
Reviewer verdict: “I was VERY skeptical when I first heard about Carlton Zero, but having purchased it half a dozen times now, I’m a big fan. Great on a hot day. Love the packaging as well. My only complaint is the price, but it’s not as though I knock back six at a time.”
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2. Holsten 0.0
If you like a full bodied lager then Holsten 0.0 is the hangover-free brew for you.
Price: $11.99 per six pack
Reviewer verdict: “Lovely balanced beer, full of flavour. Have tried several of the alcohol free range and this wins hands down for both taste and value. The Germans know how to brew a beer.”
2. Heineken Zero
With a fruity flavour and slight malty notes, you won’t even notice the lack of buzz in the Heineken Zero.
Price: $11 per six pack
Reviewer verdict: “It tastes like beer, it looks like beer and its refreshing and great in the heat. You can take it anywhere as it is completely alcohol free. Its not sweet and flat but full flavour and really the best option right now for anyone who needs to reduce or curb alcohol intake. Great with a Pizza, or after a long day in the office. Try it.”
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3. Sobah #3 Pepperberry IPA
If you’re after a non-alcoholic craft beer then the Sobah’s Pepperberry IPA is a tasty option. Watch out for the ‘hot and spicy’ kick from the infusion of the fruit of the Australian Native Pepperberry tree. Stocked at a number of bars and pubs around Australia, otherwise you can order online here.
Price: $15.00 per four pack
Reviewer verdict: “No alcohol. Tastes like a beer, but as an IPA maybe not. If I was going to a bbq and not drinking, this would be my choice of beer!”
4. Erdinger Alkoholfrei
Not only is this brew a non-alcoholic thirst quencher, it also spriuks its vitamin B12 and B9 content so… it’s kinda a health tonic? Don’t quote us on that.
Price: $15.99 per six pack
Reviewer verdict: “As a beer lover, I was really skeptical of an alcohol free beer & expected it to taste horrible but this one is down right tasty. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting the delicious taste of beer but minus the booze.”
5. ü.NN Non-Alcoholic IPA
This is a fruity, unfiltered low-alcohol (0.4%) India Pale Ale (IPA) and all-round tasty brew.
Price: $4.12 per bottle
Reviewer verdict: “Lovely tasty brew – hard to tell the difference between this and full strength.”
