It has a low alcohol percentage, but never completely zero; therefore, it should be included within a proper nutritional education context.
Non-alcoholic beer, understood as a beverage obtained from the fermentation of wort derived from barley malt, is defined as such when it has an ethanol content less than or equal to 0.5% by volume, unlike regular beer which has an alcohol content of about 4.5 degrees. “This reduced percentage exposes the consumer to a lower risk due to alcohol ingestion (hypertension, liver damage) and can be a valid alternative to alcoholic beer. However, two clarifications must be made: the first is that the alcohol percentage is almost never exactly zero, which could be a problem in particular conditions such as pregnancy or for people with liver problems; the second is that it should be included in a context of proper nutritional education without becoming a free pass for excessive consumption,” explains Ovi Dushaj, nutritionist at MioDottore.
What is meant by "moderate consumption" of non-alcoholic beer?
Unlike the recommendations for traditional beer, for non-alcoholic beer there are no consumption guidelines. “Some considerations should rather be made about the content of a 33cl can; we are still talking about a beverage that, although almost completely free of alcohol, provides energy similar to many light alternatives of traditional drinks. We estimate about 80-100 kcal per can, a value we must consider so as not to exceed our daily energy requirement. Many of the versions found on the market also contain more sugars than traditional beer,” clarifies Dr. Ovi Dushaj.
Health benefits of non-alcoholic beer: what are they?
"Some studies suggest that beer provides important antioxidants such as polyphenols capable of reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory states; others indicate it can hydrate our body optimally after physical exercise, similar to some isotonic drinks," the expert specifies. The presence of micronutrients, along with polyphenols, plays a supportive role for the immune system. Moreover, the absence of alcohol means eliminating the main risk factor of the beverage, which can cause hypertension, liver damage, atrial fibrillation, and some types of cancer."
Timing and pairings
Are there times of day or food pairings when beer is more suitable or riskier? "The classic recommendation to drink on a full stomach or during meals remains the most valid and is scientifically based on a better absorption of the nutrients it contains. It is not recommended to consume beer on an empty stomach. The only recommendations are to prefer beers with low sugar content, especially for sensitive people (diabetics and pre-diabetics) and to be careful to include it within a balanced diet," highlights the nutritionist. Regarding food pairings, there are no particular indications, except to avoid including it in a meal high in sugars, but rather consume it within a balanced meal.
Effects on cholesterol?
According to a study, non-alcoholic beer can lower cholesterol. "This statement has some truth: some studies have shown it can help improve the lipid profile, particularly by reducing bad LDL cholesterol and increasing good HDL cholesterol. However, it is important to emphasize that the effects are modest, not always significant, and cannot be generalized to the entire population. The effect, also in this case, is mainly attributed to the presence of polyphenols and some bioactive molecules. It is worth remembering that the lipid profile improves significantly by practicing healthy physical activity and consuming products that naturally contain unsaturated fats, such as olive oil," concludes Dr. Ovi Dushaj.
Article "Is it true that non-alcoholic beer is also good for cholesterol? Here are all the pros and cons" from Gazzetta dello Sport, May 23, 2025, written by Sabrina Commis
https://www.gazzetta.it/alimentazione/storie/23-05-2025/birra-analcolica-fa-bene-contro-colesterolo-ecco-i-veri-pro-e-contro/quanta-birra-bere-senza-danneggiare-la-salute.shtml
