While too much alcohol is bad for our mental and physical health, there’s no doubt that drinking in moderation is a simple pleasure that can be enjoyed socially, or as an individual reward at the end of a long working day. It’s true that overindulging on beer will put you on the fast lane to losing gym gains, and making unwanted weight gain, but the rush you get from the opening of a can, or the froth that flows over the top a cold bottle that’s just been cracked open, are simple pleasures are difficult to eliminate. Fortunately, many studies suggest that one beer per day is not only permissible, but could actually improve our gut health, supercharge our immune system, and even lessen our chances or heart disease. So, if we are going to maintain our relationship with the humble hoppy stuff (and let’s face it, many of us are), then it’s important to embrace the benefits that can be achieved by drinking in moderation. So, M&F raises a glass to 10 different beers, both alcoholic (and under 4.5 abv) and non-alcoholic, to see how they might fit in with a balanced lifestyle.
<p class='slide-count'>1 of 10</p><img width="1109" height="614" src="/uploadfile/2024/1208/20241208204356685.jpg"><p class="photo-credit">Athletic Brewing Company</p>Athletic Brewing Co. Oktoberfest
Get festive without indulging in masses of calories with this Bavaria inspired non-alcoholic beer. Golden in color with a frothy head, the aroma of warm bread compliments a refreshing, lightly bitter taste and also boasts a backbone from Vienna and Munich malts. Each can contains zero fat but does include a lofty 16 grams of carbohydrates (other lower carb options are available like Athletic Lite), making it a great choice when needing to replenish those energy stores. Earlier this year, Athletic Brewing committed to donating up to $2 million annually to fund the restoration of outdoor spaces around the world.
Alcohol Content: Less than 0.5% ABV
Calories: 70 per 12oz / 355ml
Go to: athleticbrewing.com
Becks
Beck’s Non-Alcoholic Beer
As the “Number 1 non-alcoholic European beer import to America,” Beck’s were one of the first beer brands to offer a non-alcoholic version of their drink that didn’t make you so disappointed with the taste that it almost drove you back to alcohol. Just like the original version, it includes brewers favorites: barley, hops, yeast, and water but there’s barely any sugar here, and at under 50 calories per bottle, you’ll see why it’s a champion among non-alcoholic afficianndaos.
Alcohol Content: Less than 0.5% ABV
Calories: 48 per 12oz / 355ml
Go to: amazon.com
Brewdog
Brew Dog Punk AF
If you find yourself working on the road grabbing a burger and a beer, you’ll be halfway down this super low calorie, no alcohol beer before you even realize it’s alcohol free. Juicy tropical fruits add to a solid malt foundation because even the most hardcore punk needs a lighter, balanced brew from time to time.
Alcohol Content: Less than 0.5% ABV
Calories: 53 per 12oz / 355ml
Go to: brewdog.com
Brooklyn Brewery
Brooklyn Special Effects
Imagine a non-alcoholic drink that actually tasted like a beer? Now that would be special, right? Enter Brooklyn Special Effects Hoppy Amber. It is fermented with all the flavor, aroma, and character of a regular beer but with none of the buzz. For once, you may not mind being the designated driver. You’ll make that early morning yoga session after all!
Alcohol Content: 0.4% ABV
Calories: 102 per 12oz / 355ml
Go to: brooklynbrewery.world
Corona
Corona Premier
The “Premier” version of our favorite lime accompaniment was Corona’s first new beer in 29 years. Was it worth the wait? You bet! With just 2.6g carbs (13g in the original) and weighing in at only 90 calories (the original has 148), Premier even beats out Corona Light, which contains 99 calories and 5g carbohydrates. Now, where’s that slice of lime?
Alcohol Content: 4% ABV
Calories: 90 per 12oz / 355ml
Go to: coronausa.com
Dos Equis
Dos Equis Lime & Salt Zero
Dos Equis have entered the non-alcoholic beverage journey with their nod to smooth tasting Mexican cerveza. There’s a hint of lime and salt, conjuring up visions of sun-soaked days with no hangover in sight and at 73 calories per drink, you’ve had post workout shakes with more sugar and carbs than you’ll consume here.
Alcohol Content: Less than 0.5% ABV
Calories: 73 per 12oz / 355ml
Go to: dosequis.com
Hop Wtr
HOP WTR Sparkling Hop Water Blood Orange
We’ve looked through our drinking glass and have seen the future. Crafted with nootropics (compounds that enhance cognitive performance), and adaptogens (de-stressors), this tasty tipple contains Citra, Amarillo, Mosaic, and Azacca hops to improve your mood without the need for alcohol. You will, however, receive a welcome vitamin C hit.
Alcohol Content: 0% ABV
Calories: 0
Go to: hopwtr.com
Miller
Miller Lite
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! Sure, this beer might be a classic but with just 3g of carbs and less than a hundred calories per can, you don’t need to rely on the latest products to keep your macros in check. Crisp and mild; it’s no wonder than Miller Lite has stood the test of time.
Alcohol Content: 4.2% ABV
Calories: 96 per 12oz / 355ml
Go to: millerlite.com
Skinny
Skinny Lager
If you find that the gluten found in beer making grains makes you bloated, you can now reach for gluten-free beer alternatives, and they don’t get any cleaner tasting that this offering from Skinny Brands. While the gluten has been taken out, the alcoholic content remains at a premium for full flavor. It’s vegan, kosher friendly, and contains just 2 grams of carbs per bottle. It ticks all the boxes for managing your nutrition, so it’s a bottle that’s hard to beat.
Alcohol Content: 4% ABV
Calories: 89 per 11.1oz / 330ml
Go to: skinnybrands.com
Well Being
Wellbeing Intentional IPA
This sip may be an alcohol-free experience, but the flavor flows in full force with Mosaic and Citra hops in this session style IPA inspired beverage. You’ll taste pineapple and peach on your way to a refreshing fulfilment. There’s zero sugar and a myriad of reasons to enjoy this IPA, intentionally.
Alcohol Content: Less than 0.3% ABV
Calories: 80 per 16oz / 473ml
Go to: wellbeingbrewing.com