The Role of Non-Alcoholic Beer in Metabolism and Human Health

Have you ever wondered whether that non-alcoholic beer at the supermarket is actually good for you? While a recent German study raised concerns about sweeter non-alcoholic beers, the vast majority of global scientific research points to potential health benefits—when consumed alongside healthy habits—for gut health, blood sugar control, and even heart health.

Recent Research and Conflicting Results

Over the past few years, researchers from different countries have studied the effects of non-alcoholic beers on human health. The results remain mixed, indicating the need for more comprehensive studies.

Studies with Positive Results:

• Mexico (2020): Improved blood sugar control
  
  
• Portugal (2022): Healthier and more diverse gut microbiota
  
  
• Spain & USA: Cardiovascular benefits
  
  
• Multiple reviews: Protective effects when consumption is moderate
  
  

Study with Negative Results:

• Germany (2025): Reported worsened glucose, liver, and fat metabolism markers in people drinking non-alcoholic beer compared to water. The warning mainly applies to sweet beers mixed with soda.
  
  

Why the Conflicting Results?

The German Study That Sparked Debate

The German study tested 48 young men who consumed 660 ml per day (nearly 3 cans) of various non-alcoholic beers for four weeks. Researchers found that not all non-alcoholic beers are the same (1):

• Mixed beers (with lemon soda): Increased blood sugar
  
  
• Sweet wheat beers: Increased insulin and blood fats
  
  
• Traditional pilsners: Had more neutral effects
  
  

The main problem: These beers contained a lot of sugar and calories:

• Mixed beer: 752 calories in 660 ml (more than 2 hamburgers)
  
  
• Wheat beer: 706 calories + 24g sugar
  
  
• Pilsner: 733 calories + 18g sugar
  
  

Studies with Positive Findings

Mexican Study

A study with 35 participants showed that drinking one can (355 ml) of non-alcoholic beer daily for 30 days led to positive health effects (2):

• Lower fasting blood sugar
  
  
• Improved pancreas function (which produces insulin)
  
  
• Increased healthy gut bacteria
  
  

Portuguese Study

Portuguese researchers conducted a double-blind study (neither participants nor researchers knew who drank what) with 19 men. Result: both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer improved gut bacteria diversity without causing weight gain or liver issues (3).

What Makes Non-Alcoholic Beer a Viable Alternative?

Non-alcoholic beers contain natural compounds that may offer health benefits:

• Polyphenols: Natural antioxidants from malt and hops that fight inflammation
  
  
• B vitamins: Important for energy and brain function
  
  
• Minerals: Such as potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus
  
  
• Amino acids: Protein building blocks
  
  

Benefits Observed in Studies

For the Heart and Circulation

Non-alcoholic beer may help the cardiovascular system in several ways:

• Reduces inflammation in the body
  
  
• May improve cholesterol levels in some people
  
  
• Provides antioxidants that protect blood vessels (4,5)
  
  

For Athletes and Active People

Studies show that non-alcoholic beer can be useful after workouts:

• Rehydrates better than alcoholic beer
  
  
• Provides carbohydrates to restore energy
  
  
• Contains electrolytes lost through sweat
  
  
• Aids muscle recovery due to antioxidants
  
  

Other Notable Benefits

• Better sleep: Hops compounds may have calming effects (7)
  
  
• Bone health: Especially helpful for postmenopausal women (5)
  
  
• Lactation: May stimulate breast milk production (5,6)
  
  

In addition to non-alcoholic beers, the Brazilian market also offers wines and spirits with reduced or zero alcohol, produced through different dealcoholization techniques such as reverse osmosis, osmotic distillation, nanofiltration, and extraction processes. Non-alcoholic wines can preserve traditional wine characteristics and retain beneficial compounds like antioxidants, while zero-alcohol spirits (like gin, whisky, vodka, and rum) go through more complex processes to maintain flavor and aroma.

According to Brazilian regulations, drinks with up to 0.5% alcohol are considered “non-alcoholic,” but they are not recommended for pregnant women, minors, people recovering from alcoholism, or those in abstinence. While they offer an appealing option for reducing alcohol intake while preserving social rituals, they tend to be less accessible due to higher production costs and should always be consumed as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Why Do Studies Reach Different Conclusions?

Factors That Influence Outcomes

• Amount consumed
  
  
• Positive studies: 330–355 ml/day (1 can)
  
  
• German study: 660 ml/day (almost 2 cans)
  
  
• Type of beer tested
  
  
• International studies: Traditional non-alcoholic beers
  
  
• German study: Included very sweet mixed beers
  
  
• Study duration
  
  
• Most: 30 days or more
  
  
• Some: Just 4 weeks (possibly too short)
  
  
• Participant profile
  
  
• Varied participants: Men and women of different ages
  
  
• German study: Only healthy young men
  
  

When Is Non-Alcoholic Beer NOT a Good Choice?

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  
  
• People recovering from alcoholism
  
  
• Those taking medications incompatible with alcohol
  
  
• People with liver conditions
  
  

Who Might Benefit from It?

• People who enjoy beer but want to avoid alcohol risks
  
  
• Athletes looking for post-workout recovery
  
  
• Healthy individuals without contraindications
  
  
• Anyone wanting to gradually reduce alcohol intake
  
  

How to Choose the Best Option

Look for:

• Lower sugar content (less than 5g per 100 ml)
  
  
• Fewer calories (no more than 150 per can)
  
  
• More natural ingredients (malt, hops, water, yeast)
  
  
• Fewer artificial additives
  
  

Avoid:

• Mixed beers with soda
  
  
• Very sweet versions
  
  
• Products with lots of preservatives
  
  

Limitations of Current Research

The differing results across studies highlight the need for further research to fully understand the effects of non-alcoholic beer on the human body. This is mainly due to the current limitations in available studies:

• Few studies focused on women (most are male-only)
  
  
• Long-term effects are still unknown
  
  
• Small sample sizes (usually fewer than 50 people)
  
  
• Different methods make comparison difficult
  
  

The Importance of Context

The potential benefits of non-alcoholic beer should be viewed as part of a healthy lifestyle overall:

• Balanced diet
  
  
• Regular exercise
  
  
• No smoking
  
  
• Moderate consumption of any beverage
  
  

Evidence-Based Practical Recommendations

For Daily Use:

• Moderation is key:
  1 can per day (330 ml) seems to be safe and potentially beneficial
  
  
• Water is always the best hydration option:
  Non-alcoholic beer should not replace water
  
  
• Consider the calories as part of your total diet
  
  

Use Wisely:

• As a post-workout alternative to sports drinks
  
  
• In social situations where you would normally drink alcohol
  
  
• As part of a strategy to reduce alcohol consumption
  
  

Conclusion

In summary, non-alcoholic beers can be a viable alternative—especially if you're looking for the potential benefits of beer without the risks of alcohol. Just be sure to choose lower-sugar options and consume them in moderation, as part of an overall balanced lifestyle.

References:

1. Kreimeyer, H.; Sydor, S.; Buchholz, L.; et al. Non-Alcoholic Beer Influences Glucose and Lipid Metabolism and Changes Body Composition in Healthy, Young, Male Adults. Nutrients 2025, 17, 1625.
2. Hernández-Quiroz, F.; Nirmalkar, K.; Villalobos-Flores, L.E.; et al. Influence of moderate beer consumption on human gut microbiota and its impact on fasting glucose and β-cell function. Alcohol 2020, 85, 77-94
3. Marques, C.; Dinis, L.; Barreiros Mota, I.; et al. Impact of Beer and Nonalcoholic Beer Consumption on the Gut Microbiota: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial. J Agric Food Chem. 2022, 70(41), 13062-13070.
4. Sancén, M.; Léniz, A.; Macarulla, M.T.; et al. Features of Non-Alcoholic Beer on Cardiovascular Biomarkers. Can It Be a Substitute for Conventional Beer? Nutrients. 2023, 15(1), 173.
5. Trius-Soler, M.; Marhuenda-Muñoz, M.; Laveriano-Santos, E.P.; et al. Effects of the Non-Alcoholic Fraction of Beer on Abdominal Fat, Osteoporosis, and Body Hydration in Women. Nutrients. 2020, 12(9), 2684.
6. Zhang, S.; Jin, S.; Zhang, C.; et al. Beer-gut microbiome alliance: a discussion of beer-mediated immunomodulation via the gut microbiome. Front Nutr. 2023, 10, 1186927.
7. Franco, L., Sánchez, C., Bravo, R., Rodríguez, A. B., Barriga, C., Romero, E., & Cubero, J. (2012). The sedative effect of non-alcoholic beer in healthy female nurses. PloS one, 7(7), e37290. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0037290