Whether you’re looking to moderate your drinking, avoid it altogether or try something different, here are the best nonalcoholic beers and hop seltzers that are sure to satisfy.
Alex Loh - Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S.,RD - October 04, 2022
Nonalcoholic beers are everywhere these days. As more people participate in trends like Dry January (or Damp January) and Sober October, or just look to reduce their alcohol consumption, the selection of alcohol-free brews has steadily increased over the past decade to meet demand in the market. While the number of options may seem overwhelming, that's where this list for the best nonalcoholic beers and hop seltzers (a beverage made with hops, a part of the Humulus lupulus plant that lends beer its distinctive bitterness, aroma and flavor) comes in handy.
"These drinks can be a great option for someone who does not want to have alcohol, but wants something that feels more celebratory than water or seltzer," says Jessica Ball, M.S., RD, EatingWell's nutrition editor. "That said, these drinks still contain calories with minimal vitamins and nutrients, so they are better for an occasional refreshment versus daily drinking. And if you're trying to cut down your alcohol consumption, these drinks could be a helpful tool, especially in social settings."
When choosing a nonalcoholic beer or hop seltzer, we looked for products that met our standard parameters for a healthy drink: 250 calories or less per serving, with a maximum of 140 milligrams sodium. We also looked for products that had no more than 15 grams carbohydrates. As Ball explains, "These drinks don't offer much, if any, protein or fiber to slow the absorption of the carbohydrates they contain, so limiting the drinks to 15 grams of carbohydrates or fewer can help people avoid sharp spikes in blood glucose levels that the body cannot use before the energy is stored." In addition, we looked for products that had less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), as according to U.S. law, any beverage with 0.5% alcohol or more is considered an alcoholic beverage.
To help you find the best nonalcoholic beers and hop seltzers, we conducted a blind taste test with more than 50 products that met our nutrition parameters. We tried each beer or seltzer as is and made notes about the taste, appearance and aroma. One of our favorite brands? Athletic Brewing Co. was a winner in multiple categories. Read on for our full list of the best nonalcoholic beers and hop seltzers.
Read the full article: https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8004814/best-nonalcoholic-beers-hop-seltzers/