Arielle Cruz
Low-alcohol beer, also known as near beer, has been growing in popularity, with major breweries experimenting with mass-market non-alcoholic beers to appeal to consumers with declining alcohol consumption. These beverages typically contain less than 0.5% ABV and are marketed towards those who wish to moderate their alcohol intake without sacrificing flavour. In the United States, states like Minnesota and Utah restrict the sale of alcoholic beverages above 3.2% ABV to state-licensed liquor stores, while Missouri permits the sale of nonintoxicating beer in general establishments. In Sweden, low-alcohol beer is classified as having an ABV of 2.2%, 2.8%, or 3.5%, with the latter two percentages being purchasable in ordinary supermarkets. Small Beer is an example of a brand that offers low-alcohol beers, brewing their beverages around the 2% ABV mark while emphasising sustainability and health benefits such as reduced calories, carbs, and sugars.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Near beer |
| Other names | Spiked beer, needle beer |
| ABV | Less than 0.5% |
| Calories | 64 |
| Nutritional info | Naturally low in carbs and sugars |
| Nutritional info | Vegan-friendly |
| Sustainability | Recycled packaging |
| Sustainability | 'Dry floor policy' uses less water |
| Sustainability | Brewery powered by renewable energy |
| Legality | Sold in ordinary supermarkets in Sweden |
| Legality | Sold in general establishments in Minnesota |
| Legality | Sold in convenience stores in Missouri |
| Legality | Sold in gas stations in Missouri |
| Legality | Sold in drug stores in Missouri |
| Legality | Sold in grocery stores in Missouri |
| Legality | Sold in general merchandise stores in Missouri |
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What You'll Learn
- Near beer was a term for malt beverages with little to no alcohol, popular during Prohibition in the US
- In Sweden, low-alcohol beer is sold in supermarkets and convenience stores, while stronger beer is sold in state-run liquor stores
- Low-alcohol beer has seen a rise in popularity in the Middle East, partly due to Islamic scholars permitting consumption without intoxication
- Breweries are experimenting with mass-market non-alcoholic beers to counter declining alcohol consumption and growing preference for craft beer
- Low-alcohol beers aim to balance big flavour with a mild buzz, catering to tasteful moderation and steady consumption
Near beer was a term for malt beverages with little to no alcohol, popular during Prohibition in the US
"Near beer" was a term used for malt beverages with little to no alcohol (less than 0.5% ABV) during Prohibition in the United States. It was also known as "needle beer" or "spiked beer" because consumers would inject alcohol into the beverage using a syringe or needle. The term "near beer" was used as these beverages were legally not allowed to be labelled as "beer", so they were instead marketed as "cereal beverages".
The history of near beer dates back to medieval Europe, where it served as a less risky alternative to water, which was often polluted. It was also consumed in colonial North America and produced in households for children and servants. In the United States, non-alcoholic brews were promoted during Prohibition, with President Wilson proposing to limit the alcohol content of malt beverages to 2.75% in 1917.
Breweries such as Anheuser-Busch, Pabst, and Miller created their own versions of near beer, which remained popular until the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. After Prohibition, the focus shifted to 3.2 beer, which refers to the percentage of alcohol by weight. Today, low-alcohol beer is also known as light beer, non-alcoholic beer, small beer, or small ale. It aims to reproduce the taste of beer while reducing the inebriating effects and calories of regular alcoholic brews.
In recent years, there has been a growing preference for craft beer and a rise in sobriety, leading major breweries to experiment with mass-market non-alcoholic beers. These beers aim to balance big flavour with a mild buzz, appealing to those who want to consume alcohol in moderation. Additionally, non-alcoholic beers have gained popularity in the Middle East, with Islamic scholars permitting their consumption as one would need to drink large quantities to become intoxicated.
While non-alcoholic beers have faced complaints about loss of flavour and shorter shelf lives, they have also become popular in the United States. Between August 2021 and August 2022, total dollar sales of non-alcoholic drinks in the US increased by over 20%, reaching $395 million. This trend has led to the emergence of craft breweries dedicated solely to selling non-alcoholic beer.
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In Sweden, low-alcohol beer is sold in supermarkets and convenience stores, while stronger beer is sold in state-run liquor stores
In Sweden, the sale of alcohol is strictly regulated. Beer is divided into three classes based on alcohol content. Class I, called lättöl or "light beer", has a maximum alcohol content of 2.25% ABV. This type of beer is not subject to legal age restrictions, although some shops voluntarily restrict sales to minors. Beer in this class can be purchased in ordinary supermarkets.
The second class of beer in Sweden has an alcohol content of 2.8-3.5% ABV. This type of beer, known as folköl or "people's beer", can be legally sold in any convenience store to those over the age of 18.
The third class of beer in Sweden contains more than 3.5% ABV. These stronger beers can only be sold in state-run liquor stores to those over the age of 20. These stores, known as Systembolaget, have a strict monopoly on the sale of all alcoholic drinks stronger than 3.5% by volume.
The Swedish government has had a monopoly on liquor sales since 1905, and the country has a long history of alcohol consumption. Today, beer is the most popular alcoholic drink in Sweden, with about 300 breweries in the country. However, the sale of alcohol is heavily taxed, and many Swedes choose to purchase alcohol in neighbouring countries such as Denmark, Estonia, or Germany due to these high taxes.
In other countries, the regulations around the sale of low-alcohol beer vary. For example, in the United States, low-point beer typically refers to beer with 3.2% alcohol by weight. In some states, such as Minnesota, Utah, and Colorado, only low-point beer can be sold in supermarkets and convenience stores, while higher-alcohol beer must be purchased from state-licensed liquor stores. In Missouri, on the other hand, there are no restrictions on the type of beer that can be sold in supermarkets and convenience stores, and the state has a separate classification for low-point beer, calling it "nonintoxicating beer".
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Low-alcohol beer has seen a rise in popularity in the Middle East, partly due to Islamic scholars permitting consumption without intoxication
Low-alcohol beer, also known as "near beer", has seen a notable rise in popularity in the Middle East, with the region accounting for almost a third of worldwide sales of non-alcoholic and alcohol-free beer. This trend can be attributed in part to the permissibility of such beverages within Islamic scholarship, which allows for consumption without intoxication.
The term "near beer" typically refers to malt beverages with minimal or no alcohol content, usually defined as less than 0.5% ABV. Historically, "near beer" was mass-marketed during the Prohibition era in the United States, and similar low-alcohol drinks were also consumed in Medieval Europe and colonial North America. In the early 2000s, major breweries began experimenting with mass-market non-alcoholic beers, such as Anheuser-Busch's Budweiser Prohibition Brew, to cater to the growing consumer preference for craft beer and declining alcohol consumption.
In the context of Islamic scholarship, the consumption of alcohol has been a subject of debate, with some scholars arguing for its prohibition due to its mind-altering effects. Classical fuqaha', or Islamic jurists, have traditionally interpreted the punishment for alcohol consumption as flogging, with the number of lashes varying according to different schools of thought. However, a minority of Muslims do drink and believe that consuming alcohol is not explicitly forbidden in the Quran.
The rise in popularity of low-alcohol beer in the Middle East can be partly attributed to Islamic scholars issuing fatawa, or legal rulings, permitting the consumption of beer as long as it does not lead to intoxication. This interpretation aligns with the belief that only a certain quantity of intoxicating liquor is prohibited, and that consuming small amounts without becoming drunk is acceptable.
Additionally, the Middle East has a long tradition of viniculture, particularly in Egypt and Iran, where it is legal. The region's market for non-alcoholic beer has been expanding, with notable growth in countries like Iran, where double-digit growth rates in both value and volume were observed between 2008 and 2013. The appeal of low-alcohol beer extends beyond religious considerations, as it offers health benefits such as reduced alcohol-related illnesses and milder hangover symptoms, while also allowing for responsible consumption without impairing activities like driving.
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Breweries are experimenting with mass-market non-alcoholic beers to counter declining alcohol consumption and growing preference for craft beer
In the early 2010s, major breweries began experimenting with mass-market non-alcoholic beers to counter the declining alcohol consumption and growing preference for craft beer. This shift in consumer behaviour has prompted breweries to invest in zero-proof alternatives, with some brewers even creating higher-hopped craft beers at lower alcohol levels to cater to changing tastes. This trend is particularly prominent among younger generations, with Gen Z and millennials leading the move towards lower alcohol consumption.
One example of a successful mass-market non-alcoholic beer is Anheuser-Busch's Budweiser Prohibition Brew, launched in 2016. Breweries are also navigating new frontiers of low-alcohol beers that offer full flavour with a milder buzz, such as Miller64, which advertises a "dry-ish January with a lighter beer-ish kind of beer" at 2.8% ABV. These beers are suited for tasteful moderation and steady consumption, appealing to consumers who value the experience and flavour of beer without the high alcohol content.
To achieve a lower alcohol content, brewers employ various techniques, including using special low-sugar grains, yeast that converts less sugar to alcohol, or removing sugar from the wort before fermentation. Additionally, limited fermentation, where the process is stopped early, can also reduce alcohol formation. These methods allow craft brewers to avoid the expense of dealcoholizing beer.
The rise in popularity of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beers has led to the establishment of alcohol-free bars and pubs, catering to drinkers who prefer these alternatives. In the United States, Athletic Brewing, founded in 2018, has become the top-selling no-alcohol beer brand, contributing to the country's overall growth in no-alcohol beer sales. Germany, Spain, and Japan are also significant consumers of non-alcoholic beer, with Spain being the main producer and consumer in the European Union.
In addition to health and lifestyle choices, religious considerations have also influenced the demand for non-alcoholic beers. In the Middle East, Islamic scholars issued fatwas permitting the consumption of beer as long as large quantities could be consumed without getting drunk. This has contributed to the rise in popularity of alcohol-free beer in the region, now making up a third of the market. However, in Malaysia, the market for non-alcoholic beer has been slow, with the government not approving any non-alcoholic beers as halal as of 2015.
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Low-alcohol beers aim to balance big flavour with a mild buzz, catering to tasteful moderation and steady consumption
The term "near beer" refers to malt beverages with minimal alcohol content (under 0.5% ABV). During Prohibition in the United States, these low-alcohol beers were mass-marketed. The term "small beer" or "small ale" is also used to describe beers with low alcohol content, which can be as strong as a mild ale. These beers are typically brewed from the "second runnings" of a strong beer mash, such as scotch ale.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards low-alcohol beers, with breweries aiming to balance big flavours with a mild buzz. This shift caters to consumers who value quality over quantity and are making healthier choices. Breweries are experimenting with brewing processes and ingredients to create beers that retain their flavour at a lower alcohol content. For example, Jack's Abby uses a brewing process called decoction to create 2% ABV beers that are half the strength of regular beers but retain their flavour.
Small Beer is another brand that offers low-alcohol beers, typically brewed around the 2% ABV mark. Their beers have less than one unit of alcohol per can and are naturally low in calories, carbs, and sugars. They also use sustainable practices in their South London brewery, such as renewable energy and recycled packaging.
In the United States, some states have specific laws regarding the sale of low-alcohol beer. For example, Minnesota and Utah restrict the sale of beer with more than 3.2% ABV in supermarkets and convenience stores, while Missouri allows the sale of any alcoholic beverage in these stores. In Sweden, beer with an ABV of 2.8-3.5% can be sold in any convenience store to those over 18, while stronger beers are only available in state-run liquor stores.
The global market for low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beer is growing, with a variety of options available, including IPAs, stouts, and ales. These beers provide the taste of beer without the same level of intoxication, making them appealing to those who want to consume alcohol in moderation or drive after drinking.
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Frequently asked questions
Near beer is a term used to describe malt beverages that contain little to no alcohol (less than 0.5% ABV). These beverages were mass-marketed during Prohibition in the United States.
Some examples of low-alcohol beers include Small Beer, Miller64, and January Julius by Tree House.
The availability of low-alcohol beer varies by region. In Sweden, low-alcohol beer can be purchased in ordinary supermarkets, while beer above 3.5% ABV must be purchased at Systembolaget. In the United States, some states, such as Minnesota and Utah, previously restricted the sale of beer above 3.2% ABV to state-licensed liquor stores, but these laws have since been revised.
People may choose to drink low-alcohol beer for various reasons, including health and dietary concerns, religious considerations, or simply to reduce their alcohol intake without sacrificing the taste and experience of drinking beer.
