Stiftung Warentest tested alcohol-free beer. According to analyses, the alcohol-free alternative is becoming increasingly popular. We show you the test results and reveal which products won the test.
According to a survey, almost half of Germans choose non-alcoholic beer, suggesting that the alternative is well received. According to the German Brauer Bund, the popularity of non-alcoholic beer is actually increasing. But how good is non-alcoholic beer? In issue 6/2024, Stiftung Warentest examined 20 different beer brands, including traditional brands, inexpensive own brands, organically grown beers and foreign beers, for their quality. The experts have found that the level is generally high. Of the 20 brands, twelve are rated as “good” and can therefore be recommended. However, not a single non-alcoholic beer is rated “very good”. However, there is no beer that fails.
According to Stiftung Warentest, the non-alcoholic Pilsener from Warsteiner and the Paulaner Münchner Hell are the two best beers among the brands tested. The Warsteiner Pilsener costs 93 cents per bottle, while the Paulaner Münchner Hell costs 97 cents per bottle. The testers describe the smell and taste of both beers as malty and slightly hoppy. The taste is described as full-bodied and harmonious. Three other non-alcoholic beers also received a score of 2.0 in terms of sensory judgment. The Eierbacher Alcohol Free Extra Herb from Lidl costs 42 cents per bottle, the Carlsberg 0.0, Vol Lager Beer costs 99 cents per bottle and the Hacker Pschorr Hell Natur clear costs 97 cents per bottle. The latter receives an overall grade of “satisfactory”.
According to Stiftung Warentest, non-alcoholic beers are now free of undesirable substances such as the controversial pesticide glyphosate. The residual alcohol content of the beers is either below the detection limit or within the permitted range of 0.5 percent. On average, non-alcoholic beers contain 108 kilocalories per 0.5 liters compared to 195 kilocalories for regular beers.
However, there are big differences in the calorie contents of different brands, so it is recommended to compare them to maintain a slim waist. Some non-alcoholic beers receive point deductions if they have defects in taste or errors are made in the declaration. Seven beers therefore only achieved a “satisfactory” rating. Only one variety is rated as “sufficient” because non-beer carbonic acid was added to it, which violates the German purity law and is stated differently.
The original for this article “Alcohol-free beer in the test: These are the winners” comes from chip.de.