Stiftung Warentest has tested non-alcoholic beer. According to analyses, the non-alcoholic alternative is becoming increasingly popular. We will show you the test results and reveal which products won the test.
According to a survey, almost half of Germans drink non-alcoholic beer, which suggests that the alternative is well received. According to the German Brewers Association, the popularity of non-alcoholic beer is even on the rise. But how good is non-alcoholic beer? In issue 6/2024, Stiftung Warentest examined 20 different beer brands, including traditional brands, inexpensive own brands, organic beers and foreign beers, for their quality. The experts found that the standard is generally high. Of the 20 brands, twelve are rated “good” and can therefore be recommended. However, not a single non-alcoholic beer receives the grade “very good”. However, there is also no beer that fails.
According to Stiftung Warentest, the alcohol-free 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 alcohol-free beers also receive a rating of 2.0 in terms of sensory judgment. The Perlenbacher Alkoholfrei 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 Naturtrüb costs 97 cents per bottle. The latter receives an overall rating 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 also 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 liter compared to 195 kilocalories in normal beers.
However, there are large differences in the calorie content of different brands, so it is recommended to compare them to keep a slim waistline. Some non-alcoholic beers lose points if they have taste defects or errors are made in the declaration. Seven beers therefore only receive a “satisfactory” rating. Only one variety is rated “sufficient” because it has been carbonated with non-beer ingredients, which violates the German Purity Law and is otherwise stated.
The original of this article “Non-alcoholic beer tested: These are the winners” comes from chip.de.