Beer on a diet? Discover low-calorie non-alcoholic beers!
In recent years, there has been a true boom in non-alcoholic beers, which are increasingly becoming a popular alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages. This trend is particularly interesting for people who care about their figure and consciously manage their diet. Is it possible to enjoy the taste of beer without worrying about extra calories? The answer is yes! In this article, we will take a closer look at non-alcoholic beers and their place in a balanced diet, using information from the latest sources.
Why does non-alcoholic beer have fewer calories?
The main reason for the lower calorie content in non-alcoholic beer is the absence or minimal amount of alcohol. Alcohol is high in calories – it provides about 7 kcal per gram.
A standard alcoholic beer contains an average of 40-45 kcal per 100 ml, while non-alcoholic beer usually contains only 20-25 kcal in the same volume. This means that by choosing a non-alcoholic option, you can cut the calorie content of your drink by up to half!
Review of non-alcoholic beers
Flavored beers:
- Clausthaler Dry-Hopped 0.0% – approximately 30 kcal in a 330 ml bottle. A popular non-alcoholic beer in Germany, offering subtle bitterness and hop notes. Perfect for those who enjoy beers with a mild yet distinctive bitterness.
- Desperados 0.0% – approximately 116 kcal in a 400 ml bottle. The non-alcoholic version of the popular Desperados beer, with a citrus flavor and a hint of agave. Often chosen in the Netherlands, ideal for warm days and social gatherings.
- Heineken 0.0% – approximately 69 kcal in a 330 ml bottle. One of the most popular non-alcoholic beers worldwide, especially in the Netherlands. It offers the distinct taste of traditional Heineken, but without the alcohol, making it perfect for social gatherings.
Classic beers:
- Beck’s Blue 0.0% – approximately 48 kcal in a 330 ml bottle. A popular beer in Germany, retaining the classic Beck’s taste without alcohol. Light and refreshing, perfect for parties and social events.
- Krombacher 0.0% – approximately 70 kcal in a 330 ml bottle. A German lager-style non-alcoholic beer, well-balanced with a mild bitterness and noticeable hop flavor. Highly regarded by German consumers.
- Paulaner Weißbier Non-Alcoholic – approximately 60 kcal in a 330 ml bottle. A German wheat beer offering the full taste of traditional wheat beer with banana and clove notes, but without alcohol. Ideal for those who enjoy beers with more complex flavors.
- Amstel 0.0% – approximately 50 kcal in a 330 ml bottle. A popular beer in the Netherlands, maintaining the light, hoppy bitterness of classic Amstel but in a non-alcoholic version. Light and refreshing, perfect for summer.
- BrewDog Nanny State – approximately 45 kcal in a 330 ml can. A popular non-alcoholic beer in the UK, this craft brew offers a balanced flavor with hints of caramel and roasted malts. Perfect for those who want a more robust beer flavor without the alcohol.
Light beers:
- Warka 0% – approximately 120 kcal in a 500 ml bottle. A beer with a mild bitterness, retaining the classic taste of Warka in its non-alcoholic version. Very popular in Poland, and also available in Germany, making it a great alternative to traditional beers.
- Kozel 0% – approximately 110 kcal in a 500 ml bottle. A Czech brand offering a lager-style beer with subtle caramel sweetness, balanced by mild bitterness. Very popular in Germany and the Netherlands, especially in its non-alcoholic version.
- Budweiser 0.0% – approximately 60 kcal in a 330 ml bottle. The non-alcoholic version of the classic Budweiser beer, with a light, hoppy taste. Popular in the Netherlands and Germany, perfect for social events and parties.
- Carling Zéro – approximately 50 kcal in a 500 ml can. A non-alcoholic lager from the UK, known for its crisp and refreshing taste. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a classic lager experience without the alcohol content.
Non-alcoholic beer and diet – How to smartly include it in your meal plan?
Including non-alcoholic beer in a balanced diet is possible and can be beneficial, but it’s important to remember a few rules:
- Treat it as an occasional drink – despite its low calorie content, water remains the best choice for hydration.
- Pay attention to the total calorie count of your diet – the low calorie content of non-alcoholic beer is not an excuse to exceed your daily calorie limit. Moderate consumption of non-alcoholic beer can be part of a healthy diet.
- Choose beers with low sugar content – especially if you’re controlling blood sugar levels or following a low-carb diet.
- Remember portion sizes – a standard bottle/can is usually 330-500 ml, which equals approximately 66-125 kcal per serving.
Comparison with other drinks
To better understand why non-alcoholic beer is a good choice for those watching their weight, let’s compare its calorie and sugar content with other popular drinks (per 100 ml):
- Non-alcoholic beer: 20-25 kcal, 0.5-4 g sugar.
- Regular beer: 40-45 kcal, 2-3 g sugar.
- Cola: 42 kcal, 10.6 g sugar.
- Orange juice: 45 kcal, 10 g sugar.
- Energy drink: 45-50 kcal, 11-12 g sugar.
- Water: 0 kcal, 0 g sugar.
As you can see, non-alcoholic beer has significantly fewer calories than most sugary drinks and often contains less sugar. This is crucial when managing body weight.
Conclusion
Low-calorie non-alcoholic beers are a great alternative for those who want to watch their weight but don’t want to give up the taste of beer. With a calorie content of 20-25 kcal/100 ml, they are much less caloric than alcoholic beers and most popular beverages. Making informed choices about products with low sugar content allows you to enjoy the taste without significantly impacting your diet.
However, remember that even the best low-calorie non-alcoholic beer cannot replace a balanced diet and physical activity. Treat it as a pleasant addition to a healthy lifestyle.
In the Fitatu app, you can easily track the calories and macros of the beverages you consume, including non-alcoholic beers, to ensure they fit into your dietary goals. Cheers!
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