Dry January Spotlight: The Best Non-Alcoholic Beers
Of all the non-alcoholic categories, NA beer has lived the longest life in American culture with the most awareness. We've all seen people drinking O'Doul's "near beer" out at a bar. Odds are they got some flack from their friends when they ordered it over a Bud or Coors, but the bar industry has done a pretty good job of making an NA beer option available for decades. With the boom in craft beer over the last few decades, we have seen an explosion in the demand for NA beer options that mimic the full flavor and texture of hoppy beers made on the craft scene. It's been the perfect storm for forward thinking breweries to perfect their NA options, release out into the wild, and capture escape velocity. We tried all of the non-alcoholic beers on the market and these are the ones that best wet our whistles.
Courtesy of Shiner
The independent, family-owned makers of the iconic Shiner Bock introduce its first-ever non-alcoholic series, Shiner Rode0, beginning with the launch of Rode0 Golden Brew. Rode0 Golden brew hit shelves just in time for Dry January, marking a historic new chapter for the brewery. The brewery has big plans for the Rode0 line, with a planned expansion in 2024 with two additional non-alcoholic brews and a Rode0 variety pack on the way.
Shiner Rode0 Golden Brew is a zero proof beer with an ABV of less than 0.5 percent. Styled after a classic American lager, this light and refreshing brew offers crisp and malty notes that are perfectly balanced by delicate esters and a gentle hop profile. Despite the lack of alcohol, the taste and aroma Shiner is known for are not compromised.
In 2023, sales of non-alcoholic beer increased by over seventeen percent in Texas and 23% percent in the U.S from the year prior (IRI: 7/16/2023). Noticing the increase in demand for non-alcoholic alternatives, Shiner became inspired to expand into the non-alcoholic space and develop a full line of craft-brewed styles. The Rode0 collection will expand next year with the introduction of two new non-alcoholic beers: a red amber and citrus-flavored wheat brew, as well as a Rode0 variety pack.
Courtesy of BREWDOG x sunnyside
Sunnyside, an app and program to help people build healthier habits around drinking alcohol, today announced a limited edition non-alcoholic beer in partnership with BrewDog USA, leading global craft brewer and the world’s only carbon negative beer brand. The co-branded brew, named Bright AF, is a west coast-style Mindful IPA coming in at Dry January’ challenge of 31 days without drinking.
On a mission to help members build healthier, more sustainable habits around alcohol without enforcing full sobriety, Sunnyside instead hosts a Dry(ish) January campaign, a month-long challenge where users set modified drinking goals with the goal of reducing their intake as opposed to cutting out alcohol entirely. The limited release launch from BrewDog and Sunnyside gives beer lovers a new alternative to enjoy great flavor without the buzz as they participate in the Dry(ish) January Challenge to start 2024.
The Bright AF Brew has only 20 calories and 2.3g carbs per can, an industry low for non-alcoholic beers. The collaboration beer is available for sale via BrewDog’s website and be featured as a part of the January February subscription box from BrewDog’s Non-Alcoholic Beer Club, a member-based subscription service that delivers non-alcoholic beers to your door 6x per year. New and existing Sunnyside members who sign up for the BrewDog and Sunnyside Dry(ish) January Challenge will also receive discounts on BrewDog’s Non-Alcoholic Beer Club subscription or one-time purchases made through BrewDog’s website.
“Having a partner like BrewDog gives our participants a way to still enjoy beer, in a more mindful way,” says Nick Allen, CEO and Co-Founder of Sunnyside. “We’ve found that 31 days completely dry can be intimidating or unrealistic for many, so we made the Dry(ish) January challenge for members to set their own personal goals for cutting back. We’re helping people build better habits around drinking, while still being able to drink and enjoy great beer. We know that users will continue to drink our Bright AF IPA long after the month is through because it keeps them sharp and it tastes delicious.”
Courtesy of Partake Brewing
Partake Brewing's mission is to craft a variety of award-winning, expertly brewed, low calorie, non-alcoholic beers that people are proud to drink anywhere. Coming straight out of Canada, the operation is headquartered in
Their founder Ted Fleming believed he could create a beer company that would rewrite the rules of the non-alcoholic category. Defying the odds and naysayers, he consciously crafted the best-tasting, award-winning and lowest calorie non-alcoholic brew around. Since 2017 Partake has been releasing refreshing brews full of flavor that pack a punch with only 10-30 calories per can.
Keep up the Dry Jan momentum with 30% OFF your first subscription order. Use code: DRYJAN30.
Courtesy of Grüvi
Alcohol-free beers never tasted this good. Grüvi makes non-alcoholic wine and an epic collection of low-calorie non-alcoholic craft beer today for a hangover free tomorrow.
Founded with a mission to challenge the status quo of the alcohol-free space, in just four years, Grüvi is sold in over 4,000 retailers across the U.S. and Canada including Total Wine & More, Whole Foods Market, BevMo, Target, Safeway, and Thrive Market, as well as in key music and sporting venues.
Grüvi is also the first brand ever to be awarded Gold for the world's best beer and wine at the World Beer Cup and International Wine & Spirits Awards.
The first day of summer, your best friend’s wedding, and warm days on the beach. Some moments just aren’t the same without a drink in hand. Grüvi creates NA bevs that taste great and make you feel even better. So what are you waiting for? Join the party today!
Courtesy of Athletic Brewing
Athletic Brewing has been leading the charge in bringing awareness and top quality to the NA beer space since it was founded in 2017. Based in Connecticut, they are a necessary stop to pickup some NA provisions when you're "Dry Tripping" in CT.
Athletic is dedicated to crafting delicious non-alcoholic beer you can enjoy anytime and anywhere, with no worries and no hangovers. Unlike other non-alcoholic beer, theirs are crafted with a proprietary process that allows us to maintain full flavor – which is why they continue to win numerous awards when up against full-strength beers.
The brand got its start in Stratford, CT – the place where Founders Bill and John first began test-brewing. They crafted over 100 batches on homebrew equipment to perfect their process and refine their flavors. Once satisfied, they built an entire brewery around it. Since then, they've moved just down the road to Milford, CT and built what is believed to be the world's largest dedicated NA brewery. They have continued the expansion, setting up shop in sunny San Diego. Between the two breweries, Athletic is able to bring the finest and freshest NA beers on the market to customers on both coasts – in stores and delivered to your door.
