The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Growing Trend
The head brewmaster for Weihenstephan, the world’s oldest brewery, has a secret: He really likes alcohol-free beer.
Even though he’s quick to say he obviously enjoys real beer more, Tobias Zollo says he savors alcohol-free beer when he’s working or eating lunch. It has the same taste but fewer calories than a soft drink, he said, thanks to the brewery’s process of evaporating the alcohol.
A Growing Demand
Zollo isn’t alone in his appreciation for the sober beverage. Alcohol-free beer has been gaining popularity in recent years as beer consumption shrinks.
At Weihenstephan, which was founded as a brewery in 1040 by Benedictine monks, non-alcoholic wheat beer and lager now make up 10% of the volume. The increase over the last few years, since they started making alcohol-free drinks in the 1990s, mirrors the statistics for the rest of Germany’s beer industry.
Oktoberfest Goes Sober
Even at Oktoberfest — arguably the world’s most famous ode to alcohol — alcohol-free beer is on the menu.
All but two of the 18 large tents at the festival offer the drink through the celebration’s 16 days. The sober beverage will cost drinkers the same as an alcoholic beer — between 13.60 and 15.30 euros ($15.12 and $17.01) for a 1-liter mug (33 fluid ounces) — but save them from a hangover.
A New Generation of Beer Drinkers
Mikael Caselitz, 24, of Munich said Saturday inside one of the tents, "For people who don’t like to drink alcohol and want to enjoy the Oktoberfest as well, I think it’s a good option. Sometimes people feel like they have more fun with alcohol, which is not a good thing because you can also have fun without alcohol."
The Future of Beer
Walter König, managing director of the Society of Hop Research north of Munich, said researchers have had to breed special hops varieties for alcohol-free beer. If brewers use the typical hops for alcohol-free beer, the distinct aroma gets lost when the alcohol is reduced during the brewing process.
But customers don’t care about that, König said Friday as he prepared for Oktoberfest. "They only want to know that what they are tasting is as good as traditional beers with alcohol," he said.
Conclusion
The trend towards non-alcoholic beer is gaining momentum, and it’s not just a passing fad. As consumers become more health-conscious and concerned about the impact of excessive drinking, breweries are adapting to meet the demand.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between non-alcoholic beer and traditional beer?
A: Non-alcoholic beer has the same taste and quality as traditional beer, but with fewer calories and no alcohol.
Q: Is non-alcoholic beer a new trend?
A: Yes, the trend towards non-alcoholic beer is growing in popularity, especially among younger generations.
Q: Can I find non-alcoholic beer at Oktoberfest?
A: Yes, all but two of the 18 large tents at Oktoberfest offer non-alcoholic beer options.
Q: Is non-alcoholic beer a viable alternative to traditional beer?
A: Yes, many consumers are opting for non-alcoholic beer as a healthier and more responsible alternative to traditional beer.
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