Express reporter Robert Fisk tested eight non-alcoholic beers to find the best option for late World Cup matches. The top performer was Aldi's Sainte Etienne at just 89p per bottle, scoring 8/10, while Heineken 0.0 managed only 6/10. Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects and Beavertown Lazer Crush IPA tied for first place with 9/10 each.
The Taste Test Results
Fisk, who gave up alcohol three years ago for health reasons, sampled a range of non-alcoholic beers available in UK supermarkets. He rated each on taste, value, and suitability for watching football. The Sainte Etienne lager from Aldi, priced at 89p per bottle (£1.78 per litre), evoked memories of hot summer evenings in French campsites. Fisk described it as tasting of 'hot summer evenings in French campsites, after a day of looking at a castle' and said he would definitely buy it again.
How the Beers Scored
- Kronenbourg 1664 Biere 0.0% (1/10) – £3.97 for six cans (£2.01 per litre). Fisk found it tasted like 'weak curry powder' with a slight meatiness, calling the taste bizarre despite the nice can design.
- Heineken 0.0 (6/10) – £4.89 for six cans (£2.47 per litre). Fisk questioned why people recommend it, noting there are much better non-alcoholic choices in supermarkets.
- Kirkstall Virtuous IPA (7/10) – £2.50 per can (£5.68 per litre). The can design impressed, but the flavour lacked robustness and complexity expected of an IPA.
- Aldi Sainte Etienne (8/10) – 89p per bottle (£1.78 per litre). A budget winner with a nostalgic, pleasant taste.
- Asahi Super Dry Alcohol Free (8/10) – £4.50 for four cans (£3.41 per litre). Crisp and clear, Fisk noted he could happily drink it throughout a 90-minute match plus extra time.
- Peroni 0.0% (8/10) – £4.75 for four bottles (£3.60 per litre). Almost indistinguishable from regular Peroni, suitable for any season.
- Beavertown Lazer Crush IPA (9/10) – £5.98 for four cans (£4.53 per litre). Citrusy and subtle, ideal for a pub garden.
- Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects (9/10) – £4.63 for four cans (£3.51 per litre). Hoppy with smoothness, though brewed in Sweden and canned in Wolverhampton.
Impact for Football Fans
With most 2026 World Cup matches airing late, non-alcoholic beers offer a way to enjoy the game without feeling ill the next day. Fisk's test shows that affordable options like Aldi's Sainte Etienne can outperform more expensive brands. All tested beers are widely available in supermarkets except Sainte Etienne, which is an Aldi own-brand product.
