Nearly half of UK adults now regularly drink alcohol-free beers, wines and spirits, according to Club Soda’s ‘Drink for Everyone’ 2025 report. However, a new study questions whether some non-alcoholic options could have negative health consequences.
Researchers investigated the effects of three types of non-alcoholic beer—pilsener, mixed beer and wheat beer—on 44 healthy young men over four weeks, comparing them to a water control group. Participants drank 660ml daily of either water or one of the beers.
The study found that those who drank mixed and wheat beers had increased levels of fasting glucose and insulin, which could lead to insulin resistance and other health issues. The pilsener beer lowered cholesterol and LDL levels without significantly affecting glucose metabolism, similar to water.
The researchers attributed the adverse effects to the high calorie and sugar content in non-alcoholic beers, noting that residual alcohol (up to 0.5%) may also play a role. They concluded that while pilsener had fewer adverse effects, there was no overall benefit compared to not drinking non-alcoholic beer at all.
However, the study had limitations, including a small sample size and lack of an alcoholic beer control group. Experts emphasise that moderation remains key, as many soft drinks are also high in sugar and calories. Choosing lower-calorie, lower-sugar options and drinking in moderation is advised.
