Are Non-Alcoholic Beers Actually Better for You?
Non-alcoholic beer explained by a women-owned Denver brewery. Calories, health myths, NA beer benefits, and mindful drinking—without judgment.
Non-alcoholic beer is having a real moment. It’s on brewery menus, grocery shelves, and now—front and center in conversations about health, balance, and choice.
But one question keeps coming up:
Is non-alcoholic beer actually better for you—or just good marketing?
In the video above, we break this down simply and honestly—without hype, fear, or judgment.
What NA Beer Really Is (and Isn’t)
Non-alcoholic beer isn’t soda pretending to be beer. It’s brewed like traditional beer—malted grain, hops, yeast, fermentation—then the alcohol is removed or reduced. The method matters, because it impacts flavor, mouthfeel, and aroma.
That’s why breweries like Ceria Brewing Company helped shift expectations. Founded by Keith Villa, the brewmaster behind Blue Moon, Ceria focused on brewing great-tasting beer first.
The result? NA beer that actually tastes like beer!
Is Non-Alcoholic Beer “Healthier”?
Here’s the short answer: it depends on your goal.
Non-alcoholic beers are typically lower in calories and contain little to no alcohol, which can make them a great option for:
Training or recovery days
Pregnancy or parenting seasons
Workdays or early mornings
People cutting back without cutting out
But NA beer isn’t automatically a “health drink.” Some still contain carbs, calories, and trace alcohol. The real win is choice—being able to enjoy the ritual, flavor, and social side of beer without the effects of alcohol.
That’s the nuance we unpack in the video.
Why NA Beer Belongs in Craft Culture
For a long time, ordering NA meant opting out. Now, it means opting in—to connection, to community, to staying present.
NA beer allows people to hang out without explaining themselves. It widens who beer spaces are for. And that makes the entire craft world stronger.
A Note from the Alley
Alley Brews is a women-owned Denver brewery and café tucked behind Ohana Yoga on Tennyson Street. We brew thoughtful beer, serve great coffee and food, and always make room for non-alcoholic options that feel just as intentional.
Some people come for a pint.
Some come for cold brew.
Some come because they want to belong without pressure.
Craft is the constant. Alcohol is optional.
Your all-day neighborhood hangout — find us in the alley.
