Non-alcoholic beer and sports is a combination that’s becoming increasingly popular. Many athletes opt for non-alcoholic beer after training because it’s marketed as an isotonic drink. But how healthy is this choice really? In this article, we take a detailed look at the nutritional values, calories, and benefits of non-alcoholic beer in relation to sports activities.
Non-Alcoholic Beer: Nutritional Values and Calories
Non-alcoholic beer is often praised as a healthy alternative to regular beer due to its low alcohol content, nutritional values, and calorie count. Here’s what’s really inside.
Calories in Non-Alcoholic Beer
How Many Calories Does Non-Alcoholic Beer Have?
A non-alcoholic beer contains about 20 to 25 kcal per 100 milliliters, depending on the variety and brewery.
However, if it’s a mixed drink like a non-alcoholic Radler, the calorie content increases to about 30 kcal per 100 milliliters due to the sweet lemonade. Converted to typical household sizes, a non-alcoholic “half-liter” (500 ml) contains about 100 to 125 kcal, while a non-alcoholic Radler contains around 150 kcal.
Calorie Comparison: Non-Alcoholic Beer vs. Alcoholic Beer
A classic “Helles” or “Pilsner” contains an average of 40 to 50 calories per 100 milliliters. This means that a regular beer bottle or can (0.5 liters) provides around 200 to 250 kilocalories.
Choosing the non-alcoholic version can easily save some calories, making it an attractive option for calorie-conscious athletes.
You can find a detailed list of the calories in different types of beer in our article “Calories in Oktoberfest food”.
Nutritional Values in Non-Alcoholic Beer
In addition to calories, non-alcoholic beer also contains some nutrients. It provides carbohydrates, minerals such as magnesium, sodium, potassium, and a small amount of protein. Compared to sugary sodas or other drinks, non-alcoholic beer offers some nutritional advantages.
Non-Alcoholic Beer and Sports
Comparison: Non-Alcoholic Beer vs. Isotonic Sports Drinks
Nutrient (per 100 ml) | Non-Alcoholic Beer | Isotonic Sports Drink |
Calories | 20 – 25 kcal | 20 – 30 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 4 – 11 g | 4 – 7 g |
Sugar | 2 – 6 g | 3 – 6 g |
Protein | 0.5 – 1 g | 0 – 0.5 g |
Sodium | 5 – 30 mg | 40 – 60 mg |
Potassium | 20 – 40 mg | 10 – 15 mg |
Magnesium | 5 – 10 mg | 1 – 2 mg |
Alcohol Content | 0.0 – 0.5 % | 0.0 % |
These values are based on nutritional information from various non-alcoholic beer brands and products commonly used as isotonic sports drinks.
In summary, the table shows that non-alcoholic beer may offer slight advantages in terms of minerals like potassium and magnesium, while isotonic sports drinks have a higher sodium concentration, which can help with rehydration after intense workouts.
Is Non-Alcoholic Beer Isotonic?
Yes, a major selling point for non-alcoholic beer in sports is its isotonic properties. Isotonic drinks have the same concentration of dissolved particles as human blood, promoting faster absorption of fluids and nutrients.
Non-Alcoholic Beer as a Sports Drink
Non-alcoholic beer is made up of 90-95% water and contains similar amounts of calories and carbohydrates as an isotonic sports drink. While a drink specifically formulated for athletes may have an optimal balance for faster recovery, both beverages are similar enough that you can enjoy a non-alcoholic beer after a regular workout without guilt.
To compensate for the low sodium content in non-alcoholic beer and to get the necessary protein for muscle growth, you can pair it with a light snack.
As long as it’s consumed in moderation, non-alcoholic beer after a workout is not a bad choice, and the prospect of a cold “half-liter” might even provide extra motivation. With that in mind, we wish you happy training and say Prost!
