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In hot weather, and to reduce alcohol, many French people on vacation are now turning to these sparkling beverages. But are non-alcoholic beers good for your health? Mickael Dieleman, dietitian-nutritionist, answers us.
She was previously considered a bit corny, and a killjoy. This is no longer the case. In recent years, non-alcoholic beer has gradually become popular among French people concerned about their health, at aperitif time. Sales have more than doubled in 5 years. But does this non-alcoholic label mean that this beer is healthy and can be taken for hydration? The question remains relative… to its use.
An excellent alternative to the alcoholic version
For Mickaël Dieleman, dietitian-nutritionist in Lyon, this new habit is a good alternative to classic beer, especially during our sometimes numerous aperitifs in the summer. “Beer with 0.0% alcohol is very interesting because it keeps the social and friendly aspect without the health disadvantages of alcohol” he advances.
However, it is a question of keeping an eye open because there is a small subtlety: the legislation authorizes the term “alcohol-free” for drinks whose alcohol content is less than or equal to 1.2°. “These are therefore completely not recommended for pregnant women and the youngest, for example. But today there are really 0.0% beers that are perfect for toasting without any excess” he reassures.
But a sweet drink all the same
However, non-alcoholic beer is not a drink to drink every day to hydrate “even without alcohol, it is not water” he recalls. “alcohol-free beer contains fewer calories than beer, it’s true, but it does, and there is often sugar added to its composition. Just look in the ingredients, if it says “ sugar” or “glucose syrup”, to be sure” he specifies. So, swapping your beer for a non-alcoholic version is yes, but drinking 5 non-alcoholic beers precisely because it seems healthy to you, is not the right attitude either.
In case of great thirst and need for hydration throughout the day, the nutritionist then advises to also turn to water, of course, but also flavored sparkling water, or water infused with mint leaves, with red fruits, citrus fruits, which bring freshness, pleasure but without any calories.