I drank 12 non-alcoholic beers in January — one was a clear winner and one was undrinkable
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As the festive season fades from mind, Brits across the nation are making new year's resolutions to kick off 2025 on a healthier note. For many, this means taking a hiatus from alcohol after the holiday indulgence. Dry January, a public health initiative started by Alcohol Change in 2013, is expected to attract millions of participants again this year. The campaign, now in its 12th year, encourages people to abstain from alcohol for the entire month of January.
Organisers claim that a month-long break from booze can enhance sleep quality and improve mental wellbeing, among other benefits. However, for some, savouring a pint remains one of life's simple joys. Zero and low-alcohol beers have become a booming industry, with virtually every major brand offering their own version. As January rolls around, supermarkets are dedicating whole aisles to these beverages.
In the UK, beer with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 0.05 percent or less is categorised as alcohol-free. Beers with 0.5pc or less are labelled as dealcoholised, while those with under 1.2pc ABV are considered low-alcohol, reports the Manchester Evening News. We sampled 12 different zero or low-alcohol beers from leading brands and rated them out of five..
Initially, it's fizzy and refreshing. But much like its alcoholic counterpart, it isn't the best overall. After a few sips, my bottle started to emit a strange, slightly bitter aftertaste. It sadly reminded me of having a pint in a pub from a pump that hasn't been used or cleaned for a while. Quite disappointing.
