The top non-alcoholic beers that actually taste like beer, according to experts
Share and Follow

Amid growing awareness of the health risks linked to alcohol consumption, many drinkers are re-evaluating their daily drinking habits.

For those eager to reduce their alcohol intake, there’s good news: the non-alcoholic beer market has seen remarkable growth over the past ten years.

These beverages offer the rich malt flavors of traditional beer, but with less bitterness and none of the adverse effects associated with alcohol, allowing consumers to enjoy what feels like the real thing.

Fox News Digital reached out to bartenders and industry experts to gather their insights on the leading non-alcoholic beers available today.

Here are the top seven recommendations they highlighted.

1. Run Wild IPA from Athletic Brewing Co.

Run Wild IPA “has become the gold standard for non-alcoholic IPAs,” said New Jersey-based Mike Spence, vice president of beverage at Triple T Hospitality Group. 

“It’s brewed with five different Northwest hops, so you get a piney, citrusy bitterness you’d expect from a West Coast craft IPA.”

The best part of the IPA, Spence said, is that it “doesn’t feel heavy at all.”

“It is very aromatic, and you’ll definitely smell hints of grapefruit, for example,” he added.

2. Upside Dawn Golden Ale from Athletic Brewing Co.

Spence described Upside Dawn Golden Ale as a refreshing, easy-to-drink non-alcoholic ale.

“It’s light, crisp and clean and has subtle notes of honey and orange,” he said.  

“If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or casual get-together and want something people can drink while they’re grazing on wings and sliders all afternoon, this is the perfect substitute for a standard lager or light beer because it cleanses the palate without completely filling you up.”

Bartender Magazine’s Ryan Foley also sang Athletic Brewing’s praises.

“With multiple styles of beer, such as IPAs and Belgium-Style White, these are great for the beer lovers who are looking to drink less or still enjoy their favorite style of beer during Dry January,” he told Fox News Digital.

3. Just the Haze from Samuel Adams

Spence described Just the Haze as a “New England-style IPA, so it’s naturally cloudy with tropical fruit notes like mango, peach and pineapple.”

“Many non-alcoholic beers feel thin, but this one has oats and wheat in it to give it a smooth, fuller body texture,” he said. 

“Once you try it, you’ll see what I mean,” Spence added. 

4. Cold Gold by Wild AF

Daniel Stiller, the founder of the alcohol-free online marketplace Better Rhodes, told Fox News Digital that Cold Gold is a “crisp, clean, ballpark-style golden lager that hits the palate with a snappy finish and light toasted malt notes.”

Wild AF was co-founded by Charlie Sheen and brewed in partnership with Harpoon Brewery, Stiller added, and he described the company as a “rebellious new player prioritizing pure refreshment.”

“It’s arguably the most ‘crushable’ non-alcoholic beer on the market for those who want a classic beer experience without the alcohol,” the Arizona-based expert said.

5. The Story Double IPA by Go Brewing

Stiller said that The Story Double IPA is a “bold, tropical powerhouse,” offering notes of grapefruit and papaya “with a rich mouthfeel that mimics a high-gravity IPA.”

“It’s an award-winning choice for the craft enthusiast who doesn’t want to sacrifice flavor depth for sobriety.”

6. She’s Passionate Tropical IPA by Busty Lush

Stiller described this non-alcoholic IPA as having “a bright, fruit-forward profile with heavy notes of passion fruit and citrus, backed by a subtle, clean bitterness.”

He added, “Busty Lush is a standout for its ‘flavor-first’ approach and mission to empower women in the brewing space.” 

“It’s a fantastic pick for anyone looking for a sophisticated, vibrant drink that feels like a celebration in a glass.”

7. Guinness 0

The non-alcoholic version of Guinness Draught is a softer, slightly sweeter version of the black stuff.

Foley described the drink as a “personal favorite.”

“We find Guinness 0 to be perfectly balanced, and it has the same distinctive color similar to Guinness Draught,” the New Jerseyan said.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Illegal immigrant accused in DUI crash that killed college soccer player, girlfriend: report

Tragic Loss of College Soccer Athlete and Partner Sparks Statewide Legislative Outrage Over Undocumented Immigrant’s History

Outrage is mounting among legislators as the community grieves the tragic loss…
Jennifer Aniston makes rare political statement on Alex Pretti's death

Jennifer Aniston Breaks Silence with Rare Political Stance on Tragic Death of Alex Pretti

Jennifer Aniston, typically reserved about political matters, broke her silence on Sunday…
EDS NOTE: OBSCENITY - Armed community response members patrol near the scene where 37-year-old Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer earlier in the day, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)

Minneapolis Shooting Sparks Political Divide as Leaders Interpret Disturbing Videos Differently

On Saturday, videos rapidly circulated showing the tragic shooting of a protester…
How much snow has fallen so far? See 10 biggest snow totals nationwide

Nationwide Snowfall Report: Top 10 Highest Accumulations to Date

Across the nation, snow totals have been climbing, with some areas experiencing…
New Jersey man fractures girl's skull by allegedly throwing rock through school bus window, arrest made

Illegal Immigrant Allegedly Hurls Rock at NJ School Bus, Injuring Child: DHS Reports

A man from New Jersey is facing allegations of injuring a young…
Narratives clash after Trump and victim's family react to second Minneapolis ICE shooting

Controversy Erupts as Trump and Victim’s Family Respond Differently to Minneapolis ICE Shooting Involving Second Incident

Over the weekend, differing accounts emerged regarding the shooting of 37-year-old Alex…
Putin's goddaughter seen partying in Europe's most exclusive resorts

Putin’s Goddaughter Spotted Celebrating at Prestigious European Resorts

Russian celebrities, known for their wealth and influence, have recently drawn intense…
From Newsom's MAGA sons to Republicans' woke kids: When kids rebel

Exploring Generational Rebellion: Newsom’s MAGA Sons and Republicans’ Progressive Offspring

In the realm of American politics, an intriguing phenomenon is unfolding among…